SUMMER NOT OVER YET IN P’TOWN, TRAVEL,
Provincetown has other ideas
Labor Day has passed and the wild crowds heading to the Cape have thinned a bit. It’s the perfect time for you to visit Provincetown.
P’town started summer off strong. But when the delta variant had one of its first spikes there and the news went international, visits dropped, leaving the famed tip-of-the-state destination struggling.
There’s good news, however. Because while summer in Provincetown is delightful, second summer is possibly even better. This is the time to treat yourself to a great day trip or getaway, and help a community at the same time.
“The COVID cluster that happened here mid-summer caused a drop in day trippers and is behind us,” Anthony Fuccillo, Provincetown director of tourism, told the Herald.
“The situation was mitigated thanks to safety measures put in place swiftly by the town and supported by the businesses. Now that fall, the most beautiful season of the year, is upon us, we’re thrilled to welcome visitors when the days are still warm, nights are cool and the skies are the deep blue
you only see in New England. It’s my favorite time.” It could be yours too. Second summer in P’town is all about more room to breathe and move around, with plenty still to do. The crowds thin out but the fun — and the weather — still cooperate. Expect, for the most part, warmer days and cooler nights; the kind when a sweater is just right.
A few must-dos for a second-summer visit include:
Climbing the Pilgrim Monument (pilgrim-monument.org): The view from 1 High Pole Hill Road is worth it on its own, but there’s also a super interesting museum there that will shed more light on the settlers of this nation than you thought possible. Admission gets you access to the monument and grounds as well as to the art and history exhibits within the museum.
Dune tours (artsdunetours.com): Provincetown’s dunes are legendary. Exploring them via these tours afford you all the views, and your guides know all the history. Second summer is a lovely time on the dunes — the sun’s slant this time of year makes for a special natural light (Insta ready!), and should it be a cooler day, beach viewing and walking in a sweater are perfection.
You can choose from a one-hour tour, sunset tour or even a specialized group tour.
The Province Lands bike trail (capecodbikeguide.com/provincelands.asp): You can jump on this trail at the trail’s visitor center at 171 Race Point Road in Provincetown and then ride about seven miles (or less if you choose) through the dunes, past Herring Cove and famed Race Point Beach, along Bennett Pond and even through Beech Forest, a spot that just feels magical.
Bring your bikes or rent some.
The art scene: The town is home to what is said to be the longest continuously run artist colony in America, and it shows. From galleries and their art museum to special displays, you’ll find all kinds of amazing art all across town. Second summer, those spots are less crowded and easy to access.
Festivals and more: Provincetown does not stop after Labor Day. In the second summer and early fall months, you can visit during ArtProvincetown Festival (Oct 8-10), Women’s Week, (Oct. 11-17), the Provincetown Beer and Wine Festival (Nov. 4-7) and other special events.
Hotels and restaurants (and bars and clubs) remain solidly open through the fall.
No matter what you choose to do on your second-summer visit, one thing remains constant: No matter who you are, how you dress, how you choose to share your love and more, you are accepted.
That, said Fuccillo, is the foundation of the magic that is Provincetown.
“We’ve always been welcoming,” he said. “Everyone feels comfortable here, because we have no need for conformity. No one cares, everyone is loved.”