A Long Weekend in Provincetown, MA

silvergirl · 08-27-2008

A Short Trip Report on "A Long Weekend in Provincetown, MA"

Preface:

First let me preface this by letting those of you that don't already know.........Provincetown, or "P-town" as the locals call, is a very diverse and very openly gay friendly cosmopolitan community.
Put it this way.........as a heterosexual couple, Kenny and I are definately the minority when we're here.

If you have a problem with this or are offended in any way.........don't bother reading this or commenting, please.
That being said...........on with the report!!

A little background........
P-Town has long been a place very close to my heart. As a young girl, my childhood friend Dori and I

(recent pictures in Playa):

We were lucky enough to visit there with her family during our summer vacations as kids

. Her family is of Portuguese and Italian decent and have long been in the fishing industry having their commercial fishing boats docked here in P-town.
Dori's "Ti Marguerite" (Aunt Marguerite in Portuguese) had the most beautiful home right in the center of town which has sadly now been sold for a very pretty penny and turned into a rental property.........much like most of the family homes there. Real estate is incredibly valuable here.......especially if its right "in town" and near the water.
We would stay at her aunt's house in the upstairs spare bedrooms that had adorable little dormer windows over looking town. We'd walk into town and to the beach with our spending money and actually be able to come back with bags and bags of penny candy........which really cost pennies!!

We'd get our Cape Cod Rope Bracelets and be free spirits walking and shopping, hanging out on the wharf eating foot long hot dogs and giggling lots.

Town consists of a main street called "Commercial Street. Similar to 5th Avenue in Playa whereas there's lots of accomodations, shops, bars, restaurants and artsy places and its all in walking distance. The side streets off Commercial Street offer Inns and bed and breakfast places as well as private homes. The street is maybe a few miles long and people watching in the center of town at the Town Hall is something that never gets old to me.

One of my favorite stores was the Army/Navy store.

A dusty dingy store that had everything from old fashioned toys, metal lunchboxes, sea shells and skeletons, swords and all sorts of knives and clothing..........some used army and navy stuff as well as fashionable clothes of today.......even leather jackets. This store is something else! Hopefully this trip around I'll be able to take some pictures.
We used to love to walk by the infamous "sex shop" where you could see the whips and leather attire hanging in the window. You had to be 18 to enter and of course we were not, so everything else was out of our site............but not anymore!!!

We used to watch the people that went in.....still do!

Amazing I tell ya!

Now we watch the people that come out with the little black bags!

There also was a store..........one of the more famous ones on the strip called "Spank the Monkey".

I think this had to be my all time favorite store.

The rumor is that the owner of this shop is also the owner of this awesome house with all the inlaid purple amethyst in the stone wall. These pictures are from two years ago:

A closeup of the inlaid purple amethyst. And check out that wrought iron kitty fence, Nerak!:

If you look closely, you'll see a glass mosaic snake creeping up the side of the front door:

More beautiful amethyst:

A better shot of the snake:

That snake wraps around the entire side of the house thru the gardens. You've got to look closely:

The side of the house and gardens:

Gargoyles at every turn:

Back to the store.........
This is the funkiest scariest store you've ever seen! I definately will try and get pictures this trip. As you walk past.........the smell of weed...........marijuana.........pot........is overwhelming.

You look all around and can't figure where its coming from. It took me forever to find out that its a "hemp incense stick" about a foot long and maybe 1-2" thick burning in front of the store to attract people's attention.

Ah, yeaaa it does!!

Inside the store is lots of stuff imported from India.........clothing, pocketbooks, jewelry........tons. There's toys and tricks.......I used to love these.

Like the stick of gum you offer someone and it snaps like a mousetrap on your finger!

Or the smoking fart that you light.

Whoopie cushions, sparklers.........tons of stuff. As you walk towards the back it gets a bit scary.

There were live pythons in cages and lots of knives for purchase. Signs near the stairway forbid anyone under 18 to go upstairs........but its pretty clear whats up there.

There must be a million of them!

All shapes and sizes........and I do mean ALL!!!!!

Electric ones, battery ones, glass ones, rubber ones...........YIKES!!!!

And it only gets crazier when you dare venture up there.........CRAZY I TELL YA!!!!

The store also has the biggest "head" shop I've ever seen.

Actually........its the only one I've ever seen

........but its huge.

Papers of every flavor and color.......pipes of every shape and size..........bongs galore........clips.......the list goes on and on and on.
This shop will put the sex crazed, pot smoking, Indian import wearing person in sheer ecstasy!

It is definately not for the meek!

