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Showing posts with label cod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cod. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Art's Dune Tours


Imagine dunes stretching as far as you can see with wispy beach grass, dark green pine trees and deep red beach plums nestled in hollows which are brought together by a silhouette of blue sky. You will travel through the majestic dunes where your guide points out the "dune shacks" where famous artists and writers like Eugene O'Neill and Harry Kemp became inspired to create their art.





You will also pass the remains of the Peaked Hill Life Saving Station and learn how the brave "life savers" enacted their heroic efforts to save the lives of thousands from the doomed shipwrecks!  It is such a beautiful tour.  You will be amazed!


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

CapeHouse


By Anita Devlin
View from Town Beach
Photo by Radu Luca
120 miles from Boston along the National Seashore on the outer most tip of Cape Cod is a historical and fascinating place called Provincetown. It seems only natural that Provincetown would be a draw for diverse visitors beginning with the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620, establishing the roots of democratic government in America. The 1920’s and 1930’s saw the gay and lesbian presence flourish as artists, writers, playwrights, poets, novelists, journalists, and radicals began to summer in Provincetown.  Modern American theatre is born here when Eugene O’Neill debuts his first production on a Provincetown wharf.
FACTS:
Total area:                                    17.47 sq. miles
Year round population:              3,500
Seasonal population:                  30,000
2004: Gay marriage is legalized in Massachusetts and Provincetown becomes “the place to get married” with over 2,000 marriage licenses issued to date.
When my friend Paul and I decided to create a show about real estate on Cape Cod, we chose Provincetown. It’s a little bit scripted and it’s a little bit reality but most of all it’s a lot of fun. Paul has been selling real estate on the Cape for over 30 years and I did for almost 10 years myself.  Our show is a character based show of realtors who play themselves and decide to come to Provincetown to help me open my new office.  Paul agrees to be my mentor just to be rid of me and my unconventional way of doing real estate from his company.  He didn’t realize I’d be opening an office right next door to his.  The characters are colorful to say the least and we chose Provincetown because there is no place on earth more beautiful or fun where everyone is free to be true to themselves.
[...] Thank you Provincetown and all who live there for allowing us to show the world how beautiful your corner of the world is.  You can never be sad in Provincetown.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Provincetown: A Haven at the Nexus of Light, Water, and the Surreal



Days Cottages at sunset, courtesy of i.c.e images

From painters to photographers, artists have long cherished Cape Cod’s exceptional light, which reaches its apex at the Cape’s tip inProvincetownMassachusetts.

The Boston Globe in 1916 called Provincetown the ‘Biggest Art Colony in the World,’ and its magnificent light, beautiful landscapes and dynamic, creative atmosphere has captivated the likes of Franz Kline, Mark Rothko and Norman Rockwell.

The unique personality and beguiling backdrops that have long called to painters and playwrights are now capturing more and more photographers. There is never a bad angle or wasted shot in Ptown. The scenery is exceptional all year long and as fall turns to winter, lodging rates drop, sales bloom and the scenery stays put.

Here where Cape Cod Bay meets the Atlantic, something magical happens. Maybe it's the feel good vibe of one of the most open societies in America or the diversity of sights found along dune-laden coastlines or among quaint shingled homes. Most, however, will tell you, “It is the light, silly.” 

It’s about time the camera made a stronger claim in a town with only one main street right out of central casting. Walking and biking are the preferred mode of transits here, as cars are, well, for big city folks or day-trippers. So, if you are getting this picture, you’ll find what most have learned, hang in Ptown for a few days and you’ll feel a degree of calm and relaxation that makes it hard to leave.

From snapshots of pets to peaceful sails against billowing clouds, Ptown never lacks for the picturesque. Focus on the outrageous cross-dressers or the centuries old Portuguese fishing fleet, where history is retold from the Pilgrim Monument, attesting to Ptown’s credential as “America’s First Destination,” having first welcomed voyagers to the promised land.

Photographic adventurers can set their own itinerary, from a dune tour, to a whale watch trip, to a bike ride through a national seashore that ends with a bonfire on the beach in the light of a stunning sunset. This is the place for vibrant multicolor skies and ocean reflections. No matter the conditions—fog, sunshine or snow—you will always get the shot.

Professional and amateur photographers alike say that the town inspires shooting because there are so many choices. The most stressful moment of the week will be deciding whether to spend time micro-focused on the flower box, wild field, vintage or architectural details, or the macro shots of land and seascapes.

And, if you can take a pause from night exposures, the many fine dining or casual eateries and some of the oldest continuous pouring taverns in the new world are sure to leave you with after-shoot enjoyment. And when making your plans, don't miss the live acts, which keep you singing or laughing until you greet the sunrise of a glorious new day at the tip of the Cape.

(To view some Ptown images captured by visitors and professionals, view on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ptowntourism/photos, on the Provincetown tourism website http://provincetowntourismoffice.org/index.aspx?nid=171, or Pinterest http://pinterest.com/search/?q=provincetown.)

