Things to do in Nantucket
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Maria Mitchell Association
The Maria Mitchell Association is devoted to Maria (pronounced 'Mariah') Mitchell (1818-89), who was America's first female astronomer. Astronomy was no mere hobby on Nantucket: the nearly 100 whaling ships based here navigated by the stars, and the Mitchell family calibrated ships' instruments. Maria is revered for discovering a comet in the 1840s, beating some of the world's leading scientists.
The association runs the Maria Mitchell Birthplace House, Vestal St Observatory and Loines Observatory.
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Topper’s
In a gorgeous setting at the Wauwinet inn, Topper’s consistently vies for ‘best island dining.’ Whether in the beachside garden or indoors, you’ll enjoy skillful New American cuisine such as Nantucket lobster crepes with portabella mushrooms, gracious service and a stunning wine list. Lunch is casual but dinner’s a formal affair – inquire about dress codes. If you’re coming from town, the inn provides a complimentary boat ride from Straight Wharf.
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Nantucket Lifesaving Museum
The Nantucket Lifesaving Museum documents the lifesaving stations where ‘surfmen’ saved mariners from shipwrecks during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Over the years, some 700 ships have met their fate on Nantucket’s dangerous shoals. Artifacts include lifesaving boats and equipment, period photos and the original Fresnel lenses from the Brant Point and Great Point lighthouses.
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Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum
What the lighthouse is to the New England coast, the lightship was to the sea – essentially a floating lighthouse to warn of dangerous shoals or sandbars below. Sailors would stay aboard the lightships for weeks on end, and to combat boredom they created beautiful, intricate baskets that have become emblems of the island. This small museum highlights these craftspeople.
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Nantucket Atheneum
More than just a library, this stately Greek Revival edifice is a sight in itself. Just inside the front door you’ll find a top-notch display of scrimshaw from Nantucket’s whaling days. The 2nd-floor Great Hall, now wired for wi-fi, has hosted such notables as Ralph Waldo Emerson and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Opinion-makers continue to speak here today.
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Atlantic Café
At this nautical-themed eatery, ship figureheads hang from the walls and fishermen hang at the bar. Lots of light fare such as quahog chowder and chicken fingers, but the stars of the menu are the fresh Nantucket bluefish specials and the barbecued ribs. Although it gets boisterous late at night, it’s otherwise a family-friendly place with a kids’ menu ($8).
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Company of the Cauldron
A good choice for a romantic dinner out. This intimate restaurant has attentive service and top-rated food. It’s purely reserved seating times and three-course prix-fixe dinners, with the likes of lobster crepe followed by almond-crusted halibut. As the chef concentrates his magic on just one menu each evening, it’s done to perfection without distraction.
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Murray’s Toggery Shop
Dress like a native with cotton clothing from Murray’s Nantucket Reds collection – pale red shirts and shorts that trace their origins back to sailcloth. The shop itself dates to the 19th-century merchant RH Macy, who opened his first store here before heading off to New York and establishing the now-famous Macy’s department store.
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Black-Eyed Susan’s
It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t adore this quietly gourmet place. Snag a seat on the back patio and try the sourdough French toast, huevos rancheros (ranch-style eggs) or trout with sauce marinière (a fish broth and wine mixture). In the morning, go for the freshly squeezed orange juice. In the evening, BYOB.
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Maria Mitchell Birthplace House
At the Maria Mitchell Birthplace House, docents tell the inspiring story of Maria (pronounced 'Mariah') Mitchell (1818-89), who was America's first female astronomer. Maria is revered for discovering a comet in the 1840s, beating some of the world's leading scientists. The house (1790) is interesting in its own right.
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Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
Wauwinet is the departure point for tours of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Natural history tours of 2½ hours take you by over-sand vehicle to view the 1100-acre property, Nantucket’s northernmost spit and the Great Point lighthouse. Tours are limited to eight people so reservations are essential.
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Straight Wharf Restaurant
The best place for fresh-caught seafood served up with a harbor view is the deck of this hot restaurant. Boston’s renowned chef couple Amanda Lydon and Gabriel Frasca command the kitchen with New American flair. The menu changes frequently, but expect your scallops or halibut to be adorned with the likes of truffle butter.
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Four Winds Craft Guild
Head here for the island’s largest selection of Nantucket lightship baskets. Highly prized, they command a premium, with the smallest baskets beginning at $175 and purses running into the thousands of dollars. The top-of-the-line craftsmanship is well worth a browse even it you’re not buying.
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Rose & Crown
This is the place in town to go for dancing; it’s a friendly bar/restaurant that clears the tables at 10pm and turns into a dancefloor. Music varies with the night, anything from jazz and blues to DJs and rock, so call ahead to see what’s happening. The crowd tends to be mostly 30-somethings.
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Children's Beach
A pair of family-friendly beaches shore up the options close to town. For wilder, less-frequented strands, you'll need to pedal a bike or hop on a bus. Right in town, Children's Beach at the north side of Steamboat Wharf, is heaven for young kids, with gentle water, a fun playground and picnic facilities.
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Jethro Coffin House
Built in 1686 the Jethro Coffin House is the town’s oldest building still on its original foundation. It’s in a traditional ‘salt box’ style, with south-facing windows to catch the winter sun and a long, sloping roof to protect the home from harsh north winds.
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American Seasons
This restaurant celebrates the nation’s four corners. The dishes are themed by region, with an eclectic, thoughtful menu and smart staff. Let your mood swing. If you’ve had enough New England lobster, perhaps take on the chili-glazed salmon with crayfish, or a juicy southwestern steak.
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Nantucket Island School of Design & the Arts
On your way out to Wauwinet is the Nantucket Island School of Design & the Arts, which offers classes and workshops lasting from a half-day to three weeks. Just some of the offerings: painting, ceramics, quilt making and landscape design. There are also kids’ classes.
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Sconset Café
Pedal out for the Gruyère cheese omelettes, homemade quahog chowder and creative salads. Dinner turns it up another notch with the likes of lamb Dijon in a red wine marinade. You’re welcome to BYOB but be prepared to dish out a $5 per person corkage fee.
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Water Street Bakery
Gourmet on a budget? No problem at this hole-in-the-wall bakery that makes organic breads and luscious sandwiches, such as spicy grilled lamb with roasted veggies. Homemade soups and salads too. It’s takeout only but there’s a sidewalk bench out front.
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Claudette’s
Sit on the front deck of this sidewalk café and savor hearty gourmet sandwiches on whole-wheat bread as ’Sconset’s beautiful people stroll by. Or should you prefer a little picnic at the beach they’ll gladly wrap up your food for take out.
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Nantucket Whaling Museum
Nantucket Historical Association's most famous property, the Nantucket Whaling Museum, occupies a former spermaceti candle factory. The evocative exhibits include a 46ft-long sperm whale skeleton, a rigged whaleboat and assorted whaling implements.
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Downy Flake
A popular stop for the island’s working-class folks, this no-frills eatery on the edge of town is known for its blueberry pancakes, big omelettes and simple comfort fare. It also doubles as a bakery with homemade doughnuts and other sweet treats.
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Chicken Box
This former fried-chicken shack at the south end of town has evolved into a roadhouse for live jazz and blues. Actually, depending on who’s on the island, these days it can cover the full spectrum, and you could hear anything from soul to trance.
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Pearl
Think of the most chic restaurant in your town and double the chic quotient. Now you’ve got some idea of the Pearl – the place really is a gem. If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, try the salt and pepper wok-fried lobster.
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