Now in P-town there are sand dunes. These sand dunes are as high as what seems mountains especially when you're trying to make your way up them........and the best fun we ever had in our lives.

You could climb up and just roll or slide or run down the dunes until your legs gave out.

And you think walking on the beach is a workout?

We had the best fun ever.

That is when I began my love for Provincetown.

Thanks to Dori and her mom!

We also went to visit her sister in a hippy commune in Nova Scotia oh, maybe when we were 14 or so..........but that's a whole other trip report!!!

Here's some past pictures near the sand dunes:

You can see the Provincetown Monument way off in the distance:

My kids were convinced there's a serial killer living in this shack!

They were scared out of their minds........and try to run away thru the sand.........

So, as time went on, we both went our seperate ways, married, had kids but always had the ties to P-town. It has always been and still is Dori's place to "chill" and "re-group" when life gets her stressed and has become my favorite place to go, at any time of year, to celebrate any holiday or just come up with an excuse.......to people watch and relive my childhood.

Now, I just drag Kenny along.

There are people from all walks of life here. The majority of them being very openly gay or lesbian. And then there's the Harley riding crowd. From one extreme to the other. There are tattoos and piercings like you've never seen before.Some subtle, some not so subtle.

Men that dress and do makeup better than me!

And they can sport the stilletos like nobody's business!

There are shows that are just incredible and some that are down right raunchy.

The Inns and Bed and Breakfasts and restaurants have the most breathtaking gardens I've ever seen.

They're decorated with the most beautiful antique furniture and accessories........ simply jaw dropping.

Gas fireplaces in accomodation rooms, television in the bathroom with jacuzzi tubs and towel warmers in some rooms. The finest linens on the beds.........so cozy in fact we had to buy some similar for home.

There is a complimentary wine and cheese hour each night before dinner and breakfast served each morning. How can you not love this place? Its so diverse and there is really no place I know of that you can get all this in one place! We got the last room available after calling around to 10 places we're familiar with because once again.........we booked last minute, so not sure what it will look like, but I'll be sure and take pictures.

Last time we went to P-town, which was two years ago, there were lots of families and we had brought ours too. I want my kids to be respectful and accepting of others just as they want to be accepted and respected in this crazy world. The penny candy store is still there........but of course for two kids I dropped maybe 20 bucks! Worth every dime to see their faces and remember grabbing the basket just as they did to fill it up with all those old fashioned kinds of candy and goodies.

The last time I climbed the sand dunes was 15 years ago. Once again this trip was with Dori, but this time we had our first born sons with us (our only children at the time). We had a wonderful time staying the night at her grandfather's condo with our kids.

It brought back such memories and was awesome to share them with our kids.

The kids were fascinated just as we were with these monster mountains of sand. I tried my best to climb but didn't get very far.

Go figure.

Max had to go on without me. Actually, I thought I was going to have a heart attack and die trying to climb the dunes.

I wasn't 13 anymore!

Funny thing........I didn't know it, but I was pregnant with Zak at the time!

So its our Anniversary on Sept 6th . Even though we're a week early, I can't think of a better place to celebrate it and end the summer season, than in a place so close to my heart and now one of Kenny's favorites too.

We'll be leaving on Friday for our long Labor Day weekend, but thought since this preface is so long winded, I'd start my trip report...........pre trip!

Hopefully.........I'll finish upon return.

u2girlie · 08-27-2008

I've never been up to P-Town. I've only made it as far as Eastham. That house is gorgeous. I love all the cool stuff they have throughout the garden. I could spend hours exploring it! Love the amethyst. Really cool!! Your pictures are beautiful....beautiful!!

silvergirl · 08-28-2008

Thanks Rebecca!

You really should venture there.

You're not that far away. Who knows..............maybe it could become your second favorite place!

silvergirl · 08-28-2008

I think I've caught Lolabella's insomnia.

Or maybe I'm just too excited about my upcoming weekend......or could it be worrying about what the kids will be up to.......

At any rate, I found another picture from last time we were in P-town. We went to this great little biker bar/everybody kinda bar in town called the Govornor Bradford for "Drag Karaoke".

Yep, you heard it right!

This was our host "Dana Danzel". Damn.......he looks pretty good, huh?

