(Newswire.net — August 1, 2022) — Ask any local and you’ll find that Nantucket looks almost nothing like it did twenty, ten, or five years ago. Remote workers and city dwellers have been fleeing Massachusetts in droves. On the one hand, Nantucket is building its community of year-round residents, and on the other, the island has never been more popular with summer vacationers. On Nantucket the times are changing; there’s even an upcoming referendum on whether the historically conservative New England island should allow topless beach access.
Where to Stay
A great way to get involved with the community is to rent a house on Nantucket, whether it’s for a week or a month, or even longer. Nantucket residents often rent their homes to escape the summer tourist season or to take vacations of their own off the island. You can rent many properties directly from the owners, but you may not be familiar enough with the area and the properties to make a great choice. A local broker like Congdon and Coleman can help you find the right property for you, and get you off on the right foot for your vacation.
New ways to get to Nantucket
American Airlines Chicago (ORD) -Nantucket(ACK) route was a success. The carrier will now add a second weekly flight from Windy City to its seasonal service. Tradewind Aviation will also offer increased scheduled service between New York’s Westchester County Airport and Nantucket. Seastreak Ferries now offers a New Bedford-to Nantucket ferry route. This route is available for both daytrippers and people who want to stay on the island in summer.
Food and Drink
Cisco Brewers is a well-known name in Nantucket. However, it’s possible that you don’t know the story of the legendary brewery. The iconic brewery has taken over Brotherhood of Thieves, a popular dive bar on the island.
The Nautilus on Cambridge Street is another can’t-miss hot spot for a mid-to-high-end dining experience. Local seafood is prominently featured on the creative menu, but be sure to call ahead for prompt seating.
The new coffee bar Stoke ACK, a cool surf shop just around the corner, has opened. It will be the perfect place to savor a macchiato while you puddle on the floor. The buzzy, elegant The Green Market is still the best place in Town to grab a breakfast sandwich, a souvenir ceramic, or fresh flowers for your host. The Green Market just updated their juice menu. The namesake Green juice is a great choice if you are looking for a healthy snack or a recovery aid after a night at Brotherhood.
But explore on your own. The island is littered with great places to eat and drink. Check reviews on Google or Yelp, and be selective. No reason to settle for anything less than 4.5-star reviewed establishments!
Arts and Culture
Nantucket is still a hub for culture, arts, and history. The Nantucket Historical Association has a stellar summer of events planned. You can make time to visit “Island People” – a portrait exhibition that highlights a variety of Nantucketers from history, including the whalers, sailors, innkeepers, and members of the 19th-century Black community that shaped the island’s history. The Historical Association will present “Asian Treasures From the Billings Collection” a collection of Asian artifacts that David and Beverly Hall Billings, long-standing Nantucketers, avid travelers, and collectors of Asian arts, have collected. This is the first public display of many of these pieces.
In partnership with the Museum of the American Revolution, Washington’s Tent will be displayed on the Old Mill’s historic windmill lawn. The Historical Association invites everyone to the Mishoon Harbor Launch event at Children’s Beach on August 10th. Darius Coombs, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, will launch a traditional hand-carved canoe.
Festivals and Events
Nantucket By Design is for you if design and decor are more your things. This event includes keynote and panel discussions as well as cocktail parties, auctions, floral design talks, and preview access to the Nantucket Summer Antiques Show.
The Nantucket Book Festival is a great place to meet bookworms like Tiya Miles (National Book Award winner), and Louise Penny (mystery novelist).
Plein Air Festival celebrates the island’s rich tradition of outdoor painting (or Plein air). All painters are encouraged to go outdoors and capture the island’s natural beauty. Visitors are invited to observe artists at a respectful distance and are welcome to submit work to a juried contest. Admission is free. This event is perhaps the most important of all. It reminds you that, despite the increasing traffic and the private equity investors and billionaires, and despite all the local snark, the island is still a sanctuary for nature lovers and creatives. Anyone who is interested in submitting their work to a juried competition is welcome.