AUGUST 13-19, 2026 • CELEBRATING 56 YEARS • PRICELESS • EVENTS • SHOPPING
‘
Todays Nantucket
Volume: 56 Number: 13 • Est. 1970 • Island Maps • Island Recreation • YesterdaysIsland.com
In this issue...
photo by Suzanne Daub
Beyond the Harpoon…see page 3
photo by Sarah Morneau
photo courtesy Steve Tornovish
Dog Days of Summer… see page 7
photo by Sarah T. Bois
Training the Next Generation… see page 9
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
Gold P Pendants
Gallery and Nantucket Pearl Company est. 1979
oil on linen
oil on linen
“Front Street Sconset”
10x20
“Sconset Chapel”
inside G.S. Hill Gallery, est. 2008
12x16
oil on linen “Summer at Brant Point” 16x20
New “Must Have” Pearl Bracelets. Starting at $120
Celebrating 47 years! Follow us on Instagram: @gshillnantucket and @nantucketpearlcompany gshill.com • 508-228-1353 • 40 Straight Wharf, next to Hyline • Open Daily 10am-5pm • gshillnantucket@gmail.com • nantucketpearlcompany.com
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Beyond the Harpoon: More than Just 1 Story
August 13-19, 2026
Page 3
by Suzanne Daub With more than a thousand works of art, artifacts, and treasures on display in nine premium galleries plus films, daily programs, and a fully accessible rooftop deck offering stunning views, the Nantucket Whaling Museum on Broad Street is the best way to discover our island’s fascinating maritime history and to gain a deeper appreciation for the people and events that helped define Nantucket. While whaling is a photo by Suzanne Daub well-known chapter in the history of Nantucket, our island’s story is richer and more far-reaching. The full story—including the Wampanoag people who lived here for centuries; the influence of Quakerism; islanders surviving the American Revolution; the independence and activism of Nantucket women; the contributions of the island’s Black residents; and the evolution of Nantucket into a summer destination—is told by historians and staff of the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) in their Whaling Museum.
SUSAN LISTER LO CK E J E W E L E R
28 28 EASY EASY STREET ON THE WA W WATERFRONT AT A T TERFRONT TERFR ONT 508.228.2132 508.228.21132 508.221.0531 SUSANLISTERLOCKE.COM SUSANLISTE SU SANLISTE ERLOCKE.COM
continued on page 16
NANTUCKET ISLAND’S
MURRAY CAMP
Kids Night Out Enjoy your night out while your kids enjoy theirs! Operated by Murray Camp Nantucket (est. 1989), Kids Night Out offers children ages 4–12 an exciting evening of games, crafts, themed activities, outdoor play, movies, and fun in a safe, supervised environment.
Wednesdays-Saturdays from 6pm to 9pm Complimentary in-town shuttle pickup and drop-off available. Register at
Sports Fishing on the “Herbert T” Slip 14, Straight Wharf, Nantucket, Ma. Day Time: 508-228-6655 Evenings: 508-257-4176
kidsnightoutnantucket.com or at this QR code:
We Provide: • An experienced certified captain • All tackle, equipment and bait • Lessons, if needed • Your catch, cleaned, packaged and ready to take home.
508-901-9575 Murray Camp is licensed annually by the Nantucket Board of Health
Four Trips Daily - 7am, 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Fully Licensed - Fully Insured $150 per person (2 person minimum) FishNantucket.net Private Charters Available $650 - up to 6 persons
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
Artists Reflect on the World Around Them
Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN) is celebrating the 2026 Hale Juried Exhibition in the Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery with a reception at 5 pm on August 13 at 8 Federal Street. Through diverse approaches to subject, style, and medium, Eye of the Beholder exhibit invited AAN artists to reflect on the many ways they interpret and transform the world around them. “Our accomplished juror, Meredith Ward, reviewed submissions from AAN’s artist members and selected the final works to be exhibited,” explained AAN artistic director Bobby Frazier. Ward is a respected specialist in American art. Since founding Meredith Ward Fine Art in 2004, she has established her Manhattan gallery as a premier destination for important American paintings and works on paper, with a particular emphasis on American modernism and exceptional examples of 19th- and 20th-century art. AAN’s artist members who were awarded prizes in Eye of the Beholder are Leyah Jensen who was awarded first place for her watercolor titled Nantucket Homeless; Donata Vita took second place for The Mind of the Water, mixed media; third place went to John Carruthers for his multi-color woodcut Chanticleer Horse. The Hale Award for Excellence went to Bettina Broer for Shape Shifting, oil & wax. “I would like to thank Kaaren and Charles Hale for generously supporting the juried exhibition and the Hale Award for Excellence,” said Tracey Sears, AAN’s executive director. “We are most grateful for the opportunity they have provided.” The 2026 Hale Juried Exhibition continues through August 18 in the Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery at 8 Federal Street. The gallery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. To learn more about the AAN, visit the website at nantucketarts.org or follow them on Instagram @ackartists.
Travel Inter-Island to Martha’s Martha’s Vineyard! See all the sister islands have to offer! Our high-speed ferry gets you to Martha’s Vineyard in just over an hour. Visit for the day or stay overnight— we’ll get you there with ease.
Straight Wharf, Nantucket Dockside Marina, Oak Bluffs hylinecruises.com
FORES ST & FORM: Wood Sculpturres by David Hostetler A centennial celebration c of David Hostetlerr,, featurring never before seen pieces from a private collection.
Photography by Rob b Brinson Come see the restt of the collection before it i sells
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
The Real Brilliance of Summer
Page 5
by Shawn Roberts =There is no place quite like Nantucket in the summer.
