Just because it's the dead of winter doesn't mean it's not the perfect time for a trip to the beach!
As I was writing last week about how Kristie and I started 2016 with a weekend trip to Provincetown, I realized that, in all the years we've been together, the vast majority of our visits to P-town have taken place in the off-season. It's just our jam, and here's why:
It's cheaper
Yup, this matters, always. Traveling in the off-season can save lots of money, and Provincetown's no different. The hotels are more affordable, lots of the restaurants feature specials, and every store we went into had a great sale going on.
Two words: Hotel fireplaces
Ohhhh my goodness, our hotel room fireplace was crackling away whenever we were there. It felt so cozy and intimate and special. When considerations like that are taken for off-season travelers, it really makes the whole trip feel extra comfortable.
It's nice and quiet...
Fewer people by far head to this beach town in the winter months, especially compared to summer events like Family Week or Bear Week. It's kinda nice to experience P-town without big crowds or long waits. It actually reminded me of the town's roots as an artist community. In its early days, Provincetown was a refuge for painters and writers. Without the somewhat touristy vibe of the summer, it was easy to see why all those creatives were drawn to the town.
...but it doesn't hibernate.
There was plenty going on to tempt us away from our fireplace -- fireworks, craft markets, drag shows -- and we figured out pretty quickly that dinner reservations were definitely still important to make! Even though of course there are a few restaurants and stores that shutter for the season, it was by no means a sleepy seaside town, thanks in part to the First Light events series celebrating 2016. (It's called "First Light" because Provincetown is one of the easternmost places in the U.S., and so one of the first places to see the sunrise every morning. I love that!)
It's gorgeous
Gorrrrrrrgeous. Oh my god. I think New England in winter is always pretty. But the beach especially! The color of the sky, and the sea, and just ugh. I loved it.
*It might sound like it, but this is not a sponsored post at all! Just one of our favorite travel spots, and why we like to visit in the winter :)
