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Beaches |
Sports |
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Salons and Spas |
Historic Interest |
Museums |
Film
Cabaret Entertainment |
Theater |
Art Galleries |
Restaurants and Bars |
Special Events
Exploring Provincetown
Since the entire town of Provincetown is only three miles long and about two blocks wide, staying at The Brass Key Guesthouse makes walking around town a breeze. We are centrally located — a leisurely walk to most of the shops, galleries, restaurants and nightclubs. During the summer, Commercial Street virtually becomes a pedestrian mall — but keep an eye out for bicycles!
Transportation
Bicycles
Possibly the best way to get around Provincetown and to tour the spectacular National Seashore. We highly recommend the use of Kryptonite-style locks throughout Provincetown.
Rental Cars
Enterprise 800.736.8222 locally 508.487.0009 www.enterprise.com
Taxis
Rates are based on distance and the number of occupants: in town, $3/person; to Herring Cove, $4-$5/person; to Provincetown airport, $5/person. Queen Cab, 508.487.5500; Cape Cab, 508.487.2222; Mercedes Cab, 508.487.3333; Jody's Taxi, 508-487-0265
Escorted Tours
Provincetown also offers numerous guided tours of the town, the surrounding waters & seashore:
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If by land,
DUNE TOURS. Surprisingly entertaining one-hour guided tours past the dune shacks and Pilgrim Lake in North Truro to the beach in four-wheel-drive GMC Suburbans. Art’s Dune Tours. Standish (at Commercial). 508.487.1950.
www.artsdunetours.com
TROLLEY. Provides narrated overview of attractions. Touristy, but informative. departs every half hour (hourly, evenings). Board in front of Town Hall (Commercial at Ryder). 508.487.9483.
www.provincetowntrolley.com
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If by sea,
WHALE WATCH CRUISES. Provincetown’s whale watch fleet locates dolphins and whales at the northern end of a 4,000 mile migratory path. Whale watches venture into the Atlantic for 3 to 4 hours; warm clothing and sunscreen are musts. All depart from MacMillan Wharf. We particularly recommend The Dolphin Fleet. Discount coupons available from the innkeeper. 508.349.1900.
www.whalewatch.com
SAILING CRUISES. Day sails and sunset sails. We recommend the Bay Lady II (73’ schooner). 2-hour sail. MacMillan Wharf. 508.487.9308.
www.sailcapecod.com
FLYER’S BOATYARD. Departing hourly, their launch will drop you and your lunch across the harbor; you agree with your skipper on a pick-up time. Also rents skiffs, Hobie Cats, sailboats. 131A Commercial — rear (between Pleasant & Franklin). 508.487.0898.
www.flyersboats.com
Beaches
Twenty miles of Cape Cod National Seashore—including ocean beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes, woodlands and ponds—surrounds Provincetown.
www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm
Parking fees (summer only): $15/day; $45/yr.
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HERRING COVE. For a family day at the beach, stay right. For Provincetown’s most popular gay beach stay left. The first stretch is primarily lesbian, and then the beach is primarily gay male. Although practiced by some, topless and nude sunbathing is not legal. (The parking lot often fills before noon on weekends).
RACE POINT.
Popular beach (primarily straight) offers smoother sand than Herring Cove. Nearby PROVINCELANDS VISITOR CENTER offers exhibits on the Seashore and early Provincetown. Race Point Road. 508.487.1256.
LONG POINT.
With its picturesque lighthouse and unique perspective back to town, Long Point is accessible via Flyer’s Boatyard.
WOOD END.
Virtually deserted, Wood End is accessed via the stone breakwater at the foot of Commercial at Pilgrim Landing Park. In return for that hike, you may have the beach to yourself. Note: the breakwater is partially submerged at some high tides.
HEAD OF THE MEADOW (TRURO) & MARCONI (WELLFLEET)
These scenic Atlantic beaches enjoy surf, particularly after summer storms.
Sports
Health Clubs
MUSSEL BEACH.