Every June, the island seems to wake from a long sleep. Window boxes overflow, hydrangeas begin their slow explosion into blue, the harbor fills with sails, restaurants spill onto sidewalks, music drifts through open doors, and every sunset somehow convinces us that we’ve never seen one quite like it before. The island becomes brilliant. Not simply beautiful, but brilliant. It shines with an energy that’s difficult to explain to someone who has never been here. It is easy to understand why people spend all year dreaming about these few short months. But somewhere in all that brilliance, something quietly disappears. Our attention. The strange thing about summer on Nantucket is that it promises relaxation while somehow leaving many of us busier than ever. There is another dinner to attend, another concert on the calendar, another boat ride, another beach, another visitor arriving on the ferry, another perfect weather forecast that feels too good to waste indoors. Our calendars fill almost without our permission. Every day feels precious because we know exactly how temporary it is. Before long, we find ourselves chasing the season instead of living inside it. I catch myself doing it every year. There is always another photograph I want to take before the light changes, another story I mean to write, another project that has to be finished before Labor Day. There are errands squeezed between appointments, phone calls waiting to be returned, and responsibilities that always seem more urgent than they really are. The days become so full that the things I actually value begin slipping quietly into tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll spend an evening with family. Tomorrow I'll sit on the porch without looking at my phone. Tomorrow I'll take my camera somewhere simply because I want to, not because I feel like I should. Tomorrow becomes September. It’s an odd contradiction. People travel thousands of miles searching for
exactly what already surrounds us every day. Meanwhile, those of us lucky enough to call this island home often become so busy appreciating Nantucket that we forget to appreciate our own lives. We admire the golden light while forgetting to look across the table at the people sharing it. We rush to catch another sunset while postponing conversations we’ve been meaning to have. We tell ourselves we’re making memories while forgetting to be fully present for them. Maybe that’s simply human nature. We become so captivated by beauty that we forget beauty was never the point. The point was always the people. The laughter after dinner. The child collecting shells without caring whether they’re perfect. The friend who says yes to one last walk through town. The parents who won’t always be able to climb Sankaty Bluff. The neighbors whose names we’ll someday wish we’d learned sooner. The dog waiting patiently beside the beach chair. Those ordinary moments rarely make the postcard. They’re the ones that become our memories. I wonder sometimes if summer teaches the opposite lesson from the one we usually hear. We’re constantly reminded that summer is short, and that’s true. But perhaps what matters isn’t squeezing every possible experience into it. Perhaps it’s allowing ourselves to experience a few moments completely. To sit through an entire sunset without photographing it. To leave the phone in the truck. To eat dinner without watching the clock. To take the long way home simply because the evening is too beautiful to rush. The brilliance of summer isn’t found only in blooming hydrangeas, crowded harbors, or perfect weather. Its brilliance is it reminds us (if we’re paying attention) that life itself is seasonal. Children grow. Parents age. Friends move away. Businesses change. The people sitting around today’s picnic table will not always be sitting with us. Summer simply makes the passing of time impossible to ignore. continued on page 15
AUNT LEAH’S Gail’s Tours, Inc. FUDGE V B N Simply, the finest tour on Nantucket Island!
“The Best Fudge in The World” Stop in for a taste
Nantucket Chocolate Covered Cranberries As seen in Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Magazine, Phantom Gourmet and on Chronicle, Channel 5
The Courtyard, 16 Straight Wharf Call 508-228-1017 or Order online www.auntleahs.com
★
OTED EST OF ANTUCKET FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS! ★
Continuing a family tradition of hospitality Unique, in-depth tour of Nantucket 7th generation native
Convenience...effortlessly view Nantucket In-town pick-up • 1-3/4 hour tour Pullovers for photo opportunities Tour van holds up to 14 guests Departures daily 10am, 1pm, & 3pm
Value...in the thrifty Nantucket tradition
★ GAIL NICKERSON JOHNSON ★ your guide to the real Nantucket!
RESERVATIONS & INFO: 508-257-6557
Page 6
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
Today’s Nantucket
Events & Entertainment Events are updated daily at Nantucket.net
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
9:45 to 10:30 AM - Dance Party in the Garden Songs & singing games in the Atheneum Garden. Bring a blanket to sit on. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 10 AM - Endeavor Sailing Excursions with Captain Jim Learn Nantucket’s maritime history & see waterfront sights. Reservations encouraged. Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Tickets at 508-228-5585 or EndeavorSailing.com. Repeated at 1:30 & 3:30 pm. 10 AM - Gail’s Tours of Nantucket Daily in-depth van tour of Nantucket with 7th generation native as your guide. Intown pickup. To reserve a seat, call 508-257-6557. Tours again at 1 & 3 pm 10 AM to 12 PM - Children’s Beach Crafting: Wind Chimes Fun, hands-on craft projects for kids of all ages. A morning of imagination, creativity, and take-home creations. Children’s Beach, Harbor View Way. 10 AM to 4 PM - Maritime Activity Stations Explore Nantucket’s lifesaving history through rotating pop-up interactive stations featuring crafts, games, and artifact encounters.Included with museum admission. Nantucket Shipwreck & Life Saving Museum, 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Nantucket Whaling Museum Open Daily Exhibits in 9 premium galleries, including the new 2026 exhibit The Wider World & Scrimshaw, & more than 1,000 works of art, artifacts, & treasures on display to tell the story of Nantucket across 4 centuries. Tickets: nha.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Open Explore updates in the Andrea Doria Gallery, with the story & legacy of the famed 1956 shipwreck, and the new exhibit, From Coast to Coast: The Heroic Stories of Madaket Millie & Marshall the Sea Dog. 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10 AM to 6 PM - Sidewalk Sale at Sara Campbell You’ll find deep discounts at the annual sale at Sara Campbell’s clothing shop at 5 South Beach Street. Sale continues through Sunday. 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM - Hands-on-History: Tapa Cloth Design Weekly family programming at the Whaling Museum Discovery Center featuring hands on crafts inspired by The Wider World and Scrimshaw. A new activity each
day with a project to create. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. nha.org 10:30 to 11:15 AM - Family Connections Tour in the Whaling Museum Experience featured exhibit The Wider World and Scrimshaw in a guided intergenerational tour. Guides bring topics to life with visual & tactile elements, to share the influence of Nantucket whalers, whale ecology, the art of scrimshaw, souvenirs, & more. Incl. with museum admission: registration strongly recommended at nha.org. 10:45 AM - Historic Downtown Walking Tour with NHA Walk through Nantucket town with an NHA Museum Guide & hear the story of the rise and fall of whaling, the beginnings of tourism, and social & racial development on-island. Rain or shine. Tickets at nha.org. 11 AM - Barrett’s Tours Historic tours offered daily departing from 25 Federal St., across from the Visitors Centre. Reservations: 508-228-0174 Barrettstours.com Again at 1:30 & 3:30 pm 11 AM to 4 PM - Hands-On-History at the Old Jail Learn about the Old Jail and some of its inhabitants, and make your own beaded keychain. A drop-in program offered during the site’s open hours. Email to arrange for groups of 10+: tours@nha.org. Old Jail, 15R Vestal Street. NHA.org 11:15 AM - The Signature Tour: a Traditional Historic Tour of Nantucket Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead a 75-min. tour of historic sites in Nantucket Town, Sconset, & more. See The Oldest House, The Old Windmill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse & more. Daily at 11:15, 1, & 2:45. Book at 42 Straight Wharf or at nantucketbustours.com or at 508-228-0334. 11:15 AM - Nantucket by Water Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise Relax on a narrated tour of the inner harbor while you enjoy ice cream with friends & family. Departs again at 1, 2:15, & 4 pm. One-hour; daily cruises. Call 508-2287037 or book online nantucketbywater.com. 11:45 AM - The Westender Tour with Island Tours Visit historic sites in Town and the Village of Madaket. Also enjoy stops at Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm & at Cisco Brewers where you can enjoy libations & food vendors. The experience lasts about 2-1/2 hours. Book at 42 Straight Wharf, at nantucketbustours.com, or at 508-228-0334. continued on page 8
Sail Endeavor a Nantucket tradition. established 1982 Private Charters Per Person Fares
High Speed Ferry Through September 1, 2026 Depart Nantucket
Arrive Hyannis
Depart Hyannis
Arrive Nantucket
7:40am
8:40am
6:10am
7:10am
9:55am
10:55am
8:30am
9:30am
Captain James Genthner Slip #1015 • Straight Wharf
11:10am
12:10pm
9:30am
10:30am
12:50pm
1:50pm
11:20am
12:20pm
508-228-5585
2:15pm
3:15pm
12:45pm
1:45pm
4:10pm
5:10pm
2:25pm
3:25pm
Yesterday’s Island / Today’s Nantucket
5:45pm
6:45pm
4:15pm
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EST. 1970 - CELEBRATING 56 YEARS!
