Start Your Summer Off Right in Provincetown

After that rude little tease in April, things are finally starting to warm up in P-Town for the summer!  And June is the perfect time for a Cape Cod vacation with weather in the 60-70 degree range during the day, and lows in the 50's at night!  Of course, you can't beat June for the fantastic Provincetown events:

The end of May brings the  National Women of Color and Friends Weekend.  Tickets are now on sale for this weekend of fun and celebration!  A full weekend of activities are planned including gatherings, comedy shows, a writers workshop, tequila and wine tasting, and great music.  May 31 - June 3, 2012.

June 13-17, 2012 is the Provincetown International Film Festival.  Since 1999, this annual event celebrates independent film and honors the new directors, actors, and producers involved.  Besides the numerous traditional-venue movie viewings available during the week, attendees can also enjoy the double-feature at the Night at the Drive In, the Gallery Crawl, the Conversation With Honorees event, the Youth and Diversity Program, and more.  Creative minds who have pushed the boundaries of film are selected for their individual contributions to film art.  Some of the honorees who will be honored at the Closing Event include Roger Corman (2012 Filmmaker on the Edge Award), Parker Posey (2012 Excellence in Acting Award), and Kirby Dick (Faith Hubley Career Achievement Award).

June 21-24, 2012 brings the annual P-Town Portuguese Festival.  In honor of the Portuguese sailors who came to our shores to build a fishing community, the event brings traditional music, dancing, and food to the forefront.  This family-friendly event features a fishing derby, games, and a cookout for kids, along with the performances, food and fun enjoyed by all.  The event culminates in the annual Fishermen's Mass at St. Peter's Church, and the bay-side Blessing of the Fleet.

June 29-July 8 is Circuit Week in P-Town!  The Crown and Anchor wecomes the boys for 8 nights of dancing and fun!

Of course, Provincetown is home to so many fun happenings, that you don't really need an official event for an excuse to enjoy a P-Town getaway.  Just head downtown from your B&B accommodations to find out what's happening that day!  The Innkeepers of The Distinctive Inns of Provincetown look forward to hosting your stay.

Provincetown is an Affordable New England Travel Destination

In a recent post, Boston.com's The Next Great Generation blog names Provincetown one of the top 5 most reasonable New England destinations for an affordable vacation.  And Provincetown innkeepers couldn't agree more!

While this blog is geared toward today's college crowd, this is a point well-made for anyone considering a Cape Cod vacation.  Everyone knows that the mention of the Cape brings to mind Martha's Vineyard, the Hamptons, Nantucket, and Yarmouth - none of which the "average American" can readily afford.  Therefore, very few people consider a Cape Cod vacation and affordable option.

Provincetown, however, is your typical American beach town.  We are far from snobby - if you haven't realized the breadth of our acceptance, then you need to check out more of our Blog!!!  No, this little fishing town likes to keep it real and affordable for everyone.  TNGG blog author Allison Thibault notes that P-Town is home to a bike-friendly atmosphere full of fun, great food, and inexpensive (if not free) tours.  Meanwhile, guests to our town rave about their visit, and some say we're the best town on Cape Cod!

For affordable travel, ferries link P-Town to Boston and Plymouth during the summer months.  Alternatively, you can make the drive via US-6:  approximately 2 hours from Boston and 1:15 from Plymouth.   Or you can always hop a bus! Once here, hit the beaches, explore the dunes, enjoy our great atmosphere, affordable and delicious food options, and have a great time!

Make a reservation with your favorite Cape Cod lodging choice, and be charmed by our friendly, AFFORDABLE town!

The Innkeepers of The Distinctive Inns of Provincetown

P-Town Beaches, Provincetown Vacation, Cape Cod Attractions

Our little town at the tip of Cape Cod is practically surrounded by water, making P-Town beaches the most accessible of all Cape Cod attractions in the area!  Provincetown was recently listed as the sixth best beach location in the United States, proving that a Provincetown Vacation is a great summer activity.

The most convenient beach is referred to as Town Beach, or Provincetown Beach, and is just off Commercial Street - just follow the marked access locations!  This bay-beach can actually disappear, depending on the tide, so make sure to watch the water!  This is the best location to walk dogs, or take a casual evening stroll after dinner downtown, and is very family-friendly.  Be aware that some parts of this beach are private, so be sure to look for public access signs.

Race Point Beach is the family beach on the north side of town near the airport and the Province Lands Visitor Center... and is at the edge of the actual Atlantic Ocean.  Because of the distance from town, the walk might be a long one, and you may instead want to drive, take a shuttle, or ride a bike up to the parking area.  The name of the beach originates from the rolling surge created when the Atlantic Ocean meets Cape Cod Bay waters.  Due to this potentially strong current, we would recommend that children be watched very carefully if you choose to bring them to this beach.  The good news is that the beach has ample lifeguards!  This beach may also be a good spot for kite-flying, thanks to the Atlantic winds.  Located at the north end of Race Point Road, this beach has a bath house, but no concessions.