Circuit training; free weights. Sauna, tanning. Aerobics, spinning classes. 35 Bradford (at Conant). 508.487.0001.
www.musselbeach.net
PROVINCETOWN GYM.
On Shank Painter (between Court & Captain Bertie). 508.487.2776.
Salons and Spas
Historic Interest
The town is listed in The National Register of Historic Places, because of the architectural charm of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century stores, homes, and churches.
DUNE SHACKS.
A hike across the sands will bring you to Provincetown’s famous “dune shacks,” the simple beach cabins of numerous artists and writers during the past century. Access from Race Point, Snail Road or via dune tours.
LONG POINT HOUSES.
Marked by placards, these “floated over” houses were originally built at Long Point at the very tip of the Cape until they were floated over the harbor in the early 1800s. Primarily in the West End.
MAYFLOWER COMPACT.
Provincetown was the first landfall made by the Pilgrims in 1620. Here they completed their plan for governance. A bas relief commemorating this event is located behind Town Hall on Bradford (at Ryder).
OLDEST HOUSE.
Built of shipwreck materials c. 1746. Recently rebuilt. Private. 72 Commercial.
Museums
PILGRIM MONUMENT.
From its observation deck, the 252’ tower offers a panorama of Cape Cod. Museum. High Pole Hill, off Winslow. Daily to 4:15pm. 508.487.1310.
www.pilgrim-monument.org
PROVINCETOWN ART ASSOCIATION AND MUSEUM.
Exhibits works from the American art collection, contemporary artist members, and other renowned artists. 460 Commercial. 508.487.1750.
www.paam.org
WHYDAH EXHIBITION.
Pirate ship wrecked on the Cape in 1717 and rediscovered in 1984. MacMillan Wharf. 508.487.3688.
www.whydah.com
Film
NEW ART CINEMA.
237 Commercial. Second floor of Whalers Wharf. 508.487.9222.
www.newartcinemas.com
WELLFLEET
Rainy day matinees. Also weekend flea market. Cape Cod’s only drive in theater. Rte. 6, Wellfleet. 508.349.7176.
www.driveintheatre.net
Cabaret Entertainment
Theater
Art Galleries
Clustered in the East End. Summer hours: 11am-10pm; some close briefly afternoons. The Friday night gallery stroll is a Provincetown tradition.
ADDISON GALLERY.
Features regional artists. Examples of their works are located within the guesthouse. 43 South Orleans Road (Rte 28) in Orleans. Toll-free 800.654.5888.
www.addisonart.com
BERTA WALKER GALLERY.
Representing nationally-known Provincetown-affiliated artists. 208 Bradford. 508.487.6411.
www.bertawalker.com
HARVEY DODD GALLERY.
Dodd’s artwork in varied media, subject matter and approach. 437 Commercial. 508.487.3329.
www.harveydodd.com
JULIE HELLER GALLERY.
Artists who established Provincetown as an important art colony. 2 Gosnold (on the beach). 508.487.2169.
www.juliehellergallery.com
PACKARD GALLERY.
Sweeping landscapes by Cynthia and Anne Packard. 418 Commercial. 508.487.4690.
www.packardgallery.com
PROVINCETOWN ART ASSOCIATION AND MUSEUM.
Exhibits works from the American art collection, contemporary artist members, and other renowned artists. 460 Commercial. 508.487.1750.
www.paam.org
SCHOOLHOUSE CENTER.
Four galleries including one dedicated to photography. 494 Commercial. 508.487.4800.
www.theschoolhousegalleries.com
WILLIAM-SCOTT GALLERY.
Artists include John DiMestico, John Dowd. 439 Commercial. 508.487.4040.
www.williamscottgallery.com
WOLFARTH GALLERIES.
The students of the Cape Cod School. Also contemporary photography. Whaler’s Wharf — Commercial 508.487-6569.
