A Brief History of the Island
Historians believe the first sighting of this small island was by the Norsemen in the 11th century. Nantucket’s first inhabitants were the Wampanoag Indian tribe who named the island Nantucket, believed to mean, “far away land.” The tribe resided there, undisturbed, until the mid 1600s when English authorities deeded the land to Thomas Mayhew, an English merchant. From the 1700s to the early 1800s, Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world. With the decline of the whaling industry in the late 1800s, Nantucket’s untouched beauty lured wealthy visitors to vacation and build summer homes on the island, and since that time, its primary source of income is tourism.
Getting There
Air travel can be arranged into Nantucket airport from any city in the United States. One of the most economical ways to get to Nantucket is to fly into Boston, drive to Hyannis/Cape Cod (about 80 miles from the airport), and hop aboard the Hy-Line or Steamship Authority for a ferry ride to the Island. These ferries offer traditional or high-speed journeys for reasonable fees. Enjoy a cocktail down below or on deck aboard the Hy-Line with the magnificent Atlantic Ocean as scenery. The fast ferries may cost a bit extra, but arrival time is cut by about an hour. Approaching Nantucket is a breathtaking sight, with Brant Point Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in the United States, standing as a welcome beacon to visitors. According to legend, throwing pennies overboard as you round the point ensures your return to the island.
Where to Stay
Numerous bed and breakfasts, cottages and rental homes, fitting a variety of budgets, are on the island. The Carlisle House Inn, in the heart of downtown Nantucket, offers accommodations from $65 to $295 depending upon season/amenities. For a more private getaway, companies such as Country Village Rentals, offer visitors private cottage or luxury home rentals on the southern and eastern shores. Rent a gray-shuttered cottage adorned with flowers and the ocean just steps away. These cottages have a private yard complete with outdoor shower and Adirondack chairs. Roses of vibrant color spill out of flower boxes and trail abundantly over arbors. After a day of exploring the island, a cottage rental provides a place to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere that is Nantucket.
Things to Do
Getting around the island is best done by bike. Nantucket is 14 miles long and 3-4 miles wide, so there’s no need for a car. One can rent a bike and explore the island in a day’s time. Shuttle buses run daily all over the island and private limos are also available. Makadet Beach on the south shore is famous for its sunsets. Siasconset or ‘Sconset, as the locals call it, is a small town on the eastern shore that boasts stunning homes, a general store, small restaurants and a post office. On the North Shore, Children’s and Jetties’ beaches are great for families and an easy walk from downtown Nantucket. Explore Brant Point Beach for phenomenal pictures of the legendary Brant Point Lighthouse. The Old Windmill in Nantucket’s historic district is an easy 10-minute walk from downtown. Built in 1746 out of wood from shipwrecks, this working mill grinds corn and visitors can purchase bags of cornmeal.
Downtown Nantucket’s tree lined, cobblestone streets have an eclectic mix of art galleries, movie and live theater, bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants and bars, and specialty shops. Casual dining such as The Tavern Harbor Square located on Nantucket’s harbor offers gorgeous views and reasonable pricing for lunch and dinner. Fine dining such as Topper’s Restaurant in the famous Wauwinet Inn has over 1,000 wines to choose from and is touted by Vanity Fair Magazine as being the “favorite beachside eating around the world.”
Nantucket is an idyllic place to explore, relax, and replenish the soul. Its pristine and elegant beauty offers visitors a step back in time and seems worlds away from the hustle and bustle of busy, modern day life.
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