2012 Bear Week in Provincetown officially starts today. If you are heading to Ptown for the week, enjoy your time and have plenty of fun.
The Marc Jacobs shop is ready for the expected crowds. Before the 4th of July theme week had ended they had already added these two guys out in front of their shop on Commercial Street. I predict more than a few will pause to have their photograph taken with these guys.
I call these two buddies “da bears”.
Immediately following 4th of July Week is Bear Week in Provincetown. The two weeks could not be more different as twinks, circuit boys and others will file out on Saturday, July 7th and burly, hairy men arrive.
I stumbled upon this excellent YouTube video from Provincetown’s Bear Week 2011. It is worth watching. TorontoKub did a great job pulling this together, and if you identify as a bear, cub, otter (whatever) I think the video will make you smile and perhaps even consider booking a trip to Ptown for Bear Week 2013.
I recently had the opportunity to meet the exceptionally talented Provincetown artist, Lee Castoro. He conceived and created the powerful fine art photography exhibit RAW Fine Art, which premiered in August 2010 and toured the United States. The subject matter addressed in the collection is powerful and Lee’s vision, brought to life through his photography is moving and relatable.
If you visit Ptown, you can see some of Lee’s work on display at the prestigious Julie Heller Gallery in Provincetown at 2 Gosnold Street. Definitely a gallery worth seeking out on the Friday night gallery stroll or as an alternative to the beach if you need a break from the sun.
If a visit in Provincetown isn’t likely this year you may see more by visiting the RAW Fine Art website, or you can visit and “like” the Facebook page.
The circuit is in full swing in Provincetown as men from all over descend upon this tiny town. The crowds seem more manageable this year but the town still seems to be filled to capacity. I’ve spent much of my time relaxing and going to shows including Ryan Landry’s Show Girls and Mary Poppers. Later this week I’ll check out Ms. Coco Peru at The Crown and Anchor.
I’m really struggling with writing posts and adding images to my blog using my iPad so I promise to add more once I get home and to have those posts drop next week. I’ve included a photo of what the daily Tea Dances at the Boatslip look like, proving that the crowds continue to flock to Ptown no matter what people say about the economy. Below is a photo from Monday’s Tea Dance.
Ms. Coco Peru made a special appearance at Ryan Landry’s “Show Girls” performance on Monday night. The show – the first since being kicked out of The Crown – was filled to capacity at The Pied and the audience included Broadway legend, Patti LuPone. In addition to Ms. Coco Peru and many other talented guests last night, Varla Jean Merman provided colorful commentary through the evening as co-emcee with Ryan.
I’ll be blogging much more about Ryan’s show after I get home, but thought I’d share this photo from after the show. Yes, that is a squeaky toy in Sergio’s pants. They were given out at the show… “Show Girls” is a classy act as one can imagine.
Tomorrow is one of the biggest holidays of the year for Americans. I’m spending the holiday on the beach in Provincetown. Curious what the 4th is like in Provincetown? Here is a video from all the fun last year.
The Boatslip is one of those places that has survived the test of time and become an institution – at least here in Ptown. Many who come to Provincetown will venture to at least one of the Boatslips daily Tea Dances which run from 4:00 – 7:00pm.
If you get tired of the sun and want to get off the deck, the dance floor is always a popular option; careful it gets sweaty in there.
For those who want to keep going there is actually a “late” Tea which occurs down the street at The Pied. Not quite as popular as the Boatslip it still can get a crowd as you can see.
Talk to you later… It’s 3:45 and I need to get ready for Tea.
Yesterday, after temperatures soared into the low 90s for a third day in a row, a bit of rain started to fall during afternoon Tea. The rain proved to be the perfect respite to all the sun and heat. As soon as the rain started, it seemed to end and this rainbow appeared over Provincetown harbor. I had a lot of fun relaxing by the water and seeing friends. Today has proven to be equally beautiful and relaxing.
I arrived in Ptown today. I had hoped to take the fast ferry, which is a 90-minute journey from Boston to Provincetown, but the ferry companies were completely sold out this weekend so we drove down. The drive was okay but I’m glad to be out of the car. I plan to spend the next four nights at the tip of the Cape in Ptown.
If you celebrate the 4th of July I’d like to wish you a pleasant holiday and hope you too can get away and relax a bit.
Readers of this blog know that while I’m married to Boston, Provincetown is my mistress who I run off to every chance I get.
After visiting Provincetown for so many years, I’ve developed some friendships with several of the bartenders and I thought I’d feature a few of the men who pour me a stiff drink in a tribute post.
Joel Zea is one of my favorite bartenders and someone I consider a friend. Joel is part of the Crown & Anchor staff and divides his time between the Wave Bar and The Paramount Night Club. This crazy Puerto Rican is as sweet as sugar so be sure to say thank you when he hands over your drinks; manners matter.
John Bosco and I attended the same small Catholic college. Ironic that I felt so alone while I was there and all along this handsome upper classman was on campus. John works at the juggernaut also knows as The Boatslip which holds massive Tea Dances everyday. Those fruity drinks John is making are a signature drink called Planters Punch.
Flavio Nogueira works at the iconic Atlantic House which is actually just referred to as the A-House in Ptown. You will usually find Flavio on weekends making drinks as fast as people can order them out on the back patio. This affable bartender will perk up noticeably if you say “Obrigado”, Portuguese for “Thank You” when he hands you your drinks.
Chase Wyatt is one of the many friendly faces you may know if you’ve been coming to Provincetown for awhile. Chase is flirtatious and fun to hang out with if you have the opportunity. This season Chase is at the Velvet Lounge – a newish bar in Provincetown. This Californian transplant who calls Ptown home pours a mean drink.
There are many other bars and bartenders and if you have a favorite I’ve overlooked, I’d welcome you to leave a comment. Should you go to any of these bartenders, let them know BosGuy says hello and leave them an extra buck or two to show your appreciation.
With summer in full swing, many of Provincetown’s biggest acts are nearly sold out. If you are planning a trip to Ptown later this summer, check out their local theater and get tickets to one of the many shows that play every night.
This summer guests like Patti Lupone, Pam Ann, Margaret Cho, Miss Coco Peru, Charles Busch, and Meghan Mullally will all be performing in Provincetown for a limited number of shows. You can also check out one of the many “regular” shows including Varla Jean Merman’s show Topping Myself, Jamie Morris and Brooks Braselman’s show Mommie Queerest, Ms Richfield 1981 show this summer, 2012 We’ll all be dead by Christmas, and Ryan Landry’s Mary Poppers just to name a few.
Most (but not all) performances happen at the Provincetown Art House or the Crown and Anchor. Do yourself a favor and purchase tickets in advance for one night when you are staying in Ptown. I promise you’ll enjoy yourself and be happy you went to one of the many shows.
Every year there are a few changes in Provincetown. While the locals (and those who consider themselves locals but really live in Boston) are blabbering about Enzo’s expanded deck, a new club called Velvet Lounge which opened on May 21st caught my attention.
The tiny subterranean lounge where red is the color of choice oozes cool. Starting tomorrow, June 7th, every Thursday thru Sunday, Velvet will host Abracadabra, which is described as a “haunted cabaret”. The show will start promptly at 10:30 and tickets cost $29. I hope that the cabaret show is great and this new lounge is successful. If you go, let me know what you think.
Note: Velvet is a cash only bar (at least it was on my visit) located at 258 Commercial Street below Saki. Try the house drink Spring Fling and tell Chase their friendly bartender that BosGuy says “Hello”.
Restaurants come and go but Cafe Heaven, conveniently situated on Commercial Street in Provincetown, has always been a popular place to grab breakfast or lunch. Turn over is quick so if there is a wait (and there almost always is), put your name in and wait patiently outside.
This casual restaurant serves a delicious breakfast which includes most of the staples, eggs benedict, omelette, granola, etc. Cafe Heaven only serves fresh maple syrup so when I visit I tend to bypass the eggs and have a sweet breakfast. Below is a stack of blueberry pancakes and a stack of croissant french toast. I’d highly recommend trying one of these if you get the chance. If you feel the need to eat healthy have it with a side of their fresh squeezed juice.
You won’t find a website for Cafe Heaven, but stop by at 199 Commercial Street and check out this restaurant on your next visit.
Posted in Provincetown, Restaurant Review
Tagged BosGuy, Boston Guy, Provincetown, Restaurant Review
This weekend I’m visiting Provincetown for the first time this summer. I promise to take pictures and blog more about the vacation at some point but til then I thought I’d share images of this quaint sea side town that I consider my second home. Should travel plans bring you to Ptown this summer do let me know.
Many have a strong opinion regarding which end of town is more desirable, but I think both have their charm. The photo above is of a home in Provincetown’s East End.
The men prefer the dune beaches of Provincetown, but if you are not inclined to hike or kayak out to the beach you can enjoy a cold drink with a view of Provincetown’s harbor at the Boatslip. Of course it goes without saying that people watching here is second to none.
Bars close at 1AM in Provincetown. By 1:30AM Spiritus Pizza on Commercial Street becomes the busiest part of town as thousands of (mostly) gay men come for a slice of pizza, a chance to gossip and laugh with friends and perhaps if lucky to find someone special.
Later this week I’ll be heading to Provincetown for the first time this summer. People who have read my blog for awhile know I have a torrid love affair with this tiny town at the tip of the Cape (Cape Cod). Each summer I spend as much time as I can escaping to this community.
Never been to Provincetown? I found this video from here tv which was featuring gay and lesbian travel destinations a few years ago. The video does a decent job showing all that Provincetown has to offer.
BosGuy 