What’s up with Ptown?

Nobody cares OP. Do you have any friends?

Are there that many Europeans that go? Or Canadians?

I think it's the high prices and the economy.

Also hasn't it been very hot this year? There are quite a few places in Ptown without AC.

OP, about 8 years ago I also had a peculiar trip to Ptown but it ended well. Was in Boston with work for a week, staying at the fancy Seaport Hotel on the company dime. I was visiting from SF and had never seen the Atlantic. Before the conference, I took a ferry over to Ptown, I think it was a Sunday, hotter than hell. Only had my SF clothes. The standard SF wardrobe is: everything black and thick cotton. It was the last official day of Bear Week. It was absolutely packed and crowded with straight people and felt so tacky. I'd managed to get a single room at a delightful gay B&B, bathroom down the hall, for $150/night. I went to an event at the blue motel with the pool. The Anchor or something? Anchorage? It was OK, the drinks were strong, but it was clicky and I was dressed for icy fog. Walking back to along Commercial Street to the other end towards the B&B was a sea of families and T-shirt shops. I was staying 4 nights and thought I'd made a huge mistake.

On Monday, the crowds just disappeared. The B&B had a clothing optional hot tub in the backyard where the owners served an amazing breakfast. There was an open bar. Most of the guys were naked and relaxed. One of them "decided" that I needed a Bloody Mary. After the second one, I thought, "When in Rome..." and ended up chatting with the guys in the tub. Hit it off with them in the tub in the evenings for the rest of my stay. Everyone pitched in and restocked the bar.

The town became magical. I'd say at least 50% gay. The bars and restaurants were fun. Had my first lobster with the assistance of a handsome young waiter. Rented an assisted pedal eBike and rode out to the dunes there was the body of water (Mass Bay) I rode the ferry on, and then there was another. Couldn't tell the difference; they both looked like placid lakes to me. I asked some lesbians, "Is that the Atlantic?" As far as oceans go, it seemed like a bit of a pussy. There were no waves, no whitecaps. It just sat there, minding its own business. And the water was WARM! Saw a seal swimming frantically near the shore. Didn't know there were seals on the East Coast. That was magical until I saw a dorsal fin following it. I got out of the water. I rode back to the beach the next day expecting to see the sunset. I mean, like the sun sets over the water. That's just what it always does. WRONG! I saw a few unforgettable shows before leaving. Also got to experience a torrential storm with thunder and lightning. Ducked into a bar, following some others, where I had to explain a few things. First, it does NOT rain in the Summer. Second, it does NOT rain when it is hot. Never! And also, WTF is going on with your Sun? Has it gone mad?

The following year, I ended up long-distance dating someone from the North Shore of Boston. But we never made it to Ptown because accommodations were outrageous. He took me to a beach to watch the sun rise one morning. It was fucking cold. I got dizzy and almost nauseous watching the sun RISE over the ocean. And then it started to snow. On. The. Beach. 7 years later, we own a home together. In California. You can't get lobstah here, but the Sun behaves and the weather is normal.

Try reading this. It explains a lot.

[Quote] Are there that many Europeans that go? Or Canadians?

In the past, I definitely met a number of Europeans and Canadians in Ptown. It’s relatively close to Canada so people can drive

Straights ruin all the good places

R2, this is a gay message board and Ptown is a noted gay vacation spot. How on earth did you come to the conclusion that no one cared about this post?

Btw, same thing is happening at Rehoboth Beach. It’s prob similar, mostly straight families now.

I have to rethink summer vacation. Europe is hot as fuck. So is the US.

How’s the southern hemisphere in their winter?

[Quote] Btw, same thing is happening at Rehoboth Beach. It’s prob similar, mostly straight families now.

Key West too

The crowd at Ptown seems to be getting older and older. I guess no one else can afford it

It’s dying out for the same reason the Poconos did.

Have straights taken over Fire Island Pines yet? Don’t think prices are any cheaper there either. What are gaylings to do?