Press Release
Provincetown Tourism Office
September 25, 2012
Rights free photo supplied by i.c.e. images
For more information, contact:
Gene Rose
gr@mcopr.com1-888-923-9945 x2

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

What's Happening

by Chris Daniels
Provincetown.com


Next year, Bobby Wetherbee will celebrate his
50th season of performing in Provincetown 


With the cool air comes the equally cool vibes of many fantastic performers and pastimes to delight locals and visitors alike and to satisfy varied interests and desires.

Provincetown’s favorite “cabaret man,” Bobby Wetherbee is tickling the ivories in the Central House at the Crown every Friday and Saturday night. I saw him this weekend, and he is a little DYNAMO. In his first hour at the piano, he delivered a rapid-fire stream of song, music history and patter, had the entire audience singing “Over the Rainbow” and “Walkin’ After Midnight” at full volume, and brought laughs with his rendition of “I Want to be Evil,” complete with the famous Eartha Kitt purr. According to audience member Tim Richmond, “He sits down at that piano, and doesn’t stop for a break until his set is over after midnight. I don’t know how he does it.” You HAVE to see this wonderful whirlwind in action.

At the Art House, the all-male singing string quartet Well Strung are still holding court on weekends through September 22nd. This is an act you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $30-35. [...]

For the outdoor lover, Dolphin Fleet whale watches will continue to run 3-4 trips a day through October 28th, starting at 9:45 am. At this time of year, it’s a smart idea to carry a warm sweater and/or a rain slicker for sudden showers and to wear shoes with good traction. They guarantee that if you don’t see any whales, you get a free admission for another trip. Tickets are $44 for adults and $29 for kids under 12; see their website for discounted reservations. 

Art’s Dune Tours will also continue tours of the Cape Cod National Seashore through October. Trips include one-hour daily tours, tours of Race Point lighthouse, and two-hour sunset tours, with or without a New England clambake dinner. Reservations and schedules are available on their website.

Read more...

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Spotlight: Eastern Massachusetts

CarsTravelFood Blog

Cape Cod and Cape Ann

CarsFoodTravel Blog

New Yorkers have the Hamptons, Bostonians have “the Cape.” There’s so many places and towns to explore on Cape Cod. If you like walking and hiking to take in nature and the area’s scenery, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has a great page with 100 public walking trails on Cape Cod. The Chamber of Commerce also offers a free app, with the latest events, where to stay and eat, as well as local deals.
CarsFoodTravel Blog
For the LGBT community, Provincetown is the place to be. But it’s also a must-stop destination for whale watchers and other marine life lovers, since Provincetown is also the closest place to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This is a great place to whale watch.
If you’re looking for a little day trip or a weekend getaway, explore “the other Cape,” which is just a 30 mile drive north of Boston. Founded by the pilgrims in 1623, this beautiful stretch of coastline along Massachusetts includes four communities – Gloucester, Essex, Rockport and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Film buffs might recognize the area because the “Perfect Storm” was filmed here. Cape Ann boasts America’s oldest seaport and art colony.
Read more...

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Notes from Land's End: January 31


How Do I Love Thee? With a romantic getaway!



January 31st, 2012 

Valentine's Day - ptown.org


Provincetown is the perfect place for Valentines Day Weekend. It’s not too late to reserve a room and join us at the tip of Cape Cod to celebrate this holiday for lovers. Here’s a sampler of the surprising number of accommodations, restaurants, galleries and shops open for your pleasure.

The Crown and Anchor is offering a complimentary third night with a two night reservation. Chocolates and a bottle of sparkling rose await you in this cozy, well-appointed downtown hotel. Cuddle next to a fireplace overlooking the harbor and who knows what might happen! Their Central House Restaurant has a four course aphrodisiac menu, with a 20 percent discount (alcohol excluded) for hotel guests.


Courtesy of Brad Fowler
Song of Myself Photography
songofmyself.com
Right down the street from the Crown, Coastline Tattoo is ideal for those lovers that want to commemorate the holiday with a permanent valentine. Located at 290A Commercial Street, select one of their stunning designs or create your own. Take advantage of their 10 percent discount for this weekend.


Gallery hoppers will be delighted with “Feel the Love”, an art happening at Four Eleven Studio and Gallery. This gender-bending knitting installation marks the resurgence of “knit-one, pearl-two” among the men of our community and beyond. Hot soup and wonderful artists are an awesome way to start your Saturday night on the town.
Read more here...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Right whales return to Provincetown for rare December frolic

Right Whales were seen breaching in Cape Cod Bay
By Kaimi Rose Lum
Provincetown Banner
Posted December 21, 2011


The right whales have returned in time for the holidays this year, creating such a spectacle in Provincetown Harbor last week that even Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, researcher of right whales for 30 years, was impressed.



Mayo dashed off to the residence of an old friend, Dick Burhoe, on Beach Point last Thursday after Burhoe reported seeing right whales breaching offshore. The scientist arrived in time to witness a scene worthy of “Animal Planet”: a sort of unwieldy whale ballet being performed about a third of a mile out, as a pair of the rare cetaceans leaped repeatedly from the water.

