February 20, 2012
Ten Reasons to Visit Nantucket in 2012
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 4 MIN.
NANTUCKET, MA - Grey skies, slushy streets, and a lack of Vitamin D can leave even the most cold-tolerant of us feeling the winter blues. Luckily, thoughts of a spring visit to Nantucket can brighten the dreariest of days.
Spring on Nantucket means perfect temperatures, festive events, and amazing rates. If that's not reason enough, here are 10 Reasons to visit Nantucket in the spring.
1. Great Rates
A spring trip to Nantucket doesn't have to break the bank - Nantucket Island Resorts offers fantastic spring rates. For instance, rates at The Wauwinet www.wauwinet.com after it opens for the season on May 9 start at just $225 per night. Want to stay closer to Main Street? Not a problem! Stay at the White Elephant, http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com/restaurant opening on April 19, for just $195 per night.
2. Easy Access
Jet Blue begins direct service from New York City to Nantucket on May 17, meaning Nantucket is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. The only hard part will be finding room to pack all of those spring clothes you've been dying to pull out of hibernation!
3. Daffodil Festival (April 27-29)
Every year, Nantucket kicks off spring by honoring the trumpeted flower with the Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend: http://www.nantucketchamber.org/enjoy/daffodil_festival_weekend.aspx
Over three million daffodils bloom on Nantucket from early-April to mid-May, and the yellow, orange, white, and pale pink blooms bring new life to the island. It's a full-scale celebration of winter's thaw and includes fun and festive activities such as the Antique Car Parade, featuring over 100 vintage cars decked out in bright yellow daffodils.
4. Wine Festival (May 2012)
For over 12 years, 100 wineries visit Nantucket for a weekend and host special events including hosted dinners, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, seminars, and auctions.� Make sure to pop by and sample TOPPER'S http://wauwinet.com/restaurant.php at The Wauwinet's extensive wine list. With over 1450 selections, wine connoisseurs won't be disappointed!
5. Expansion of the White Elephant Hotel Residences
Just a few steps away from the White Elephant, Nantucket Harbor, Jetties Beach, and Brant Point Lighthouse, the White Elephant Hotel Residences has always been one of the chicest spots to stay on island. This spring, the Residences are getting even better with the addition of 14 new suites and six new guest rooms.
6. Nantucket Spring Restaurant Week
Dine on prix fixe menus at participating Nantucket fine dining establishments, including the Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant and TOPPER'S at The Wauwinet.�
7. Outdoor Activities
Being cooped up inside all winter isn't good for your mind or body, and Nantucket has the cure! Rent a bike and roll down the 6.4 miles of bike paths. Bike rentals typically cost around $30/day; complimentary bikes are available for guests of White Elephant Hotel Residences http://www.whiteelephanthotelresidences.com/ , The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin http://thecottagesnantucket.com/ , and The Wauwinet http://www.wauwinet.com/ . Or tee off at one of Nantucket's top-notch golf courses - �Miacomet Golf Course http://www.miacometgolf.com/ or Sankatay Head Golf Club http://www.sankatyheadgc.com/ .
8. Nantucket Film Festival (June 20-24)
The annual film festival draws celebrities and movie buffs alike to the island. Instead of velvet ropes and Hollywood glamour, the festival honors the art of substantive screenwriting, offering celebrity panels and readings.
9. Dining Al Fresco
Spring means finally being able to enjoy a dinner al fresco again. Brant Point Grill http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com/restaurant/ at the White Elephant's Harborside Terrace is the perfect place to do just that. Dine on fresh seafood and sip on one of the bar's new specialty beer cocktails while admiring the stunning views of Nantucket harbor.
10. Movie Time
We all know that April showers bring May flowers, and the perfect place to wait out a spring rain shower is at the only year round movie theater, Starlight Theater http://www.starlightnantucket.com/index.html . Be sure to warm up with some New England Clam Chowder before the show at the Starlight's caf�.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
