Ptown's Local Legends & Lobster Roll Tour
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Overview
The Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour offers a unique 2-hour walking adventure through Provincetown's culinary and cultural heart, inspired by the late Anthony Bourdain. This tour takes participants on a flavorful journey, sampling Bourdain’s favorite treats: a delicious lobster roll, a refreshing ice-cold beer, and a traditional Portuguese malasada. It's a perfect blend of food, history, and local lore.
Participants will stroll past iconic landmarks such as The Lobster Pot Restaurant, where Bourdain once worked, and The Old Colony Tap, a beloved dive bar he frequented. The tour also includes a stop at Spiritus Pizza, known for its vibrant history, and a visit to the Portuguese Bakery for an authentic malasada. Other key stops include Cannery Wharf Park, offering beautiful harbor views; Lopes Square, showcasing an anchor from 1801; the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House; Provincetown Public Library which holds Bourdain’s archives; and The Atlantic House, a historic tavern. The tour culminates at The Boatslip Resort’s Tea Dance, celebrating Provincetown's LGBTQ+ heritage.
This experience includes snacks, alcoholic beverages, and meals, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience. Please note that personal shopping expenses and gratuities are not included. Participants should be prepared for a moderate amount of walking and standing. The tour provides an intimate exploration of Provincetown, combining historical insights with delightful food and drink.




Highlights
Taste Ptown's Best Bites: Savor a lobster roll, cold beer, and malasada – Anthony Bourdain's favorites!
Walk Through History: Explore iconic spots like The Lobster Pot and Spiritus Pizza with local stories.
Discover Local Culture: See landmarks such as Cannery Wharf Park and the Provincetown Library.
Experience the Tea Dance: End your tour at the legendary Boatslip Resort's Tea Dance.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour, appreciating the combination of food, history, and local insights. The knowledgeable guide and the Bourdain-inspired theme were popular highlights. Some found the pace quick and suggested more rest stops.

Customers loved the food and drinks on the tour.
Many enjoyed learning about Anthony Bourdain and his connection to Provincetown.
Some reviewers say the tour guide was knowledgeable and fun.
Several visitors thought the tour was a great way to experience the local culture.
A few people wished for more seating or rest stops.
One reviewer thought the tour moved a bit too quickly.
The Journey
Cannery Wharf Park
Cannery Wharf Park, once a bustling hub for whaling and fishing in the 19th century, now stands as a picturesque waterfront park at 387-395 Commercial Street. Originally owned by David Conwell and later revitalized as a fish-packing operation, the wharf was famously split in half by a Coast Guard cutter in 1926. Today, this half-acre parcel, transformed in 2019, invites visitors to soak in the scenic views and reflect on Provincetown's rich maritime history, making it a serene and historically significant destination.
Provincetown Public Library
Housed in the historic Center Methodist Episcopal Church, a Second Empire-style building erected in 1860 at 356 Commercial Street, the Provincetown Public Library is a cultural treasure. Converted in 2002, it features a stunning half-scale replica of the schooner Rose Dorothea, celebrating the town's maritime past. The library also boasts a rich archive of local history, including the Anthony Bourdain Collection. Open year-round, it's a vital resource blending historic charm with modern services, making it a must-visit for book lovers and history enthusiasts.
The Governor Bradford Restaurant & Bar
The Governor Bradford, located at 312-314 Commercial Street, has been a Provincetown institution since 1960, though the site has hosted eateries since the 1930s. Known for its lively, nautical atmosphere, this year-round restaurant and bar serves local seafood and craft beers. Featuring maritime artifacts, a mural by James Wingate Parr, and a recent renovation that introduced an outdoor beer garden, the Governor Bradford offers a delightful blend of history and modern flair, promising a memorable dining and entertainment experience.
The Old Colony Tap
The Old Colony Tap, a historic dive bar at 323 Commercial Street, has been a cherished local institution since 1937. With its weathered, driftwood-laden decor and artwork by local artists, this cash-only bar exudes nautical charm. Once a gathering spot for fishermen, artists, and writers like Norman Mailer, and visited by Anthony Bourdain, the Old Colony Tap offers affordable drinks and an unpretentious, gritty vibe, making it a must-see for those seeking an authentic Provincetown experience.
