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Why is Nantucket a popular tourist destination?
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Nantucket is a tourism hot spot, located just 30 miles off the Cape Cod coast. In 2016, National Geographic named Nantucket the best island in the world.
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What is the history of Nantucket’s whaling industry?
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From the early days of European settlement, Nantucket was used as a whaling station. Many islanders made a fortune through whaling and built houses to reflect their status.
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What happened to Nantucket’s whaling industry?
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The industry thrived until 1846, when whale oil fueled a fire that devastated 40 acres of the town center. Shortly afterward, the whaling industry declined, leading many people to leave the island.
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Why is Nantucket historically significant today?
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The buildings rebuilt in the late 18th and early 19th century were preserved and collectively recognized as a National Historical Landmark District in 1966.
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1. The Nantucket Hotel and Resort
© The Nantucket Hotel and Resort
The Nantucket Hotel and Resort is situated downtown, close to beaches, ferries, shops and restaurants. It is open all year round with a program of quarterly festivals and special activities between Thanksgiving and New Years Day.
There are one- to four-bedroom suites available. Child-friendly dining and Kid's Club allow parents to go shopping or take the night off. There is a family pool and one designed for completing laps. For further exercise, there is a gymnasium and exercise classes. Old-fashioned clam bakes with live entertainment, and day trips to Martha's Vineyard are two of the Signature Experiences on offer.
The Nantucket Hotel and Resort
, 77 Easton St, Nantucket, MA 02554, Phone: 508-228-4747
2. White Elephant
© White Elephant
In the early 1900s, a cluster of rustic cottages inspired Elizabeth Ludwig, a Nantucket resident, to form a hotel. Now, the White Elephant, which many saw as her folly, is among the finest luxury hotels in Nantucket. The waterfront resort has rooms, suites and cottages available for hire.
Many have balconies and harbor views. There are two restaurants and a poolside snack bar. Coffee and pastries are available throughout the morning and cheese and wine in the afternoons. Children's needs are met with games, toys and various activities. The outdoor swimming pool is heated and complimentary bicycles are available to explore the surrounds.
White Elephant, 50 Easton Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554, Phone: 800-445-6574
3. White Elephant - Residences
© White Elephant – Residences
Leasing residences is an extension of the White Elephant hotel concept. Five double- and triple-story buildings have been divided into one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, each with its own unique floor plan and character. The main bedroom in each suite has a king-sized bed. Additional bedrooms have twin beds that convert to king-size. For each bedroom, there is a full bathroom. Each suite has a living / dining area, kitchenette, gas fireplace and sleeper couch for two children. The Inn next door offers Deluxe rooms and suites. The penthouse suite has a loft sitting room with a balcony and harbor views.
50 Easton Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554, Phone: 800-445-6574
4. The Cottages - Nantucket Boat Basin
© The Cottages – Nantucket Boat Basin
This waterfront resort has been in existence since 1968. A number of cottages and lofts, ranging in size, are available. Each has a full kitchen. Visitors are collected from the ferry and beach bus transport is on standby throughout their stay. Complimentary bicycles are available for those who wish to tour the island on their own. The cottages are a block away from town and close to the beaches, shops and restaurants. Pets are welcomed and treated like celebrities, having their beds turned down and photographs taken for the Dog of the Month competition.
The Cottages - Nantucket Boat Basin, 24 Old South Wharf, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554, Phone: 866-838-9253
5. The Veranda Collection
© The Veranda Collection
The Veranda Collection comprises three distinct properties that have been divided into rooms and suites, all designed to accommodate two adults each. Children, ten years and older, are also welcome. The properties, that date back to the 17th century, have been restored and modernized. Veranda House has rooms with personal verandas and harbor views. Chapman House has a more contemporary décor with bolder colors. The family suite is situated at Arbor Cottage. The gardens are landscaped and the common spaces are shaded. Breakfast and afternoon chocolate chip cookies are part of the package.
The Veranda Collection, 3 Step Lane, Nantucket MA 02554, Phone: 508-228-0695
6. Jared Coffin House
© Jared Coffin House
In 1845, Jared Coffin House, a ship owner made wealthy by whaling, built the first mansion on Nantucket. In 1846, because of its sturdy brickwork and slate roof, it survived a devastating fire that destroyed much of historic downtown. Sixteen rooms were added in 1857 and in 1961, the Nantucket Historical Trust restored and refurbished the three-story mansion. There are 30 rooms available in the main house and 16 in the Daniel Webster building close by. Classic elegance and modern comforts are the hallmark of the accommodation on offer. Dining is at the Nantucket Prime, a steakhouse on the premises.
Jared Coffin House, 29 Broad Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554, Phone: 508 228-2400
7. Nantucket Inn
© Nantucket Inn
The Nantucket Inn is situated in the center of the island, close to the airport, on three acres of land. It is the ideal place to relax with a quiet book in front of a fireplace or to drink cocktails in the Library Lounge. For active pursuits there are walks in the grounds, tennis courts, a fitness
center and heated indoor swimming pool. Breakfast is included in the tariff and the Inn has partnerships with three restaurants in town for meals, or guests can choose to have food delivered. The venue has conference and meeting facilities. A complimentary shuttle service is available.
1 Miller's Lane, Nantucket, MA 02554, Phone: 800-321-8484
8. Nantucket Hotels: Wauwinet
© Wauwinet
Wauwinet
is situated on a sliver of land in the north east corner of Nantucket. In 1876 clam bakes were the main attraction and a round trip from the mainland plus on-shore dinner cost $1.25. In 1882, the inn was established. It is a seaside retreat with private beaches and a pristine coastline, neighboring the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. The décor and bathrooms in the luxury accommodation have recently been upgraded. There are rooms, suites and private cottages available. The inn can accommodate 45 guests for a conference or private function. Wauwinet is a Relais and Châteaux hotel.
Wauwinet, 120 Wauwinet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02584, Phone: 800-426-8718
9. Greydon House
© Greydon House
This Greydon House
is situated in the heart of historic downtown Nantucket. Where every nuance of exterior finish is scrutinized for historical accuracy and aesthetics, the hotel has achieved what seemed impossible. A three-story annex has been seamlessly added to an 1850s Greek Revival house which had to be moved downhill in the process. The interior décor in the 20 luxury rooms goes beyond nautical themes to a more eclectic mix of global furnishings and fittings. The restaurant is likewise internationally inspired. Via Mare is a small-plate Venetian style eating house where seafood and garden vegetables are the focus.
Greydon House, 17 Broad Street, 02554, Phone: 508-228-2468
10. Seven Sea Street Inn
© Seven Sea Street Inn
Matt Parker first visited Nantucket as an 'army brat' in 1969. After having moved around with his family to many bases, he fell in love with island life and swore to return. He did and in 1987 built Seven Sea Street Inn just north of Main Street. There are 11 guest rooms, decorated in a cottage chic style, with early American furniture that he has collected. Diners eat at a large, communal table and can relax in the common room. Continental breakfast is available as room service. Paintings from local artists adorns the walls in the bed and breakfast establishment.
Seven Sea Street Inn, 7 Sea St, Nantucket, MA 02554, Phone: 508-228-3577
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