Who was it who said, "Beware of any enterprise that requires new clothes."? I don’t know if that is true – who doesn’t love new clothes – but in the case of Provincetown, maybe it should be: "Beware of any town that requires parking lots for tourist buses."

I thought I would enjoy Provincetown, a gay, arty, seaside town. It sounded just like Laguna Beach in Southern California, a favorite of ours for dining and strolling and enjoying the sunshine. But my reaction to P’town was, "I drove all the way here for this?"

I just didn’t get it. Hordes of middle-aged straight tourists (yes – just like me) tramping down a single narrow street, past shops that sell 3-for-$5 T-shirts and souvenirs made from seashells, the overcast sky hidden behind a clutter of overhead wires.

Somehow I missed the charm or the excitement or the shock-value or whatever those busloads of tourists came to see. Or maybe it’s supposed to be kitschy, and I am just too old or too straight or too cynical to get the joke.

The town features many shops, galleries and restaurants.

Optionals may include a sand dune tour by buggy just outside of the town.

Race Point Beach was also a lovely beach just north-west of Provincetown itself and makes for a nice spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. Parking at many Cape Cod beaches can be a problem, but we had no difficulty at this beach. Of course it also has a lighthouse.

Provincetown also offers a number of whale watching cruises by many operators here. Tip, book your cruise first thing when you arrive. They tend to sell out and you may not be able to buy a ticket for that day if you just show up before the cruise leaves. If you can, arrive early in the morning, book your cruise then stroll the town until you embark later in the day.