Provincetown: Lovely Seaside Literature and Art
October is the End of the Season, but the Beginning of Women's Week.
Nov 3, 2008
Held this year October 10-19 and sponsored by the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown, over five thousand women descended on the tiny seaside village on the tip of Cape Cod. The fall colors were a brilliant setting to a high spirited festival.
Literature
In its 24th year hosting Women's Week, a literary theme has slowly emerged within the festival. This year LGBT publishing house Bold Strokes Books had a phenomenal showing of authors and did readings and signings nearly every day, as well as a fan appreciation dinner where fans of the authors got to sit and chat with their favorites over delicious meals at Michael Shays.
Some signings took place at popular bookstore Now Voyager, owned by Mark Leach. Mark is friendly and knowledgeable, and said that women's week is a wonderful time, as he gets to meet the authors he sells, and feels so much appreciation from the women's community.
Other signings took place at Women Crafts, a lesbian owned shop of women created crafts and art works as well as books.
Also present were Bywater Books and authors who came to sign and hang out with their fans.
Photography, Art, Comedy and Music
The Lyman-Eyer Gallery, at Provincetown's East end, had an amazing exhibition of popular female artists and photographers, including world renown artist Judy Francesconi. Kate Clinton, Chris Williamson, Suzanne Westenhoefer and Lea Delaria all strolled down Commercial Street, laughing and mingling with fans before they brought the house down with singing and laughter in the evenings. Events held at clubs Crown and Anchor and the Vixen included "Drag In" a drag king show, (author Rachel Spangler won first place), Erotic night dancing, and pool tournaments. There was a football game in the park, a scavenger hunt through town, and daily musicians playing on the street to thousands of women walking past.
Food and Lodging
This event is sponsored by the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown. On their site you can find information on various lesbian owned condos, B&B's, and Inns. There are, however, many places to stay in Provincetown, from little studio apartments to luxurious suites on the edge of the Bay. There are even rooms directly above the clubs, such as those at Vixen and Crown and Anchor, so that you never have to wait in line for the bathroom. And if you decide to stay outside of Provincetown in the small, nearby cities (like Truro), there is a shuttle that comes by every half an hour to take visitors into the city. Driving is easy in Provincetown, but parking is not. Cars are better left parked so visitors can spend their time enjoying the beautiful beaches rather than looking for a parking space.
The restaurants are all fabulous and many of them are quite quirky. The Pig and Whistle on Commercial street is reminiscent of English pubs, but the food is good and the atmosphere great for large groups. The Wired Puppy, also on Commercial, is open from six thirty in the morning until seven thirty at night and offers free wifi along with fantastic coffee and organic treats and teas. The owners have had it for five years now, and love Women's Week because it brings together women from all over the world in one little village.
Although next year's dates have not been confirmed yet, this event is highly recommended for some peace, quiet, fun and laughter.
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