top
 
     
     
 
 
 
history
 
 

Like most of the Outer Cape, Meeshawn was a settlement of the Nauset tribe, who fished the waters of Cape Cod Bay. Bartholomew Gosnold of Virginia was the first European to arrive on Cape Cod, renaming it, and Provincetown, in 1602. 18 years later the Pilgrims docked in the harbour before eventually settling in Plymouth. The bronze relief across from Town Hall depicts the signing of the Mayflower Compact.

A commercial fishing port through the 18th and 19th Centuries, it was the increase in industrialized whaling which lead Portuguese fishermen to town. Their impact on the community is still seen today in the bakeries along Commercial Street selling rolls and linguiça sausage, as well as the annual Blessing of the Fleet in June. The Galo de Barcelos rooster you'll see around town is a symbol of the still-active community.

Beginning at the turn of the last century, the rural seclusion of the Province Lands made it a destination for writers looking for respite, while its unique and desirable natural light drew painters and other artists. In 1915 Eugene O'Neill founded the Provincetown Players on Whaler's Wharf, before opening the Provincetown Playhouse on MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village. Edward Hopper arrived in 1923, creating some of his most significant work during the summers in South Truro, followed by Willem de Koonig, Jackson Pollock and other abstract expressionists. Tennessee Williams spent summers in town from the late 1930s when the town's secluded artistic vibe began to draw gay tourists and intellectuals from across the country.

In the 1940s Bauhaus architects and scholars from Harvard, many fleeing oppression in Europe, began building case study houses in the dunes from Welfleet north to Truro and up to Pilgrim Lake. Marcel Breuer, Serge Chermayeff, Paul Krueger, Walter Gropius and others completed what is perhaps the most succinct and beautiful study in Midcentury cottage design -- many of which were only recently rediscovered.

In 1961, a local man named President John F. Kennedy created the 43,500 acre Cape Cod National Seashore, stretching along 40 miles of coastline from Chatham around to the tip of the peninsula, ensuring its protection as a recreation and research area for generations to come.

In August 1983, Sean Conway, aged six weeks, came to Cape Cod for the first time and hasn't missed a summer yet. And since introducing Luke to Provincetown during a rare rainless week in 2007, we can be sure that no summer will be missed going forward.

So while you might not run into a Nauset brave, a Yankee whaler, or Norman Mailer at the Old Colony Tap, we do hope that you will make your own memories this summer with us in Provincetown, and continue in the tradition of fabulous people enjoying the most beautiful spot in the world.

 
 
 
 
gettingthere
 
 

Provincetown can be reached by Land, Sea, or Air. By car, Provincetown is about 6 hours from Brooklyn, 5 hours from Albany, and 2 hours from Boston. By sea, 90-minute ferry rides leave several times a day from two docks in Boston, and will bring you to the center of town. Provincetown Fast Ferry leaves from the World Trade Center Pier three times a day; Boston Harbour Cruises leaves from the New England Aquarium once daily at 9:00AM. By air, Provincetown Municipal Airport is serviced by Cape Air, affiliated with JetBlue, via Logan Airport. Flights are every hour, about 28 minutes long on a dinky plane about 28 feet long.

For east coast friends, we suggest you take AmTrak or MegaBus into Boston's South Station, and walk or take a taxi to the ferry. For friends further a flung, most domestic and many international airlines fly into Boston’s Logan Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or water taxi to the ferry, or transfer to a Cape Air flight.

Once in Provincetown, you will certainly not need a car unless you'd like to visit other parts of Cape Cod. Furthermore, parking can be difficult, and not all guesthouses and hotels can offer it, so be sure to ask when booking accommodations.

 
 
 
 
lodging
 
 

Most of the lodging in Provincetown is in small guesthouses and inns, many of which can be found on Provincetown.com. Another popular option we recommend, particularly for families and groups, is to rent an apartment or cottage for the length of your stay, using HomeAway.com, where you will find accommodations to match every budget and quirk.

We have a block of rooms on hold at The Harbor Hotel. Rooms are $116 or $134 (depending on view) each night with 2 night minimum required. For the preferred rate, mention “Conway Hall Wedding.” The rooms will be held until May 4. The hotel was recently renovated and has a lovely pool, a restaurant and two bars, with plenty of parking. Continental breakfast is included. It is located right on the beach, 1.7 miles from the wedding venue, MacMillan Wharf, and the center of town -- about a 30 minute walk. The Harbor Hotel, 698 Commercial Street, +1 800 422 4224, harborhotelptown.com.


Below are some options nearer to the center of town, particularly accessible for people arriving by boat. We haven't stayed in all of them, but we can attest to nice exterior paint jobs on all, and a massive collection of nude paintings in at least one. We've arranged them by proximity to the Monument where the wedding will be held, which is only a few blocks from the ferry dock.

