With winter weather patterns pointing towards a warm and early spring, crowds and news stations gathered in the small town of Punxsatawney to watch the beloved Groundhog Phil decide this year’s fate. To many people’s despair, Punxatawney Phil spotted his shadow and hurried back into his hole; the folklore condemning us to 6 more weeks of winter. Nonetheless, plans are still being drawn up for this year’s spring on the beautiful island of Nantucket. Tourism in Nantucket peaks in July and August so if you want to stay away from the crowds, it’s best to visit before the masses flood in. Nantucket is simply gorgeous in the spring and contrary to Phil’s prediction, it is looking like warm weather is just around the corner. Every year since 1974 locals and visitors gather to celebrate the colorful bloom of the island’s favorite flowers, the yellow daffodils. In April, all of the brightly-colored buds open to paint the island’s road sides, yards, and shop windows as a warm welcome to spring. Nantucket takes pride in the fun and festivities that accompany this thawing of winter with a collection of events and parades called the Annual Daffodil Festival. Some of these events include: the Antique Car Parade, the Daffodil Tailgate Picnic, the Children’s Parade, the Daffy Hat Pageant, and the Dog Parade. The Antique Car Parade is a personal and festival-goer favorite, featuring over 100 antique cars decorated with the celebrated flowers. The winding drive around the island ends in a huge picnic with a variety of fantastic foods. Seeing the magical little island lit up with these flowers of tradition is a sight you won't want to miss this spring in Nantucket. Need a place to stay for the weekend? Try the Century House or the Sherburne Inn, bot within walking distance to town.

Ellen Studer
Bestweekends.com




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We all need a little “island getaway” once in a while, right?  What if I told you there are dozens of islands in the United States just waiting for you to escape to?  Well, for the next week, I will be featuring two different islands in each blog that I believe you need to visit this summer- No passport required! 

July is the perfect month to visit New England; especially Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard- two islands off the coast of Massachusetts.  Mid summer is when the temperatures reach the mid 70’s - 80’s, which is perfect weather to enjoy with the Atlantic Ocean breeze.  What makes these two islands so special is their uniqueness to Massachusetts; you will need to fly or catch a ferry to get there.  Your best bet is to take the ferry from Quonset Point, RI to get to Martha’s Vineyard, and the ferry from Hyannis, MA to get to Nantucket.  I recommend the ferry for both locations because of the excitement of having to get somewhere by boat.  If you’re feeling adventurous then definitely go by small plane!  Once you arrive on the islands, you will most likely have to stop to take it all in.  These are the places you’ve always dreamt about going to after reading about them in your Coastal Living magazine.  Yes, rub your eyes, pinch yourself; they are here and they are ready for you to enjoy!     

Don’t expect to find large hotel, shopping or dining chains here.  Each island is delicately designed with Inns, B&B’s, art galleries, museums, small shops where you will find items never seen before, and restaurants that have been family run for decades.  There’s no hustle-bustle of honking horns and loud traffic, only the sounds of bicycle bells and shoes walking down cobblestone streets.  Why not rent a beach cruiser while you’re there to get you around?  If riding a bicycle is not your forte, there are bus and shuttle systems on both islands that offer inexpensive rides. ( Shuttle Nantucket and Vineyard Transit ).  You’ll want to become a local yourself within the first hour!  Nantucket beaches should definitely be on top of your to-do list while you’re there.  There are beaches available based on the type of swimmer you are, your age, or your water sport preference.  Martha’s Vineyard beaches also offer variety, and some are known to have beautiful shells and sea glass- perfect for taking home as a memory.  

These islands are both places that you will be talking about again and again for years to come.  Anyone who has ever visited them can tell you that!  Next up on my “No Passport Required Island Tour” will be two islands that have beaches more beautiful than some of the most visited Caribbean Islands.  Many times overlooked by many “outsiders”, these islands will be “shore” to please.  With miles of sugary white sandy beaches with swaying palm trees and an unmatched sunset, you’ll want to keep coming back. Find out where you can find your own piece of paradise on Friday!  
M. Klinger  

           

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We are often asked what our favorite destination is from all the places we have traveled for BestWeekends.com. Without a doubt it is Nantucket, that gorgeous island off the coast of Massachusetts. No chain stores, no traffic lights, pristine homes, cobblestone streets and gas lamps, 82 miles of beach and a preserved landscape, half of which can never be developed.  It is a place to relax, to enjoy great food, to ride your bike, to gaze at the boats in the harbor. We usually rent a house for a week in September, but this year we had occasion to visit in early June and we found some changes on the island and we made some new discoveries.

Long time restaurants, 21 Federal, Cinco and Sfoglia are gone. Ventuno, a very good Italian restaurant is in the 21 Federal space and thankfully Johnny B our favorite bartender is still there. Pazzo, with a Mediterranean theme from the owners of Lo La 41 has replaced Sfoglia. The Brick Bistro has transformed the dining space at the Jared Coffin House into a very sophisticated lounge, bar and dining room. And finally, casual 12 Degrees East has opened on Cambridge Street with a killer raw bar, casual, inexpensive and very good food.

Miacomet has always been our favorite beach, out by Bartlett's Farm and Triple 8 Distillery and Cisco Brewery, but this time without a car we were forced to try another, in this case Steps Beach, located at the end of Cliff Road. The path and "steps" down to the beach were lined with beach roses...just beautiful and the beach is next to one of our favorite restaurants and a great spot for lunch..Galley Beach.

We discovered two wonderful B&B's on this trip, The Century House on Cliff Road, about 10 minutes from town and the Sherburne Inn on Gay Street, just a block from town. These are two terrific finds and a great alternative to more expensive lodging on the island.
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