A Lively Day in Provincetown, MA

Downtown Provincetown | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Breakfast on Cape Cod

We started our day in Yarmouth on Cape Cod and planned to spend the day in Provincetown; the first thing we did was fuel up on the way. That is where The Red Cottage Restaurant of Dennis, Ma comes in. A local and tourist favorite, the cottage only takes cash and draws the crowds for a good reason: delicious food.

I continued my quest for the world’s most fabulous French toast and sampled their French Toaster Foster, and if you are after a hint of banana liqueur with your breakfast, this is the route for you. Heather tried out the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich with a side of potatoes and smiled on her face throughout the meal. We wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather, so we took our food to go and ate it down the street in the Johnny A. Kelley Recreation Area; they have picnic tables and all kinds of outdoor facilities.

French Toaster Foster | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Provincetown: One Lively Town

With our appetites adequately squelched, we continued onto Provincetown. The first thing I noticed as we entered the town from the west was that everything was bicycle-friendly; it seemed to be the preferred mode of transport for folks staying in the area. Our first task was finding a parking spot, as we intended to hike to the Wood End Lighthouse. Instantaneously, we discovered why bicycles were the weapon of choice: parking was difficult.

You must hike out to Wood End as no roads are available, and the trail takes you over a breakwater-style damn that is essentially small boulders stacked in a line. It is a 3-mile round trip, and no facilities are available by the lighthouse, so prepare and take water. To read more about our lighthouse hunting on Cape Cod, head here.

Bicycles are the preferred method of transport | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Sketching the landscape from the Breakwater Damn | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

What’s left of Mr. Crab | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Heather is hiking out to Wood End Lighthouse, Cape Cod | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

After the hike, we were ready to explore downtown P-town, as the locals call it. The main street was full of colorful shops, and we didn’t see anything resembling any chain. Heather pointed out that it was the most gay-friendly place she had ever seen, and flags displaying such were in every direction. Friendly faces greeted us in every store, even during tourist season, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The Little Red store, Provincetown, MA | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

An open and supportive community | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Seamen’s Bank, Provincetown, MA | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Lunch Time in P-Town

After nosing around for a while trying to pick a lunch spot, we settled on The Canteen. Outstanding decision. Heather had been looking for a place to try some lobster, and their lobster roll satisfied that craving. She described the sandwich in one word, “heavenly.”I strayed from my usual boring rotation and tried the BBQ pulled pork, which was simply delicious.

We took our food to the patio behind the restaurant toward the water. Shade trees, a large community table, wall seats, and a vegetable garden create the perfect getaway from the bustle of Commercial Street. We both left The Canteen completely revitalized and supremely happy that we decided to join them for lunch.

The Canteen, Provincetown, MA | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

A superb Lobster Roll, The Canteen | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

BBQ Pulled Pork, The Canteen | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Vegetable garden, The Canteen | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

Suitcase stereo, The Canteen (Left) Monster crab claw planter, The Canteen (Right) | Photo Credit: Matthew Holmes

The Verdict

We spent another 45 minutes peeking in more shops as we returned to the car. P-town is small, but it’s bursting at the seams with spunk; there isn’t anyone I wouldn’t recommend visiting this town. I can’t count how many stores have fliers for area activities. Art and theater are in every direction. Delicious smells wafted through the breeze, and people will undoubtedly enjoy hiking, biking, and sailing outdoors.

Travel Basics

What is Cape Cod? A Cape is a point or extension of land jutting into the water, usually a sea. Cape Cod started as a peninsula and is technically an island thanks to the Cape Cod Canal, but it will always be a cape. So it is best to let that one be, particularly with the locals.

The Red Cottage Restaurant: 36 Old Bass River Rd, South Dennis, MA 02660. Phone: (508) 394–2923 Website↗

The Canteen: 225 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657. Phone: (508) 487–3800 Website↗ *This is a Seasonal Restaurant*

More About Ptown: Provincetown Chamber of Commerce↗ & Provincetown Tourist Info↗

Travelationship Rating

5 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives. A fantastic place for lovers of seafood, lighthouses, shopping, and all-around happy people.

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Copyright 2024, Matthew Holmes — All rights reserved.

Originally published at https://travelationship.com