I just googled it and they still have it every night...........and its still hosted by her/him on the weekends! We'll have to pay a visit. They make the best martini's!!!

penalipee · 08-28-2008

Wow, Kim, you're right. It looks amazing. I would love to go there when I am out your way. Maybe you will come if I drag Lindsay with me. How much fun would that be.
Again...happy anniversary. You've done good girl!! Say hi to Kenny for me.
Have a safe trip on the weekend.

silvergirl · 08-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by penalipee

Wow, Kim, you're right. It looks amazing. I would love to go there when I am out your way. Maybe you will come if I drag Lindsay with me. How much fun would that be.
Again...happy anniversary. You've done good girl!! Say hi to Kenny for me.
Have a safe trip on the weekend.

Thanks Darlin!

A girls trip would be fun! We could hold hands.......and fit right in!

Seriously, if your daughter is as shy as you say........she may never want to come out of her room!

This is not the place to be shy.

It's a very colorful place!

I hope to take lots of pictures this weekend.

Stay tuned.........

Marj · 08-28-2008

Wow, Kim......that looks like a really neat place. Sounds like you should have a great time

Have you ever thought about writing a book? It would be incredable!!

You write so well.

I am looking forward to hearing the details of your week-end..........have fun

MN Annie · 08-28-2008

Have a great anniversary trip! We had a great time in Provincetown 12 years ago. I look forward to your report.

Michele · 08-28-2008

We looooove P-town! When I was a child we spent almost every August on the Cape and Provincetown was a favorite day-trip. Great trip report!!!

Doggiemom · 08-28-2008

Happy Anniversary a week early!

This place looks soooo cool! Can't wait for your report!

BKScott · 08-29-2008

Kim - Love your pictures and the start of your report. Can't wait to hear about your trip. Happy Anniveresary to you & Kenny.

Commando · 08-29-2008

have a great weekend kim. don't forget to hit race point beach to revive your playa tan.

Buggirl · 08-29-2008

Have a great weekend, Kim!

Can't wait for the rest of the report!

Rissask · 08-29-2008

looks and sounds like a really fun town!

JillyinMN · 08-31-2008

I was in Boston for a convention in 1993 (I think) and went to P-town for a day trip. I remember having a great time! We went into the sex store too! There was a price check while we were there... for a dildo

. It was about 98 degees out, so we spent a lot of the time sitting at a bar. I was the only one that wouldn't eat the raw oysters

... I bought a print there that took me about me about three years to get framed, and it's been my favorite picture ever since! I'm looking forward to your trip report!

