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Cape Cod Town Kicks off the Summer 2012 Season with a Host of National Awards, Cultural Milestones, Family Activities and More From the world-class nature trails and beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore, to the lively festivals and cultural events held throughout the summer season, there is no better time to explore your Provincetown. Read on for a complete primer on Provincetown for the nature lover, the LGBT visitor, the history buff, the arts & culture enthusiast – and everyone in between. This summer, see for yourself whyGayCities.com named Provincetown the “Best Resort Town of 2011” and why Homes.com named Provincetown one of the “Top 10 Scenic Sea Sides.” For the Nature Lover Surrounded by water on three sides, Provincetown boasts the Cape Cod National Seashore, home to some of the best beaches in the country, most of which are accessible by bike trails. It is also the closest port to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a federally-protected marine habitat home to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, deep sea fish and sea birds. Bay State Bike Week (May 14-21, 2012) Bay State Bike Week takes up residence in Provincetown in mid-May as a weeklong celebration of human-powered, two-wheeled transportation. Take advantage of the newly-rehabilitated, eight-mile long Province Lands Bike Trail, the first bike trail designed and constructed in a national park area, as well as a variety of activities for the cyclist. (www.baystatebikeweek.org) Whale Week (July 23-28, 2012) A weeklong celebration of family-friendly, marine-themed events, Whale Week features a build-your-own boat paddle race, arts and crafts, talks and sunset whale cruises. (www.coastalstudies.org) Harbor Week (September 1-7, 2012) The perfect way to wrap up the summer season, the Great Provincetown Schooner Regatta kicks off a week of schooner races, art exhibitions, cookouts, films, tours, parties and award ceremonies during Harbor Week. Winding down the maritime festivities is the 25th annual Provincetown Harbor Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla (September 8), a community-building swim through the harbor that raises money for a variety of Cape Cod charities. (provincetownschoonerrace.com,swim4life.org) For the LGBT Visitor Provincetown’s reputation as a gay and lesbian mecca began in the 1920s when the town was a summer destination for artists, writers, playwrights, poets, socialists, radicals and dilettantes. This reputation was fostered throughout the 20th century thanks to summer regulars taking up permanent residency and purchasing local businesses to further entrench themselves in the town’s fabric. Today, Provincetown, the “Gayest City in the U.S.” according to the 2010 Census, attracts a wide swath of summer visitors for its annual LGBT events and festivals. Provincetown Bear Week (July 7-13, 2012) A Provincetown tradition, Bear Week celebrates the bear community and their admirers with a week of tea dances, galas, barbecues, dance parties, performances and more. (www.ptownbears.org) Provincetown Family Week (July 28 – August 4, 2012) As an organization that celebrates diversity and promotes community building for same-sex parents raising children, the Family Equality Council sponsors a week of family-oriented picnics, clambakes, activities, unity and pride parades and more. Events are open to all families. (familyequality.org) Carnival (August 12-18, 2012) Rivaling the diversity and energy of Rio, Provincetown celebrates Carnival every August with this year’s theme being “Ptown: A Space Odyssey.” Events include DJs spinning dance music, karaoke, the infamous Gay Pride Parade (August 16) with floats down Commercial Street, art exhibits, boat cruises and more. (ptown.org/Carnival) For the Arts & Culture Enthusiast Recognized as the nation’s oldest artist’s colony and as the birthplace of modern American theatre, Provincetown has inspired artists, writers and playwrights such as Hans Hofmann, Franz Kline, Mark Rothko, Edward Hopper, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Norman Mailer and Michael Cunningham over the years. 14th Annual Provincetown Film Festival (June 13-17, 2012) This five-day festival features an impressive lineup of more than 50 American and international narrative films, documentaries and shorts, bringing together some of the entertainment industry’s most popular and recognized names. Honorees this year include Roger Corman receiving the 2012 Filmmaker on the Edge Award, Kirby Dick receiving the prestigious 2012 Career Achievement Award. (ptownfilmfest.org) Portuguese Festival (June 21-24, 2012) What began in 1947 as the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet to pay homage to the town’s patron St. Peter, the Provincetown Portuguese Festival has expanded into a four-day celebration of the town’s vibrant Portuguese heritage with traditional food, games, music, dance and art. (www.provincetownportuguesefestival.com) Robert Motherwell: Beside the Sea Exhibition (July 20 – September 30, 2012) Just one of the many 20th-century artists who came to call Provincetown home, Robert Motherwell was the youngest and most prolific member of the Abstract Expressionist movement, which included Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko and Franz Kline. This exhibition at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) marks the 70th anniversary of the artist’s first visit to Provincetown and the 50th anniversary of the creation of his Beside the Sea series, based on his experiences living Provincetown. (paam.org) 8th Annual Provincetown Jazz Festival (August 11 & 13, 2012) A three-day lineup of artists includes Washington DC musicians Sharón Clark (the vocalistJazzTimes calls “a revelation”), Paul Carr (director of the non-profit Jazz Academy in the Washington, DC area) and Joe McCarthy (Grammy Award-winning drummer, producer and bandleader of Afro Bop alliance, and chief in charge of the US Naval Academy Jazz Ensemble). (provincetownjazzfestival.org) 7th Annual Tennessee Williams Theater Festival (September 20-23, 2012) A celebration of Tennessee Williams’ legacy, this three-day festival features nine innovative productions from as near as Boston and as far as Italy. (twptown.org) Nationally-Known Performers (throughout the summer) Provincetown’s reputation for attracting top-tier talent continues this summer with scheduled appearances and performances by Whoopi Goldberg, Bruce Vilanch, Margaret Cho, Kate Clinton, Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley and more. For the History Buff Provincetown is rich with historical significance as the site of the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World when they arrived from England on the Mayflower. Independence Day Weekend (July 3-5, 2012) Provincetown teems with Fourth of July activities and celebrations. Set off over Provincetown Harbor, the annual fireworks display is the culmination of a weekend of parades, bands, live music and performances. (www.provincetowntourismoffice.org) In the Path of the Pilgrims (throughout the summer) A new walking tour that traces the path the Pilgrims took upon their 1620 landing in Provincetown, their three exploratory treks throughout the Lower Cape, and their subsequent signing of the Mayflower Compact, the first written declaration of a democratic commonwealth in the New World. (www.capehistorymuseums.org) Historic Walking Tour (throughout the summer) Available as a mobile app (with voice-over narration) or brochure, this 50-site self-guided walking tour leads visitors past icons of early- and mid-20th century residential architecture, famous artist and playwright homes, as well as historic whaling captain homes from the 19th century. (provincetowntourismoffice.org) About Provincetown Located 120 miles from Boston along the National Seashore on the outer most tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a year-round destination with a fascinating history and extraordinary offerings. From incredible beaches and boundless natural beauty to an eclectic arts and culture scene and world-class dining and shopping, Provincetown offers something for each of the diverse visitors it hosts throughout the year. Provincetown is the proud recipient of the following honors and designations over the last two years: America’s Most Dog-Friendly City (Dog Fancy, 2010), the Gayest City in America (U.S. Census, 2010), Best Resort Town (GayCities.com, 2011), Top 10 Scenic Seasides (Homes.com, 2012), Best U.S. Destination to Get Married (Grindr, 2012). For more information visit: www.provincetowntourismoffice.org
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Photo courtesy Kim Camarda Whale watching is an exuberating experience for Massachusetts tourists and residents alike. The Humpback whale is such a fascinating mammal to watch for its acrobatic entertainment and singing. While there are many opportunities available, one of the most popular is Cape Ann in Gloucester, Massachusetts for an awe inspiring sight of these magnificent wonders. The Humpback Whale is an endangered species with little over 10,000 - 15,000 whales worldwide. Their colors range from white to grey to black to mottle and these gentle giants grow to 52 feet long, weighing anywhere from 25-50 tons and living approximately 45-50 years. The amazing mammals frequently perform aerial displays such as breaching (jumping out of the water), and will gracefully swim on their backs with both flippers in the air. "Tail lobbing" (raising their huge flukes out of the water and slapping them on the surface) and "flipper slapping" (using their flippers to slap the water) are also common behaviors...also important for whale communication. This truly magnificent marine mammal travels a great distance to take advantage of the best breeding grounds and feeding spots, and are famous for their singing abilities. While both males and females can produce sound, only the males appear to produce long, varied, beautiful songs with distinct themes and melodies. It is believed this is their mating call to advertise their availability to passing females. The songs last for 10-20 minutes, heard up to 20 miles away and researchers have yet to learn exactly how the whales produce the sounds, as these whales have no vocal cords. It is assumed they sing by circulating air through the tubes and chambers of their respiratory system for no visible air escapes and their mouths do not move. Massachusetts is a chosen favorite to experience the Humpback whale in all of its awe and wonder. Contributing writer: Paula Malecki |
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Connextions Magazine, the award-winning LGBTQ Travel Magazine, is your trusted resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel destinations, vacation ideas, fun travel videos, LGBTQ travel guides and the latest news relevant to our entire rainbow community. Connextions Magazine focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ Traveler providing information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel, our LGBTQ culture, the diverse style of our rainbow community, adventures, gay romance, tips for Lesbian Moms, Gay Dads, Bisexual, Transgender Parents and families.
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MISSION: Connextions Magazine is The Travel Magazine for the LGBTQ community. Making connections to travel like a local, whether on a quick weekend getaway or a luxury vacation, Connextions transports our readers through dazzling photography and insightful content about gay travel, dining, queer culture and style to destinations and memorable travel experiences across the globe. We are your Connextions to the world!
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