7:05pm
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5:40pm
6:40pm
yesterdaysisland.com • Box 626 Nantucket, MA 02554 • 508-228-9165
*9:20pm
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EndeavorSailing.com
Suzanne M. Daub - Publisher & Editor
*Changes to 8:40pm and 10pm on Fridays
Writers - Dr. Sarah T. Bois, Suzanne Daub, Shawn Roberts, Steve Tornovish Production & Design - Sarah Morneau Website & Databases - J. Taryn Daub Cover Photographs - Sarah Morneau, Suzanne Daub, Steve Tornovish, Sarah T. Bois Yesterday's Island/Today's Nantucket is published seasonally in print & online year-round by Yesterday's Island, Inc. Views and opinions expressed by our writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or staff. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions or for any and all misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, incorrect or misleading content of advertisements, etc. in this publication or on the associated website. © 2026 Yesterday's Island, Inc.
Reservations strongly recommended
Straight Wharf | Nantucket 508.228.3949 Visit us online for schedules, travel alerts & specials
hylinecruises.com
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Dog Days of Summer
August 13-19, 2026
Page 7
by Steve “Tuna” Tornovish
continued on page 20
Nantucket's Largest g O d F i Outdoor Furniture Showroom 9 W AM P AN O AG W AY N AN T UCK E T , M A ( 5 0 8 ) 2 2 8 - 1 9 61
JOANNA KANE + SHERRE WILSON LILJEGREN OUTSIDE OF TIME
Sherre Wilson Liljegren
Joanna Kane
Ah yes, the dog days of summer. The fishing has been, well, tough. My friend and boat charter captain Corey Gammon says that the fishing has been “opportunistic.” We spoke recently, and Corey told me, “Yesterday we did nothing at Great Point, and today it just went off. Fish everywhere!” Yes, Corey is right. I’ve had good days and bad days and going half-mad days, to borrow a lyric from the late, great Jimmy Buffett. My best day of the past week was when I had to cancel my charter clients due to extreme wind and rain. I went out and fished into that wind on an empty beach and caught some big, fat bluefish. You can’t catch ‘em from the couch, right? So what would make a person of reasonably sound mind go out and cast in a 40 mph wind and rain storm, you ask? The August Blues – Nantucket Fishing Tournament, of course! This tournament is an absolute blast. Both the beach and boat division leaderboards are tighter than Mr. Krabs from Spongebob (is that reference too old?). The entire competition can turn around with a single cast. That was certainly my motivation for the day. I was fishing by myself, and it was oddly refreshing. I hooked seven fish and landed only three—did I mention the conditions were extreme? I submitted two of my fish. They measured 28 and 29 inches. I was sure I’d catch another one in the 30 inch range, but I did not. No moving to the top four of the leaderboard for me. Some guy named Tedy Bruschi is leading the beach division with a total of 94.25 inches. Tom Small is right behind him at 94 inches. Both of these fishers are extremely dedicated and in the top tier of the Nantucket beach fishing community. This will be a battle right through the month of August! The boat division is just as tight. Jonathan Foster has the lead right now, with a three fish total length of 105.75 inches. Caroline Collatos is nipping at his heels with her three fish bag measuring 105.25 inches. Yowza: both grand prizes are separated by a grand total of .75 inches! Jennifer Wright is currently leading in the Snapper Bluefish category for the
Reception to Meet the Artists Friday, August 14th • 6-8pm Discover Upstairs at 4 India Street Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sundays 12-4p thegallerynantucket.com 508-228-8509 • @thegallerynantucket
Nantucket's year-round women's consignment boutique
167 7 Orange O S Street • 508 08 8.680.1159 t therainbowfleetnantuc cket.com Follow w us on instagram @th herainbowfleet Ope en Monday - Saturdayy 10am-5pm photo by Ron Lynch
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Events & Entertainment Events are updated daily, year-round at Nantucket.net from page 6
12:45 PM - Linda Loring Nature Foundation Hike with Nantucket Walkabout LLNF’s publicly accessible property has easy trails thru sandplain grasslands, coastal shrublands, & along the North Head of Long Pond. Book at 508-422-7466 or at WalkNantucket.com 1 to 3 PM - Garden Talk at Seaview Farm at NISDA. Free and open to all. Seaview Farm at 23 Wauwinet Rd nisda.org 2 to 4 PM - Read to a Buddy with R.E.A.D. Dogs for Ages 6-12 Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D) are certified therapy dogs trained to be good listeners. Become more confident & enjoy reading. Registration required at NantucketAtheneum.org 3 to 5 PM - Island Tours Elin Hilderbrand Blue Book Tour From the pages of Elin’s “Must See, Can’t Miss, Won’t Forget” guide to Nantucket, The Blue Book, this tour is led by Elin’s sister, Heather Thorpe, & highlights Elin’s favorite shops, restaurants, & beaches, & showcases island spots prominent in her novels. Book at 42 Straight Wharf, at nantucketbustours.com, or at 508-228-0334. 4:30 to 7 PM - Live Music by Badfish at Cisco Brewers Head to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road for a pint or two & enjoy live local bands. Tables are first-come, first-served: no reservations. Ciscobrewers.com 5 to 7 PM - Eye of the Beholder Public Reception Meet artists and fellow art lovers in the Artists Association of Nantucket’s gallery at 8 Federal Street at this opening reception for the Hale Juried Exhibition. 5:15 to 6:15 PM - Nantucket by Water Cocktail Cruise Escape the summer crowds & enjoy breathtaking views as you cruise around Nantucket Harbor with family & friends. On board music. BYOB. Book at nantucketbywater.com or 508-228-7037. 6 to 7 PM - ELL Beginner & Intermediate English Class Learn basic conversation or improve English skills. Class conducted in English in the Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 6 to 8 PM - NISDA Free Thursday Night Fete Join the staff & artists of the Nantucket Island School of Design & the Arts for a summer evening of live music by Island Tunes, open mic performances, and buy treats from local food trucks. Free (fees are only for food & beverages). NISDA has some lawn chairs & picnic tables, but you can bring your own blankets & chairs. While you’re at the fete, you can participate in the No More Empty Bowls Project for the benefit of the NFFRA Food Pantry Fundraiser. 