10 reasons to visit nantucket this fall

July 28th, 2010

Does this sticky hot summer weather have you looking forward to the fall?  If so, might be time to start planning a fall vacation to Nantucket.  The summer crowds have dispersed, the water is the warmest it’s been all summer, and restaurant reservations are much easier to come by.  If that’s not enough, here are 10 Other Great Reasons to Visit Nantucket This Fall.

1. Value

Fall rates at hotels on the island are greatly reduced in September, October, and beyond.  For example, at the iconic White Elephant hotel the lowest midweek July rate available is $550, while in September guests can stay overnight for as little as $265.  Quite a bargain!

2. Nantucket Restaurant Week , September 27- October 3, 2010

For a small island, Nantucket has a wide variety of esteemed culinary establishments – just to note, two of the island’s restaurants are actually up for James Beard Awards this year!  Three course dinners will be offered at top Nantucket joints from $25 – $45.

3. Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair, October 2, 2010

 

Celebrate fall harvest at the Old Mill and learn about Nantucket’s agricultural heritage, play lively colonial games, and make traditional crafts such as cornhusk dolls or beeswax candles.

4. Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival , October 9, 2010

 

Visit Nantucket’s infamous cranberry bogs, generally closed to the public but open for a short time in October just when the berries are harvested.  Enjoy bog tours, hay rides, sheep-shearing, and of course, fresh berries and delicious cranberry creations!  

5. Annual Chowder Contest, October 16, 2010

What is a New England vacation without “chowdah”?  Taste and vote for your favorite Nantucket Chowder, held right in the center of it all on Main Street in Nantucket Town.  This event costs $7, all-you-can-eat!

6. Scenic Hiking and Biking

Traverse the many different trails of Nantucket and check out the beautiful fall foliage.  For speedier tours of the island, rent a bike and hit the newly resurfaced 6.4 miles of bike paths.  Bike rentals typically cost around $30/day; complimentary bikes are available for guest of the White Elephant and The Wauwinet.

7. Golf

Nantucket is home to many top-notch golf clubs including the world-class Sankaty Head Golf Club.  Play is limited to members during the summer; however the public is allowed to play in the off-season (October-May) for a fee.

8. Inexpensive airfare

Think getting to Nantucket is difficult and pricey?  Phooey!  Fly Jet Blue direct from New York City to Nantucket starting at $49 this September.

9. Romance

If you took the kids to Nantucket this summer, come back in the fall sans the little guys and stay at the romantic Wauwinet (open until October 26).  The 32-room inn doesn’t allow children under 12, so there’s no chance of having a screaming baby just down the hall.  Rates at this luxury inn start at just $225 in October.

10. Traditional New England-style Thanksgiving

Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets of Nantucket and you’ll feel like you traveled through time back to the 18th century!  The White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill hosts a special Thanksgiving buffet with all the comfort foods you’d expect at your grandmother’s house without all the work.

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