All those who enjoy alternative lifestyles should definitely head west!  Herring Cove Beach spans almost the entire length of the west coast and is THE place to be for all you gay/lesbian/bi   beachbums!  Enjoy the calm, warm water (averaging 65 degrees), combined with very little undertow and the "inland" tidal pools that are full at high tide!  While nudity is prohibited at any of the area beaches, you might just run into some risk-takers as you move south towards the Moors and the Wood End Lighthouse.  Located at Route 6 and Province Lands Road, this beach has a concession stand and bath house near the parking area.  Herring Cove is handicapped-accessible.

Please note that Race Point and Herring Cove beaches are on National Park land, and require a $15 daily access fee.  Also, if you choose to wander the sands, please observe beach rules.  Also watch for the nesting areas of the endangered Piping Plover and steer clear.

Beach Rules:

• Do not disturb natural or cultural features; all are protected by federal law.
• Glass containers, flotation devices (rafts, rubber-tubes), snorkels, and masks are prohibited on any life
• guard-protected beach.
• Pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet. Pets are not
• permitted in public buildings, picnic areas, on life-guarded beaches, self-guiding trails, or on locations
• posted as shorebird nesting areas.
• Public nudity is prohibited.
• No license is required for saltwater fishing, but a state license is required for freshwater fishing.
• Town licenses for shell fishing are required. Regulations and fees vary by town.
• Surfing and windsurfing are permitted in waters outside life-guarded beaches.
• Permits are required for all beach fires. They may be obtained on a first come, first serve basis at Salt Pond and Province Lands Visitor Centers. Do not bury coals.
• Sand collapses easily. Climbing slopes or digging deep holes above knee level is hazardous and prohibited.

Member Inns of the Distinctive Inns of Provincetown welcome you to our beach-loving town.  We hope you make us your Provincetown lodging choice, and that we can make your Cape Cod beach vacation something to remember!

The Innkeepers of The Distinctive Inns of Provincetown

Cape Cod Maritime Days, Spring Celebration

Visit P-town and the Cape during the month of May, 2012 and enjoy the variety of events celebrating Cape Cod Maritime Days.  Voted one of the Top 100 Events in North America in Destinations magazine, the activities during Maritime Days are sure to bring out the sailor in everyone!  And Provincetown inns welcome you with warm, New-England hospitality during this spring celebration.

Almost 560 miles of Cape Cod coastline brings to focus the Cape's reliance on the sea, and vice versa.  History spanning from the Pilgrim's stopping point in 1620 before making their final landing on Plymouth Harbor (commemorated by the recognizable Pilgrim Monument), to its establishment as the prime maritime and fishing/whaling site on Cape Cod in the 1800s, to fishing/whale-watching/leisure vessel activities in modern times has forever tied Provincetown to life made on the water.  The ocean is our history, or present, and our future here on the Cape!

To celebrate this amazing relationship, Provincetown is a very active participation locale in the Maritime Day festivities.  While the event dates are "officially" May 13 through June 10, 2012, Provincetown will be hosting activities through the entire month of May.  This year, over 70 events will be held all along the Cape Cod seashore for Maritime Days, and at least 10 of them are happening right here in Provincetown!

Daily:  Race Point Lighthouse open for visitors.
Daily:  Maritime Manitees film at the Province Lands Visitor Center.
Each Tuesday and Thursday:  Old Harbor Life-Saving Station open house.
May 5, 2012:  Pirates of Cape Cod at the Province Lands Visitor Center.
May 6, 2012:  The City That Lit the World film at the Province Lands Visitor Center.
May 20, 2012:  Tour of Race point Lighthouse and surrounding buildings.
May 20, 2012:  Around Cape Horn film at the Province Lands Visitor Center.
May 24, 2012:  Jim Coogan at the Province Lands Visitor Center telling tales of Cape Cod residents' sea adventures.
May 26, 2012:  Campfire at Herring Cove Beach, hosted by the Cape Cod National Seashore rangers.
May 30, 2012:  P-Town walking Tour, hosted by the Cape Cod National Seashore rangers.
May 31, 2012:  Author and historian Richard G Ryder speaks on those who have saved lives at the Old Harbor Life-saving Station.

Besides these planned activities in honor of the event, there are plenty more maritime-related things to do in P-town!  Visit the P-Town Center for Coastal Studies to see the marine mammal exhibit, take a P-town Boat Tour, go whale-watching, and (as always) expect to experience some unexpected local happenings for the occasion!