Gabriel's Guest Rooms
Clarendon House
The Fairbanks Inn
Crown Point
Prince Albert Guest House
The Black Pearl Inn
Aerie House Beach Club
Inn on Cook Street


 
 
 
 
aroundtown
 
 

Whale Watching - Provincetown’s most famous residents can’t fit in a tank, so for a whale of a good time, be sure to take a tour of the outer harbour. Knowledgeable guides will find a community of humpback and right whales, as well as very friendly dolphins and seals. A kinder way to get to know our sea friends than in the days of Ahab, whale watching tours help to support marine research and ecology. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch,‎ 307 Commercial Street, +1 800 826 9300, whalewatch.com.

Provincetown Art Association Museum (PAAM) - Whether you take a stroll through the galleries or simply admire the sculptures on the lawn out front, this newly renovated and expanded museum is a great place to see the work of local artists across the generations. 460 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 1750.

East End Gallery District - Walk towards the end of Commercial Street for some serious garden envy. Key sites include Angel Food for yummy cheese, Conway Street for the photograph you’re all dying to take, and the postbox where Sean and Luke were standing when they found out Michael Jackson died. T-Shirts available. Commercial Street, East from Johnson Street, to Rt. 6A intersection.

Marc Jacobs - When in Rome... 184 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 0723.

Marine Specialties aka The Army/Navy Store - In need of a dried blowfish, a camping cot, or some French navy long johns? This is the place for you. A P-town landmark, you’ll find everything you never knew you needed, and great souvenirs for the sailors at home. 235 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 1730.

Scott Dinsmore Antiques - Good place to pick up engagement rings. 179 Commercial Street #2, +1 508 487 2236.

Cabot’s Candy - Across Portuguese Square from Town Hall, Cabot’s is number one when it comes to fudge, penny candy, and Cape Cod’s famous salt water taffy. A great way to thank your boss for giving you the time off to come to Cape Cod! 276 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 3550.

 
 
 
 
beach
 
 

We know you’re all here to see us, but really the best part of any trip to the Cape is a brisk day at the beach. The beachfront along the bay is public, and during low tide you can have quite a lengthy stroll. For a much more scenic experience head to Race Point or Herring Cove. Both are National Seashore Beaches, and are a short bike ride or cab ride away. Walking or biking in will cost you $3 a person; driving in is $15 per car per day. It’s free on weekdays.

If you travel light and would like a bit of an adventure, walk or bike out to the intersection of Bradford Street and Province Lands Road. Facing the ocean, take a right and continue onto 6A. On the left side of the road you’ll see a fence covered in bikes — as well as a few gentlemen, surely. Walk over the dunes, along the path, and through the tidal pond. You’ll be rewarded with serenity.

Either way, be aware: on Cape Cod “going to the beach” doesn’t necessary mean “swimming in the ocean.” You’ll enjoy delightful breezes and sunshine, but in June the ocean can be downright icy. Be sure to bring a good book.

If you have a free night, you can have a fire on the beach. Limited nightly permits are available 3 days in advance at the Province Lands Visitors Center. +1 508 487 1256, nps.gov/caco.

 
 
 
 
restaurant
 
 

Ross' Grill - Great views during the day or at dusk, hearty American fare and excellent wine selection. Located on the third floor of Whaler’s Wharf. 237 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 8878.

John’s Footlong - Our preferred spot for all manners of fried seafood served in cardboard boxes through a window by an old salt. MacMillan’s Wharf, 309 Commercial Street #5, +1 508 487 7434.

Lobster Pot - Provincetown’s most famous neon sign, this old standby gets crowded at lunch and dinner, but is a great place to grab a bite before happy hour. 321 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 0842.

Squealing Pig - A great local bar with local beers and local oysters. 335 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 5804.

Devon’s - Great for brunch. Michael K suggests a mushroom omelet with bacon, a small salad, and a side of french toast and pancakes. 401 1/2 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 4773.

Cafe Heaven - A lowkey storefront restaurant with great, simple food. After your healthy salad, stop by ITEM next door for a new swim suit! 199 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 9639.

Spiritus Pizza - After a late night out on the town, everyone ends up at Spiritus for a slice. Stop by and make some new gentlemen friends. 190 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 2808.

Far Land Provisions - Owned by our caterer Tom Boland, this cafe and convenience store has great coffee, The New York Times, and the best sandwiches in town. Stock up on your way to the beach. 150 Bradford Street, +1 508 487 0045.