Restaurants & Bars
The following are a sampling chosen for their variety. Unless noted, all restaurants (exc. take-out) accept American Express, MasterCard & VISA. By town ordinance, restaurants and bars are non-smoking. A collared shirt or blouse and Bermuda walking shorts will suffice at any summer dinner; khakis or jeans and a sweater are appropriate in the spring or fall. Jackets & ties are rarely seen at even the finest restaurants.
- $ — Dinner entrees under $10
- $$ — $10-$15
- $$$ — $15-$20
- $$$$ — over $20
Superior, Fine Dining:
- FRONT STREET. The Italian and continental menus of chef/owners Donna Aliperti & Kathy Cotter consistently delight in the wine cellar atmosphere of this cozy, brick-walled restaurant. Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.” Our only complaint: too many visitors have discovered this hideaway and now we have to wait until the off-season to get a table. 230 Commercial (between Gosnold & Masonic). 508.487-9715. $$$/$$$$
www.frontstreetrestaurant.com
- THE MEWS. As one of Provincetown’s most creative chefs, Laurence DeFreitas excels in this beachfront setting. Continental cuisine coupled with Asian, Caribbean influences. Dinner only. Upstairs but sharing the same kitchen, the more casual CAFÉ MEWS, for harbor views and lighter entrees ranging from excellent hamburgers to selections from the downstairs menu. Lunch and dinner. 429 Commercial (between Lovett’s & Kiley Courts). 508.487-1500. $$$/$$$$
www.mews.com
- THE RED INN. One of Provincetown’s oldest location for a restaurant. Spectacular setting on the water just across the street from the Land’s End Inn. Local and regional cuisine. Open for all three meals during season. 15 Commercial Street. 508.487-7334. $$$$
www.theredinn.com
Highly Recommended:
- ENZO. The historic “painted lady” presents bistro fare on the outdoors terrace. Also Italian dining and entertainment. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. 186 Commercial (at the foot of Court) 508.487.7555. $$$/$$$$
www.enzolives.com
- CAFÉ EDWIGE.
Renowned for its gourmet breakfast scene. 333 Commercial — 2nd floor (at Freeman). 508.487-2008. $$$.
- EDWIGE AT NIGHT offers an innovative dinner menu fusing Mediterranean, Latin American & Asian cuisines. 333 Commercial — 2nd floor (at Freeman).508.487.4020. $$$.
- CIRO & SAL’S.
One of Provincetown’s institutions for Italian food. A great grotto feeling. Fresh seafood and specials nightly. 4 Kiley Court. 508.487-6444 $$$/$$$$
www.ciroandsals.com
- LEVEL AT THE COMMONS Upstairs bistro offering Mediterranean specialties and wood-fired gourmet pizzas. Lunch and dinner. 386 Commercial (between Law & Pearl). 508.487-7800. $$$
www.commonsghb.com
- FANIZZI’S BY THE SEA.
A favorite of the locals! At high tide you could swear you were on a cruise ship. Varied menu with very generous portions. There is parking. 539 Commercial St. 508.487-1964 $$/$$$
www.fanizzisrestaurant.com
- GRAND CENTRAL.
A Provincetown tradition from the theatrical heyday; a casual but stylish atmosphere prevails. American menu with emphasis on grilled meats. 4-6 Masonic (just off Commercial). 508.487-7599. MC, V. $$/$$$
- THE LOBSTER POT.
A Provincetown institution; owned/operated by the McNulty family for 25+ years. Walk through kitchen to beach views downstairs or harbor views upstairs. Seafood & Portuguese specialties include award-winning chowder, shore dinners. Lunch and dinner. 321 Commercial (between Freeman & Standish). 508.487-0842. $$$
www.ptownlobsterpot.com
- LORRAINE’S.
Third-generation restauranteur, Chef Lorraine Najar creates nouvelle Mexican cuisine: a unique fusion of family recipes, traditional Southwestern dishes and New England ingredients, like clams mujeres and carnitas enchiladas. 133 Commercial. 508.487.6074. $$/$$$
www.lorrainesrestaurant.com
- PEPE’S WHARF.
