Ah, Provincetown. If you’re in search of sea and insight, out to do more than wiggle your toes in the sand, this New England resort is the perfect place to start. Some of the world’s most pristine beaches, those that go to make up the Cape Cod National Seashore, are accessible by bike trails. Pack a proper sailcloth kite, one with substantial ribs, in the back of that bike. Find a spot, then let the shore breeze take over.
Provincetown is close to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a federally protected marine habitat that’s home to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, deep-sea fish and sea birds. Soundly stake your kite into the sand, pull out a pair of good binoculars and see what animals you can spy offshore.
Provincetown is inextricably wedded to the sea. More evidence? Provincetown Whale Week lies just over the horizon, slated for July 23 – 28. This week-long, marine-themed, family-friendly series of events includes a build-your-own-boat paddle race, arts, crafts and – of course – sunset whale cruises.
More nautical notions? At the tail end of the summer, Sept. 1 – 7, visitors descend on the area for Provincetown Harbor Week. The Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta sets the tone for the week’s events: cookouts, films, tours, art exhibitions – and plenty of parties.
You don’t have to wait till the end of summer to party in Portuguese. June 21 – 24 are the dates for the town’s Portuguese Festival. What began almost 65 years ago as the Blessing of the Fleet has morphed into something marvelous: a four-day celebration of Provincetown’s Portuguese heritage. The four days come replete with games, dance, art – and food. If you like what you eat (you will) you might want to go home with a copy of the Provincetown Portuguese Cookbook by Mary-Jo Avellar.
So, turn off the Red Sox, stow the video games and make plans for Provincetown. Even though the summer’s not yet upon us, it’s going to be shorter than you think.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: HBarrison)
