Provincetown Real Estate
Cape Cod, MA

Provincetown, perched at the tip of Cape Cod, has a unique character that makes it perfect for serving the whims of a wide range of visitors. Almost surrounded by water, Provincetown, or “P’town,” as it is often called, has 30 miles of stunning beaches, which draw many visitors. Others come here for the town’s diverse, accepting community; still others for an unparalleled shopping and dining experience. You can see that it’s difficult to attach just one identity to Provincetown. But one thing is certain: It is a uniquely beautiful, historic village with dozens of activities that draw people year after year.

You’ll find an array of waterfront activities here, such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and simply strolling the beach. You can also enjoy excellent golf, or tennis, or climb aboard a dune buggy to tour P’town’s beautiful dunes. The nearby pine forests and bike trail draw hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Nature lovers who want to see some of the ocean’s most impressive inhabitants can hop on a whale watching boat at MacMillan Wharf in the center of town.

P’town is famous as an artist colony and offers painters, sculptors, writers, performers, and others a place to gather. It is also a perfect place to see art or dabble in a newfound pastime. The Fine Arts Work Center, which serves professional artists of many mediums, also caters to beginners. The Provincetown Art Association and Museum, which just had a major renovation, offers excellent original art, much of it dating to the early 20th century. Throughout the downtown area, you’ll find dozens sophisticated galleries and shops that offer handmade jewelry and other artistic wares.

The Provincetown International Film Festival, held each June, draws film makers, both budding and famous, as well as throngs of people who simply love movies. Another annual event is the Blessing of the Fleet, held in late June, which recognizes Provincetown’s thriving fishing community and rich Portuguese heritage.

Shoppers will be delighted with downtown Provincetown, which is filled with superb little stores offering clothing, jewelry, toys, books, antiques, and almost anything else you can think of. For the best shopping, head to Commercial Street, which is cozy enough to stroll on foot. The area also offers excellent restaurants that frequently draw rave reviews from national food critics.

Provincetown has a night scene that can be sizzling or sublime, depending on your taste. You’ll find almost unlimited venues for music, theater, and risqué floor shows, whose performers often spend their days on Commercial Street, hawking their performances. It’s all part of the charm of sophisticated, yet sweet, Provincetown.

by Mary Grauerholz