One family has run this restaurant for 30+ years. Great seafood. Great waterside tables both in the main restaurant and on the upstairs deck. 373 Commercial St. on the water (at the base of the Johnson St. parking lot). 508.487-0900 $$$/$$$$
- ROSS’ GRILL
Owner Ken Ross has hit the mark with this lively bistro on the second-floor of Whaler’s Wharf. A stylish industrial décor frames a terrific view of Provincetown harbor. The perfect place for a dozen oysters, steak frites and a Bass Ale (or two). Lunch and dinner. 237 Commercial (between Gosnold and Masonic). 508.487-8878. $$/$$$
- SAL’S PLACE.
Waterfront terrace, also cozy front dining room; a friendly and lively mangia, mangia atmosphere occasionally accented by all too relaxed service. The restaurant’s West End location is a pleasant respite from downtown summer tumult and the ten-minute walk will help to work off the very generous portions. Dinner only. 99 Commercial (at foot of Cottage). 508.487-1279. MC, V. $$/$$$
Casual Dining, Local Color:
- THAI AROI. Located across the street from The Brass Key in the Gifford House. Lunch, dinner, take out. 11 Carver (at Bradford). 508.487.0889 $$
- BAYSIDE BETSY’S.
Denny’s style food with a view of the water. Good for large groups without a reservation. 177 Commercial 508.487-6566 $$/$$$
www.baysidebetsys.com
- BUBALA’S BY THE BAY.
Not known for its fine dining as much as for its funky, laid-back sidewalk café. Great people-watching. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 183 Commercial (at foot of Court). 508.487-0773. $$$
www.bubalas.com
- THE PATIO.
Outdoor dining with casual cuisine. 328 Commercial St. 508.487.4003. $$
- CAFÉ HEAVEN.
Storefront windows overlook Commercial Street fanfare. The archetype of casual dining, Provincetown-style. Very popular breakfast (all day), lunch and dinner. 199 Commercial (at foot of Carver). 508.487-9639. No credit cards. $/$$
- CENTRAL HOUSE BAR & GRILL.
Located in the Crowne & Anchor complex. Casual food that varies by the week. Hamburgers are a staple. Great cruising and drag queen visits. 247 Commercial St. 508.487-1430 $$/$$$
www.onlyatthecrown.com
- CLEM & URSIE’S.
Clem & Ursie expanded this seafood store into an all-encompassing indoor picnic spot with sandwiches, barbecue ribs, raw bar shellfish, deep-fried seafood, steamed lobsters and complete shore dinners. Also specialty nights like Jamaican Night. Unpretentious & fun. Shank Painter (between Court & Captain Bertie). 508.487-1724. No credit cards. $$/$$$
www.clemandursies.com
- EURO CAFÉ.
Located next door to Town Hall on the 2nd floor. Good for a quick bite before a show. Open for lunch & dinner and has great street viewing. 258 Commercial St. 508.487-2505 $$
- MAYFLOWER CAFÉ.
A 1950’s style eatery. A popular spot with tourists and this creates the non-ending line for cheap eats! 300 Commercial St. 508.487-0121 $/$$
- NAPI’S.
P’town’s most unusual restaurant featuring fine meats, seafood and vegetarian dishes, surrounded by an incredible collection of local art that Napi has collected over the last 40+ years. 7 Freeman Street (at Standish & Bradford). 508-487-1145 $$$
www.napis-restaurant.com
- THE POST OFFICE CAFÉ.
Provincetown’s version of your friendly, local Denny’s: eggs, hamburgers, drag queens. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. 303 Commercial (between Standish & Ryder). 508.487-3892. $/$$
- VORELLI’S.
For fine steaks and prime rib this is the spot. Also Italian and seafood entrees. Lunch & dinner. 226 Commercial (at the foot of Masonic). 508.487-2281 $$/$$$
Delivery/Take Out:
- ANGEL FOODS
Incredible soups & sandwiches! Also features a gourmet grocery for those exotic edibles. 467 Commercial 508.487.6666
- THE AQUARIUM SHOPS.
