The Henry David Thoreau Cottage at Carpe Diem
I have to hand it to Paul; it doesn’t seem to matter where we go, he gets the accommodations just right. Cue the Henry David Thoreau Cottage at Carpe Diem in Provincetown, Massachusetts (http://www.carpediemguesthouse.com/rooms/thoreau/)
It seems a bit strange, going on vacation and being just as enchanted with the living quarters as we were with the activities we had planned. Competing with whale watching, restaurants galore, the National Seashore and Showgirls is no small feat, after all.
Truly; I had an extra good feeling about this trip. We always have fun on our wanders, but I was excited days before our mini break began. Paul picking out a place to lay our heads that celebrated poets and playwrights definitely set the tone.
Because I have just begun a travel writing class, and because I knew that Provincetown would make for a fun blog post, I emailed Carpe Diem in advance, letting them know of my writing aspirations and asking for their blessing, which I received with enthusiasm (thanks, Jarrod!).
So, what makes this place particularly special compared to your average guest house and spa? Let’s begin with breakfast.
My favorite dining room at Carpe Diem
There is plenty to choose from whether you are the oatmeal and fruit type, the cold cut type, the Yoplait type, etc. I went with whatever Andrew and company (including the owners) were creating in the kitchen (think banana pancakes, French toast, and omelets).
I heard a rumor that Andrew is working on a cookbook and am really hoping it is true…Andrew?
The coffee and tea (gourmet and available throughout the day) with raw sugar, or sugar crystals, and real half and half was superb. What a perfect way begin the day, with staff and fellow vacationers alike. I can’t believe how many interesting people we met, from all over the world!
Paul, enjoying himself at Wine Hour
This typically happened during our complimentary daily wine (and cheese) hour, which began at five-ish and ran a bit over each day, depending on the crowd. Our first evening was spent with Belgians, Dutch, and Germans. In fact, I was the only American out of a dozen or so people!
Oh, and let’s not forget that sherry and port is available in the Walt Whitman Common Room, as well…come nightcap time or otherwise. If Commercial Street and the Atlantic Ocean weren’t a thirty second walk away I would be tempted to not leave Carpe Diem for the four days we were there (luckily for the staff we at least gave them time to restock between breakfast and drinks).
Namaste Spa at Carpe Diem
The weather was perfect and the pre Memorial Day crowds light, so we took advantage of that fact while others chose to use the spa facilities (sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, massage…). In between activities we crashed out on the bed in our perfect cottage, took a bath in our two person (deep and jetted) tub, or read books in our sitting area. Divine.
I like big beds and I cannot lie...
Being introduced to so many interesting and pleasant people was an unexpected gift. I doubt this would have been the case were we not encouraged to socialize over wine and cheese, sherry and port, pancakes and coffee…I miss it already. We exchanged e-mails with a few kindred spirits and I truly intend to keep in touch as our short time as neighbors was such a delight!
And for those of you who feel that one must be gay in order to enjoy all that Carpe Diem and Provincetown have to offer, I leave you with this quote by Henry David Thoreau, which I discovered on the Carpe Diem website, “Could a greater miracle take place, than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”
Thank you, Carpe Diem for all of the extra touches – they were so appreciated by not only Paul and I, but every other guest we had the pleasure of meeting as well.
Backgammon, Anyone? I could so live here...
If you find yourself planning a trip to Provincetown, consider a stay at Carpe Diem. Peruse their website and pick a room that is named after one of your favorite writers…it makes the experience that much more special.
Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa | 12 – 14 Johnson Street, Provincetown, MA 02657
USA Only: 800.487.0132 | International: 001.508.487.4242 | info@carpediemguesthouse.com
Loves it! And look at Paul, all relaxed and tan. So happy that you had such a wonderful time. I know you may not believe me, but we really ARE going to come visit you in that wonderland you have created for yourselves up north.
Emily, we would all have a wonderful time! Phone calls just aren’t the same. Please come visit! Paul would be so happy to see both of you as well…we miss you!
Hello Valynne and Paul, Isn’t Provincetown wonderful! I haven’t been in years and years ago it was still pretty well, undeveloped, but I loved it! It’s one of the most precious places in the universe I think, and has become so sweet in so many ways. Thanks so much for sharing it with me,
Denise, with love
It is still very small and quaint and undeveloped, considering. Full of fun little indie shops and restaurants – no golden arches. I hear it gets mighty crowded right about now, though…so we went at the perfect time.
Kudos to The Cape Cod National Seashore, which is run by the National Park Service and is absolutely pristine. It is always fun to hear from you, Denise; especially as I know MA is near and dear to your heart. XOX
I never made it to Provincetown when I lived up here several years ago and it was always a place I wanted to visit. So many things I loved about this entry. Your pictures are wonderful and Carpe Diem sounds amazing!!! And, a travel writing class? I’ve been considering this, too. Are you taking an online class or is it an actual class? Let me know how y0u like it.
Sounds like your mini-break was excellent. Provincetown remains on my list of places to go!
Oh, Lani…let me tell you about the travel writing class! I am taking it online because it would be expensive to take the train into NY every week. At first I was nervous about an online class but I think it is going to be just fine (only in week two so I will keep you posted).
You can find a list of available classes, bios on the teachers, etc. at http://www.writingclasses.com. I wrote about how I discovered this place (Gotham) on a January post titled “Don’t Forget to Write”. My travel writing teacher is Andrew Collins : )I am excited to see what formal training looks like as I have been basically flying by the seat of my pants!
All these weeks you’ve been talking about going to P-Town and I had no idea where you were talking about! It looks like you had a lovely, relaxing time in a place that’s right up your alley! You and your pictures girl…some things never change, thankfully.
Hee. One of these days I want to scan all of the old pics…and we are long overdue for a reading of old letters and cards, as well. Time for a reunion, methinks!
wow, you guys seem to see a whole other side of cape cod than i have experienced. i’ll be in maryland for the summer. miss you guys, john
More info please, Aussie John! Are you working on a boat? Will you be sailing? What news!? I still maintain that you are a prime candidate for blog greatness, what with all of your adventures by land and sea…xox and a “cheers, mate” from Paul!
Hi guys! I absolutely LOVED reading about your trip! Will you go again… with us? hee hee hee… Seriously, next week? :o) Really enjoyed all the photos and captions as well. What an incredible time it sounds like you had! We miss you!!! Hoping to see you before the trees find time to change again. Love, Mary & Robb
I miss you and must see you and drink coffee with you and hear your lovely voice – here, there, or anywhere!
Valynne, I am ready to go to Provincetown! It looks like a wonderful place to visit. Whale watching is on my bucket list.
Robb, whale watching is a win-win. Worse case scenario, you don’t see any whales but you most likely see all sorts of other cool marine life, and you are on a boat, in the water. Ahhh. Best case scenario, you see whales and all sorts of other cool marine life, and you are on a boat, in the water… : ) We miss you and Mary something fierce, let’s just pick a date!