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 inProvincetown, Massachusetts.

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

Pet-Friendly Provincetown Sets Special Appreciation Weekend: Sep 28-30

Once a year—and most every day—visitors and townies alike head out to the main street of Ptown with their dogs in tow to strut their stuff. It should come as no surprise in this place, one of the most pet friendly communities in America. Here you can eat with your pet, sleep with your pet and, well, dress up your pet to match the free-wheeling boa-accented costuming of local performers. 

Provincetown, "America's First Destination," is the nation's oldest continuous art colony and the open society here seems just fine that the welcome mat also include America's pet society. Every fall, thousands are drawn to the very tip of Cape Codwhere Ptown hosts Pet Appreciation Weekend. Sponsored by the Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter, Pet Appreciation Weekend is a busy three-day affair, with many benefits, dances and other fun events. The weekend is meant to provide fun ways to show appreciation for our animal friends, while also contributing to a good cause that helps animals without homes.

This year the annual Canine Games, complete with an agility playground, takes place on Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a “Fabulous Feline Photo Contest” at the same time and, later in the day, a Pet Tea Dance at the Boatslip Resort, where most afternoons host the dance for humans. For more information, check out provincetown.com.

Tennessee Williams Theater Festival - 7th Annual: Sep 20-23

Tennessee Williams, twptown.org, Sep 20-23

The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival was founded in 2006 by Dr. Jerry Scally, Alix Ritchie, Patrick Falco, and David Kaplan. The TW Festival mission is:

• To host performances that examine and celebrate Tennessee Williams' work, life and evolving historical importance including the playwright's own connection to Provincetown.
• Honor Williams as a playwright of enduring and international relevance and significance. * Encourage the searching spirit of Williams' writing to inspire new creative work.
• Draw on Provincetown's perspective as the longest-running American artist colony where serious modern American drama was born.

You can click on the links to purchase tickets or passes and view the schedule of events. 

Tennessee Williams, twptown.org, Sep 20-23

Clap your hands and shake a leg at the plays they're presenting in September 2012 at the 7th Annual Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival.

This year's theme takes dramatic notice of the pleasures of music in Tennessee Williams' plays, where he put everything from Christmas carols, pop tunes, Country and Western ballads, Mississippi blues, Mexican love songs and more. His poetry has a music all its own.

Plays will be performed in venues all over Provincetown, where you can bend an ear to a timeworn classic, or tap your toes to something brand new... all inspired by Tennessee Williams.

For more info...

Provincetown Historic Walking Tour

The birthplace of American democracy. America’s oldest art colony. And where modern American playwriting began. Come with us on this interactive walking tour of historic Provincetown! The walking tour is also available for the iPhone. Please click here to download free app. 

Provincetown Historic Walking Tour

From the signing of the Mayflower Compact by the Pilgrims in 1620 to the staging of Eugene O’Neill’s first play in 1916, Provincetown’s harbor, homes and other landmarks are rich in a layered history and have inspired artists and tourists alike. 

Walking Tour for iPhone Screenshots

In this walking tour we have selected some of the most significant buildings and sites associated with four centuries of Provincetown history. As you walk the length of Commercial Street, you will see how each of these 50 buildings or sites tells part of our extraordinary story. 


If you are inspired to learn more, please visit our website provincetownhistoryproject.com and look for the book Building Provincetown, by David W. Dunlap, which expands the story for over 600 of our historic buildings. 


We are proud to share this rich history with you. 


Enjoy the tour!
Provincetown Historical Commission


This Historic Provincetown Walking Tour app is provided by the Provincetown Historical Commission and was funded by the Provincetown Tourism Fund.

Acknowledgments
Provincetown Historical Commission:
Eric Dray, Chair, Stephen Borkowski, Polly Burnell, Steve Milkewicz, Char Priolo, and Susan Avellar

Text: David Dunlap
Photographs: Ewa Nogiec and Eric Dray

© 2010 All rights reserved

Development

This app was developed by TourSphere LLC.