08-27-2008	#1 (permalink)
silvergirl añejo Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,948	A Long Weekend in Provincetown, MA A Short Trip Report on "A Long Weekend in Provincetown, MA" Preface: First let me preface this by letting those of you that don't already know.........Provincetown, or "P-town" as the locals call, is a very diverse and very openly gay friendly cosmopolitan community. Put it this way.........as a heterosexual couple, Kenny and I are definately the minority when we're here. If you have a problem with this or are offended in any way.........don't bother reading this or commenting, please. That being said...........on with the report!! A little background........ P-Town has long been a place very close to my heart. As a young girl, my childhood friend Dori and I (recent pictures in Playa): We were lucky enough to visit there with her family during our summer vacations as kids. Her family is of Portuguese and Italian decent and have long been in the fishing industry having their commercial fishing boats docked here in P-town. Dori's "Ti Marguerite" (Aunt Marguerite in Portuguese) had the most beautiful home right in the center of town which has sadly now been sold for a very pretty penny and turned into a rental property.........much like most of the family homes there. Real estate is incredibly valuable here.......especially if its right "in town" and near the water. We would stay at her aunt's house in the upstairs spare bedrooms that had adorable little dormer windows over looking town. We'd walk into town and to the beach with our spending money and actually be able to come back with bags and bags of penny candy........which really cost pennies!! We'd get our Cape Cod Rope Bracelets and be free spirits walking and shopping, hanging out on the wharf eating foot long hot dogs and giggling lots. Town consists of a main street called "Commercial Street. Similar to 5th Avenue in Playa whereas there's lots of accomodations, shops, bars, restaurants and artsy places and its all in walking distance. The side streets off Commercial Street offer Inns and bed and breakfast places as well as private homes. The street is maybe a few miles long and people watching in the center of town at the Town Hall is something that never gets old to me. One of my favorite stores was the Army/Navy store. A dusty dingy store that had everything from old fashioned toys, metal lunchboxes, sea shells and skeletons, swords and all sorts of knives and clothing..........some used army and navy stuff as well as fashionable clothes of today.......even leather jackets. This store is something else! Hopefully this trip around I'll be able to take some pictures. We used to love to walk by the infamous "sex shop" where you could see the whips and leather attire hanging in the window. You had to be 18 to enter and of course we were not, so everything else was out of our site............but not anymore!!! We used to watch the people that went in.....still do! Amazing I tell ya! Now we watch the people that come out with the little black bags! There also was a store..........one of the more famous ones on the strip called "Spank the Monkey". I think this had to be my all time favorite store. The rumor is that the owner of this shop is also the owner of this awesome house with all the inlaid purple amethyst in the stone wall. These pictures are from two years ago: A closeup of the inlaid purple amethyst. And check out that wrought iron kitty fence, Nerak!: If you look closely, you'll see a glass mosaic snake creeping up the side of the front door: More beautiful amethyst: A better shot of the snake: That snake wraps around the entire side of the house thru the gardens. You've got to look closely: The side of the house and gardens: Gargoyles at every turn: Back to the store......... This is the funkiest scariest store you've ever seen! I definately will try and get pictures this trip. As you walk past.........the smell of weed...........marijuana.........pot........is overwhelming. You look all around and can't figure where its coming from. It took me forever to find out that its a "hemp incense stick" about a foot long and maybe 1-2" thick burning in front of the store to attract people's attention. Ah, yeaaa it does!! Inside the store is lots of stuff imported from India.........clothing, pocketbooks, jewelry........tons. There's toys and tricks.......I used to love these. Like the stick of gum you offer someone and it snaps like a mousetrap on your finger! Or the smoking fart that you light. Whoopie cushions, sparklers.........tons of stuff. As you walk towards the back it gets a bit scary. There were live pythons in cages and lots of knives for purchase. Signs near the stairway forbid anyone under 18 to go upstairs........but its pretty clear whats up there. There must be a million of them! All shapes and sizes........and I do mean ALL!!!!! Electric ones, battery ones, glass ones, rubber ones...........YIKES!!!! And it only gets crazier when you dare venture up there.........CRAZY I TELL YA!!!! The store also has the biggest "head" shop I've ever seen. Actually........its the only one I've ever seen........but its huge. Papers of every flavor and color.......pipes of every shape and size..........bongs galore........clips.......the list goes on and on and on. This shop will put the sex crazed, pot smoking, Indian import wearing person in sheer ecstasy! It is definately not for the meek! Now in P-town there are sand dunes. These sand dunes are as high as what seems mountains especially when you're trying to make your way up them........and the best fun we ever had in our lives. You could climb up and just roll or slide or run down the dunes until your legs gave out. And you think walking on the beach is a workout? We had the best fun ever. That is when I began my love for Provincetown. Thanks to Dori and her mom! We also went to visit her sister in a hippy commune in Nova Scotia oh, maybe when we were 14 or so..........but that's a whole other trip report!!! Here's some past pictures near the sand dunes: You can see the Provincetown Monument way off in the distance: My kids were convinced there's a serial killer living in this shack! They were scared out of their minds........and try to run away thru the sand......... So, as time went on, we both went our seperate ways, married, had kids but always had the ties to P-town. It has always been and still is Dori's place to "chill" and "re-group" when life gets her stressed and has become my favorite place to go, at any time of year, to celebrate any holiday or just come up with an excuse.......to people watch and relive my childhood. Now, I just drag Kenny along. There are people from all walks of life here. The majority of them being very openly gay or lesbian. And then there's the Harley riding crowd. From one extreme to the other. There are tattoos and piercings like you've never seen before.Some subtle, some not so subtle. Men that dress and do makeup better than me! And they can sport the stilletos like nobody's business! There are shows that are just incredible and some that are down right raunchy. The Inns and Bed and Breakfasts and restaurants have the most breathtaking gardens I've ever seen. They're decorated with the most beautiful antique furniture and accessories........ simply jaw dropping. Gas fireplaces in accomodation rooms, television in the bathroom with jacuzzi tubs and towel warmers in some rooms. The finest linens on the beds.........so cozy in fact we had to buy some similar for home. There is a complimentary wine and cheese hour each night before dinner and breakfast served each morning. How can you not love this place? Its so diverse and there is really no place I know of that you can get all this in one place! We got the last room available after calling around to 10 places we're familiar with because once again.........we booked last minute, so not sure what it will look like, but I'll be sure and take pictures. Last time we went to P-town, which was two years ago, there were lots of families and we had brought ours too. I want my kids to be respectful and accepting of others just as they want to be accepted and respected in this crazy world. The penny candy store is still there........but of course for two kids I dropped maybe 20 bucks! Worth every dime to see their faces and remember grabbing the basket just as they did to fill it up with all those old fashioned kinds of candy and goodies. The last time I climbed the sand dunes was 15 years ago. Once again this trip was with Dori, but this time we had our first born sons with us (our only children at the time). We had a wonderful time staying the night at her grandfather's condo with our kids. It brought back such memories and was awesome to share them with our kids. The kids were fascinated just as we were with these monster mountains of sand. I tried my best to climb but didn't get very far. Go figure. Max had to go on without me. Actually, I thought I was going to have a heart attack and die trying to climb the dunes. I wasn't 13 anymore! Funny thing........I didn't know it, but I was pregnant with Zak at the time! So its our Anniversary on Sept 6th . Even though we're a week early, I can't think of a better place to celebrate it and end the summer season, than in a place so close to my heart and now one of Kenny's favorites too. We'll be leaving on Friday for our long Labor Day weekend, but thought since this preface is so long winded, I'd start my trip report...........pre trip! Hopefully.........I'll finish upon return. __________________ Til I'm Cruising the Carribean! Til back home in Playa Last edited by silvergirl; 09-10-2008 at 04:56 AM..