Food court offering convenient lunch choices: I DREAM OF GELATO. Italian Ice Cream. 508.487.3780. FORTUNE COOKIE. Chinese. Sushi trays. 508.487-6688. BIG DADDY’S BURRITO. Burritos. 508.487-4432. All share picnic tables overlooking harbor. 205 Commercial (at foot of Carver).
- BLUE LIGHT.
Sandwiches, salads, hamburgers & great hot dogs! A favorite of The Brass Key staff. Commercial Street at the foot of Masonic Place. 508.487-3466.
- GEORGE’S PIZZA.
Classic pizzeria. Delivery from 5pm. 275 Commercial (between Ryder & Gosnold). 508.487-3744.
- JOE’S COFFEE & ESPRESSO BAR.
Great coffee in every form: cappuccino, latte, mocha, etc. 148A Commercial (between Atlantic & Conant). 508.487-6656.
- KAROO CAFE.
Fast, casual, South African fare. 338 Commercial. 508.487.6630.
- PROVINCETOWN PIZZA.
Also subs, salads, hamburgers. Delivery (hours vary). 50 Bradford (at Shank Painter). 508.487-6655.
- BURGER QUEEN.
Burgers, soups, salads, ice cream. Street front picnic tables. 331 Commercial (between Freeman & Standish). 508.487-4749.
- SPIRITUS.
The late-night gathering spot; 75% of customers arrive after midnight. In season, the police arrive at 1am to direct traffic. Pizza (by the slice), espresso, ice cream. 192 Commercial (between Carver & Court). 508.487-2808.
Bars & Nightclubs:
Dance bars have a primarily gay clientele although all are always welcome at any club. Cover charges ($5+) often apply, particularly during high season. All are easy walking distance. Closing is 1am.
- THE A-HOUSE.
Very popular. Year-round complex of three bars in a 1700’s inn, catering to most tastes or fetishes: Dance Bar — seafarer-themed disco with DJ; Little Bar — a quaint, smaller bar; and upstairs Macho Bar — for the male leather crowd and wannabees. Masonic Place.
www.ahouse.com
- THE BOATSLIP.
Gay motel with harbor front sundeck. Very popular afternoon tea dance with DJ; small enclosed dance floor and serious posing on the waterfront deck (4pm-7pm; daily in summer). 161 Commercial.
www.boatslipresort.com
- THE CROWN & ANCHOR.
A dance bar, a pool bar, a cabaret and a video bar. 247 Commercial
www.onlyatthecrown.com
- THE GOVERNOR BRADFORD.
Popular townie and tourist bar. Primarily straight following. Entertainment. Window front chess and checkers. Pool tables. 312 Commercial.
- THE PIED.
Dance bar with beachfront deck. A strong lesbian following mixed with gays. Popular after-tea dance at 7pm. 193A Commercial.
www.piedbar.com
- POST OFFICE CABARET.
Headliners, emerging comedians are showcased. 303 Commercial.
- PURGATORY. Basement bar featuring theme nights throughout the week. 11 Carver.
www.giffordhouse.com
- VIXEN.
Popular women’s bar at the Pilgrim House. Entertainment. 336-R Commercial.
www.ptownvixen.com
- GOOD TIMES PUB. Local sports bar. Pool table. 293 Commercial St. (downstairs)
Special Events
- Provincetown International Film Festival.
The ninth annual event showcases independent films and the Filmmaker on the Edge award, June 13-17, 2007. Check out their website for this year’s upcoming events.
www.ptownfilmfest.org
- Women’s Week.
In its twenty-third year, a fun-filled week of activities, great events, celebrities and time to make new friends. October 5-14, 2007.
www.womeninnkeepers.com
- Fantasia Fair.
30 yrs strong! This is the get together of the year for the transgender world. October 14 - 21, 2007.
www.fantasiafair.org
- Meet Your Man Weekend.
A great way to meet other other single men. Fun parties and seminars in a relaxing atmosphere. November 2-4, 2007.
www.ptown.org/happenings/meet_yourman
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