There were a few homophobic incidents in Ptown earlier this summer, something previously unheard of.

All these places are pricing themselves out. Gaylings need to reoccupy public baths and restrooms.

Key West is absolutely trash now - hordes of straight drunk people thinking they’re living the Jimmy Buffet life. The few gay bars are depressing as hell. There are some charming houses to see but the main drag Duval St is a run-down tourist trap. At night there are people vomiting on the street. It’s sad and horrible what has become of it.

R15 - That's what I've heard, although I haven't been there in 12 years or so.

It's sad, but perhaps inevitable when younger gays and lesbians don't feel the need to have separate vacations or places to go to - and then people turn around and ask where all the gay bars and places went to?

I still think a lot of it is pricing and the economy though.

Key West was a pain to get to - IMO, more so than Ptown. I don't feel the same about losing Key West, with all the daily cruise ships and Jimmy Buffet types.

Went to Key west last year hoping it would be as wonderful as it was when I went 25 years ago.

yuck. No need to go there again

Ptown is a good place to find leather-skinned, hunky daddies, if you’re into that.

Ptown is lily-white. I think I saw about 3-4 Black guys and a sprinkling of Asians the week I was there.

You have Provincetown mixed up with Palm Springs, R18.

R19 - as compared to....? What gay resort area is this perfect mix of all races?

I felt Boston was weirdly predominantly white the few times I've been there.

What happened to Ogunquit?

Was wondering about Ogunquit too. Friends say it’s small and very straight

[Quote] as compared to....? What gay resort area is this perfect mix of all races?

Not compared to anything. It was just a statement of fact that’s Ptown is almost completely white people. No judgement in that—but it seems to have it a nerve with you

R24 - you're the one who brought it up - obviously it hit your nerve. And there was judgment otherwise you wouldn't have made that statement.

Most of the Cape is white people, not just Ptown.

[Quote] you're the one who brought it up - obviously it hit your nerve.

No, it was just an observation. I don’t rant about it

[quote] Saw a seal swimming frantically near the shore. Didn't know there were seals on the East Coast. That was magical until I saw a dorsal fin following it. I got out of the water.

JAWS!

More and more, I'm seeing videos on YouTube with great white shark sightings on the East Coast, from NY to Maine.

I didn't realize there were so many sharks, so close to shore in that area.

[quote] I rode back to the beach the next day expecting to see the sunset. I mean, like the sun sets over the water. That's just what it always does. WRONG!

I'm a West Coaster, so it never dawned on me that the sun doesn't set over the water on the East Coast, like it does on the West Coast.

When you're facing the ocean on the East Coast, you're looking East. Therefore, you can watch the sunrise, but not the sunset. DUH! I don't know why I never realized that before.

Girls, girls! Find a good place and *make* it gay! I know the options are fewer and farther between but they're still out there.

Never let it be said that the gays stayed too long at the party.

With global warming, the seals are swimming farther north and the sharks are chasing them.

About once a year nowadays, a shark bites a human on the cape

The main times to go to Ptown for gays are July 4th week and Carnival(Aug 16-23). That's when all the gays go there, especially the hot ones. I think Bear Week is the week after July 4th, and that is very popular, too.

OP, you were there between the peak times and that's why you didn't see a lot of gay tourists.

R26 - no you just use the word lily-white and imply some sort of racial discrimination or it not being inclusive that racial minorities don't want to go there and then act like your statement was the same as commenting about the weather or prices.

You inject race into the conversation, then when asked for a comparative gay destination that is more racially-inclusive, you suddenly act like you made some sort of innocuous statement and that any questions or replies to your statement is somehow ranting or an absurd over-reaction.

