There’s an air of sophistication to Nantucket. There are cobbled streets, blooming flowers, manicured lawns and upscale restaurants aplenty, plus an unhurried vibe that makes it the perfect place to wind down.
You can chill out on the beach or take to the water with a variety of aquatic sports on offer. Browse the museums or take in the lighthouses – here you can take life at your own pace.
A whale of a time
Whales loom large in Nantucket life, both in reality and lore. This is where Herman Melville set the beginning of his masterpiece Moby Dick, inspired perhaps by earlier events from history. Melville called the island an ‘elbow of sand’, and it was off the coast here that a crew of Nantucket fishermen were capsized by a vast sperm whale in 1820. The story of the whaler Essex has inspired books and films.
You can find out more about this, and about the island’s coexistence with whales, at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. A huge – and real – skeleton greets you as you enter, a mere fraction of the size of the one that capsized the Essex. Join a cruise and you can see some of these magnificent beasts in their habitat – be sure to keep an eye out for the grey seals who often make an appearance.
A family of lighthouses
As befits a former powerhouse of whaling, Nantucket can boast three lighthouses, all charming in their own distinct way. Brant Point is the prettiest of the three – much photographed, perhaps due to its diminutive size. It opened in 1746 and still guards the harbour.
Sankaty Head Lighthouse was opened in 1850 but had to be relocated in 2007 because of erosion. It too is still working, and sometimes opens to the public. Last up is Great Point – or the Nantucket Light – on the island’s northernmost tip. It also still flashes out its light to sea, but the current lighthouse is a 1986 replica of the early 19th century original, which toppled over in 1984.
Nantucket nectar
One of the joys of eating in Nantucket is that there are no chain restaurants allowed – everywhere has to be a one-off. When you’ve worked up an appetite you can dip into fresh seafood or an array of international cuisine.
The Ships Inn is housed in the 1831 mansion of a whaling captain – one with the spectacular name of Obed Starbuck – and does a great seafood chowder, broiled claims or lobster bisque.
The Brant Point Grill has a raw bar that serves up a lavish platter of lobster, oysters, clams, shrimp and tuna. It’s not all seafood, however, and you’ll be able to search out ample vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Rent a car in Nantucket and you’ll be able to explore the best of this fantastic location at your own pace.