23 Wauwinet Road. 6 to 9 PM - Kids’ Night Out: Enjoy Your Evening While Your Kids Enjoy Theirs Safe, supervised evening program ages 4-12 with games, crafts, themed activities, outdoor play, & movies while parents enjoy a night out. In-town shuttle for pickup & drop-off available. Register: KidsNightOutNantucket.com 6:30 PM - Sunset Sail Aboard the Endeavor Enjoy a stunning sunset from the water. Reservations at EndeavorSailing.com or 508-228-5585. Departs from Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Departure times change as time of sunset changes. 7 to 8:30 PM - Nantucket by Water Sunset Cruise Nothing beats a Nantucket Sunset. Grab your favorite beverages & snacks and c’mon aboard for one of the best shows in town! Departure time will vary with sunset. Call 508-228-7037 or book online nantucketbywater.com 7 to 9:15 PM - Escape to Margaritaville Presented by Theatre Workshop This high spirited jukebox musical brings the songs of Jimmy Buffett to life in a tropical romantic comedy set at a laid back island resort. Packed with laughter, romance, and fan favorite hits, it is a feel good escape filled with sunshine, music, & carefree fun. by Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Tickets at TheatreNantucket.org 7:30 PM - First presented by Nantucket Performing Arts Center Award winning actress Judith Ivey stars as Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress, in a powerful solo play exploring a lifetime of courage, conviction, and political defiance. A compelling portrait of a pioneering leader. Tickets at nantucketperformingarts.org 8 PM - The Nantucket Ghost Walk - Cemetery Route A 1-1/3 mi, 90 min eerie stroll featuring Old North Burial Ground, Oldest House, &
Barrett’s Island
TOURS
Experienced Guides for Fully Narrated 1-1/2 Hour Historic Tours with the oldest tour company on Nantucket Daily Departures at 10:30am, 1:30pm, & 3:30pm From 25 Federal Street (across from Visitor Services)
Private Tours & Charters Available
Book online: BarrettsTours.com 508-228-0174
August 13-19, 2026
2 haunted hotels. Led by original guide. $25; $20 seniors(65+); $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Cash Only. No reservations necessary, Meet at Main & Centre by the bank steps 15 min early. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 10 PM - Live Music with Local Notes Live Music at The Rose & Crown, 23 S. Water Street.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
7 AM - Sports Fishing on the Herbert T Capt. Fred Tonkin is an experienced island fisherman who will take you to where the fish are biting. All equipment provided. A fishing trip on the Herbert T is a memorable for the whole family. Reservations: 508-228-6655 (evenings call 508257-4176). Trips at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm 8 AM - Gardner Farm Hike with Nantucket Walkabout This hike is within Nantucket’s oldest outwash plain of sandplain grasslands and contains pitch pine forests with a walkway over a cattail-choked inlet. This hike is close to Cisco Beach & Cisco Brewery. Book at WalkNantucket.com 8 to 8:45 AM - Free Families in Nature Program A sensory friendly family program exploring LLNF’s trails, local plants, & wildlife for young children & caregivers, with hands on outdoor learning in a welcoming setting. Linda Loring Nature Foundation, 110 Eel Point Rd. llnf.org 8:20 AM - Fabulous Mansions of the Cliff & Brant Point You’ll be over the moon after going on a 3-mi., 75-min., non-stop exercise walk with historic commentary past fabulous mansions of The Cliff & Brant Point. tour departs at 8:30 from Centre & Main by bank steps. $25 for adults (20-64), $20 for seniors, $15 Teens, $10 ages 6-12 Cash Only. No reservations. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 8:30 to 10 AM - Pick Your Own Flowers at Bartlett’s Farm A picturesque morning in the flower fields at Bartlett’s Farm. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Farm as you pick flowers and capture unforgettable moments with your family. Clippers provided+ guidance to help you create the perfect bouquet. All ages welcome. Register at BartlettsFarm.com 9 to 11 AM - Garden Pop-Up: A Safe Place Visit A Safe Place’s community Pop-Up to learn about free services and programs supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Meet advocates, ask questions, and discover resources available to the Nantucket community. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 9:30 AM to 12 PM - Generations Together at NISDA Join artists, musicians, environmentalists, & theater folk to share hands-on arts and crafts. All materials supplied. Children should wear unprecious clothing appropriate to the studio. Come ready to get messy! Register at nisda.org 10 AM - Endeavor Sailing Excursions with Captain Jim Learn Nantucket’s maritime history & see waterfront sights. Reservations encouraged. Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Tickets at 508-228-5585 or EndeavorSailing.com. Repeated at 1:30 & 3:30 pm. 10 AM - Gail’s Tours of Nantucket Daily in-depth van tour of Nantucket with 7th generation native as your guide. Intown pickup. To reserve a seat, call 508-257-6557. Tours again at 1 & 3 pm 10 AM to 4 PM - Maritime Activity Stations Explore Nantucket’s lifesaving history through rotating pop-up interactive stations featuring crafts, games, and artifact encounters.Included with museum admission. Nantucket Shipwreck & Life Saving Museum, 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10 AM to 4 PM - Free Demo: Hands-On Lifesaving, Breeches Buoy & Heaving Stick An interactive look at historic lifesaving methods. Visitors can try their hand at using lifesaving equipment to rescue our mascot, Marshall! On the lawn at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Life Saving Museum, 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Nantucket Whaling Museum Open Daily Exhibits in 9 premium galleries, including the new 2026 exhibit The Wider World & Scrimshaw, & more than 1,000 works of art, artifacts, & treasures on display to tell the story of Nantucket across 4 centuries. Tickets: nha.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Open Explore updates in the Andrea Doria Gallery, with the story & legacy of the famed 1956 shipwreck, and the new exhibit, From Coast to Coast: The Heroic Stories of Madaket Millie & Marshall the Sea Dog. 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org continued on page 11
Bicycle Rentals e-Bike Rentals Bronco & Jeep Rentals, too! Only a 2 minute walk from Steamboat Wharf or Downtown 6 South Beach Street • Next to Affordable Rentals info@cookscyclesnantucket.com www.cookscyclesnantucket.com
508-228-0800
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Training the Next Generation by Dr. Sarah Treanor Bois, PhD
