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Browsing Nantucket
In 1834, the Nantucket Atheneum began as a private literary institution with 3,200 volumes. Now a free public library, the collection has swelled to more than 40,000 books. This is even more impressive when you factor in the Great Fire of 1846, which destroyed the library and everything inside it. Within six months of the infamous blaze, however, a new building--a handsome Greek Revivalist structure designed by Frederick Coleman--went up, and donations from around the country filled its shelves. The library has since thrived, though it's only had a handful of librarians in its long, storied past. The first and most famous of these was Maria Mitchell, who, while not running the library, managed to discover a comet, become the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, found and lead the American Association for the Advancement of Women, lead one session of Women's Congress, and has a crater on the moon named in her honor (among other distinctions). Today, the library is a pleasant refuge on the island, hosting cultural events and lots of programs for the kids, including weekly Storytime. Call ahead or check the website for more info on what's slated during your visit.
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There is probably no more frequently photographed lighthouse in America than this one, the second oldest in the country (the original was built in 1746). The lighthouse sits at Brant Point and all ferries, yachts and ships from the mainland pass its picturesque side on their way into the harbor. To visit the lighthouse up close, walk along Easton Street and continue over the wooden footbridge. The Nantucket lighthouses are not open to the public, but being right in town many visitors enjoy a stroll around the grounds of Brant Point.
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Whether you're looking for osprey, surf casting for bluefish, or just sunbathing while watching the seals play off of Great Point, this pristine preserve offers plenty of options if you're looking for a relaxing day away from the crowds of downtown Nantucket. Found on a narrow, 5-mile strip of sand that leads to Great Point, the preserve is really a distinct trio of cooperatively managed wildlife refuges, together totaling over 1,000 acres. Don't miss the impressive, 70-foot-high, stone lighthouse situated on Great Point at the end of this sandy stretch. It's actually a re-creation of the original 166-year-old structure that was destroyed by a huge storm in 1984, but it is still well worth a look. Swimming is not advised anywhere along this coast, but especially not off of Great Point, where riptides and strong currents are most dangerous. The preserve may be accessed only by foot or by a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a permit.
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Unique among Nantucket's art scene is the Dane Gallery, which houses some of the most unusual and beautiful examples of glass art to be found. You can find pieces by 35 different artists from across the country at the Dane; some of them have had pieces displayed in such places as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. Open year round, this gallery has a clientele that includes day trippers, collectors and home decorators. Even if you can't afford a piece, you can still look and marvel.
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This one-time Quaker meeting house became a straw factory, and was later moved to Brant Point to become part of a hotel. In 1905, the theater was moved again, this time to its present location across the harbor. The theatre runs evening feature and children's films; matinees times are subject to change. Dreamland is also one of the host sites of the annual June Nantucket Film Festival, which showcases independent films and celebrates the screenwriters who crafted them. The summer cinema is open mid-May to mid-September. Ticket prices vary; call for details.
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There are 92 steps to the top of the tower of the First Congregational Church and though not air conditioned, visitors always seem to find the climb worth the effort. The windowed tower offers views in all directions—from the red and white stripes of Sankaty Lighthouse to the brick and cobblestone quaintness of Nantucket Town directly below. A collection of historic photographs and artifacts are on display on a mezzanine level, providing a nice, informative, resting stop on the climb up. A donation is requested. Services are held at 9a and 10:15a on Sundays.
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The stately Hadwen House and its equally grand neighbor at 94 Main Street are known collectively as the "Two Greeks" by Nantucket locals. Both Greek Revivalist mansions were built by the wealthy whaling merchant and silver retailer, William Hadwen, in 1845-1846; number 96 he built for himself, and number 94 for his adopted niece. Featuring colossal pilasters and pedimented ionic porticos, the two buildings were the most extravagant private dwellings the island had ever seen at the time of their construction. While the latter is still privately owned, number 96 is now a museum, its facade and contents restored to their original 19th-century opulence. Gas chandeliers, Italian marble fireplaces, and grand circular staircases grace the elegant interior, alongside period furnishings, wallpaper, and window treatments. The grounds’ Victorian gardens are also open to visitors.
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Artist G. S. Hill has a rather unique setup. Upstairs, he has his artist's studio (which is open to the public), where he displays his paintings. Below, in Hill's of Nantucket, he combines art and commerce with a gift shop. This is not, however, merely a souvenir shop. Hill's offers gifts that are almost art themselves, including ivory bookmarks and Christmas tree ornaments (made from old piano keys) and other distinctly Nantucket gifts.
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This is a beach with a bit of everything within walking distance from Town. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and a concession stand with food and drinks and public phones. Being on the Nantucket Sound, the surf is mild and many families come to enjoy the beauty and safety of this beach. There is also a playground and volleyball net. The NRTA shuttle runs a beach loop to Surfside and Jetties Beach from June 15 until Labor Day.
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This fascinating museum exhibits many examples--some antique and some contemporary--of the unique Nantucket art of making lightship baskets. While self-sufficient Nantucketers had long weaved baskets, the art of making lightship baskets got its name in the mid-19th century, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation that created a system of floating lighthouses, called lightships, to protect passing ships from the dangerous shoals near Nantucket. Islanders working to keep whale oil lamps burning on these lonely outposts took up the habit of weaving baskets to help pass the time. The museum offers exhibits of baskets, informative displays about the history of the craft, and demonstrations by artisans who continue to practice this traditional art.
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At some point during the course of your time on the Island, plan to be at Madaket Beach at sunset. The spectacle will not disappoint. Of course, plenty of visitors and residents alike head to Madaket during regular beach hours for sunbathing and swimming. Please note, surf can be heavy at times. Lifeguards on duty in season. Restrooms and food available. NRTA shuttle service from Town. Also accessible via the Madaket Bike Path, which runs six miles from Town.
