Recreation & Fun

Nantucket is one of the most glorious destinations for boating enthusiasts in the world. Its beautiful beaches, crystalline waters and plethora of activities can keep anyone occupied, and it is considered one of the most luxurious tourist locations in the United States. If boating is your game, you won't find a more accommodating place, and you won't find a shortage of restaurants, hotels or water.

If food is what you're after, you'll find an eclectic assortment of restaurants, cafes and diners where the company is almost as refreshing as the fare. Try Mac's Place for a quick morning breakfast of coffee and fluffy pancakes before you hit the waves, then check out Slip 14 for a light seafood lunch on Old South Wharf. If a sweet tooth is gnawing at you, I recommend Daily Bread, which has some of the most delectable pastries in all of Nantucket, and won't break your vacation budget.

For dinner, if you're not looking for anything fancy, you might want to try Pi Pizzeria, which is located on West Creek Road, and has the best Pizza Margherita you'll ever taste. For more elegant meals, the Centre Street Bistro on Centre Street looks quaint from the outside, but their menu is exquisite, with everything from duck breast to seared salmon to Tofu Pad Thai.

After dinner, you might be looking for a drink on Nantucket to quench your thirst from a long day of bating, in which case I would recommend Water Street, named after its location, which has the best flavored martinis in the world.

Boating is exhausting, so you'll want a comfy bed in which to crawl during your stay on Nantucket. There are plenty of quality hotels near the Boat Basin, all of which are convenient to the docks. One of my favorites is the Cliffside Beach Club, which is located on Jefferson Avenue. Not only do you get to enjoy your own private beach during your stay, but you have a healthy choice of rooms available, including quaint cottages and elegantly appointed suites.

If that isn't to your taste, check out the White Elephant on Easton Street. The Brant Point Grill downstairs serves a great hamburger, and you'll fall asleep to the crashing of the surf. There are 52 rooms and 11 cottages, each of which offers a view of the harbor and direct access to downtown Nantucket.

There are more places to go boating in Nantucket than anything else, which is why it is such a popular tourist attraction. You can reserve a slip in the expansive boat basin, which caters more to mega yachts than to dingies, or you can grab a slip at the Nantucket Moorings, which cost around $60 per night and must be reserved in advance. There is extremely limited space during race weeks, however, so make sure you plan ahead.

If you're not bringing your own boat, there are plenty of places to rent your own private vessel. Nantucket Boat Rentals, for example, has boats for any pleasure, some of which are large enough to be navigated into the Sound. They can be used in the harbor for fishing or water sports, or you can go on a luxury cruise.

By: admin