Beautiful Ballston and dramatic Longnook are merely your nearest Atlantic options - and from The Toehold, both are accessible by bike without Route 6.

Slough? Gull? Spectacle? Horseleech?… Whether you prefer a cozy swimming hole or a body of water big enough for a kayak, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Plunge into the tidal river shortly after high tide and enjoy a lazy float towards the bay.

Sunday is yoga on the green, Monday is the Farmers’ Market, Thursdays are free concerts outside the library, and most every day of the week, there are in-demand art classes at Castle Hill. Even on a short stay, there are lots of chances to be part of town life.

The Toehold’s optimal location means you can get in lots of biking on country roads and unpaved trails thick with pine needles, without ever needing to get on Route 6.

What helps make the Outer Cape special is all the land held under conservation. Sites run by the National Park Service, such as the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station, make great rainy day excursions!

Whether you’re craving fresh seafood or a second-hand book, you won’t need much persuading to stop again in this pretty fishing town, long famous for its oysters. PJ’s, Moby Dick’s, Mac’s Seafood (at the end of the pier) are all favorite spots to get your seafood fix.

For more of an occasion, try the Wicked Oyster (be sure to make a reservation). If you plan to cook yourself, stop at Hatch’s. And if you’re truly looking to mix eating and reading, shop at the Marketplace or dine at The Bookstore & Restaurant.

Quaint and buzzing all at the same time, this town has something for everyone. On the practical side, you’ve got the airport, ferry and supermarket, plus Lands End or Conwell Hardware for anything, from homewares to art supplies, and Marine Specialties for serendipitous finds.

Also check out the bike trails around Racepoint, Pilgrim Monument, Provincetown Bookshop, Portuguese bakery, and schooner replica inside the library!