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