Director of Research & Conservation at the Linda Loring Nature Foundation The primary goal of a conservation-based internship is to bridge academic knowledge with practical field experience to develop the next generation of environmental stewards, researchers, and land managers. These programs are designed to benefit both the host organization and the intern through a blend of field labor, professional growth, and public service. We are fortunate on Nantucket to have so many conservation and science-based organizations providing those opportunities and mentoring the next generation of professionals. I first came to work on the island in the summer of 1998 as a seasonal intern for the Maria Mitchell Association. As a scientist and conservation professional (I was an environmental science major at UMASS Amherst and a scientist at heart), Nantucket was the perfect place to start a career. What I learned my first summers on Nantucket changed the direction of my early career. There were so many projects to get involved with and people to learn from: bird banding, botanical walks, collecting snakes and insects, communicating science to little kids... It was my first foray into possibly making a career out of what I loved and what I was learning. But this story isn’t about me, it’s about the next generation of conservation professionals. Every summer season, a crop of young professionals trying to gain experience in the conservation world arrive on-island to work for one of our many conservation organizations. Research, environmental education, restoration ecology, land management: they come for a host of reasons and a host of positions. But it’s not just a summer of fun in the sun. The acres of conservation open space, the numerous rare species, scientific mentors, and the donors to help fund it all make Nantucket a premier training ground for intrepid interns and other seasonal research staff. After my own experiences in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which were transformational for me, I am now in a position to pay it forward and provide these experiences to others. I followed up with some current and previous seasonal conservation staff to hear from them what work on Nantucket has been like and how it may have helped to shape their careers. Lucas Leasure was an Ecological Education intern with the Linda Loring Nature Foundation (LLNF) in 2025. In this position, Lucas worked with campers from the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club and Nantucket Community School, teaching them about science and the nature around them. He also rotated through a number of different research projects based on the LLNF property along Eel Point Road as well as leading his own independent research project. “The experiences that I am having on-island are so well-rounded. I came in on an education pathway (to LLNF), and I was able to get so many tools in my tool belt in terms of research and stewardship,” Lucas said. The LLNF helped hone his interests, the way an internship should, illuminating both what he wanted to explore and what he didn’t. From that summer experience, Lucas knew he wanted to pursue more wildlife conservation and research. When Lucas left Nantucket in the fall of 2025, he didn’t necessarily continued on page 19
2-HOUR GUIDED WILDERNESS HIKES • Island Ecolog y • Natural Histor y • Plants & Wildlife • Conser vation
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We pick you up downtown! 5FM
August 13-19, 2026
NANTUCKET WALKING TOURS Providing Quality Tours Since 1998
H NANTUCKET GHOST WALK H Voted “Best Walking Tour on Nantucket” 3 years in a row! The most popular walking tour ever on Nantucket! Choice of 2 Different Tours The Town Route:An eerie, 80 min, 1 mile evening stroll featuring the most haunted restaurant and most haunted house on Nantucket. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights starting at 8pm. Cemetery Route: A 1 1/3 mile, 90 min walk featuring the Old North Burial Ground, Oldest House, Mary Abby Swain, & the island’s 2 most haunted hotels. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights starting at 8pm. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the starting times for both walks at Centre and Main (top of Main) in front of the bank.
H
H
FABULOUS MANSIONS OF THE CLIFF AND BRANT POINT A 2 1/2 mile, 1 hour, morning exercise walk - with historic commentary - past some of our most spectacular summer homes on Nantucket. Please arrive 10 minutes early at Centre and Main beside the bank steps for an 8:30am departure. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.
HISTORIC MANSIONS OF MAIN ST. & AMERICA’S OLDEST WINDMILL A 1.8 mile 45-50 minute morning exercise walk - with historic commentary - past the whaling-era mansions and America’s oldest windmill,, and back downtown. Please arrive 10 minutes early at Centre and Main beside the bank steps for an 8:30am departure. Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
PRICES FOR ALL TOURS $25 for adults (20-64) • $20 for seniors (65+) $15 for teens • $10 for kids 6-12; under 6 free CASH ONLY. NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE
Wa l kN a n t u c ke t .co m
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whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
1 Orange St
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
There’s Still Time to Escape
508-228-0272
photo by Bill Hoenk
Nantuc ketEstateJe welr y.com .
There’s something wonderfully irresistible about Theatre Workshop of Nantucket’s production of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville. From the moment the lights come up, Bennett Hall is transformed into a carefree tropical getaway, filled with infectious music, laughter, romance, and the unmistakable good-time spirit of Jimmy Buffett. With more than two dozen Buffett favorites— including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and, of course, “Margaritaville,” the production has exuberant energy that quickly spreads through the audience. A big part of the show’s appeal is the warmth and professionalism of the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket team. Under the direction of Justin Cerne, with choreography by Abbey O’Brien and music direction by Nevada Lozano, the talented cast brings an easy chemistry and infectious enthusiasm to the stage. The production feels polished without losing its sense of spontaneity and fun, and the performers clearly relish the opportunity to share this upbeat story and music with the audience. Escape to Margaritaville has the sparkle of a much larger musical. Colorful costumes, evocative scenery, lively lighting, crisp sound, and energetic choreography work together to give audiences an evening to relax and escape. There’s just another week to Escape to Margaritaville, so buy your tickets today at TheatreNantucket.org.