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Walk up the stairs of this island gallery, which are covered with photographs of island life, open the door, and step into the studio. Made on Nantucket is a gallery for Nantucket artists and Nantucket artists only. Check out the framed photos, the painted tables, the landscapes and the sculptures. Not only are they fascinating to look at, they are also very reasonably priced.
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Paved with cobblestones and old world charm, Nantucket's Main Street offers a step back into the 19th century, when carts laden with whale oil were as common a sight on the uneven road as tourists are now. The street was widened considerably in 1857 after the Great Fire devastated many of the buildings lining it. Now a mainstay for visitors to the island, the street is lined with majestic Georgian and Greek Revivalist mansions, and other splendid historic homes and buildings, such as the Thomas Macy House, and the Pacific National Bank, which dates back to 1818.
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Maria Mitchell was the first female professor of astronomy in the United States. The association which bears her name works to bring the message of science to the people of Nantucket, including children. Summer children's classes include: Art & Marine Life, and Art & Astronomy for 4-6 yr olds. Call for dates and times. Membership in the MMA allows you access to many museums and sights, including the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum.
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If you are looking for shopping in Nantucket, your choices may be narrow--there is not a single chain store on the island--but that does not mean your choices are not good. Murray's Toggery Shop, an island institution, is famous both for the quality of its clothing and the friendly, affable propietors, who are as woven into the fabric of Nantucket life as it is possible to be. Murray's has its own clothing line, Nantucket Reds, which fade to a weathered pink color that is a much sought after status symbol in many crowds, and which is more or less Nantucket's unofficial favorite color.
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Keeping with true Nantucket charm, the Aquarium is housed in a quaint, small cottage complete with inviting windowboxes and wainscotted walls. Don't let the casual appearance fool you; inside you'll find serious information about the aquatic life found in Nantucket's saltwater marshes. Interns are on-hand to answer questions on the many varieties of crustaceans and fish found on (and around) the island. Children's activities include hands-on workshops and outdoor excursions. Tickets are $3 for adults; $1 for children.
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Keeping the island's history alive is the goal of the Nantucket Historical Association. Many of the museums and historical sites on Nantucket fall under the NHA's umbrella, which makes it an excellent place to start when taking a tour of the island. Purchase a membership to receive admission to all of the NHA's sites and immerse yourself in the island's past. Individual memberships provide far more benefits other than just museum entrance fees.
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The motto of the United States Life-Saving Service and the United States Coast Guard is “You have to go out, but you don't have to come back.” In that spirit, the Nantucket Life Saving Museum displays artifacts from decades of live-saving efforts. Here, you can learn the stories of brave men and women who risked—and sometimes lost—their lives for others.
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Built in 1746 by Nantucket sailor, Nathan Wilbur, this Dutch-style windmill is rumored to be constructed of lumber salvaged from ships that wrecked off the coast of the island. It's the only survivor of four just like it that once graced the hills overlooking Nantucket town, and it is considered the oldest functioning mill in the country. Although the Old Mill ceased commercial production in 1892, when the weather is just right, the canvas sails still occasionally spin to power wooden gears that grind corn on an old granite stone. The meal produced can then be purchased here.
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This fine art gallery is named after the Nantucket folk tale of homesick (and lovesick) sailors placing a valentine for someone special back home in an eight-sided box with seashells arranged and attached to the top. A collection of these interesting boxes are on display, along with a variety of local artist artwork and an an open-air sculpture gallery of animals that the children will enjoy. No admission charge. Artwork on display is for sale.
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Like Jetties Beach, Surfside Beach is considered a great family destination with all the fixings for a great beach day, including some decent surf. Lifeguards, restrooms, public phone, parking and a food stand are amongst the amenities found at Surfside. If you don't have your own car on the Island, you can take the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) shuttle bus from town or bike along the 3 mile Surfside Bike Path directly to the beach.
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What's popular in Nantucket in June? Weddings, weddings, weddings and the Film Festival. If you want to know where the Islanders go in June, take advantage of Swain's Wharf; the downtown waterfront area that boasts funky art galleries and artists studios, eclectic shopping and other seafaring attractions that locals like to keep to themselves. Grab a copy of the Island newspaper, "The Inquirer and Mirror" at the Hub, and settle in before the summer ferries arrive.
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The Coffin family is one of the oldest on the island of Nantucket; you'll notice the family name here and there as you find your way around. Their starting point is the Jethro Coffin House, the oldest house on Nantucket. It has stood since 1686, and stands still, waiting to reveal its secrets to you. As it is part of the Nantucket Historical Association, admission can be gained through the Association's History Ticket, which can be purchased at the Whaling Museum. Guided tours are available on the half hour.
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Spermaceti is a substance derived from whales that was once used to make candles. This converted 1846 candle factory is now home to Nantucket's whaling history -- an excursion not to be missed. It features a tremendous collection of artifacts including the skeleton of a 43-foot finback whale, the 16-foot glass prism from Sankaty Head Lighthouse, portraits of sea captains, and a large scrimshaw collection. Call for tour times and off-season hours. Check out the gift shop next door.
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Although its official name is Siasconset, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who calls this charming village anything other than 'Sconset. Primarily residential and full of small wooden cottages, some of which date from the village's origins as a small whaling outpost, the village is eight miles from the hustle and bustle of Nantucket town. Actors and artists have long chosen the simple, beautiful town and its beautiful beaches as a summer escape. The town has a few small shops for necessities, excellent restaurants, fresh sea air, and miles of uncrowded sandy beaches.
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