Fall is almost here, signaling the dawn of the year’s holiday season. Many people take a break during fall after having an adventure-filled summer.
While fall is not as vibrant as summer, it is still a good time to travel, provided you pick the right destination. This fall, you might want to consider the island of Nantucket, roughly 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
This island is an adventurer’s hub, with plenty to enjoy. Fall is an excellent time to visit Nantucket as it is less congested than summer.
Are you planning for a fall trip to Nantucket? If affirmative, the following are ideas on what to do when you land on the island.
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1. Golfing
If you are into golfing, you can improve your expertise by teeing off at Nantucket’s golf courses. There are two public and two private courses on the island. They are all distinct but have a similar essence of lushness, punctuated with a calming sea breeze. They include:
- Miacomet Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course and was a cow pasture in the 1950s. It is a well-maintained facility with excellent facilities, like the restaurant.
- Siasconset Golf Club, a 9-hole course, is also open to the public. It is the oldest golf course in Nantucket and one of the oldest in the country, having been in operation since 1894.
- Sankaty Head and Nantucket golf clubs are the private golfing facilities on the island. You can visit them for an exciting golfing day.
2. Visit Cisco Brewers
Cisco Brewers is the place to be after a long day for refreshments. This hub has a chilled ambiance you will appreciate over a mug of beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail. There are also non-alcoholic drinks if you are a teetotaler.
You can join the fun banter with other revelers out for a good time and make friends. If lucky, you may run into one of the many parties and festivities held at Cisco Brewers.
3. Participate in the Cranberry Harvest
Fall is famous for being a season of harvest. You can keep up with the harvesting tradition by participating in Nantucket’s annual cranberry harvest festivals and tours. The island has two cranberry bogs; the Milestone Bog, which covers 195 acres, and Windswept Bog, which covers 37 acres.
You can join the fun-filled harvest, which is perfect if you are with your family or friends. You can hop into the fields to gather the fruits or participate in farm tours. You can also relax, enjoy the occasional live performances, or go for hay rides.
4. Scalloping
At the peak of fall, sometime in November, is the scalloping season. Scallops are in plenty, and you can have an adventure sourcing this seafood. You don your snorkeling gear and dive into the shallow waters to get scallops.
It is an exciting activity that you can tick off your bucket list. Before getting down to it, you must get a scalloping permit.
5. Visit Nantucket Museums
Nantucket is the place to be if you love history. It has several museums that preserve its heritage. You can start your tour by visiting the Nantucket Whaling Museum to learn more about this island’s whaling background.
Next on the list is the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum. It is a non-profit establishment that features several objects, including shipwrecks on the island, some as old as 300 years. There are also exhibits in the form of images, videos, and lectures about storms and associated shipwrecks.
Other places to visit for a dose of history are the Museum of African American History, Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, and the Peter Foulger Museum.
6. Have a Food Tour
Nantucket has a diverse cuisine, mainly featuring seafood. You can take a culinary tour to get a hint of the Island’s culture. Black-Eyed Susan’s is the best place to begin your tour with a satisfying breakfast. You can try out eggs served with toast, hashbrowns, or grits. The pancakes are tasty, prompting another visit.
For lunch, you can try Thai food at Siam to Go or Claudette’s for a hearty sandwich. The Straight Wharf restaurant is a great fine dining hub. You can check out the bar afterward for wine or cocktails.
7. Photography
You can practice your shots and boost your photo catalog by taking snaps in Nantucket. The island is full of fascinating sites you can take photos of for social media or to improve your snapping game.
Picturesque sites include beaches, lighthouses, hiking trails, forests, and many more.
8. Hiking
You are likely to enjoy a hike during the fall, especially in the early mornings when the breeze is refreshing. You can walk or take a bike. It is an excellent activity, especially if you are with family or friends, making up for a great bonding time.
The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is one of the most fantastic hiking spots, with a chock-full of surprises.
Winding Up
Nantucket is among the places with everything for everyone, primarily if you love adventure. You can visit the island during fall when people are few, to get its real essence.
Highlighted are some things you can do in Nantucket in the fall. Moreover, you may try out surfing, taking advantage of the less crowded beaches and the consistent waves. Fishing and cruising may interest you if you want to experience the warm waters of Nantucket.
Plan for your fall vacation in time for the best experience.