By Charlie Rounds

On October 1998 my husband and I celebrated his 29th birthday (ok it was a little more than 29!) in Provincetown. I had been to P-Town many times before in the summer when I was the Director of Sales for the Sea Spirit, the first and only gay owned and operated cruise ship. The summer there is always filled with people and activities and I was unsure as to what it would be like in October. I was more than pleasantly surprised, and I think you will be too.

At any time of the year Provincetown is known for diversity and is a wonderfully accepting community where everyone can be themselves and mingle in the streets in friendship, safety, and acceptance. Tony Fuccillo, Director of Tourism for the Town of Provincetown, told me that they refer to September/October as Provincetown’s Second Summer, when the sun is high in the sky, the evenings are cool, weekly events dot the calendar, the inns have reduced rates, the retail shops are on SALE and the entertainment and nightlife are just as exciting as July and August. You just will have more clothes on.

For theatergoers, there are two separate theater festivals, The Afterglow Theater Festival from September 10-16 and The Tennessee Williams Theater Festival from September 27 – 30.  AFTERGLOW is a gathering of both renowned and under-the-radar innovative stage artists evolving the world of live avant-garde performance. And to show that P-Town really does value diversity in September and October, you can find Mates Leather Weekend (September 27 – October 1), Women’s Week (October 8-14), and the 44th Fantasia Fair (October 14-21). Fantasia Fair is the longest running transgender event in the country. And, of course, let’s never forget Halloween in P-Town which includes a costume ball – don’t lose your ruby slipper!

We love the Lark Hotels and AWOL is their new addition in Provincetown. The hotel was recently renovated and is located in the West End, just a short walk from an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, beaches, and nightlife.

Nantucket: an exclusive hideaway - close by – but a world apart.

Nantucket is a place to remove yourself from the world as we know it yet have access to great dining and accommodations. Sometimes you just need a break from your fellow humans. A chance to wander empty beaches enjoying the sound of the sea or bike on near empty trails with nothing but your thoughts. You may want to read several good books – or better yet, start writing your own. Nantucket hosts its annual Fall Restaurant Week from September 24 – 30. You will have a chance to enjoy great food at a fixed price at one of the island’s exceptional restaurants. Starting mid-October hotel prices come down significantly which allows you a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of this exclusive hideaway at almost half the cost. We recommend another Lark Hotel - 21 Broad for your stay. This boutique hotel features 27 rooms, a concierge, steam room and spa.

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