Your Seaside Retreat
June 5, 2019
Nantucket
Nantucket
Written by Ariel M. Weinshanker
Last month we had the pleasure of experiencing one of Massachusetts’ most famous islands, Nantucket! We had an incredible time and look forward to an excuse to go back.
How can we get there?
Nantucket (also known by its airport code ACK) is a destination most often thought of when visiting Boston, Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Code, but did you know direct flights are available from New York (JFK, LGA, HPN, EWR) and Washington DC?
Visitors can also catch a ferry from Hyannis, MA; Harwich Port, MA; New Bedford, MA; Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Whether you opt to travel by land, sea or sky, remember that during the non-peak season, options are more limited.
We chose to fly Jet Blue between JFK and ACK, which took about 45 minutes. Flying was much quicker than driving and the 6-hour Seastreak Ferry had not started operating yet for the season. Flying out on Friday afternoon and returning Sunday in the late afternoon, gave us time to work a half day before departing the city and sleep in before checking out on our hotel.
Interested in more details about all the ways you can travel to the Island? Visit Nantucket Departure of Culture and Tourism.
How can we get there?
Nantucket (also known by its airport code ACK) is a destination most often thought of when visiting Boston, Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Code, but did you know direct flights are available from New York (JFK, LGA, HPN, EWR) and Washington DC?
Visitors can also catch a ferry from Hyannis, MA; Harwich Port, MA; New Bedford, MA; Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Whether you opt to travel by land, sea or sky, remember that during the non-peak season, options are more limited.
We chose to fly Jet Blue between JFK and ACK, which took about 45 minutes. Flying was much quicker than driving and the 6-hour Seastreak Ferry had not started operating yet for the season. Flying out on Friday afternoon and returning Sunday in the late afternoon, gave us time to work a half day before departing the city and sleep in before checking out on our hotel.
Interested in more details about all the ways you can travel to the Island? Visit Nantucket Departure of Culture and Tourism.
Pro Tip
If you are flying, keep in mind that there may be a limited number of flights on your day of travel, meaning if you or your bag do not make the flight, you may have to wait a few days until the next plane arrives. Consider packing light or shipping your luggage in advance-a service we can arrange for you. And speaking of luggage, if your bag does not make the conveyor belt when you arrive in-ask, twice
If you are flying, keep in mind that there may be a limited number of flights on your day of travel, meaning if you or your bag do not make the flight, you may have to wait a few days until the next plane arrives. Consider packing light or shipping your luggage in advance-a service we can arrange for you. And speaking of luggage, if your bag does not make the conveyor belt when you arrive in-ask, twice
Where can we stay?
There is no shortage of Instagram worthy accommodations offering exceptional beach views. When deciding where to stay, think about your preferred mode of transportation and what you would like to do. Would you like to take in the sights on foot or by bike? Or are you open to hiring a car? Do you plan to spend your time on a boat?
We had a chance to visit a few properties that make up Nantucket Island Resorts. If traveling with teens, young adults or people who are interested in being out and about in the cobble stoned Downtown district, I would highly recommend staying at the White Elephant Resort, Cottages, Loft or Inn.
For those interested in a more secluded get-away, retreat or even meeting, we suggest The Wauwinet. We had the pleasure of unwinding at this newly renovated Relais & Chateaux property. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service into town, which takes about 20-minute by car. We were obsessed with their restaurant Toppers which is AAA Five Diamond award-winner. The Wauwinet neighbors Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and a pristine coastline. Their afternoon port and cheese offering is hosted in a large inviting indoor living room and outdoor patio, ideal for taking in the picturesque sunset.
There is no shortage of Instagram worthy accommodations offering exceptional beach views. When deciding where to stay, think about your preferred mode of transportation and what you would like to do. Would you like to take in the sights on foot or by bike? Or are you open to hiring a car? Do you plan to spend your time on a boat?
We had a chance to visit a few properties that make up Nantucket Island Resorts. If traveling with teens, young adults or people who are interested in being out and about in the cobble stoned Downtown district, I would highly recommend staying at the White Elephant Resort, Cottages, Loft or Inn.
For those interested in a more secluded get-away, retreat or even meeting, we suggest The Wauwinet. We had the pleasure of unwinding at this newly renovated Relais & Chateaux property. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service into town, which takes about 20-minute by car. We were obsessed with their restaurant Toppers which is AAA Five Diamond award-winner. The Wauwinet neighbors Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and a pristine coastline. Their afternoon port and cheese offering is hosted in a large inviting indoor living room and outdoor patio, ideal for taking in the picturesque sunset.
Pro Tip
Many accommodations have firm check-in and check-out times. If you plan to arrive before or depart after your hotels specified time, consider pre-arranging activities-or a Spa appointment- in advance to ensure availability for something fun or relaxing.
Many accommodations have firm check-in and check-out times. If you plan to arrive before or depart after your hotels specified time, consider pre-arranging activities-or a Spa appointment- in advance to ensure availability for something fun or relaxing.
Pro Tip
Looking for a low-key spot to enjoy some live music? Add the Chicken Box to your list. Just be sure to change out of those heels you wore to the wedding and get there before they close at 1:00AM.
Looking for a low-key spot to enjoy some live music? Add the Chicken Box to your list. Just be sure to change out of those heels you wore to the wedding and get there before they close at 1:00AM.
What can we do?
When you arrive, you will most likely be in awe of the stunning, uniform architecture. Whether you decide to tour on foot, by bike or perhaps on a guided experience, give yourself time to wander.
No trip to the Little Grey Lady of the Sea is complete without a visit to Cisco Brewery and the neighboring Bartlett Farms. Check out their calendar of events to see what will be happening when you are visiting. We stopped by Cisco Brewery Saturday afternoon and were greeted with a live band, tasty snacks and beer!
Like many North East seaside destinations, visitors can chill on the beach, sail the harbor or even go fishing. On our return trip, we plan to enjoy a cruise around the Harbor.
For anyone interested in history, a visit to the Whaling Museum is a must. Ask your hotel or lodging host if discounted admittance is included. The Whaling Museum is great place to learn about the historic significance of the Island and get a rooftop view of downtown.
When can we go?
You probably guessed that the most popular time to visit is between Memorial and Labor Day. But did you know you can start visiting as early as March and into the first week in December? We visited at the beginning of May. While we were met with some showers on Sunday which made for a cozy morning, we had a stunning sunny Saturday.
Included below are some of the notable events you can plan your trip around:
May: Nantucket Wine Festival
June: Nantucket Film Festival
July: Nantucket Yoga Festival
August: Nantucket Race Week
November & December: Various holiday events and festivals
You probably guessed that the most popular time to visit is between Memorial and Labor Day. But did you know you can start visiting as early as March and into the first week in December? We visited at the beginning of May. While we were met with some showers on Sunday which made for a cozy morning, we had a stunning sunny Saturday.
Included below are some of the notable events you can plan your trip around:
May: Nantucket Wine Festival
June: Nantucket Film Festival
July: Nantucket Yoga Festival
August: Nantucket Race Week
November & December: Various holiday events and festivals
Vosant Meetings & Travel is ready to assist whether you know exactly what type of experience you are searching for or have just a vague idea.