The Innkeepers of The Distinctive Inns of Provincetown are happy to provide your Cape Cod lodging during Maritime Days, and we hope you enjoy your stay!

Single Womens Weekend, Lesbian Event

Girls, whether you are newly-single, forever-single, needing friends, or wanting a relationship, Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20 is the weekend to meet the ladies at the annual Provincetown Single Women's Weekend!  This annual lesbian event is hosted by the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown, and the innkeepers of The Distinctive Inns of Provincetown also welcome you for this one-of-a-kind weekend!

You will find no other event like this in the world.  Designed specifically for single lesbians, you can take the long weekend to meet new friends, make new contacts, and hopefully meet your perfect match!  It's a weekend of sisterhood, friendship, entertainment, food, dancing, and great activities to make this an unforgettable getaway in an amazing town.

The weekend begins on the evening of Thursday, May 17 with early arrivals.  While there are no official events planned, head downtown to one of our many great eateries, bars, and dance clubs to start your weekend off right.

Registration officially begins on Friday, May 18.  A full evening of activities awaits you.  Go on a Dune Tour, attend a fun Meet & Greet, get your fill at the Italian Dinner buffet, laugh until your stomach hurts during the Vickie Shaw Comedy Show, and end the evening at a great dance party and optional pizza meet-up.

Saturday, May 19 brings a full day of fun and sisterhood.  After a great breakfast to start your day, head downtown for one last cup-o-Joe and get ready for the 'Speed Meeting' event, followed by lunch, a scavenger hunt, hit the Clubhouse, go on a harbor cruise, taste some wine, fill up with a 3-course dinner, enjoy a great show featuring Poppy Champlin, and again end the night with the Flirt dance party and optional pizza meet-up.

End the weekend on a high-note on Sunday, May 20 during the Women's Community Brunch.  It's a great way to wind down, share weekend memories, get a few last-minute phone numbers and email addresses, and enjoy your final hours of sisterhood.

Sound like fun?  This is a not-to-be-missed event for the single ladies.  Your Cape Cod lodging for this unforgettable weekend awaits!

Green Arts Festival, Provincetown Events

Your April 20-29, 2012 visit to Provincetown will not be complete without attending the Appearances Green Arts Festival, one of the more creative Provincetown events.

What is 'green art?'  Think more of art both within and about nature, ranging from nature-themed performance art, to actual art installations in nature.  Green art can cover dance, readings, photography, short film, sound, paintings, poetry, sculpture, and more.  Outdoor art installations, whether static or kinetic, are especially encouraged by event planners.  The art is meant to bring awareness of the area's delicate natural surroundings, both on land and in the ocean, to both the community and visitors.

Appearances is hosted by the Provincetown Conservation Trust: a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Provincetown's natural surroundings outside of the Cape Cod National Seashore lands.  They work to conserve gardens, wooded areas, bogs, and more to preserve both the biodiversity and the landscapes that area a daily part of Provincetown life.

The artwork will appear in and around Provincetown, making this a great walking or biking activity.  The exhibits will be on display between April 20-29, 2012.  Outdoor exhibits will remain in place until Saturday, June 2, 2012.

Provincetown bed and breakfast inns welcome you to our beautiful town, and to this enlightening event!

The Innkeepers of The Distinctive Inns of Provincetown

Miss Gay US of A, Provincetown Events

It is time for another of our one-of-a-kind Provincetown events!  On April 14 and 15, 2012 the Crown and Anchor will host the annual, Massachusetts state-level Miss Gay US of A competition.  This wildly popular event features some of the area's most stunning, graceful, and talented Ladies in the area.  Do not miss it!

Based on the Miss America Pageant, the Miss Gay US of A Pageant begins on the state level.  Each contestant is judged on a Personal Interview, Talent, and the Evening Gown competition, culminating in each state's own Miss Gay winner.  State winners then vie for the ultimate title of Miss Gay US of A at the National pageant.

Make no mistake about it:  the Miss Gay US of A Pageant Series is taken just as seriously as any other National Pageant competition.  While some fun is obviously had during the Pageant, the competitors are must follow the rigid set of rules.  Titleholders at both the state and National level are held to exceptional standards as Pageantry role-models for all.

The theme for the 2012 Miss Gay Massachusetts US of A Competition is 'Masquerade'.  The Behind The Mask Revue is at 9pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Paramount.  The competition itself takes place at 9pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the Paramount.  Admission is $25 for General admission, and $35 for VIP admission for each event.

Make your way down to this amazing event during your stay with our distinctive Provincetown lodging properties and cheer on your favorite contestant!

The Innkeepers of The Distinctive Inns of Provincetown