10 Reasons Why We Love Nantucket

There are so many reasons to make a summer escape to the Cape and Islands, in fact, that we filled more than two dozen pages of Yankee’s May/June issue with a selection of our favorites, including things to see, things to do, and things to eat. Headed to the island of Nantucket? Here’s a look at 10 of our top reasons to visit.

10 Reasons Why We Love Nantucket

Storybook cottages crowd close to the ’Sconsett Bluff Walk.

Jillian Eversole/Rhyme & Reason

The Prettiest Island Walk

Beginning in the picturesque fishing village of Siasconset and ending at the Sankaty Head Light, the mile-long ‘Sconset Bluff Walk offers up different identities. Here, you’re on a narrow village road. Next, you’re cutting through scrubby forest. Now, you’re strolling across the manicured backyards of tony seaside estates. There are beach roses and birds, hydrangeas, and, of course, stunning views of an endless Atlantic.

———

No Lines in the Sand

In a welcome contrast to most of New England’s ocean communities, virtually all of Nantucket’s 110-mile coastline is free and open to the public—including 80 miles of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

———

Big Sails

Of all the celebrities summering on Nantucket, none are as welcoming to paparazzi as the tall ship Lynx, a handsome replica of a topsail schooner that sailed as a privateer during the War of 1812. Snap a photo as it glides through Nantucket Harbor in July and August—or better yet, climb aboard for a trip back into maritime history.

———

Nantucket Reds from Murray’s Toggery Shop.

Heath Robbins

Nantucket Reds

You can be on a dude ranch in Wyoming and step out in your favorite faded red-to-pink trousers, and immediately everyone knows where you’ve been—and a little something about who you are. The island’s signature clothing line began in the 1960s not long after Philip C. Murray took over his father’s Main Street clothing shop. Today, Murray’s Toggery Shop remains the only place on the world that’s legally allowed to claim it sells authentic Nantucket Reds attire.

———

The Ultimate Summer Beer Garden

There’s a party every day at Cisco Brewers, located in the small agricultural “heartland” southwest of town. Starting at 11 a.m. (noon on Sunday), visitors can grab a seat in the breezy courtyard, enjoy house-made beer, wine, or spirits, and find a nosh among a rotating lineup of food trucks (we love Raw Bar Yoho’s oysters and bluefish pâté). Live music starts at 3, then the whole thing wraps up … until the next day.

———

Local Lore Is a Whale of a Tale

For the better part of a century, Nantucket was the world’s whaling capital. The dangerous but lucrative industry made it one of the wealthiest communities in America and left every captain’s house, lighthouse, and harbor with a tale worth telling. Learn even a few of them at the Nantucket History Association’s Whaling Museum, and your sense of the island will be transformed.

A peek inside the Nantucket Whaling Museum.

Nantucket Historical Association

———

This Island’s Made for Biking

On Nantucket, cycling routes fan out from downtown in every direction. To Madaket. To Surfside Beach. To Wauwinet. Of the 30-odd miles of paved paths here, the longest (and arguably most scenic) is an 18-mile round-trip that begins downtown and heads east, parallel to Polpis Road, to the sea. Bring your bike or rent from a number of local outfitters—most notably Young’s Bicycle Shop, overseen by third-generation owner Harvey Young just steps from the ferry landing.

———

Dream Weavings

Want a souvenir that skews a bit more heirloom than an “ACK” sticker? Nantucket’s signature lightship baskets, first made by crews on the island’s 19th-century floating beacons, are still available today from local artisans (a good place to start: Four Winds Craft Guild). Another only-on-Nantucket find: ultrafine throws and blankets handwoven at Nantucket Looms since 1968.

———

Breakfast We’ll Gladly Get Out of Bed For

Given the homemade doughnuts at the Downyflake, comfort-food classics at Black-Eyed Susan’s, and budget bites at the old-school Nantucket Pharmacy lunch counter—you may be on vacation, but you definitely won’t want to sleep in.

———

Hot Dates Galore

Nantucket may be laid-back, but its outsize slate of special events means it’s anything but sleepy. Among the standouts are the Nantucket Book Festival (June 14–16), whose featured authors include Susan Orlean; the Nantucket Film Festival (June 19–June 24); and the Nantucket Comedy Festival (July 11–13). Martha’s Vineyard has plenty of high-profile celebrations, too, such as the magical Grand Illumination night (August 14). See a full list of the islands’ summer highlights: Top Summer Events on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard