USA Today editors and readers have chosen Provincetown as one of their Readers Choice 10 Best Small Towns in the Northeast, ranking the Cape tip haven number seven.
Says USA Today, “These 10 towns, each with a population of fewer than 25,000, have been nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best for their gorgeous scenery, historic charm, local cuisine, and cultural attractions.”
Here’s why, reports the Cape Cod Times (though for only some of the reasons we love the place):
Located on the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown has long been a summer destination known “for its scenic beaches, whale watching, and LGBTQ-friendly attitude,” according to USA TODAY.
Summer tourists can enjoy beaches, dunes and biking or walking trails along the Cape Cod National Seashore, which stretches across 90% of the town.
Outside of its scenic summer beauty, Provincetown attracts art lovers and artists with its many galleries and theaters, still operating as the oldest continuous arts colony in the country. As the site of the Mayflower’s first landing before Plymouth, Provincetown is also a town rich in history, which oozes out of its many museums, monuments and historic architecture, especially in the town’s Historic District.
Downtown, Provincetown is full of charming independent boutiques perfect for small-town shopping, and at night, the area comes to life with bars, clubs and restaurants.
Also making the top 10 from New England are, from Vermont, Woodstock (at number two) and Stowe (at number ten); and from Maine, Castine (at number 6) and Boothbay Harbor (at number 8).