08-31-2008	#15 (permalink)
JillyinMN añejo Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Inver Grove Heights, MN Posts: 1,561	I was in Boston for a convention in 1993 (I think) and went to P-town for a day trip. I remember having a great time! We went into the sex store too! There was a price check while we were there... for a dildo. It was about 98 degees out, so we spent a lot of the time sitting at a bar. I was the only one that wouldn't eat the raw oysters... I bought a print there that took me about me about three years to get framed, and it's been my favorite picture ever since! I'm looking forward to your trip report!

08-27-2008	#2 (permalink)
u2girlie Life=Playa (almost) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Playa del Carmen Posts: 3,710	I've never been up to P-Town. I've only made it as far as Eastham. That house is gorgeous. I love all the cool stuff they have throughout the garden. I could spend hours exploring it! Love the amethyst. Really cool!! Your pictures are beautiful....beautiful!!

08-28-2008	#3 (permalink)
silvergirl añejo Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,948	Thanks Rebecca! You really should venture there. You're not that far away. Who knows..............maybe it could become your second favorite place!

08-28-2008	#4 (permalink)
silvergirl añejo Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,948	I think I've caught Lolabella's insomnia. Or maybe I'm just too excited about my upcoming weekend......or could it be worrying about what the kids will be up to....... At any rate, I found another picture from last time we were in P-town. We went to this great little biker bar/everybody kinda bar in town called the Govornor Bradford for "Drag Karaoke". Yep, you heard it right! This was our host "Dana Danzel". Damn.......he looks pretty good, huh? I just googled it and they still have it every night...........and its still hosted by her/him on the weekends! We'll have to pay a visit. They make the best martini's!!!

08-28-2008	#5 (permalink)
penalipee añejo Join Date: May 2004 Location: Westbank/PDC Posts: 1,763	Wow, Kim, you're right. It looks amazing. I would love to go there when I am out your way. Maybe you will come if I drag Lindsay with me. How much fun would that be. Again...happy anniversary. You've done good girl!! Say hi to Kenny for me. Have a safe trip on the weekend.

08-28-2008	#7 (permalink)
Marj life=playa Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Winnipeg MB Canada Posts: 843	Wow, Kim......that looks like a really neat place. Sounds like you should have a great time Have you ever thought about writing a book? It would be incredable!! You write so well. I am looking forward to hearing the details of your week-end..........have fun

08-28-2008	#8 (permalink)
MN Annie añejo Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,853	Have a great anniversary trip! We had a great time in Provincetown 12 years ago. I look forward to your report.

08-28-2008	#9 (permalink)
Michele añejo Merchant Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Playa del Carmen, QR, MX Posts: 5,170	We looooove P-town! When I was a child we spent almost every August on the Cape and Provincetown was a favorite day-trip. Great trip report!!!

08-28-2008	#10 (permalink)
Doggiemom añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 9,362	Happy Anniversary a week early! This place looks soooo cool! Can't wait for your report!

08-29-2008	#11 (permalink)
BKScott reposado Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ferrum, Virginia Posts: 1,228	Kim - Love your pictures and the start of your report. Can't wait to hear about your trip. Happy Anniveresary to you & Kenny.

08-29-2008	#12 (permalink)
Commando añejo Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,629	have a great weekend kim. don't forget to hit race point beach to revive your playa tan.

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08-29-2008	#13 (permalink)
Buggirl añejo Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: on an island in the sea..... Posts: 7,974	Have a great weekend, Kim! Can't wait for the rest of the report!

08-29-2008	#14 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 49,561	looks and sounds like a really fun town!