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:
Chamber of Commerce - Highlighted Annual Nantucket Island Events
November, 2006
Friday, November 17
Chef & Chef Dinner. Visiting celebrity chef Jimmy Bradley and Brant Point Grill chef Neil Hudson create a four course dinner. 508-325-1320
Saturday, November 18
Chef & Shop Series.
Cooking demonstration and tasting featuring Jimmy Bradley, The Harrison, The Red Cat, The Mermaid Inn (New York). Open to the public. Demonstration includes food and wine tasting, Q & A and take home recipes. 508-325-1320.
Friday, November 24
Lighting of over 150 Christmas trees downtown followed by community caroling. Residents and visitors gather to watch while the cobblestone byways become illuminated with color and light, celebrating the beginning of an old-fashioned Christmas.
Saturday, November 25
Seal Cruise
Shearwater excursions to Muskeget Island. 508-228-7037.
December
Stroll Weekend
December 1-3 (photo from Nantucket Chamber)
 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 other musicians stroll through town performing, while visitors enjoy Nantucket’s unique shops and restaurants
Festival of Trees at the Nantucket Historical Association.
Continues through December 18th.
Thursday, December 7
Armed services Musical Salute and Gam at the NHA
Saturday, December 9
Yuletide Fair at the Westmoor Club. Handcrafts, holiday gifts, kids’ activities
Sunday, December 10
15th Annual Holiday Bazaar: crafts, gifts and ice skating at Nantucket Ice.
Monday, December 11
Seal Cruise to Muskeget Island.
Saturday, December 16
Armonica Concert at the NHA
December 26-30th.
Winter Seal Pup Trips
Shearwater Excursions in collaboration with the Maria Mitchell Assoc. eco-tour. Witness the birth of Gray Seal pups just feet away from the bow of the ship as Captain Blair Perkins and Dr. Bob Kennedy, Director of Natural Sciences at the MMA, give expert commentary on the diverse wildlife and natural history surrounding Muskeget Island. Hot chocolate served. Call 508-228-7037.
Daffodil Festival Weekend
April 27 - 29, 2007
 From early-April to mid-May, over three midaffodils of every color, shape and size will bloom on Nantucket Island, a world-class resort just 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. 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 (photo from Nantucket Chamber), 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 villagethe 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
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.
Chamber of Commerce - Highlighted Annual Nantucket Island Events
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