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The Art of Smart Timing
Nantucket is a seasonal island favored in its brief summer months of July and August, when rates are at its peak. April's Daffodil Days kicks off the spring season, which can be a fickle time to visit, with weather ranging from sunny and clear to foggy and cold. Nantucket's Christmas Stroll is a step back in time and keeps the season going beyond fall, which is truly a fantastic time to visit, as the weather is often cool but sunny and the crowds have dispersed. Most restaurants and attractions close between January and March.
Getting There
Nantucket has a small airport serviced mainly by Cape Air, with flights originating from Boston or Hyannis. A word of warning, however: Nantucket's sea air is fickle and may fog over in the blink of an eye, grounding flights and sending stranded passengers to snatch up seats on the ferries. The Hy-Line Cruises Fast Ferry from Hyannis is only an hour, and costs $75, roundtrip. The Steamship Authority's "slow" ferry departs from Hyannis or Woods Hole, and takes two to three hours, respectively, but at about half the cost of the "fast" ferry. Both options disembark in the heart of Nantucket.
Getting Around
Nantucket Town is intimate and walkable, with most stores, restaurants and accommodations within a 10-block radius. To sample other beaches or explore residential areas lined with former sea captain residences, a bike will be all you need. Cabs are available if you'd like to venture further or do not want to walk, so a car rental is not necessary while enjoying the island.
For Mom and Dad
The White Elephant Spa features just four treatment rooms but the serenity and luxury found at any great hotel spa. Massages, facials, body treatments and other revitalizing treatments are worth the time-out from the kids.
The White Elephant is operated by Nantucket Island Resorts, which includes the Relais & Chateaux Wauwinet property. The Wauwinet's Topper's restaurant is considered one of Nantucket's best restaurants, as is top-ranked across the U.S., as well. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, save this one for a special date night and enjoy stellar wines from its wine cellar. A one-hour cruise from Nantucket Town to the restaurant is available seasonally, and is complimentary with dinner reservations.
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