When most people talk about going away for Spring Break, Massachusetts is not usually on the top ten list of places to have fun in the sun. I couldn’t agree more, but if rest and relaxation is what you are looking for, then Provincetown, MA is just what the doctor ordered.

Thanks to the popularity sparked from MTV, Girls Gone Wild, and other notable television accessible programs, Spring Break has become synonymous with times of debauchery, irresponsibility, and everything a parent would hope their child would never be involved with. Of course by soaking in these hamlets we call ‘paradise,’ like Miami’s South Beach, Cancun, Key West, The Bahamas, and Acapulco, which are swarming with half-naked, underaged, drunk, and overly horny college students, all with impeccable bodies aside from the few which get blacklisted as the ‘cool fool,’ it’s no wonder that the popularity of these unique destinations has drawn such a distinct crowd, willing to pay through their noses to have a piece of the action.

Call me Geraldo, but I am sure I can think of a much better way to spend my money than on over-priced hotels and alcohol (although it does sound tempting). That’s why if you or anyone is looking for a great time to escape from the hustle and bustle of the hectic pre-vacation midterms and paper deadlines, I suggest a trip Northeast to the far reaches of Cape Cod’s very own Provincetown, also-known-as P-Town.

Known throughout the year for its ‘alternative’ lifestyle and its posh summer nightlife, Provincetown offers much more than a nice stroll around a coastal town. Instead, this maritime city offers a glimpse of our American history, wonderful shops, delectable restaurants, exquisite bars and nightlife, quaint hotels and B&B’s, and don’t forget the charming energy which encompasses the entire package.

From 1621 until about 1700, the records of this area we now call Provincetown came from those at Plymouth Colony. When the Mayflower Pilgrims arrived here, they saw the value of the fisheries and set about purchasing the rights to the area from the Native Americans. Today, a prominent monument stands tall and proud in the center of this vibrant city, reminding all those who visit P-Town about the stories which make up the backbone of what we celebrate as Thanksgiving and all those who struggled to get a taste of freedom.

Aside from gaining an overload of historical facts when visiting P-Town, it offers many other amenities. From intimate, tucked away guesthouses to luxury inns, these are no ordinary bed and breakfasts. Each property is unique in character, yet all offer the traditional charms of historic B & B’s in concert with the luxurious amenities of contemporary boutique hotels.

Independently owned, the welcome of each is personal and genuine. All share a common goal: presenting unrivaled hospitality with an emphasis on service. The size and style of each property varies. All enjoy a loyal, returning clientele who appreciate authentic, intimate accommodations and quality service.

These inns have been acclaimed in numerous major publications including The New York Times, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, Zagat, Out & About, Cape Cod Life and Yankee Magazine. We think you’ll discover The Distinctive Inns of Provincetown are the perfect places to stay.

With fashion and a farmers’ market, art galleries and antiques, the shopping scene is definitely one of P-Town’s greatest assets. Whether you’re into couture, collectables or just super-fresh corn and cod, Provincetown has something for you-just make sure you can fit it all in the car (or the boat) for your trip home.

Provincetown is known for its arts scene as well, with a legacy of great painters and creators going back more than a century. Just take a stroll down the streets of the town’s East End-packed with galleries showcasing both P-Town’s favorites and its up-and-comers-and you’ll understand why art collectors as well as beach bums flock to the little town at the tip of the Cape.

P-Town’s main through street is Commercial Street. With quaint antique shops, kitschy gift shops, book stores, boutiques and more galleries, Commercial Street offers just about everything you’d expect from both an old New England town and a seaside hotspot.

Now, what kind of vacation would be complete without taking pleasure in the food that makes this region (or any region that is) so remarkable. Provincetown‘s restaurants are heralded throughout the country. Much of the seafood is caught fresh daily by the town’s own fishing fleets. You haven’t tasted clam chowder until you’ve sampled the recipes of our chefs! Enjoy lunch or dinner at an outdoor caf’eacute; or dine at a secluded table by the fireplace in one of the town’s more elegant restaurants. You’ll find everything here, from good, fast take-out to sumptuous, five-course meals-from vegetarian to smoked game, and lobster to sirloin. From romantic courtyards hung with morning glories and wisteria to formal dining with bayside views. You’ll soon understand why Provincetown is meant to be savored.

All in all, if you want a nice, relaxing, and laid back Spring Break, then I highly suggest that you take full advantage of what Provincetown has to offer. Whether you decide to visit with family and friends, or just have an intimate one-on-one weekend with your significant other, Provincetown will cater to all of your needs. Yes it is a highly seasonal vacation spot, but without the hustle and bustle from the crowds, one can actually sit back and appreciate all the beauty, history, and comforts P-Town has in store for you.

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