[Quote] The main times to go to Ptown for gays are July 4th week

Interestingly, there were apparently many vacancies that July 4 week, which was weird for Ptown

[Quote] You inject race into the conversation, then when asked for a comparative gay destination that is more racially-inclusive, you suddenly act like you made some sort of innocuous statement

Take a chill pill. It was a statement of fact. Yes, Ptown is lily-white. It’s not a statement about inclusivity. I saw no evidence that minorities were actively excluded.

r27, it never occurred to me before, either. Had lived a few miles from the Pacific in SF all of my life until the last 6 years when I lived part-time in Boston to be with my now husbear while working remotely. It was disorienting.

Also went to Ogunquit the same trip as Ptown. It was hella cute, but almost zero gays except for some locals and people working bars and restaurants. Having seen the shark in Ptown, I only waded in the water for a bit where it was crowded with children who are better shark bait.

Have since been to Rehoboth with my partner (whom I met on a beach in PV, lol. Yeah, why not just do all the gay resorts in N. America! It too, seemed very straight, but lots of gay residents and businesses. It was a kitchy blast. Favorite East Coast beach. While I'm at it, have also been to Sitges in the off season, many years ago. Not very openly gay, but maybe it's more so in the Summer. Have been to Mykonos, too, in late Spring. A few gay bars, but mostly saw throngs of obnoxious Italian and Brit teens on a cheap Spring break. As a Greek-American, I found Mykonos to be inauthentic and supremely tacky compared with the other Cyclades I visited.

We're living not far from Guerneville/Russian River now. It's small, but slightly more ethnically diverse, more so during Lazy Bear and similar events that draw up people from The Bay Area. And if you take the short drive to the Coast, the Sun sets over the damned ocean as it should!

P-Town is insanely expensive for a place with scant amenities outside of overpriced restaurants and even more overpriced "art galleries." Oh let's not forget the half dozen cabarets put on by drag queens. And the bars. And Tea Dance. Zzzzzzzzz...

After about a day I thought "is this it?" Never went back. If I'm going to spend that kind of money I expect a lot more in terms of the experience. It's just a run down beach town that they slap a new coat of paint on every season. There's no "there" there.

Genuine question: Why are you guys so obsessed with who *else* is at your vacation destination? I have coworkers, friends, family that I’m around all the time. I go on vacation to escape people, or to spend time with my travel companions.

I’m not basing my experience on validation from complete strangers who happen to be traveling to the same place.

R36 - are you asking why gays and lesbians go to places that are safe for gays and lesbians and have bars and entertainment to our interests?

I guess if it’s your only opportunity be around other gays and lesbians, R37, then I guess it makes sense. I’m just surprised that that applies to so many people on DL.

R38 - gay and lesbian destinations / places to vacation are a welcome retreat. Despite things being better - we still have to self-regulate around straight spaces.

G/L places also have a vibe - it's open, it's fun, it's a party, it's welcoming. There are the stuck-up Instagram girls and the douchebros flexing and vying for attention. There aren't the middle-aged or older straight people / boomer types who think they own the place and stare at everyone.

Gays take vacations too - but they don't want to put up with not feeling welcome or free to do what they want.

Gays and Lesbians create great spaces and fun - and then everyone else wants to join in, including straights. It's not our only opportunity to be around gays and lesbians.

But being around straight people is EXHAUSTING. There are too many shitty personalities, ego trips, stares, etc. Sorry but it's true.

R39 - I should have said there AREN'T Instagram young women....

YMMV, I’m at the age where I find everyone equally exhausting and fun is spending a lot of money to be somewhere nice with people I already know.

R38, I live in a large city with a big gay population. I'm not "obsessed" with the other people on vacation and I'm not seeking anyone's "validation." You're assuming things that aren't reality and injecting your own interpretation. But you are completely incorrect in your assumptions.

I like occasionally vacationing in areas with other gay people so that my partner and I don't stand out from the crowd, so that we feel strength in numbers in case of a homophobic encounter, and so that, if I call him a term of endearment or hold his hand or just "look gay," I won't get gawked at. This isn't every vacation, I travel to many places with and without my partner and the getaway isn't always with the same goals, but when I travel with my partner it is often intended as a couples getaway and not just a fun time away from home.

