ptownmonument

If you’ve read previous newsletters, you know that Provincetown is one of our favorite places. Well we just got back and want to fill you in on the happenings. It was Carnival Week, which is one of the summer’s biggest events. This year’s theme was “Back to the 80’s”. The week was filled with dances, parties, a costume contest and their famous parade. Many participants actually spent their teenage years in the 80’s and this was a chance to dress up in their old cargo pants or as their favorite new wave musician. Of course some of the younger participants made us feel our age as they came in diapers to show what they were wearing in the 80’s. As expected there were several Nancy Reagans. There were also dozens of Richard Simmons, which wasn’t as expected; but was fun. Next year’s theme is “Gods and Goddesses” and it all happens again in August 2017.

The musical performances are always a highlight of any trip to Ptown. We were lucky enough to see Kristen Chenoweth, Audra McDonald and Linda Eder. That’s a lot of Tony power for one week in such a small town. All of the concerts were incredible, but for us Linda Eder’s was the most endearing. It was an intimate venue and she spent about an hour after the show meeting with fans. It seems like all of the performers love coming into town and put extra effort into every show. Patti LuPone is set to perform over Labor Day weekend. Lily Tomlin, Kate Clinton, Miss Richfield, Well Strung and many others will continue to have performances into late summer and the fall. Although we didn’t attend, there was another major event that happened while we were on the Cape. Hillary Clinton and Cher were in town for a successful fundraiser. It was fun seeing people’s photos of Cher as she discretely arrived in town.

Food is another area that Provincetown excels in. It offers everything from fine dining to fried clams at the pier. This year our favorite dish was the lobster risotto at Edwige. Another of our favorite restaurants has always been Victor’s, so we had to go again. This year the restaurant made the news for something other than the menu though. Its owner was arrested in July for stabbing his husband in a late night incident. The chef was also arrested for covering up evidence. Fortunately the husband survived and the food was as good as ever. But, this was more legitimate drama than the town is used to. Oh, we can’t forget the lobster rolls. Definitely have a casual lobster roll, or two, at The Red Shack or John’s Foot long down by the pier.

Although summer is coming to an end, there are still several upcoming events that may be of interest. These include such diverse activities as the Gay Pilot’s Association meeting, Leather Weekend, Women’s Week and Halloween Week festivities. Plus many people enjoy Provincetown, and the rest of Cape Cod, in the fall when it’s quieter than in the peak of summer. In addition to fewer crowds you can also enjoy the fall foliage. Provincetown is famous for the staying power of its guesthouses and restaurants. You can rely on old favorites being there every season. But, this year there has been a shakeup in some of the restaurants and ownership in guesthouses. So even if you know Ptown, we have new info for you. If you’ve never been, we would love to help you arrange a trip to this magical little spot at the end of America.