Inn At The Moors
A Brief History of the Inn at the Moors
For decades, the Inn at the Moors welcomed visitors to Provincetown from its perch on 59 Province Lands Road. Overlooking the wetlands (often referred to as the “moors”) at the very tip of Cape Cod, it offered guests beautiful views of sand dunes, marsh grasses, and Provincetown’s famous sunsets. Although precise records of its earliest years are scattered, most locals remember it as a beloved, modest motel-style inn that captured the essence of “old Provincetown”—an unpretentious, laid-back place where nature and artistic spirit combined.
Around the mid- to late 2010s—approximately 2017 or 2018—the Inn at the Moors was purchased and renovated by Lark Hotels, a boutique hospitality company known for reimagining historic or vintage properties across New England. Once under Lark Hotels’ banner, the property underwent a thorough renovation and was eventually reopened and rebranded as AWOL. The updated name and concept were designed to highlight the sense of escape and freedom that Provincetown offers, while the décor shifted to a modern, minimalist vibe with a nod to coastal design elements.
The Transformation into AWOL
When Lark Hotels acquired the Inn at the Moors, they recognized both the charm of its location and the potential to upgrade its amenities for contemporary travelers. Keeping much of the property’s panoramic vantage point, AWOL opened its doors with:
- Refreshed Guest Rooms – Modern furniture, beachy textures, and airy layouts that take advantage of natural light.
- Outdoor Lounge Areas – Fire pits, Adirondack chairs, and deck space overlooking the Provincetown marshes.
- Updated Branding – A fun, playful nod to the idea of “leaving it all behind,” which is exactly what many visitors seek when they come to Provincetown.
Despite the transformation, the hotel remains intimately tied to its natural surroundings and the distinctive environment that makes this corner of Cape Cod so memorable.
Provincetown’s Colorful Heritage
Located at the outermost reach of Cape Cod, Provincetown (often simply called “P-town”) has a remarkable history:
- Pilgrim Connection: Though Plymouth gets most of the attention, the Mayflower Pilgrims made their first New World landing in Provincetown Harbor in November 1620. The iconic Pilgrim Monument in town commemorates this history.
- Artistic Haven: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Provincetown became a magnet for artists and writers. Notable playwrights like Eugene O’Neill worked here, and the Provincetown Players helped spark a new era in American theatre. The vibrant arts scene thrives to this day, with galleries and festivals showcasing local and national talent.
- LGBTQ+ Destination: Provincetown is widely celebrated as an inclusive community—especially for LGBTQ+ residents and travelers—and is famous for its festivals and pride events.
- Cape Cod National Seashore: Much of Provincetown’s undeveloped landscape is protected by the National Park Service, including the impressive sand dunes and beaches that ring the outer edge of Cape Cod.
The Neighborhood: Province Lands Road
AWOL sits on Province Lands Road, which leads visitors through some of the most scenic parts of Cape Cod National Seashore:
- The Moors: From the property, you can see the sprawling marshes that provide habitat for seabirds and other wildlife. The vistas change dramatically with the tides and seasons, making it a photographer’s paradise.
- Race Point Beach: A short drive or bike ride away, Race Point Beach is known for its stunning sunsets over the Atlantic, dramatic sand dunes, and occasional seal (or even whale) sightings offshore.
- Province Lands Visitor Center: Operated by the National Park Service, this center offers panoramic views from its observation deck and information about the region’s flora, fauna, and coastal geology. It’s a great starting point for dune hikes and bike trails.
- Herring Cove Beach: Another nearby favorite, Herring Cove offers gentle surf, broad expanses of beach, and sweeping water views. Sunsets at Herring Cove often draw a small crowd who gather to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Notable Events and Happenings
While the Inn at the Moors did not gain fame for hosting any singularly famous event, its location in Provincetown placed it at the heart of many annual and cultural happenings:
- Provincetown International Film Festival: Celebrated each June, it attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the world.
- Carnival: One of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in August, it’s a multi-day party that fills the town with colorful costumes, parades, and themed events.
- Art Gallery Strolls: From spring through early autumn, many of Provincetown’s galleries host special receptions on Friday nights, turning Commercial Street into a festive, arts-focused block party.
Guests at the old Inn at the Moors (and now AWOL) have historically taken advantage of these vibrant gatherings by simply strolling or biking into town—an easy trip that offers a window into P-town’s creative pulse.
Points of Interest & Local Flavor
- Commercial Street: Provincetown’s main artery for shopping, dining, nightlife, and people-watching. It’s filled with colorful storefronts, unique boutiques, art galleries, and plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can sample fresh seafood.
- Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum: Learn about the Mayflower Pilgrims’ journey and the town’s maritime legacy. Climbing the monument grants sweeping views of the entire tip of Cape Cod.
- Dune Tours: Various companies offer guided off-road adventures through the famous sand dunes of the Province Lands—an otherworldly, sandy landscape that has inspired generations of artists.
In Summary
The story of the Inn at the Moors and its evolution into AWOL reflects Provincetown’s blend of tradition and reinvention. For years, the Inn offered a front-row seat to the marshes and moors that define the outer edge of Cape Cod. Its purchase by Lark Hotels around 2017–2018 and subsequent renovation were natural progressions for a property that has always embraced the allure of the sea, salt air, and artistic energy.
Whether you come for the beaches, the art scene, the nightlife, or simply to watch the sun sink behind Cape Cod’s dunes, AWOL continues the Inn at the Moors’ legacy of offering a welcoming, rejuvenating retreat in one of New England’s most captivating coastal destinations.
| Business Phone: | (508) 487-1342 |
|---|---|
| Type of Business: | Hotels & Motels |
| Type of Lodging: | Accommodations |
| Address: | 59 Province Lands Rd |
| City | Provincetown |
| County | Barnstable |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Country: | USA |
| Zip Code: | 2657 |
| Area Code: | 508 |
| Daylight Savings: | Y |
| Federal Information Processing Standards: | 25001 |
| Local Time Zone: | EST |
| Website Url: | https://www.larkhotels.com/hotels/awol |
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