Getaway to Nantucket

For a long weekend, the summer colony of Nantucket is a great getaway.  Located thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the well-heeled island is not the easiest place to reach, but well worth the effort.  From Hyannis, it takes one-hour on the Steamship Authority high-speed ferry to reach Nantucket. The roundtrip ticket is $118.00 and reservations are required. www.web2.steamshipauthority.com/ssa  The ferry provides parking in Hyannis for $12.00 per day and a shuttle is provided from the parking lot to the ferry wharf.  In Hyannis, beware of a parking lot independent of the two ferry companies  -- Steamship Authority and Hi-Line Ferry — the lot, located across from the Hi-Line Ferry, has attendants in bright t-shirts waving unknowing first-timers into their lot. Depending on how long of a stay, they literally charge whatever suits their fancy.  Prices are not posted, they accept cash-only and compared to the ferry parking lots, they charge double. Don’t be tricked into their flailing arms waving prospective Nantucket and Vineyard tourists into their lot.      

Upon arriving at the wharf on Nantucket, most likely with gear, taxis are waiting and available.  Many inns are a brief five-minute stroll from the wharf and the center of town, which is called Nantucketown. Take a right on North Water Street where the following historic inns are located in a quiet residential area:
The Periwinkle,www.theperiwinkle.com,  Brass Lantern Inn, which is pet-friendly, www.brasslanternnantucket.com, Hussey House, www.bbhost.com/husseyhouse and further along on prestigious Cliff Road is the Cliff Lodge, www.clifflodgenantucket.com/html/history.html and Century House, which was featured on the television series, Wings. www.centuryhouse.com

There are several options in exploring the 3 ½ by 14-mile island.  Many visitors rent bicycles. There are bicycle paths, which cross the island from Nantucketown to Madaket and Sconset.  This is a safe and fun way to see the flat island. Another option is renting a moped, which is discouraged by residents, due to the danger of driving on the roads with SUV’s, delivery trucks and cars looming up from behind. Moreover, patches of sand on the roads can cause a major wipe-out.  There is a reason why locals call moped drivers organ donors. The third option is renting a car at the airport, although expensive, it’s probably the best option if bicycling is not of interest, or if time is limited.  Last, but not least, the NRTA shuttle bus transports most visitors as well as residents all over the island. www.shuttlenantucket.com

Aside from the ferries, Us Airways Express and Continental Express fly into Nantucket Memorial Airport.

A three or four night stay on Nantucket is an ideal amount of time to sample the restaurants, shop, go the beach and simply relax.

by Susan Fogwell

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