The Lobster Pot Restaurant
The Lobster Pot, located at 321 Commercial Street, is a renowned seafood restaurant and a Provincetown tradition since 1979. Instantly recognizable by its iconic neon lobster sign, this restaurant offers fresh seafood, Portuguese specialties, and award-winning clam chowder. Open seasonally from April to November, it provides stunning Provincetown Harbor views and is celebrated for its Cape Cod hospitality. Notably, it's where Anthony Bourdain began his culinary career, adding to its allure and culinary significance.
Lopes Square
Lopes Square, at the heart of Provincetown on Commercial Street, is a vibrant public plaza named after World War I hero Manuel N. Lopes. Featuring a 10½-foot-long anchor from 1801, recovered in 1959, the square symbolizes the town's maritime heritage. Revitalized in 2005 with new paving, seating, and lighting, it's a central gathering spot surrounded by shops, restaurants, and galleries. During winter, the lobster pot Christmas tree adds festive charm, making it a focal point for tourists and locals alike.
Luke's Lobster at MacMillan Pier
Luke's Lobster, located at MacMillan Pier, offers delectable Maine-style lobster rolls featuring sustainably sourced lobster, crab, and shrimp. Served chilled in toasted buns with mayo, lemon butter, and secret seasoning, these rolls provide a taste of New England seafood in the heart of Provincetown. Enjoy a casual and flavorful meal with stunning waterfront views.
Unitarian Universalist Meeting House of Provincetown
The Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, located at 236 Commercial Street, is a historic Greek Revival church built in 1847. Its iconic telescopic tower, a landmark for seafarers, is Provincetown’s only surviving steeple. Home to a warm and inclusive community, the church embraces Unitarian Universalist principles and hosts Sunday services, community events, and initiatives like the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP). Visit for its architectural beauty and inclusive spirit.
The Atlantic House (A-House)
The Atlantic House, known as the A-House, is a historic bar and cultural landmark with roots dating back to 1798. As Provincetown’s oldest bar, it has been a haven for writers like Tennessee Williams and Norman Mailer, as well as a premier venue for musical performances by Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Widely recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars in the United States, the A-House offers a unique glimpse into Provincetown’s artistic, literary, and LGBTQ+ history.
Provincetown U.S. Post Office
The U.S. Post Office in Provincetown has a history tied to the town's maritime and commercial growth. Established in 1804 with Daniel Pease, Provincetown’s first postmaster, operating out of his tavern, now the Atlantic House (A-House). This early post office served the town’s growing fishing and whaling community. It represents the broader U.S. postal system’s expansion, authorized by the Postal Service Act of 1792, reflecting the growth and connectivity of the nation.
Spiritus Pizza
Spiritus Pizza, a beloved family-run pizzeria founded in 1971, is a Provincetown institution known for its late-night slices and vibrant atmosphere. Adding an ice cream counter in 1976, it became a cultural hub, embracing Provincetown’s inclusive spirit and serving as a late-night hangout for the LGBTQ+ community. Featured by Anthony Bourdain, Spiritus remains a must-visit for its delicious pizza and lively, art-covered walls.
Commercial Street
Commercial Street is the vibrant heart of Provincetown, with a rich history tied to its maritime and cultural evolution. Originally Front Street in the early 19th century, it transformed into Commercial Street, a bustling hub for fishing, whaling, and commerce. Over time, it evolved into a bohemian enclave, attracting artists, writers, and the LGBTQ+ community. Today, it's lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, embodying the town's unique spirit and diverse heritage.
The Boatslip Resort
The Boatslip Resort, located at 161 Commercial Street, is a legendary waterfront hotel and beach club established in 1965. Iconic for its daily Tea Dance, a vibrant afternoon dance party on its harborside deck, the Boatslip defines gay Provincetown culture. Welcoming a diverse clientele, the resort offers air-conditioned rooms, private balconies, a heated pool, and a sundeck, making it a key LGBTQ+ destination and a staple of Provincetown nightlife.
Know Before You Go
The Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour includes snacks, alcoholic beverages, and a meal (lobster roll, beer, and malasada). It does not include personal shopping or gratuities. Please meet your guide at the designated starting point; specific details will be provided upon booking. Get ready for a tasty and informative walk through Provincetown!
Hot Tip
Many customers have raved about the lobster roll, so come hungry! Also, wear comfortable shoes, as there's a fair amount of walking involved.