Nantucket:
Nantucket is the Native American word meaning "land far out to sea." Nearly 30 miles out in the open Atlantic, Nantucket has managed to retain the charm and elegance of the 1800s, when it had the distinction of being the whaling capital of the world.
The population of this tiny island mushrooms from 7,000 in the winter to more than 50,000 during the summer. Nantucket offers scenic beauty: gently rolling heathlands, a remarkable diversity of vegetation, cranberry bogs, and salt marshes. With its location on the north/south flyway of migrating birds, the island is a popular venue for bird watchers. More than 55 miles of broad, clean beaches encircle the island.
More than a third of the land has been protected and will never be built upon.
The island of Nantucket is 3.5 miles long and 14 miles wide. Its main town, also called Nantucket, exudes charm with its cobblestoned main street lined with unique gift shops, elegant restaurants, and stately homes. There are more than 800 historic homes and buildings in the town. Most of Nantucket’s historic sites are located in the center of town within easy walking distance of one another.
Nantucket Events:
Daffodil Festival Weekend
April 27 - 29, 2007
 From early-April to mid-May, over three million daffodils of every color, shape and size will bloom on Nantucket Island.This blossoming, and the advent of spring itself, is the focal point of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Daffodil Festival (April 27-29, 2007.) Originated by the late Jean MacAusland, a summer resident of Nantucket and former publisher of Gourmet magazine, the weekend has grown into a
full-scale celebration of winter’s thaw, joyous for both islanders and visitors alike. Daffodils adorn the island’s roadsides, gardens and shop windows with blossoms of yellow, orange, white and even pale pink.
The Daffodil Festival’s grand event, held on Saturday, is the Annual Antique Car Parade, featuring over 100 daffodil-bedecked antique cars (pre-registration necessary for participation.) After winding through town and across the island to the charming village of Siasconset, participants join residents and visitors for the Annual Daffodil Tailgate Picnic. Held on the lush lawns leading into the village the picnic boasts fare ranging from elaborate gourmet cuisine served on fine china to box lunches and burgers. Other highlights include the Nantucket Garden Club’s Annual Daffodil Show, Children’s Daffodil Parade and Daffy Hat Pageant.
Nantucket Wine Festival
May 16 - 20, 2007
For more information about this festival, click here.
 A multi-faceted exploration of food and wine emphasizing Nantucket's historic celebration of all things gastronomic.
For the eleventh year, Nantucket Island becomes host to over 100 wineries of international acclaim.
Sip wine in grand homes and dine in Nantucket's world-class restaurants.
For a wine festival program or reservations, call 508-228-1128 or visit www.nantucketwinefestival.com
Nantucket Film Festival
June 13 - 17, 2007
Now in its tenth year, the Nantucket Film Festival is renowned for its eschewing of Hollywood glamour, and its focus on the substantive art of screen writing. For more information, please call 508-325-6274 or visit www.nantucketfilmfestival.org
Fall on Nantucket
October & November 2007
Fall is a splendid time of year to visit Nantucket Island. With its crimson-colored landscape, dramatic sunsets and weather tempered by an Indian summer, the mood following the busy summer season is relaxed but still offers much to experience!
Two of the finest months on Nantucket are October and November, when the island’s natural beauty takes center stage and its historic museums, shops, lodging and fine restaurants remain open to accommodate fall visitors. Nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, history buffs and patrons of the arts will delight in the myriad activities available on Nantucket each autumn. Visitors can enjoy walking, bicycling, hiking, picnicking, nature study and scenic viewing.
Birdwatchers will appreciate the number of rare and endangered species to be sighted.
Those who love architecture or history will becharmed by Nantucket Town, which recalls the illustrious past of a whaling empire with its cobblestone carriageways andnarrow lanes. More than 800 houses built between 1740 and 1840 still grace the island’s downtown core, and almost all are preserved in their original settings. Nantucket is the only community in America where the entire island is recognized as an historic district.
October and November are filled with additional seasonal activities and events. From the Annual Chowder Contest (Oct. 13) to the 2nd Annual Nantucket Restaurant Week (Oct. 14 - 20) Nantucket Arts Festival, (see below)
The Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival there is something for everyone to enjoy!
The Nantucket Arts Festival
September 29 - October 7, 2007
A celebration of arts on Nantucket sponsored by the Nantucket Arts Council.
This week long festival bringing together the best of performing, visual, and literary arts with venues throughout town. For festival information call 508-325-8588 or visit www.nantucketartscouncil.org.
Nantucket Noel & Christmas Stroll Weekend
November 23 - December 31, 2007 & November 30 - December 2, 2007
 Nantucket is particularly enchanting during the holiday season, when New England’s finest traditions come alive for the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend, (Nov. 30-Dec. 2) which is part of Nantucket Noel (Nov. 23–Dec. 31) a month-long celebration organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.
The Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend is a community holiday celebration attracting visitors from around the world. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to the island via a Coast Guard vessel and ride up Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by the Town Crier. Carolers in Victorian costumes, bell ringers and and other musicians stroll through town performing, while visitors enjoy Nantucket’s unique shops and restaurants.
Chamber of Commerce - Highlighted Annual Nantucket Island Events
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