I go on vacation to get away too, and I don't need to feel uncomfortable in mixed company if I don't want to.

R41 - well I find your questions and comments exhausting.

"I’m not basing my experience on validation from complete strangers who happen to be traveling to the same place."

Just to end it with a self-congratulatory statement about spending a lot of money to be with people you already know.

Some of us like to meet other people. Some of us get tired of hanging out with the same people. It has nothing to do with your age.

R41 is a cunt. Jesus Christ some real assholes post here.

Lol, good thing we won’t be running into each other, R43.

R42, you seem like you’re very conscious of what other people think.

And you sound like you haven't had a single moment of thoughtful reflection in your hopefully very brief life.

I hope this is youthful hubris and ignorance talking. If you are actually over 22 then you're just a vile person I'm glad not to know.

"Genuine question" followed by a series of bitchy insults to every reply.

Gotta love DL.

This entire thread is full of people bitching and moaning about gay travel destinations. God forbid someone suggests, I dunno, broadening your horizons beyond gay travel destinations.

Gays build up ridiculous expectations for these places, like they’re fucking Xanadu, and are inevitably disappointed.

R48 you can stop posting now. You've embarrassed yourself enough, don't you think?

Unless you have more "genuine questions" followed by angry meltdowns to share.

I’m neither angry nor embarrassed. You seem awfully upset though, R49. I wonder why.

[Quote] God forbid someone suggests, I dunno, broadening your horizons beyond gay travel destinations.

I did a lifetime of non-gay travel destinations but when I first went to Ptown, the relaxation I felt, not having to explain that I’m gay or why gays like certain things, was incredible. That’s why it’s sad that traditionally gay destinations are being discovered by straights

With all the gays, one would expect the food in Ptown to be better. It’s always awful

I was molested

R48 - JFC - give it a rest.

Most of us DO travel to other places. You make it sound like these are the only places gays travel to.

God you're a cunt. You're just intent on looking down on these places that have been places of refuge for gays and lesbians for DECADES.

Smug asshole - you sound like you vote conservative too.

r35, right on! I've been twice, just for weekends, and I never will go back. If you go because you like the charm of a New England coastal village, try Rockport, Massachusetts on the North Shore.

If you're going there to hang out with the gays and maybe bring home a STI souvenir, there are other options that aren't as insanely expensive.

Are you people shocked to discover that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west for real?

R54, whatever you need to say to feel better about yourself is fine by me. I can take it.

[quote]I have to rethink summer vacation. Europe is hot as fuck. So is the US.

Vancouver is liberal and has fucking perfect summer weather. I'd move there if I could. Canada's biggest problem in this area is likely its myriad wildfires, which can be even worse than those in the US. Also plenty of other parts of Canada with great summer weather: New Brunswick is usually great, as are PEI and most of Nova Scotia. (Plus the Canadian Rockies. I could spend an entire summer in Banff.)

In Europe, Scandi countries are usually reliably cool, and Iceland's never anything but chilly & dank.

It's winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Areas like Australia's Gold Coast are accessible year-round, but winters in Sydney can be miserable. Cape Town winters are akin to Southern California, which is why it routinely doubles for SoCal in various TV productions: occasionally chilly but not frigid.

[quote]With all the gays, one would expect the food in Ptown to be better.

Why? The twinks don't eat and the bears gorge on junk food.

[quote]Key West too

It's Florida. I'm surprised it has any gay scene left.

[quote]All these places are pricing themselves out.

Yeah, because property taxes alone keep rising out the ass, as do real estate values in general. (Also a problem elsewhere in the US.) They raise prices for the opposite reason: they can't stay in business without them.

