Provincetown, Massachusetts is a unique coastal town that has a year-round population of approximately 3,000 residents. However, during high season that figure grows to over 60,000 fun loving people. It is also known for being a free spirited destination for many lifestyles. It’s nice to know there is a place where people can come and be themselves.
Provincetown offers a laidback atmosphere that creates a peaceful ambiance for all to enjoy. Take time to enjoy a meal and have casual conversation with family or friends at one of the many eateries that line the pedestrian friendly streets or beachside patios with a bay view.
My name is Anthony and I am a blogger for the travel site You, Me and The Dock. After spending a few days in the quaint community of Dennis Port, my wife and I decided to explore the tip of Cape Cod and Provincetown, a.k.a. P-Town. And I am so glad we did. Not only does this blog have plenty of fabulous photos and dialog, it also includes two great videos as well. Stay tuned!
P-town is filled with lots of New England charm, architecture and tradition. Many of the structures found in downtown are one to two stories with sash-bar windows, wood shake siding, white trim, and are usually painted an off-gray or coated with a stain. Add the individualism that each one of the shops and restaurants portray, the street side artifacts and wella! A uniqueness that can’t be found in many mainstream cities. This is one reason why we decide to visit.
There are a plethora of eateries to choose from. Select either Mexican, Italian, seafood, vegan or other international cuisines. They are all here.
There are also a variety of attractions as well. Visit the Pirate Museum, explore the art galleries, or take a stroll along the harbor’s boardwalk.
There is one particular attraction that cannot be skipped and that is the Pilgrim Monument. It is not hard to notice this towering structure when rolling into town.
This Iconic Monument was constructed between 1907 and 1910. This 252 foot memorial is the tallest – all granite tower in the United States.
The historic tower is dedicated to the first pilgrims who came a shore in 1620. The large bronze plaque laid in stone shows the English Puritans signing the Mayflower Compact. It is amazing to think that we are in the same town where the Mayflower docked before moving onto Plymouth, MA. Here is where America established its first roots and the rest is history.
I hope you enjoyed the first of 2 videos! The second video will be at the end of the blog-article. It will highlight several unique buildings and other iconic features that give Provincetown, Massachusetts that special feel. Let’s now continue with the rest of this exciting travel adventure.
The Town Hall building is unique as the town itself. This early colonial style structure with its predominant clock tower was built in 1885. It replaced the first ‘Town House’ which stood where the Pilgrim Monument is today.
The new Town Hall was put into motion when Dr. William Henry Ryder – a Universalist Minister, moved his home around the corner to make room for the new structure. After several restorations, its originality still shares its historic past. By the way, if you are wondering if the clock keeps time, “Yes, its keeps great time!”
Just like Town Hall, the Library building has a relocation history as well. The original building which was located at 330 Commercial street, was built in 1874. It is now home to the local tourist board and is registered with the National Historical Society.
The Library’s new home was once the Center Methodist Episcopal Church and in its time, was the largest Methodist church in the United States. The 128 pews seated 900 worshippers. The original cost to build this magnificent church was $22,000.
The library’s steeple once peeked at 162 feet and housed a bronze cast bell. After the ‘Portland Gale’ storm of 1898, the tower was compromised and had to be reconstructed. It now stands at 100 feet but still is one of the dominating structures of P-town’s skyline. Not only can you checkout a book but get a history lesson as well!
As I said in the opening paragraph, Provincetown is a very unique town. One thing that makes it so unique is the artwork that can be found around every corner. This includes the homes that are snuggled tightly together along the narrow side streets.
There was one particular home that caught our attention rather quickly. It had a variety of sculptures that would trigger almost anyone’s imagination. The view from the gothic styled metal gate showcased a variety of plants, yard décor, and other significant forms of art.
Provincetown, Massachusetts resides on the southern tip of Cape Cod. The town itself actually borders the horseshow shaped Provincetown Harbor which leads out to the Cape Cod Bay. The sunset’s reaching rays mirror their glistening colors off the Atlantic’s deep blue water. This in turn makes for a perfect day’s end in what many call absolute paradise.
The following video will give a good look at many of the above sites. Stay Tuned!
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Video: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
