The island of Nantucket is a one- to two-hour trip south of Hyannis or Harwich Port by ferry, and its historic homes, stunning beaches, and rolling moors that make it an aesthetic world unto itself. In summer, the 3- by mi island brims with activity as people descend to explore the well-preserved streets of Nantucket Town.
Greek Revival houses and museums such as the Whaling Museum carry echoes of the midth century, when this was the world's foremost whaling port. Nantucket was a busy place, dubbed the Gray Lady of the Sea by sailors because of fogs that swept in quickly.
More than a few people find themselves mildly disoriented upon arrival as they disembark from the ferries -- while the journey from the Cape is pretty much southward, by the time the boat rounds Brant Point to enter the harbor, it's facing due west. Once you reach Nantucket's dreamy shores, the island's inviting villages await. Although Nantucket is, for the most part, a pleasantly sleepy place, you can find some action in Nantucket Town, the heart of the island.
For a bird's eye panorama of the island, climb the First Congregational Church Tower. From there you can see Muskeget and Tuckernuck islands. Every building has a window box or or some other beautiful display. Whenever we stroll around the streets of Nantucket, mostly window shopping, we stop into Nantucket Looms.
Nantucket Looms sells items from local artisans, including painters, potters, wood carvers, basket weavers and jewelry makers that represent the beauty and simplicity of cottage-style living. It was a wonderful way to display the glass, but alas, that glass was not true sea glass. We inquired about a custom piece sometime in the future. Fast forward to the next summer, We carried our most favorite sea glass finds at that time with us on our sailboat and met with the weaver to create a custom display.
She chose specific pieces from our collection and created our own unique and very special weaving of sea glass. One of my treasures. Every morning there were sailing classes for little people and bigger folks. We were close enough to easily hear the instructors on their megaphone, calling out directions, cautions and encouragement. Our third day was another fully packed day. These ships functioned as floating lighthouses, providing light to passing ships in dark waters.
With so little to do and so much time on their hands, the lightship crews tried their hands at weaving baskets and achieved great skill. The wooden bases were made on shore and the weaving and assembly took place on the ships.
Most collectors and historians agree that the finest lightship baskets ever made were those made by lighthouse crews in the late s. Original authentic baskets are one-of-a-kind, handed down through generations, and very, very, very expensive. The Four Winds Craft Guild sells contemporary handmade Nantucket baskets, although not all are baskets.
I stopped in there to look. And think. About how much I would like to have this very authentic memento of Nantucket. And I thought.
We have wonderful memories of visits to the island, and I adore traditional hand-crafted items that have special meaning. Why not? Off to the next event — a visit to Cisco Brewery. While we waiting for the free shuttle that takes you out there, the skies opened up earlier than we expected, much earlier. This business venture began as a winery, Nantucket Vineyard, in , next added Cisco Brewery in , and finally distilled spirits at the Triple Eight Distillery in The three are actually separate businesses, each with its own building set around an outdoor picnic plaza, with food trucks.
The series of original limerick exchanges began in with a published and cuter version in the Princeton Tiger :. There once was a man from Nantucket Who kept all his cash in a bucket. But his daughter, named Nan, Ran away with a man And as for the bucket, Nan tuck it. We crammed a lot into those three days, and still left much to be explored and enjoyed. As it should be. Your email address will not be published. The edge of the mooring field.
Brant Point Lighthouse, built in , was blown down in , burned and was rebuilt in , burned and was rebuilt again in , and was destroyed in a storm in and rebuilt. Artists and literati are often seen here. Street painters can also be spotted out in front of the bookstore or around the small post office which marks the way to the beach. For night life, the best bet is to go to the White Elephant Hotel, just two blocks off Broad Street on the water, to hear the piano player.
In the summer, musicians Jim Badger has islanders and tourists alike rolling with his music and wit. Out of town there are a few clubs.
The Muse on Athletic Ave. One more thing, though--there's a pretty good chance it will be rainy or foggy when you visit. It's rainy and foggy for most of March on Nantucket. That's why the island is called "the grey lady" by some.
So bring your rain gear and good cheer. Hey, it may be raining, but you're in Nantucket, not Cambridge. Enjoy the escape. Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.
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