District Guide

Old Nantucket lives in the Nantucket you visit today. The combination of 18th and 19th Century buildings and the cobblestone streets will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Antique shops, historic sites, charming inns and interesting museums are yours for discovering; with the added bonuses of dramatic scenery, miles of unspoiled beaches and plentiful nature preserves.

With few cars and no traffic lights, beach-goers and sightseers, cyclists, strollers and happy ice-cream eaters lend to the charm and personality of Nantucket, making it a popular destination for people fleeing larger cities for vacation and weekend getaways.

Nantucket Town

The Historic District is the hub of Nantucket Town and what you first enter when stepping off the ferry. Walk up and down Main, Federal and Center Streets. You'll see cozy bed & breakfasts like the Anchor Inn and unique restaurants like the Boarding House. The Whaling Museum, Brant Point Light Station and First Congregational Church & Old North Vestry are all popular spots for visitors.

Take note of the small, round plaques by some doorways, issued by the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) to certify the dates the historic homes in this neighborhood were built. Nantucket maintains one of the highest concentrations of pre-Civil War structures in the country. The NHA operates six other historic properties as museums.

Siasconset and Madaket

Beyond the residential and touristy side of Nantucket Town are two villages: Siasconset, seven miles to the east, and Madaket, 6 miles to the west. In the days when factories rendered whale oil, Nantucket Town residents would flee to Siasconset (locally known as 'Sconset) to avoid the heavy smells. Today, 'Sconset is mostly a summer community with a few choice lodging options and several restaurants, like the Chanticleer. It also has lots of waterfront and conservation areas close by, all of which make it a great day trip from town, easily accessible via bike or public transportation.

Madaket, on the west coast, is basically a large beach with serious surf, a great place to picnic, and a sunset enthusiast's haven. To get there, follow the Madaket Bike Path signs or take the NRTA shuttle.

A pet-friendly island, dogs are welcome on most ferries and on shuttle buses to and from the beach. Some hotels also accept your canine friend, such as the Safe Harbor. Although many restaurants have outdoor seating, call beforehand to ensure your fuzzy buddy can sit beside you while you are enjoying local eats, such as quahog (pronounced ko-hog) chowder or lobster, or cocktails. The Boarding House is a great places to enjoy your meal without leaving your pup behind.

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