Old Nantucket lives in the Nantucket you visit today. The profusion of 18th- and 19th-century buildings and the cobblestone streets---made from ships' ballast---will make you feel you have stepped back in time when you set foot on the island. Antique shops, historic sites, charming inns and interesting museums are yours for discovering---with the added bonuses of dramatic scenery, miles of unspoiled beaches, and the nearly half the island set aside for conservation.
Few cars and no traffic lights, beachgoers and sightseers, cyclists, strollers and happy ice-cream eaters lend to the charm and personality of this Island, making it a popular destination for people fleeing larger cities for vacation and weekend getaways. Nantucket is primarily a summer resort, but many inns and restaurants remain open year around.
Historic District
The Historic District is the hub of Nantucket Town and what you first enter when stepping off the ferry. Getting lost in the streets is the best way to become acquainted with this part of Nantucket. Walk up and down Main, Federal and Center Streets. You'll see bed & breakfasts inns, restaurants, museums, shops, and galleries, many in homes once lived in by the captains of whaling ships. Notice the small, round plaques by some doorways, issued by the Nantucket Historical Association to certify the dates the homes were built. The NHA operates 14 of these historic properties as museums. You can purchase an NHA Visitors Pass for $10 at any of the museums or from the association's gift shop. The pass gives you access to all the sites, or you can pay single admission at each.
Discover Nantucket's Villages
Beyond the residential and touristy side of Nantucket Town are two villages: Siasconset, seven miles to the east, and Madaket, 6 miles to the west. In the days when factories rendered whale oil, Nantucket Town residents would flee to Siasconset (locally known as 'Sconset) to avoid the heavy smells. Today, 'Sconset is mostly a summer community with a few choice lodging options and several restaurants. It also has lots of beachfront and conservation areas close by, all of which make it a great day trip from town, easily accessible via bike or public transportation. 'Sconset is also home to two golf courses: Sankaty Head Golf Club, a private course open to the public only in the fall, and Siasconset Golf Course, which is open to non-members, for a fee, weekdays during peak season. Sankaty Head Lighthouse, one of three lighthouses on Nantucket, was built in 1850 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Madaket, on the west coast, is basically a large beach with serious surf, a great place to picnic, and a sunset enthusiast's haven. To get there, follow the Madaket bike path signs or take the NRTA shuttle.
A pet-friendly island, dogs are welcome on most ferries and on shuttle buses to and from the beach. Some hotels also accept your canine friend, including the Safe Harbor and the Grey Lady Guest House. Although many restaurants have outdoor seating, call beforehand to ensure your fuzzy buddy can sit beside you while you are enjoying local eats, such as quahog (pronounced co-hog) chowder or lobster, or cocktails. White Dog Cafe and the Boarding House are two places you may end up enjoying your meals if you choose not to leave your pup behind.
The best way to explore Nantucket Island is by foot, bicycle, moped or jeep. Cars are not encouraged, and the entire island is just 14.5 miles by three miles. If you feel strongly about having a car on the island, consider renting one upon arrival---especially since you must reserve space for your car on a ferry months in advance. Budget and Hertz rent cars on-island, and Nantucket Windmill and Thrifty rent jeeps, but be sure to reserve early. There are bike routes for cyclists of all levels, ranging from the three-mile flat-terrain Surfside bike path to the Polpis bike path, an eight-mile-long trail with winding terrain and hills of various sizes. You can pick up a map of the trails from one of the many bike rental shops on Main Street. There are also plenty of undeveloped back trails to get lost in, making mountain biking a favorite activity. Again, the bike shop can point you in the right direction.
Transportation
How do you get to this remote paradise? The best way is via ferry or plane from Cape Cod. Three boat lines that can get you there are Freedom Cruise Lines, Hy-Line Cruises, and The Steamship Authority. Travel time ranges from just under two hours to one hour on a high-speed ferry. Hy-line Cruises offers high-speed daily departures to Nantucket from Hyannis. The Steamship Authority offers vehicle ferries for those wishing to bring their cars and high-speed service for passengers only. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, and you are strongly encouraged to show up an hour prior to departure time. If a 15-minute trip is more your speed, Island Airlines has numerous flights throughout the day from Hyannis to Nantucket, and Nantucket Airlines provides hourly departures to Nantucket from Boston, Providence and New Bedford, as well as shuttle service between Hyannis and Nantucket. There are also flights available from Newark, LaGuardia and Boston airports.
Because Nantucket is such a popular destination year-round, be sure to get to your ferry or plane early, and definitely make reservations far in advance, especially during peak season.
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| Spotlight
Nantucket Hotels |
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Nantucket Whaler
Entering the hand painted foyer of the Nantucket Whaler, returns you to another era. Designed in the grand Greek Revival style of 1850, this former home of a whaling...
295.0 |
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Harbor House Village
**Harbor House Village is open April 25 through December 7th** A major renovation of the property has just been completed Harbor House Village opened its doors more than...
155.0 |
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The Beachside at Nantucket
Enjoy the best of Nantucket at The Beachside. Located on historic Nantucket Island, 30 miles at sea from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, The Beachside offers the perfect getaway...
130.0 |
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