Women Innkeepers of Provincetown Make Your Stay Memorable!

For the past thirty years, the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown have made it their business to make the lesbian community feel welcome while visiting this Cape Cod LGBT getaway. As this season opens, Acting Coordinator Lynn Mogell welcomes all visitors to make their stay a memorable one by booking a room at one of their nine beautiful inns.

"Our inns are all very different, with a variety of suites and apartments, single rooms or B&B style, from hotels to spas," said Mogell. "Some properties have pools or spas, some have kitchens, but all have a wide variety of things to offer."

After a winter that unloaded snowdrifts up to the windows, the community is ready for a warm summer season. And Provincetown is the place to be for LGBT singles, couples and families.

"We all offer a group of very diverse accommodations, but what we have in common is the great love of Provincetown that we communicate to our guests," said Mogell. "And staying in a place run by women offers a unique view of what's happening in Provincetown. We can offer that to lesbians."

The nine members of the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown all meet two requirements: they have a valid, up-to-date lodging license and are authorized to be a B&B or inn; and are a property that is owned and operated by women. In this case, they all happen to be lesbians.

The owners work together to promote each others' businesses and to make sure that guests get the most out of their stay, be it Single Women's Weekend in May or Women's Week on Columbus Day in October.

Women's Week is the largest lesbian cultural event on the East Coast, and for the last 30 years, it has provided thousands of women with the best in lesbian entertainment. Among the offerings are a music, comedy, a lesbian literary festival, rock bands, performers and more.

"There are 150 different events to choose from, all tailored specifically for women to meet one another," said Mogell. "They facilitate the enjoyment of Provincetown in the beautiful fall season, with outdoor activities, sporting events, shows, concerts and workshops."

One popular Women's Week event is Kate Clinton's Touch Football Classic, an event in which performers face off against a team of participants, some of whom know nothing about football, others who are stalwart athletes. The event is held on the Thursday of Women's Week, and draws many more spectators than participants.

The Women's Innkeepers also refer business to one another, to make sure that women find the right fit for the type of vacation they're looking for.

"Each of of these inns are unique, and they all have something different to offer, so if one of us can't fulfill a need, the other will -- like if a guests wants a swimming pool, we'll send them to Seaglass, or if they want a smaller place, we'll send them to Ravenwood," said Elizabeth Brooke, one of the original founders and president of Women Innkeepers of Provincetown. "We try to accommodate visitors with exactly what they want, because then, they will come back."

For example, Faith and Nadine, the owners at the Seaglass Inn, have a few kids of their own, and are focused on making the property they purchased two years ago into a family-friendly accommodation.

"They felt it was lacking in Provincetown, so when they started Seaglass, that was something they really focused on," said Mogell. "It's been very successful."

Families -- and their pets -- are also welcome at Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's, where special suites await your pooch -- or any other friend you might bring along.

"We welcome everybody and everything," said Brooke. "Young and old, gay and straight, men and women, families and anyone that has a companion animal, be it dog or cat, ferret or bird, even snakes. We've had all of these as guests! I love kids and animals, and we have seven animal-friendly rooms on the ground floor, with a park next door to go play with them in."

Foodies and cocktail lovers will feel right at home at the relaxing Sage Inn and Lounge. In the heart of all the action but set back from the street for some down time, Sage has become Ptown's hottest dining spot for small plates and creative cocktails using local
ingredients and herbs from their own garden. No Ptown vacation is complete without their Sage Cucumber Cocktail, called Cape Cod's best! Or they could check into Heritage House, or Admirals Landing, just steps away from all Provincetown has to offer. Either is an ideal accommodation for those who want to be in the center of the action.

Those who want privacy can bunk with Diane and Loretta at Inn at the Moors, where they'll get a million dollar view of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Older couples and art lovers may be more at ease at a place like Diane Corbo and Val Carrano's Ravenwood, in the heart of the art gallery district, or at Rose Acre, co-owned by local artist of renown, Rose Basile.

"Come stay where the light is bright, the streets are narrow and the minds are broad! The rooms are decorated in simple luxury, and the paintings on all the walls are mine and other Provincetown artists," said Basile, whose work is currently on display on Boston's famed Newbury Street, with the Julie Heller Gallery and the Provincetown Art Association. "If you like what you see, you can buy the art from me -- my studio is at Rose Acre -- or you can see examples of the artwork on Facebook."

In 2014, Innkeepers Alli Baldwin and Ilene Mitnick followed their passion, left
everything behind, launched into a major renovation and opened Roux, the newest addition to the Women Innkeepers group. Roux, a fully restored 1870s Victorian, is located in Provincetown's East End Gallery District two blocks from Provincetown
Harbor.

Discerning travelers seeking a curated experience will find it here. There's a sensual vibe - from playfully chic rooms that scream with color to walls filled with original work by local artists. Jazz plays over a full gourmet breakfast. The beat of House music during savory bites happy hour sets the tone for an evening on the town. Fine food, wine, art and music are integral to the experience, as are Baldwin and Mitnick.

"We're passionate about entertaining and sharing incredible food experiences with others. To us, life is a party and, so, we decided to host an ongoing one for our Guests."

No matter what your vacation calls for, the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown will make it their mission to make sure your accommodations fit like a glove. And that's something any traveler can fall in love with!