[quote]Interestingly, there were apparently many vacancies that July 4 week, which was weird for Ptown

About a month ago I was looking on Airbnb just for shits & giggles, and was admittedly amazed at how much availability Ptown had ALL summer (not just July 4th) – and definitely at lower rates than in past years. (Same for the Pines.) OTOH I found out later that Airbnb's average advance-booking time has fallen from six weeks to nine DAYS. (Lots of people being cautious, and plenty opting not to travel at all.)

People have always complained about P-Town. I remember going there in the 80s a few years in a row. It was great fun. The ferry took 2.5 hours from Boston and was relaxing. Start out at the Boat Slip and ditch our bags in the cemetery and set out to meet men who could put us up for the weekend.Spiritus Pizza was a sure place to meet men if we hadn't earlier in the myriad bars available . We were always successful and managed to find a ride back to Manhattan each time. People complained then that it was overrun by lesbians by the third year.

Meanwhile, Palm Springs has thus far had a relatively cool summer.......(for PS, anyway)

R62 - indeed it has - it's a bit more towards the historical averages. The past few summers have been HOT - particularly during the pandemic.

105 or 106 is really not bad. But add 10-15 degrees on that and it's considerably worse.

All R59 knows is stereotypes apparently.

So what OP is really saying is that his chances of getting his dick sucked have dwindled now that the straights have arrived. If you really love P-town just go and enjoy it. Who cares if there are 50 or 500 fags there at the same time.

Years ago I’d always see gay porn stars hanging around the pool at the Boat Slip.

When I went last, I only saw one. Can’t remember his name—a salt and pepper hairs daddy.

[quote] A friend who owns and rents out an apartment in Ptown says that Canadians and Europeans aren’t coming this year so there are many vacancies.

OP, I've been saying this for the past few months (since March). I have a very good friend who lives on martha's Vineyard, and worked PT from January - May booking /processing reservations for a popular hotel. As of Mother's Day weekend, they still weren't completely booked for the summer - a rarity in all the years she's been there. Who wasn't booking this summer ? Canadians, British, Scottish and Irish travelers who have been booking every year. The Steamship Authority and Restaurants all said the same thing - reservations for the summer were completely off. I spoke to her the other day, and she said the island is empty - not nearly as busy as it's been in the past 35 years she's been living there. You can walk into any restaurant over the weekend and get seated for dinner without a reservation (unheard of in the past).

My local news did a report on Newport RI, Westerly RI and Block Island, RI the other night reporting tourism is WAAAAAAAAAAAY down this year, and also cited no foreign travelers this summer. Only one month left (August) for the summer travel season here.

Ptown is very empty compared to past summers. Lots of guest houses with “Vacancy” signs, something I have never seen before

Trump will spin this later on this year, and say "Americans were happy they could travel to P-Town, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Block Island and Newport this past summer and not have to make reservations at popular restaurants, or drive up to their favorite hotel and be told 'no vacancy'. That's all because of me. "

it's because everyone is in fucking Europe!!

Take the fast ferry back and forth on a day trip on a next visit to Boston, OP. Between about noon and 7 pm you’ll have enough time to check out a little bit of everywhere/everything along Commercial Street, walk down to the West End, maybe even hit Boatslip Tea and head back to the returning ferry with a buzz. On a hot crowded summer weekday, it can be refreshing and give you just enough of Provincetown for a day’s worth.

Just be warned that at the public bathrooms by the ferry pier, they’ve made them unisex including the men’s room where the guys using the urinals aren’t divided apart. They kind of tried to make a big performative change in a hurry whereas the town didn’t exactly think through that rollout in the most organized way…

I think a next generation of PTowners will be former resident-generations’ families returning to claim properties—because the post-Stonewall aging white Boston, RI and NY gays who used to visit but bought there in the past couple of decades will be aging out, without many children or other heirs existing or caring to maintain and pay for homes located at the tip of Massachusetts just to feel like they need a safe space to live and enjoy being gay.

R27 has never been to Santa Barbara.