Provincetown is a historic gay American seaside destination on the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Gay-friendly beaches, countless art galleries and shops, drag queens lining the streets, lobster rolls, and large cocktails make the perfect combination for our community seeking a bit of sun, sophistication, and pleasure. Yet, when many queer women think of Provincetown-or, as it is affectionately known, “Ptown”-they imagine it’s just another town for the boys. Despite its long history of welcoming artistic and queer women, Provincetown younger generations of queer women don’t automatically consider it when planning a stateside holiday.
Well, ladies, think again.
via Getty
Because Provincetown is going through a lesbian renaissance and is actively courting younger queer women. This year’s Women’s Week-October 10 through 16-is a testament to its efforts for #DeepLez rejuvenation. The week is jam-packed with events for queer women of all ages, genders, sexuality and ethnicities: from the Women’s Week IDOL competition to Car Pool Karaoke, Crawlenger (a Provincetown pub crawl/scavenger hunt) to sunset dune tours with beach bonfires. There’s even a Provincetown Ghost tour scheduled for all you super-queer Ghost hunters out there! And, of course, there are a few dance parties on the schedule for you to mix, mingle, scissor, and plan your set lesbian-farmer crop season.
While Lily Tomlin‘s shows are already sold out, there is plenty of entertainment lined up for the week: from web series darlings Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher to some of our community’s favorite performers like Julie Goldman, Karen Williams, Kate Clinton, Poppy Champlin, Cris Williamson, Suede, and so many more! Also, the closing night concert will feature Mary Lambert and Our Lady J, with proceeds benefiting Cyndi Lauper‘s True Colors Fund.
Super chic and sweet lesbian couple Alli Baldwin and Ilene Mitnick of Roux are coordinating a world-record breaking effort to get as many of us queer ladies married in one afternoon. Looking to make herstory, at 11am on October 15 hundreds of queer women will gather at Roux to say “I Do.” Legendary lez Kate Clinton will perform the nuptials, and the ceremony will be followed by a parade and a reception. (More on that below.)
The pilgrims may have landed here in 1620, but the lesbians are taking over in 2016!
WHERE TO STAY
Women of Provincetown Innkeepers lists a number of B&Bs and inns throughout Provincetown that fit your accommodation needs. For lesbians and queer women in particular, three locations stand out:
If you’re looking to make your Provincetown trip extraordinarily romantic, book one of six gorgeous guest rooms at Roux Bed & Breakfast on the east end of town. Playful, largely French-inspired decor inspires the suites, each themed differently, from the vibrant pinks that adorn the honeymoon suite, “Not Your Mama’s Rouge,” to the greens that color the African coastline inspired “Blame it on Mozambique.”
Rouxvia Roux
Roux boasts an extraordinary book and video library; free WiFi; daily happy hour; and gourmet breakfasts that will wake up your taste buds and give you all the energy you need for a day out in the town. Lesbian couple Alli and Ilene restored the 1870’s Victorian home just over two years ago, and their dedication to the queer women’s community in Provincetown is significant and palatable. They have organized this year’s Bride Pride, the World’s Largest All-Girl Wedding and Renewal Ceremony, and are at the forefront of a number of initiatives to help make Provincetown a hot and happening destination for women.
Ilene and Alli of Rouxvia Roux
The Seaglass Inn & Spa on the west end of town is a renovated hotel 55-room resort with some rooms offering views of both the pool and the Provincetown Harbor. A five-minute bike ride away from the famous gay-friendly beaches of Herring Cove and Race Point, the family-friendly inn touts an enticing seasonal outdoor pool when the Atlantic waters are too cold for swimming; free continental breakfast; free WiFi service; a free shuttle to any place in town; and free self-parking. The spa, too, offers a range of services beyond the Swedish massage. You’re in good hands with the highly-trained and friendly therapists, who will even be so generous as to order lunch for you to have poolside after your morning treatment!
For budget travelers wanting to fully enjoy the coastal nature, Provincetown has two campgrounds-Dunes’ Edge on the east end and Coastal Acres closer to the west end-that offer a variety of features and that are pet-friendly. Both, too, are a walkable distance from downtown shops and festivities. Reservations for both campgrounds are highly recommended.
HOW TO GET THERE & AROUND
To note, transportation might be a little tricky for travelers looking to attend Women’s Week, since the ferry service ends October 10. There is a local airport (with direct service to and from Boston, MA, and Westchester County, NY), as well as bus service directly from Boston, New York, Providence, and Hyannis. Otherwise, you can drive yourself to Provincetown, but-word of advice-leave early in the morning to avoid peak traffic!
If you drive, I recommend keeping your car parked and walking around-the town is small enough to do so-or renting a bike for a quicker commute, especially to get to the beaches.