NANTUCKET
•
NEWPORT
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NEWBURYPORT
Visit The Love Shack at 10 Old South Wharf to shop our 11th season’s newest LOLA jewelry, apparel, and scents! 10 Old South Wharf | 774-325-5982 | loveshacknantucket.com
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Events & Entertainment Events are updated daily, year-round at Nantucket.net from page 8
10 AM to 6 PM - Sidewalk Sale at Sara Campbell You’ll find deep discounts at the annual sale at Sara Campbell’s clothing shop at 5 South Beach Street. Sale continues through Sunday. 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM - Hands-on-History: Beaded Jewelry Weekly family programming at the Whaling Museum Discovery Center featuring hands on crafts inspired by The Wider World and Scrimshaw. A new activity each day with a project to create. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. nha.org 10:30 AM to 12 PM - Book Signing with C.L. Fornari Meet author C.L. Fornari author of Hydrangea Happiness at Mitchell’s Book Corner, 54 Main Street. 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM - Artist Patio Pop Up - Cathy Aguiar Stop by the gallery to see a larger display by Artists Association member artists. Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery, 8 Federal Street. NantucketArts.org 10:45 AM - Historic Downtown Walking Tour with NHA Walk through Nantucket town with an NHA Museum Guide & hear the story of the rise and fall of whaling, the beginnings of tourism, and social & racial development on-island. Rain or shine. Tickets at nha.org. 11 AM - Barrett’s Tours Historic tours offered daily departing from 25 Federal St., across from the Visitors Centre. Reservations: 508-228-0174 Barrettstours.com Again at 1:30 & 3:30 pm 11 AM - Dreamland Kids - Stage Explorers Weekly Showcase Young performers showcase what they’ve learned through theatre, language, and etiquette. The performance is followed by an interactive tea service and sing along. The Dreamland, 17 S. Water Street. Tickets at NantucketDreamland.org 11 AM to 4 PM - Hands-On-History at the Oldest House Learn about the Jethro Coffin House and the generations of Nantucketers who lived there, and create your own cup-and-ball game to play. A drop-in program offered during the site’s open hours. Arrange in advance for groups of 10+ by emailing tours@nha.org. Oldest House, 16 Sunset Hill. nha.org 11:15 AM - The Signature Tour: a Traditional Historic Tour of Nantucket Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead a 75-min. tour of historic sites in Nantucket Town, Sconset, & more. See The Oldest House, The Old Windmill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse & more. Daily at 11:15, 1, & 2:45. Book at 42 Straight Wharf or at nantucketbustours.com or at 508-228-0334. 11:15 AM - Nantucket by Water Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise Relax on a narrated tour of the inner harbor while you enjoy ice cream with friends & family. Departs again at 1, 2:15, & 4 pm. One-hour; daily cruises. Call 508-2287037 or book online nantucketbywater.com. 2 PM - Head of The Plains with Nantucket Walkabout Experience the Head of the Plains walk through Nantucket’s rare sandplain grasslands. Includes transportation to and from downtown. Bring water, bug spray, sunblock, and walking shoes. Book at 508-422-7466 or WalkNantucket.com 4 to 4:45 PM - Free Self Defense Class for Ages 8 to 12 Led by Jules Embry-Pelrine of Nantucket Martial Arts Alliance. Learn practical skills and techniques in a fun, supportive environment. Registration encouraged, walk ins welcome. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 4 to 6 PM - Wine Tasting at Mor Wine Join us for a wine tasting 4-6 pm. Sip on some of our favorite wines while you browse Commonwealth’s fabulous resale collection. 16 Federal Street. Morwine.com 4 to 6 PM - Free Wines & Rinds at Bartlett’s Head out to Bartlett’s Farm every Friday afternoon for a tasting of wines and cheeses. Free, no reservations needed Bartlett’s Farm, 33 Bartlett Farm Road. 508228-9403 BartlettsFarm.com 4 to 7 PM - Live Music by Morrisey Boulevard at Cisco Brewers Head to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road for a pint or two & enjoy live local bands. Tables are first-come, first-served: no reservations. Ciscobrewers.com 4:30 to 6:30 PM - Above & Beyond Nantucket An evening at the White Elephant featuring fine food, drinks, live entertainment, & community in support of Boston MedFlight’s lifesaving mission. White Elephant Village Ballroom, 19 North Water Street. 5:15 to 6:15 PM - Nantucket by Water Cocktail Cruise Escape the summer crowds & enjoy breathtaking views as you cruise around Nantucket Harbor with family & friends. On board music. BYOB. Book at nantucketbywater.com or 508-228-7037. 6 to 8 PM - Meet the Artists at The Gallery at Four India An opening reception at the fabulous gallery upstairs at 4 India Street to celebrate the exhibition Outside of Time featuring work by Joanna Kane and by Sherre Wilson Liljegren ~ TheGalleryNantucket.com 6 to 9 PM - Kids’ Night Out: Enjoy Your Evening While Your Kids Enjoy Theirs Safe, supervised evening program ages 4-12 with games, crafts, themed activities, outdoor play, & movies while parents enjoy a night out. In-town shuttle for pickup & drop-off available. Register: KidsNightOutNantucket.com 6:30 PM - Sunset Sail Aboard the Endeavor Enjoy a stunning sunset from the water. Reservations at EndeavorSailing.com or 508-228-5585. Departs from Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Departure times change as time of sunset changes. 7 to 8:30 PM - Nantucket by Water Sunset Cruise Nothing beats a Nantucket Sunset. Grab your favorite beverages & snacks and
August 13-19, 2026
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c’mon aboard for one of the best shows in town! Departure time will vary with sunset. Call 508-228-7037 or book online nantucketbywater.com 7 to 9:15 PM - Stephen Sondheim’s Putting it Together Live theater by Theatre Workshop of Nantucket: this elegant Sondheim revue unfolds over one evening in a Manhattan penthouse where 2 couples confront love, ambition, and regret. As champagne flows & secrets surface, iconic songs illuminate the fragile and irresistible pull of human connection. Buy your tickets at TheatreNantucket.org 8 PM - The Nantucket Ghost Walk - Town Route Gather at 7:50 pm at the corner of Centre and Main Top of Main St in front of bank steps. This is the most popular walking tour ever on Nantucket, led by the original guide. $25 for adults; $20 seniors(65+); $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Cash Only. No Reservations necessary. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 10 PM - Karaoke at The Rose & Crown Join the fun and sing along at the Rose & Crown, 23 S. Water Street. 508-2282595 TheRoseAndCrown.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
