4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Nantucket
Nantucket has been referred to as “the New Martha’s Vineyard” and even as “Billionaire’s Isle,” but it is unlike any of the other more famous and pretentious destinations for the rich.
In fact, the “Little Lady of the Sea” has an old town charm and a one-of-a-kind history, local folklore, and a laid-back vibe.
Its impeccably preserved historic buildings, whaling captain mansions, old lighthouses, and cobblestone streets will take you back to the times when Herman Melville was inspired to write “Moby-Dick.”
Also, the island prides itself with almost 50% of its territory being undeveloped and untouched. Needless to say, the beaches and the natural beauty there are absolutely stunning.
This postcard-like island is home to some top-of-the-line restaurants and boutiques. But it is also the place where you can visit quaint little galleries, antique shops, and local artisan crafts shops.
Plus, there is a wide variety of houses, lofts, and other dwellings located all around the island, which are available for short-term rent. This means that you can get to experience the vibes and the beauty of Nantucket without owning a vacation home there or staying at a pompous hotel.
But while everything may sound perfect, you may want to keep the following tips in mind so that you make the best of your vacation there. These are the common mistakes that first-time visitors to Nantucket tend to make.
Neglecting the planning stage
Nantucket is a relatively small island, so many people assume they can cover just about everything to be seen and done in a single day trip. But the truth is that planning ahead and adequately timing your visit is a much more preferable approach if you want to get the most out of your trip there.
True, there are daily ferries and planes which can take you to Nantucket, but the most accessible traditional ferry by the Steamship Authority takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to get there from Hyannis, Cape Cod. This, given that the weather is clear and there are no emergencies and delays. And if you want to get back to the mainland on the same day, you will, in fact, get only about 8 full hours to explore the island.
Instead, it would be best if you considered booking lodging for at least one night. This will give you more time to enjoy the beaches, and venues, visit the key historic locations, and have a nice dinner and lovely breakfast in Nantucket.
Another planning tip is to plan ahead and make your accommodation and ferry or plane ticket bookings early on. This is especially important if you will be visiting Nantucket during the peak of the high season, which is in July and August.
Keep in mind that the island has become so popular that its population expands from 10,000 to more than 50,000 people during these months. Thus, the availability may be limited or nonexistent if you are relying on last-minute reservations.
Last but not least, do not assume that you can experience the wonders of Nantucket on a very tight budget. It is by no means an inexpensive destination, so be prepared to pay about $182 per day during your stay there.
If you want to make your trip to Nantucket as budget-friendly as possible, you may want to choose to go during the shoulder season, such as during March and April or After Labor Day to October, instead of going during the high season. You can also book your rental well in advance and do some research on the local restaurants and eateries which are suitable for your budget.
Misjudging being on an island
Another common mistake that new visitors make is that they forget that Nantucket is an island. This means it can be reached and left only by sea and air. As romantic as this may sound, this can be challenging and even impossible, especially when the weather and sea conditions are unfavorable.
So, make sure to calculate the travel time correctly, keeping in mind the potential delays, especially if you are planning a one-day or another very short trip.
You can pick between the traditional and the high-speed ferries which travel to and from the island. While the hi-speed lines will get you there twice as fast, they will cost you twice as much as well.
The cheapest way to get there is via the traditional ferry from Hyannis, Cape Cod.
The ACK Memorial Airport is located in the south of the island, but the “Little Grey Lady of the Sea” is called that for a reason, so beware that there can be sudden heavy fogs that can interrupt your travel plans at any time.
Not packing correctly
In reference to the sentence above, make sure to pack enough clothes which are suitable for heavy fog, cloudy days, and gray skies.
Even though Nantucket is a dreamy summer resort, the weather is pretty unpredictable, and the nights can get chilly. So apart from your bathing suits and sandals, you should pack an umbrella and raincoat, as well as suitable shoes for your trip too.
A rule of thumb is that the summers in Nantucket are a little bit cooler and a tad warmer in the winter than in mainland New England.
Missing the spirit
The authentic charm of Nantucket is in its spirit. It has been influenced by its whaling history and the fact that the community has learned to stay close together on this remote island.
To experience the natural feel of Nantucket, make sure to add the following attractions to your vacation itinerary:
Nantucket Boat Basin
Plan to visit the Nantucket Boat Basin, located right out of Brant Point Lighthouse. The historic harbor is home to the 240-boat marina, some of the best restaurants in town, and offers various amenities.
You will see some charming lofts and cottages on the waterfront there, some of which are available for rent. Also, you will get a full view of the super yachts in the marina and sailing in the harbor there.
The Nantucket lighthouses
You should take the time to visit the three historic lighthouses on the island during your stay there. They are among the oldest still-functioning ones in the USA.
Since they are located on three different points of Nantucket, you may want to plan and map out your travel to each of them.
The Sankaty Head Light is on the easternmost point of the island near Siasconset. Brant Point Lighthouse is near Downtown by the harbor. Great Point Lighthouse is on the northernmost point of Nantucket, in the incredible Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.
The Sconset Bluff Walk
This is considered one of the most picturesque and instagrammable walking paths in the country. It is only a mile long and will take you through the quaint village of Siasconset. You will walk by the iconic gray weathered cedar-shake cottages with stunning rose gardens and trellises. Then pass through the market, and end up at Siasconset Beach, where you can enjoy a picnic and take photos at the Sankaty Head Light.