“I’ve never seen two right whales jumping simultaneously,” Mayo said. “It’s extremely dramatic when you see an extremely rare animal doing such extremely rare behavior. … These two animals were breaching regularly, more than I have ever seen. I probably saw as many as 20 or 30 breaches and maybe more.”

Between jumps, he said, the whales engaged in some overtly flirtatious behavior, rolling at the surface and zigzagging. Frisky groups of right whales are referred to as SAGs, for “sexually active groups” or “surface active groups.”

As far as the right whales’ reproductive calendar goes, December is the most fruitful month, a time when fertilization tends to be successful, Mayo said. So it’s possible that one of the baby right whales born next year will have been conceived in Provincetown.


 

Monday, December 5, 2011

Happy as a Ptown Clam

I never thought I'd enjoy scratching for clams, but...well, I was wrong. I am in Cape Cod after all, and, when in Rome...


Nancyann


Scratching for clams
Halfway there




















Clamming is just one of the many winter activities in Provincetown if you're not too busy attending popular social events, catching up on your reading or lighting a bonfire on the beach. 


John and Nancyann
Low tide at Breakwater

Whether you're a visitor or a Provincetown resident you can easily acquire a shellfish license at Town Clerk's Office, which is good for the entire season (November through March that is). 


Low tide at Breakwater


A good friend of mine gave me some Clamming 101 lessons and I was ready to go. She was also kind enough to lend me the gear: a bucket, a rake with long prongs, rubber boots and advice on where "hotspots" might be. 


Sunshine over the Moors


This year clamming takes place near the Breakwater, right at the very West end of Commercial Street, and it is only allowed on Fridays and Sundays (for obvious reasons given the popularity of this activity) when tides are low. 


Beautiful day for clamming


"Why should I acquire a license and go clamming?" you may ask. Here are just a few good reasons: it is fun, you're spending time outdoors exercising (trust me, clamming is a good workout), you get to eat fresh clams for dinner, you get to see some of your friends who you haven't seen in months, and last but not least, the scenery is gorgeous. And I have pictures to prove it...


John and Nancyann


Two hours and a bucketful later I had met my daily quota and I was happy as a Ptown clam.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Provincetown: Cape Cod’s Best Day Out

recommended by Cathy Winston
Provincetown: Cape Cod’s best day out


  ZaNiaC/Flickr



It’s rare that a destination can bill itself as gay-friendly, uniquely historic, a protected nature reserve, and perfect for art connoisseurs, lobster lovers and anyone who fancies a browse by the seaside. But that’s just what makes Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod the perfect day trip for anyone staying in Boston or on the peninsula.


The site of the Pilgrims’ first landing in America – they didn’t head to Plymouth and its rock for several weeks, as the locals are keen to remind you – it’s a small resort, all focused around Commercial street and the seafront, and closes down almost completely during the winter months.


But when the sun’s shining, it’s the perfect New England day out. Start by exploring the protected sand dunes along the ocean with Art’s Dune Tours, all wild cranberries, waving grasses and endless dunes. The fragile habitat means you can’t simply head off on your own, but taking a ride with Rob Costa who runs the tours, or any of the company’s guides, means you’ll get a brief taste of the area’s history as well as discovering the natural beauties.


Then climb the 252ft Pilgrim monument, attached to a small museum tracing the history of the area from the original settlers to the first European inhabitants and more recent times. The ferocious-looking Narwhal tusk is one of the stand-out exhibits, although it might not appeal to anyone who’s not a fan of taxidermy.


The granite monument itself isn’t too exhausting as the 116 steps are broken up by 60 gently sloping ramps, as well as carved names on the walls if you do need an excuse to catch your breath. Then enjoy the views out across the white clapboard houses to the boats in harbour and the fields inland, before heading back down.


But once you’ve ticked off a bit of history, devote the rest of your time to strolling along Commercial Street, which is crammed with souvenir shops, art galleries and a substantial number of boutiques selling pet paraphernalia. Stop to check out the vintage-style jewellery at Sparks – but don’t try to stroke the cat – and watching the colourful inhabitants who live, work and visit.


Then refuel with saltwater taffy, and a demonstration of how the sweet’s made, or homemade ice cream for around $4 at Lewis Brothers, before gorging on some of the freshest seafood in Massachusetts at the Lobster Pot.


Fast ferries run from Boston between May and October, with Bay State Cruises and Boston Harbour Cruises both taking around 90 minutes to reach Provincetown, or the Plymouth and Brockton bus line takes just over three hours from the city, via Hyannis.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Bonfire at Herring Cove Beach



Fall is my favorite season in Provincetown


Many people catch up on their reading and others (re)start project they have been putting off since Spring. But if you're an outdoorsy person, a bonfire on the beach is always fun. 


It's just like in the fairy tales: a few people gathered around the warming fire, little sparks making their great escape into the misty fresh air coming from the ocean, great company and stories from "back in the day" served with fresh marshmallows.


You do need a permit from the Cape Cod National Seashore to light a bonfire on the beach and having a fire pit is ideal. 


Also, remember to bring a few chairs, blankets (just in case) and water to put out the fire with. A camera is a must. You'll snap some great shots of the sunset. 


Have fun!