7 AM - Sports Fishing on the Herbert T Capt. Fred Tonkin is an experienced island fisherman who will take you to where the fish are biting. All equipment provided. A fishing trip on the Herbert T is a memorable for the whole family. Reservations: 508-228-6655 (evenings call 508257-4176). Trips at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm 8:30 to 10 AM - Pick Your Own Veggies at Bartlett’s Step aboard the Bartlett’s hay wagon, for a family-friendly trip to the heart of produce fields, where you can witness first-hand what’s fresh & in-season. There’s time to stop at multiple points along the way. Bartlett’s provides a bag to fill up with farm-fresh vegetables to take home. Registration required: BartlettsFarm.com 9 AM to 10:30 PM - Capoeira at Children’s Beach Kick off your Saturday mornings with an exciting Brazilian martial arts experience that’s fun for all ages. Free Children’s Beach, Harbor View Way. 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Artist Patio Pop Up - Carol Keefe Stop by the gallery to see a larger display by Artists Association member artists. Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery, 8 Federal Street. NantucketArts.org 9:30 AM to 4 PM - Grab & Go Bag: Painted Rock Photo Display This week we are painting rocks and looping wire around them to create a fun way to display your photos! Bring a smooth stone for this craft. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 10 AM - Endeavor Sailing Excursions with Captain Jim Learn Nantucket’s maritime history & see waterfront sights. Reservations encouraged. Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Tickets at 508-228-5585 or EndeavorSailing.com. Repeated at 1:30 & 3:30 pm. 10 AM - Gail’s Tours of Nantucket Daily in-depth van tour of Nantucket with 7th generation native as your guide. Intown pickup. To reserve a seat, call 508-257-6557. Tours again at 1 & 3 pm 10 AM - Story Time with a Princess: The Royal Performance Young performers ages 4 to 10 can step into the show with this exclusive backstage experience. Children dress in theatrical costumes, rehearse with the Princess and royal cast, and perform on stage. The Dreamland, 17 S. Water Street. 508-3324822 NantucketDreamland.org 10 to 11 AM - Read to a Buddy with R.E.A.D. Dogs for Ages 6-12 Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D) are certified therapy dogs trained to be good listeners. Become more confident & enjoy reading. Registration required at NantucketAtheneum.org 10 to 11 AM - Face Painting Charter with Nantucket by Water Kids enjoy face painting fun while parents take in the beautiful views of Nantucket’s shoreline. Book at NantucketbyWater.com or call508-228-7037 10 AM to 2 PM - Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Open Explore updates in the Andrea Doria Gallery, with the story & legacy of the famed 1956 shipwreck, and the new exhibit, From Coast to Coast: The Heroic Stories of Madaket Millie & Marshall the Sea Dog. 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Outside of Time at The Gallery at Four India See fabulous new work by island artists Joanna Kane and Sherre Wilson Liljegren at this fabulous gallery upstairs at 4 India Street ~ TheGalleryNantucket.com 10 AM to 5 PM - Nantucket Whaling Museum Open Daily Exhibits in 9 premium galleries, including the new 2026 exhibit The Wider World & Scrimshaw, & more than 1,000 works of art, artifacts, & treasures on display to tell the story of Nantucket across 4 centuries. Tickets: nha.org 10 AM to 6 PM - Sidewalk Sale at Sara Campbell You’ll find deep discounts at the annual sale at Sara Campbell’s clothing shop at 5 South Beach Street. Sale continues through Sunday. 10:30 to 11:30 AM - Book Signing with Susan L Fernald Meet the author of Nearly Native at Mitchell’s Book Corner, 54 Main Street. 10:45 AM - Historic Downtown Walking Tour with NHA Walk through Nantucket town with an NHA Museum Guide & hear the story of the rise and fall of whaling, the beginnings of tourism, and social & racial development on-island. Rain or shine. Tickets at nha.org. 11 AM - Barrett’s Tours Historic tours offered daily departing from 25 Federal St., across from the Visitors Centre. Reservations: 508-228-0174 Barrettstours.com Again at 1:30 & 3:30 pm 11 to 12 AM - Russian Club for Kids and Parents Children of all ages can enjoy books, games, cartoons, songs, dancing, & activities in Russian. Families can connect & learn together! Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org continued on page 12
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Events & Entertainment Events are updated daily, year-round at Nantucket.net from page 11
11:15 AM - The Signature Tour: a Traditional Historic Tour of Nantucket Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead a 75-min. tour of historic sites in Nantucket Town, Sconset, & more. See The Oldest House, The Old Windmill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse & more. Daily at 11:15, 1, & 2:45. Book at 42 Straight Wharf or at nantucketbustours.com or at 508-228-0334. 11:15 AM - Nantucket by Water Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise Relax on a narrated tour of the inner harbor while you enjoy ice cream with friends & family. Departs again at 1, 2:15, & 4 pm. One-hour; daily cruises. Call 508-2287037 or book online nantucketbywater.com. 12 to 3 PM - Live Music by Coastal Wreck at Cisco Brewers Head to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road for a pint or two & enjoy live local bands. Tables are first-come, first-served: no reservations. Ciscobrewers.com 1 to 2 PM - Book Signing with Lucy McBride, MD Meet the author of Beyond the Prescription: A Doctor’s Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health at Mitchell’s Book Corner, 54 Main Street. 2 to 3 PM - Greenhouse Tours at Bartlett’s Farm Join your farmers for a walking tour to learn how Bartlett’s grow fresh, local produce year-round. This isn’t just a walk in the dirt it’s an exploration of the technology and tradition that feeds our community. Register at BartlettsFarm.com 2:45 PM - Beechwood Farm Loop with Nantucket Walkabout This property in Polpis shares elements of maritime or coastal heathlands habitat: native tree species, meadows, & wetlands. You’ll feel you’re exploring Yoda’s home swamp planet of Dagobah from Star Wars. Book at WalkNantucket.com 4 to 7 PM - Live Music by Mamma Mania at Cisco Brewers Head to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road for a pint or two & enjoy live local bands. Tables are first-come, first-served: no reservations. Ciscobrewers.com 5:15 to 6:15 PM - Nantucket by Water Cocktail Cruise Escape the summer crowds & enjoy breathtaking views as you cruise around Nantucket Harbor with family & friends. On board music. BYOB. Book at nantucketbywater.com or 508-228-7037. 6 to 9 PM - Kids’ Night Out: Enjoy Your Evening While Your Kids Enjoy Theirs Safe, supervised evening program ages 4-12 with games, crafts, themed activities, outdoor play, & movies while parents enjoy a night out. In-town shuttle for pickup & drop-off available. Register: KidsNightOutNantucket.com 6:15 PM - Shawkemo Hills Sunset Hike with Nantucket Walkabout Shawkemo Hills offers a hiking experience through a portion of the island dramatically shaped by the last glacier to cover most of North America. See and learn about the formation of Coatue, Great Point, the Haulover, Nantucket Harbor and inner harbor shores. Book at 508-422-7466 or at WalkNantucket.com 6:30 PM - Sunset Sail Aboard the Endeavor Enjoy a stunning sunset from the water. Reservations at EndeavorSailing.com or 508-228-5585. Departs from Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Departure times change as time of sunset changes. 7 to 8:30 PM - Nantucket by Water Sunset Cruise Nothing beats a Nantucket Sunset. Grab your favorite beverages & snacks and c’mon aboard for one of the best shows in town! Departure time will vary with sunset. Call 508-228-7037 or book online nantucketbywater.com 7 to 9:15 PM - Escape to Margaritaville Presented by Theatre Workshop This high spirited jukebox musical brings the songs of Jimmy Buffett to life in a tropical romantic comedy set at a laid back island resort. Packed with laughter, romance, and fan favorite hits, it is a feel good escape filled with sunshine, music, & carefree fun. by Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Tickets at TheatreNantucket.org 8 PM - The Nantucket Ghost Walk - Town Route Gather at 7:50 pm at the corner of Centre and Main Top of Main St in front of bank steps. This is the most popular walking tour ever on Nantucket, led by the original guide. $25 for adults; $20 seniors(65+); $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Cash Only. No Reservations necessary. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 10 PM - Karaoke at The Rose & Crown Join the fun and sing along at the Rose & Crown, 23 S. Water Street. 508-2282595 TheRoseAndCrown.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
