Provincetown

Situated on the extreme tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is an eclectic and vibrant village best known for its fishing, arts, and diverse lifestyles. The curious, playful, and artistic are all drawn to the history and personality of this narrow, windswept strip of land.

Party down Commercial Street during one of Provincetown's gala events. The Provincetown Portuguese Festival kicks off the summer in June with a celebration of seafaring tradition and ethnic foods that culminates in the Blessing of the Fleet. Stargaze during the Provincetown International Film Festival, also in June, which recognizes innovation and excellence in independent films, or swing to some of the hottest jazz on the East Coast at August's 5th Annual Provincetown Jazz Festival (August 14 -16).

Provincetown is the country's oldest art colony. Since Charles Hawthorne established the town's first art school in the 19th century, notable artists, writers, and actors have flocked here to perfect their crafts. Norman Mailer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and playwright, lived on Commercial Street. Before his death in 2007, Mailer decided to turn his home into the Norman Mailer Writers Colony at Provincetown, a destination for visiting writers and scholars.

Provincetown Chamber of Commerce 508-487-3424 www.ptownchamber.com