 
 
 
 
bicycles
 
 

Second only to pedicab (and your feet!), bikes are the most common way of getting around town. Biking the extensive network of paths between Race Point and Provincetown is the best way to see the dunes, which are otherwise closed to the public. Gale Force Bikes‎, 144 Bradford Street Extension, +1 508 487 4849, galeforcebikes.com; Ptown Bikes‎, 42 Bradford Street, +1 508 487 8735, ptownbikes.com‎; Arnold's Where You Rent Bikes, 329 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 0844

 
 
 
 
dayout
 
 

We hope that you are able to make the most of your time on the Cape this summer and can check Truro and Wellfleet, our neighbors to the south. Truro has a number of secluded oceanside beaches, as well as Cape Cod’s famous Highland Light and golf course. Whack a few, wave at England, then drop by Truro Vineyards (11 Shore Road, North Truro, +1 508 487 6200) for daily tours and tastings. On your way south, stop by Moby Dick’s (3225 Route 6, Wellfleet, +1 508 349 9795), if not for the deep fried ocean offerings, then for the charming Icelandic and Lancastrian waitresses. The town so nice they named an oyster after it, Wellfleet is home to hardworking fishermen and great ice cream. You can drive out towards the harbour to pick up the catch of the day at Mac’s (91 Commercial Street, Wellfleet, +1 508 349 6333), or grab a juice at The Juice (6 Commercial Street, Wellfleet, +1 508 349 0535). Before the sun sets visit the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp trail, a beautiful nature walk near Marconi Beach, then head back up 6A and dig into some fra diavolo with our Maid of Honour at Terra Luna (104 Shore Road, North Truro, +1 508 487 1019). Or, if you’re more a tank-top and styrofoam cup of beer kind of guy, check out the nightly live music at The Beachcomber (1120 Cahoon Hollow Road, Wellfleet, +1 508 349 6055), where you’ll surely run into Uncle Tim, among other scallywags.

If you’d like ideas and suggestions about any other places of interest, from Martha’s Vineyard to Wood’s Hole, we’ll be glad to help you build an itinerary.

 
 
 
 
weather
 
 

In early June, the weather during the day will range from the mid-60s to low-70s Fahrenheit / 16-26 Celsius. Light clothes during the day with a sweater (jumper) and slacks (trousers) for the evening. Throw an umbrella in your case, too.

 
 
 
 
schedule
 
 

The wedding will be held on June 9, 2012, at 4:30PM, at the Pilgrim Monument and Museum, on High Pole Hill Road in the center of Provincetown. The site is within walking distance from nearly everywhere in town, up a small hill. However taxi and pedicabs are available around town. Parking is available as well, but please let us know if you will be driving so we can make sure we reserve enough spots. You will enter the grounds through the museum.

 
 
 
 
reception
 
 

The reception will immediately follow the ceremony at the same site. The dinner will be served family style and consist of local seafood, vegetables, and cheeses. If you cannot eat fish and/or seafood, please email us at seanmichaelapolloconway@gmail.com and our chef will create something spectacular for you. We will have a vegan option for dinner and dessert as well.

 
 
 
 
attire
 
 

Our ceremony will be outside at the base of the Monument. Our reception will be under a heated tent. As we will be raised up on a hill, and partying into the night, we suggest you bring along a sweater or light jacket for the walk home. Though there will be a dancefloor, we will otherwise be on a grassy lawn, so leave the stilettos in London, ladies.

 
 
 
 
registry
 
 

We understand that many of our friends and family will be traveling great distances to join us and your presence is the nicest gift we could ask for. If so compelled, we are registered at myregistry.com. The password is 6912. Or, you may choose to make a donation to the Cape Cod Modern House Trust or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in honour of our big day.

 
 
 
 
notes
 
 

Although Guglielmo Marconi made the first wireless transatlantic telephone call from the shores of Cape Cod in 1903, you’ll be hard-pressed to get that kind of service these days, especially on the beach. Be sure to have a back-up plan if you cannot reach someone on their mobile.

Provincetown is an early-to-bed, early-to-rise type of town. Most restaurants do not serve dinner past 9:30PM, and all bars must close at 1:00AM, so plan your nightcaps accordingly.

In Massachusetts beer, wine, and liquor can only be purchased in a package store. There are a few good ones in town. Big Vin’s Liquor, 248 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 0635; Glass Half Full, 191 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 0100.

There is a proper “American Size” grocery store about a 10 minute walk off Bradford Street, with an in-house pharmacy, and a package store across the parking lot. Stop & Shop, 56 Shank Painter Road, +1 508 487 4903.

Adam’s Pharmacy is a great full-service chemist and convenience store in the center of town for any bits you may have forgotten to pack. 254 Commercial Street, +1 508 487 0069.