ROB COSTA
Don’t be surprise when Rob greets you and say” “Hi! How ya DUNE?!” He is the owner of the family business called Art’s Dune Tours that he inherited from his parents, Art and Pat Costa, both born and raised in Provincetown. His father started Art’s Dune Tours in 1946 and ran it for over 50 years. When he became ill, Rob moved back home from a life of travel to take over the family business. For over 40 years now he has been involved with his company, running it with his husband Rob Papa, for the past 28 years. He is very proud of their company and considers himself one of the luckiest men in the world: “I feel very grateful to make a living doing what I absolutely love to do! I meet hundreds of people each season and show them the most beautiful landscape there is on Cape Cod! Our company does a great job working together to provide a very fun, informative and historical experience of riding through one of the few east coasts’ National Parks, the Cape Cod National Seashore.”
How long have you been living in Provincetown, and what influenced your decision to move here?
I have been living in Provincetown since birth, growing up here, attending the schools here, and finally leaving after high school to attend the University of South Florida in Tampa to get a degree in Communications. After college, I moved back to Provincetown to work for my dad at Art’s and look for a job. I ended up getting offered a job to become an international tour director with Collette Tours. I traveled the world for years to places like the National Parks out West, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and more. When my father became ill with Alzheimer’s, I decided to move back home to take over the family business, which I have been doing for the past 28 years or so.
What are your favorite places to go for a cocktail and/or dinner?
My husband and I work many hours during each season, and we try to chill out at home as much as possible, but we do like to enjoy date night once a week where we just go out together and sit at a bar to have drinks and dinner. We like to visit as many different places in town as we are a town known for its many great restaurants and bars. Some of our favorite spots include, but not exclusively: Ciro & Sal’s (chicken parm), The Red Inn (love the duck), Front Street (eggplant). We also love The Mews, Pepe’s, Fannizzi’s Restaurant by the Sea, and Mistralino Ristorante. Liz’s Cafe and Café Heaven are our go to breakfast places. For drinks, we love Tea Dance, Pepe’s, Stranger and Saints, Sal’s, Mezze, Tin Pan, Squealing Pig, and the Mayflower Café! All the places in town have a very distinct atmosphere and a favorite dish or drink…it’s hard to list them all here!!!
What cultural attractions or events are a must see for visitors?
I recommend to all visitors that they experience the dunes through us, as well as whale watching, our incredible Provincetown Art Association and Museum, and the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum.
Now for the events, that’s a tough one…there are so many great events! There is something for everyone in all of our events throughout the year. Some our favorites are Bear Week, Carnival Week, Blessing of the Fleet (the Portuguese Festival), and Halloween!
A friend is coming to Provincetown for the first time. Please describe the perfect weekend.
For a perfect weekend I would recommend starting at Tea Dance for drinks and dancing by the gorgeous harbor. Afterwards, have dinner in town. After dinner, walk to the beach with a big blanket, lay down for an hour and star gaze, take in salt air, then back to your room to get ready for one of our great shows! Some of our drag shows are truly the best. Miss Ritchfield 1981 is a dear friend and a favorite to recommend! After the show, hit the Crown and Anchor! This is a great complex of entertainment, food, dancing, leather, and music. It’s a very fun place!
Next day, begin with a workout at Mussel Beach at my spin class, then breakfast before whale watching. Provincetown is rated #2 in the world for seeing whales, and it can be breathtaking! Rest up a little, then join Art’s Dune Tours for a sunset dune tour with a clambake dinner served by the beach. After sunset and dinner, take a walk on the pier at night, then hit the local pubs! The following day, visit the museums, then kayak in the harbor or head to Race Point Beach, Herring Cove, or Boy Beach. When you get back, go to The Red Inn for raw bar happy hour and a Tom’s Tini, and of course the view!
Race Point Beach (Photo by Cindy Goff)
What are the best places to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the area?
The dunes of Provincetown are truly the most beautiful! The bike trails heading to Herring Cove and Race Point beaches are amazing and offer the best scenic views in town!
What is your favorite time of year in Provincetown and why?
I like September in Provincetown. We consider it our second summer! The crowds are a little bit spread out, the days are warm, and the nights are cool. All the places that are open throughout the summer are still open with less lines. Don’t get me wrong, the town is still busy but just a bit less crowded than our busiest month of August.
What locally made product you would suggest visitors bring back for their friends or family?
I always recommend a stop at the Portuguese Bakery. It’s been around for years, since I was a kid, and the new owners do a really nice job keeping it traditional. Any of the desserts are awesome, but do take home a package of Portuguese Sweet Rolls (makes the best breakfast sandwiches). and the trutas, a sweet potato filled pastry, are a must.
Please finish this sentence: Don’t leave Provincetown without…
A plan to come back! Once you experience how amazing our history, scenery, gay scene, art scene, theater, and dunes are, you will want to come back because you will want to see more of everything!
