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Nantucket, Massachusetts Travel Guide

Nantucket is an island south of Cape Cod which can be accessed by ferry from ports in Hyannis, MA, Martha's Vineyard, MA, or by plane. Once a whaling port (with honorable mention in the novel Moby Dick), Nantucket now exists as a large vacation and tourist attraction.

Unlike Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket's development is highly controlled, making it less crowded than its "sister island." The uniform cedar shake shingle that nearly all of its buildings are sided with, gives the island a quaint, classy feel. Coupled with the preppy pastels most vacationers wear, it isn't hard to see why Nantucket has a posh, upper-class reputation.

Some of the most successful business ventures here were inspired by the island. Nantucket Nectars (a juice drink much like Snapple), and Vineyard Vines (a clothing company), are just a few of these success stories. The famous "Nantucket Red" hue can only be found at Wilson's Clothing Store on the Island.

Regardless of reputation, Nantucket does have some wonderful beaches. Nobadeer Beach allows permit- bearing drivers to pull onto the beach. The vehicle-less beaches are just as nice, with perfect bodysurfing waves and relatively wide beaches.

GETTING HERE:

There are several different ferries that can be taken to get to Nantucket island. However, the quickest is from Hyannis, MA. It is about a one hour ride. The ferry makes the trip about five to six times a day, and can be booked ahead of time on the internet.

EVENTS:

Nantucket Film Festival: Running for over ten years, the Nantucket Film Festival is for those who truly understand and appreciate the art of film making and screen writing. Leaving big budgets out of the equation, this particular festival focuses on the independent films submitted, giving amateurs a chance to reveal innovative talents in the film industry. Stop by for a number of screenings and readings.

Nantucket Wine Festival: For the past twelve years, Nantucket features its wineries in the annual Wine Festival that encompasses over 100 world-renowned wineries. Wine enthusiasts can come together to dine in Nantucket's greatest restaurants, to take part in auctions, seminiars, and celebrity chef demonstrations, and to sample, of course!

RESTAURANTS

American Seasons: Situated in Nantucket's historic downtown area, American Seasons is a warm, candlelit eatery where family and friends gather for great conversation and even better food. The name says it all, as American Seasons is focused on American cusine with a creative style, using local and seasonal produce. The dinner menu is separated into three different locations: Pacific Coast, New England, and Down South. The Pacific Coast can offer diners meals like Oven Roasted Breast of Duck or Potato wrapped in Yellowfin Tuna. The New England section seems to highlight the natural seafood and vegetables of the area, like Orange and Basil Marinated Chatham Lobster. Of course, as most Americans can expect, the Down South portion serves up something more comforting and hearty, with such ingredients as Fried Butter Milk Chicken and Creamy Cheddar Cheese grits. Don't be overwhelmed! You don't have to fast all day just to finish a meal here. A menu of small plates is available for those who want to save room for dessert. Some choices are scallops, New Orleans Gulf Shrimp, and House Made Spicy Potato Chips & Blue Cheese Dip. Remember to check out the award-winning wine list that showcases some of America's best varieties for the perfect companion to your meal.

The Tavern at Harbor Square: With a waterfront view, al fresco dining, and a large gazebo to party under from lunch to dessert, it's no surprise that The Tavern at Harbor Square is popular among the locals. Tourists should take a hint from the large daily crowd that flocks to this restaurant to enjoy some regional favorites. The menu accentuates the fresh seafood caught right outside the restaurant with dishes like swordfish steak, herb and garlic shrimp, and Atlantic Salmon. Hot rolls, fries, potatoes, salads, and vegetables are common accompaniments to the main portion of the meals. Even though most of what comes from the kitchen is New England fare, there are a few delicious misfits in the mix like Thai Chicken Salad and Curried Chick Pasta Salad.

LODGING:

TABA-Nantucket "Green" house rental: This impressive luxury retreat is for those who are "green" through and through. The designers and architects of this three bedroom, two bathroom domain went to every length possible to create the ultimate environmentally-conscious abode. Newly constructed, the house is located at the end of a long gravel driveway, far from the eyes of tourists and locals. In fact, for the sake of privacy, the home was built a mile and a half from the beach, and a mile from the Nantucket town. The following is a list of only some of the indulgent, but healthy, amenities that can be yours: solar hot water heater, an abundance of natural materials, natural flora and fauna surrounding the house, large windows, a BBQ area, a large patio, an outdoor shower, cathedral ceilings in the kitchen and living room, kitchen and pantry counters made from compressed recycled paper, modern appliances, wood floors, a loft with a deck, recycled aluminum tiles in the bathroom, and a family room with a 42'' Eco-TV. For $3500/week to $4200/week depending on the season, families and friends can shack up in this peaceful, modern, and charming accommodation and enjoy the luxuries that nature can provide.

ACTIVITIES:

Bike Riding: Take the Madaket Bike Path through the small island which is a distance of six miles.