Cape Cod should be hoppin’ this weekend
This weekend is hoppin’, from Brewster right to the tip of P-Town
A view of Provincetown from across the harbor at the tip of Cape Cod October, at least here in New England, is a sparkler of a month. Humidity is mostly a thing of the past. The sky shines a special kind of blue. And don’t forget the foliage.
I’ve always felt October is a prime month to get out and do something special. This year, despite the pandemic, there is still a wealth of fun, unique and seasonal activities to make your October rock.
Here are a couple to consider.
● Monumental Yard Sale Weekend, Provincetown
First off, you want to visit P-town this time of year. The beaches are cooler but so lovely for walks. The food is, as always, great. But heading down for this annual sale slated for Oct 10-12 this year is totally Rocktober-ish.
The sale links just about every P-town business and resident in one way or another. Basically, locals save up things for the sale, and businesses plan how to offer creative and unique finds, which means visitors can find one-of-a-kind treasures lining the sidewalks and yards all over town. With about 2K months until the holiday season, this weekend outdoor shopping extravaganza is the ideal time to book a Provincetown getaway and start checking off the list.
Jay Gureswitsch, owner of Arcadia (arcadiaptown.com), which focuses on sustainable, hand-crafted and ethically sourced products from all over the world, as well as functional works of art, said he looks forward to the event yearly.
“Provincetown is known far and wide for a truly unique ecosystem of small, independent retailers and galleries, with barely a brand name to be found anywhere,” he said. “The Monumental Yard Sale is just that, times maybe 10, because it’s not just the shops that get involved — it’s literally the entire town. Imagine the finds you can find when the oldest artist colony in America empties out its basements and sheds. From the far East End gallery district to the very beginning of Cape Cod in the far West End and the so-called Millionaires Row, you literally never know what you’re going to find. But it’s always amazing, a real reflection of how funky and cool Provincetown is down to its bones (and basements).”
Gureswitsch spent some pandemic shutdown time moving his parents out of their Brooklyn home, and as he packed boxes, many were labeled for the sale. That means this year, aside from his usual gift offerings, you can see — and purchase — pieces of his life so far.
“I have a ton of cool stuff,’” he said.
And while the event is always fun for locals and visitors as a kind of social experience, he’s even more pumped about this year. Why? Because, he said, even with COVID-19, this outdoor event will run well and be seasoned with pentup enthusiasm.
“My prediction is, actually, that it will be way better, for two simple reasons,” he said. “First, the yard sale is usually a biannual event but the first one in May was canceled due to COVID restrictions at the time. Second, we all spent time during the lockdown period cleaning up our homes, sorting our basements, emptying our closets — and I know I am not the only Provincetowner who made a huge pile ‘for the next yard sale.’ Now four months later, that pile will have only grown even larger.”
Plus, there are the finds. From creative T-shirts to artwork to funky attire, there’s so much to discover.
For more information on the sale as well as all of Provincetown, go to ptown.org.
● The Front Lawn at Ocean Edge, Brewster
Ocean Edge has long been a top Cape destination. With its sprawling oceanside grounds, beautiful golf course, beach access, proximity to the Cape Cod Rail trail and more, it’s a natural any time of year.
But let’s talk October. Their Front Lawn dining, created in the COVID-19 era, runs through Monday, Oct. 12, and makes a Cape stay extra-special.
Bundle up in your favorite sweater and take to the lawn (an easy walk from your room) for lawn games, cocktails, a prepared dinner and even some live entertainment. As the sun sets and you breathe in the crisp Cape Cod fall air, fire pits are set up for warm socializing as well.
Locally brewed Cape Cod Beer, Devil’s Purse Brewing, Hog Island Beer and Barnstable Brewing all provide libations for that local flavor. Food is locally sourced, too, particularly the fresh seafood.