Provincetown: An Eco-Tourism Destination

Provincetown is surrounded by an abundance of natural resources that are available to the Town and its visitors. More than half of Provincetown is comprised of the National Seashore, federally protected animal and bird life, and miles of trails for walking and biking. Furthermore, Provincetown offers: 

• authentic and unique experience (quintessential New England Experience and GLBT experience) 
• history (we have the Pilgrim story and the Dozen Distinctive Destinations award)
• nature (nature walks, dunes, beaches, whales, etc)
• outdoor activities (boating, biking and the incredible, new bike trails, walking, beaching, etc)
• conservation programs (water and energy conservations, recycling program, compost pile)
• seasons
• public transportation (a car is not needed in Provincetown)
• lighthouses and harbor.

The following is a listing of Provincetown's environmental riches: 

• The Cape Cod National Seashore (celebrating their 51st anniversary in 2012)
• Nature Walks & Bird Watching
• Whale Watching

Notes from Land's End: March 6

Bow-Wow Provincetown

By Laura Shabott
March 6th, 2012 

When the Mayflower set anchor in Provincetown’s harbor on that fateful day in 1610, a Mastiff and a Springer Spaniel, both English, were on board, bringing to shore a canine’s sensibility that is still gloriously celebrated today. As the #1 friendliest Dog Town in America, there are an abundance of amenities: Pilgrim Bark Park with two separate areas for big and small hounds, pet portraiture, welcoming accommodations and even an annual Pet Appreciation Weekend. 

I am, admittedly, a cat person but if I were to convert to a doggie-type, this spit of land would be the place to bring my pooch. It would be delightful to come by ferry on a Bay State Cruise from Boston, arriving at MacMillan Wharf refreshed from a brisk ninety-minute jaunt across the high seas. We would walk to Gabriel's, a well-appointed Bed and Breakfast in the center of town, known for pet pampering and settle in.

Summer Fun, Courtesy of Elaine Mowery

Friends might come to join us by staking a tent at the Dunes' Edge Campground right across Route 6. Adjoining the National Seashore, we would go to the beaches for Frisbee romps and eco-woodland walks to sniff the flora and fauna. Other urban pals and their furry companions could go to the newly-renovated Harbor Hotel that allows pets, making this another affordable place to stay. Located across from Provincetown harbor, daily walks might include a healthy stroll into town.

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Dunes 101

The weather's been really good to us this winter here at Land's End. We've had more sunny days than ever before and little rain and snow. If you love the outdoors like I do, a walk at the sand dunes can be a real delight, both in season and off-season. 

Wanderer over a Sea of Sand

My friend and I parked the car at Snail Road and started climbing that first big dune, which can be discouraging to some. Once at the top we knew the effort was worthwhile.  

Where the Sands meet the Skies

The magical scenery, which consisted of natural vegetation, turquoise skies, golden sands and solitary dune shacks was breathtaking and gave us a feeling of awe, perfection and accomplishment. 

Vegetation at the Dunes

It's only a one-hour walk to where the sands meet the ocean and back, but the experience is priceless. The hike is great exercise and you're surrounded by fresh air and Mother Nature at its best. 

Converging footsteps

I strongly recommend it when it's nice and sunny. 
Good hike!   

Provincetown: Cape Cod’s Best Day Out

recommended by Cathy Winston

via TheTravelEditor.com

  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.