HERE:
SUMMER SEASON ARRIVES EARLY IN P-TOWN
Memorial Day is often celebrated as an unofficial start to summer, but on the Cape’s tip in Provincetown, the season begins on May 16, when fast ferry service resumes from Boston. Operated by two companies, Bay State Cruises, with a dock in the Seaport District (baystatecruisecompany.com), and Boston Harbor City Cruises on Long Wharf (www.cityexperiences.com/boston/city-cruises/provincetown-ferry), the high-speed catamarans will, in about 90 minutes, whisk you to all the fun this colorful town has to offer.
Provincetown’s 2024 calendar includes more than two dozen events. May and June festivities include Single Women’s Weekend followed by — to name some but not all — MEMDAY Weekend Women’s Festival, Provincetown PRIDE, CabaretFest, Provincetown International Film Festival, Juneteenth Ptown, and the Provincetown Portuguese Festival. High summer is packed with the Independence Day parade and fireworks, Bear Week, Family Week, Provincetown Jazz Festival, Carnival, and the 37th Swim for Life and Annual Flotilla. Fall boasts a Book Festival, Tennessee Williams Theater Festival, Women’s Week, Trans Week (the Golden Jubilee celebration), Spooky Bear Halloween Weekend, Provincetown Food and Wine Festival, and more. Then it’s almost time for holiday favorites Holly Folly and First Light. Whew! If you prefer the quieter side of this historic seaside town, there are bike and hiking trails through the National Seashore’s dunes, SUV dune tours, whale watches and Race Point Beach. In town, stroll to the many art galleries, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, the Provincetown Museum at the Pilgrim Monument (climb to the top for amazing views!), boutique shops, and ogle well-tended gardens when meandering along narrow side streets. https://ptowntourism.com
THERE:
VINTAGE HOTEL DEBUTS IN WESTERN COLORADO
Those heading west this summer to explore the natural wonders of Colorado might want to detour to Grand Junction, a city in the western slope region that is an intersection of mountains., rivers, canyons, lakes, and forests. Nearby outdoor recreation areas, referred to as “Nature’s Trifecta,” include Colorado National Monument, known as a mini-Grand Canyon; Rattlesnake Arches, said to have the second-highest concentration of natural arches in the world; and Grand Mesa, a flat-top mountain with more than 300 lakes. In addition to hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, and other activities, Grand Junction also has art galleries, boutique shops, craft breweries, distilleries and wineries, and farm-to-table fare in numerous local eateries. www.visitgrandjunction.com
Need a place to stay? The Hotel Melrose, Grand Junction’s first downtown boutique hotel, opened in late 2023 with 16 elegant suites. Located in a restored 1908 building by William and Charlotte Ponsford, it is the sole survivor among 12 original buildings that once defined the town. Today, the hotel evokes the spirit of a bygone era while offering modern comforts. The sleekly designed suites include kitchenettes, coffee stations, lofty ceilings, and separate private bathrooms. The technology-driven hotel offers keyless check-in and a digital concierge. There’s also an in-house cocktail bar, Melrose Spirit Co. Rates in May from $195. 970-317-2176. www.thehotelmelrose.com
EVERYWHERE:
BABY CAR MONITOR FOR STRESS-FREE TRAVELS
Road trips will be safer with the Tiny Traveler Classic, a wireless camera monitoring system for travel (and home) use. Mount the touchscreen monitor on your dashboard or windshield in a spot where you can easily view it. Attach the compact HD camera to the headrest straps, facing your child, and voila! You can see exactly what your little one is doing without turning your head when driving. The device can be removed from the car quickly when you reach your destination. It features automatic night vision for any low-light environment, and it can also connect to a second camera, and monitor both simultaneously. It can also record or take pictures of special moments and includes everything you’ll need to set up the system, including two USB car charger adapters, windshield mount, micro SD card, and more. $199.99. There are add-on bundles and accessories that include a padded travel case, portable battery cradle, add-on camera, and more. $49.99-$399.99. https://mytinytraveler.com
NECEE REGIS
Necee Regis can be reached at neceeregis@gmail.com.