7 AM - Sports Fishing on the Herbert T Capt. Fred Tonkin is an experienced island fisherman who will take you to where the fish are biting. All equipment provided. Memorable for the whole family. Reservations: 508-228-6655 (evenings: 508-257-4176). Again at 10am, 1pm, 4pm 8 AM - Sankaty Bluff Hike with Nantucket Walkabout On this hike, walk south down the beach from the Hoicks Hollow Road public way to see examples of & learn about Nantucket’s geological past. 508-422-7466 WalkNantucket.com 9:30 AM - Annual Rainbow Parade Gather on the beach near Brant Point Lighthouse to watch the colorful Rainbow Fleet Parade that heralds the start of the Opera House Cup at 9:40. Insider Tip: arrive early with coffee & croissants + blankets or chairs to sit on. Parking extremely limited, so plan to walk to the beach. 10 AM - Endeavor Sailing Excursions with Captain Jim Learn Nantucket’s maritime history & see waterfront sights. Reservations encouraged. Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Tickets at 508-228-5585 or EndeavorSailing.com. Repeated at 1:30 & 3:30 pm. 10 AM - Opera House Cup Regatta Harbor Start Gather at Brant Point to watch stately all-wooden, single-hulled classic sailboats
August 13-19, 2026
head to the starting point of the 2026 Opera House Cup, the finale of Race Week. 10 AM - Gail’s Tours of Nantucket Daily in-depth van tour of Nantucket with 7th generation native as your guide. Intown pickup. To reserve a seat, call 508-257-6557. Tours again at 1 & 3 pm 10 AM to 4 PM - Outside of Time at The Gallery at Four India See fabulous new work by island artists Joanna Kane and Sherre Wilson Liljegren at this fabulous gallery upstairs at 4 India Street ~ TheGalleryNantucket.com 10 AM to 5 PM - Sidewalk Sale at Sara Campbell You’ll find deep discounts at the annual sale at Sara Campbell’s clothing shop at 5 South Beach Street. 10 AM to 5 PM - Nantucket Whaling Museum Open Daily Exhibits in 9 premium galleries& more than 1,000 works of art, artifacts, & treasures on display to tell the story of Nantucket across 4 centuries. Tickets: nha.org 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM - Artist Patio Pop Up - Sharon Woods Hussey & Nancy Nichols Stop by the gallery to see a larger display by Artists Association member artists. Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery, 8 Federal Street. NantucketArts.org 11 AM - Barrett’s Tours Historic tours offered daily departing from 25 Federal St., across from the Visitors Centre. Reservations: 508-228-0174 Barrettstours.com Again at 1:30 & 3:30 pm 11:15 AM - The Signature Tour: a Traditional Historic Tour of Nantucket Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead a 75-min. tour of historic sites in Nantucket Town, Sconset, & more. See The Oldest House, The Old Windmill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse & more. Daily at 11:15, 1, & 2:45. Book at 42 Straight Wharf or at nantucketbustours.com or at 508-228-0334. 11:15 AM - Nantucket by Water Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise Relax on a narrated tour of the inner harbor while you enjoy ice cream with friends & family. Departs again at 1, 2:15, & 4 pm. One-hour; daily cruises. Call 508-2287037 or book online nantucketbywater.com. 12 to 3 PM - Live Music by The Slips at Cisco Brewers Head to the brewery to enjoy live bands. 5 Bartlett Farm Road. Ciscobrewers.com 2 PM - Polpis Harbor Hike with Nantucket Walkabout Festooned with salt marshes populated with nesting & fishing shorebirds, Polpis Harbor has beautiful meadows& you can get a close look at Nantucket Harbor. Book at WalkNantucket.com 3 to 5 PM - Island Tours Elin Hilderbrand Blue Book Tour From the pages of Elin’s “Must See, Can’t Miss, Won’t Forget” guide to Nantucket, The Blue Book, this tour is led by Elin’s sister, Heather Thorpe, & highlights Elin’s favorite shops, restaurants, & beaches, & showcases island spots prominent in her novels. Book at 42 Straight Wharf, at nantucketbustours.com, or at 508-228-0334. 3 to 7 PM - Live Music by Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked at Cisco Brewers Head out to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road for a pint or two and enjoy live local bands. Tables are first-come, first-served: no reservations. Ciscobrewers.com 5 to 7:15 PM - Escape to Margaritaville Presented by Theatre Workshop This high spirited jukebox musical brings the songs of Jimmy Buffett to life in a tropical romantic comedy set at a laid back island resort. Packed with laughter, romance, and fan favorite hits, it is a feel good escape filled with sunshine, music, & carefree fun. by Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Tickets at TheatreNantucket.org 5:15 to 6:15 PM - Nantucket by Water Cocktail Cruise Escape the summer crowds & enjoy breathtaking views as you cruise around Nantucket Harbor with family & friends. On board music. BYOB. Book at nantucketbywater.com or 508-228-7037. 6 PM - Children’s Beach Bandstand Concert: The Dunbars Live concert at Children’s Beach, Harbor View Way. 6 PM - Smith’s Point Sunset Hike with Nantucket Walkabout See an amazing sunset at the westernmost extremity of Nantucket in sight of Tuckernuck Island. Walk back on the beach under the rising moon & stars, and maybe take a dip in the ocean if you’re game. 508-422-7466 WalkNantucket.com 6 PM - Live Music with Julia Newman Live Music at The Rose & Crown, 23 S. Water Street. 6:30 PM - Sunset Sail Aboard the Endeavor Enjoy a stunning sunset from the water. Reservations at EndeavorSailing.com or 508-228-5585. Departs from Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Departure times change as time of sunset changes. 6:30 to 8 PM - Nantucket by Water Sunset Cruise Nothing beats a Nantucket Sunset. Grab your favorite beverages & snacks and c’mon aboard for one of the best shows in town! Departure time will vary with sunset. Call 508-228-7037 or book online nantucketbywater.com 8 PM - The Nantucket Ghost Walk - Town Route Gather at 7:50 pm at the corner of Centre and Main Top of Main St in front of bank steps. This is the most popular walking tour ever on Nantucket, led by the original guide. $25 for adults; $20 seniors(65+); $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Cash Only. No Reservations necessary. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972
MONDAY, AUGUST 17
STORY WALK: IF YOU SPOT A SHELL
This month stop by & check out the Atheneum’s new story walk. Enjoy the story of If You Spot a Shell by Aimee Jicuro in the garden at the Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 7 AM - Sports Fishing on the Herbert T Capt. Fred Tonkin is an experienced island fisherman who will take you to where the fish are biting. All equipment provided. A fishing trip on the Herbert T is a memorable for the whole family. Reservations: 508-228-6655 (evenings call 508257-4176). Trips at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm continued on page 13
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
8 AM - Gardner Farm Hike with Nantucket Walkabout This hike is within Nantucket’s oldest outwash plain of sandplain grasslands and contains pitch pine forests with a walkway over a cattail-choked inlet. This hike is close to Cisco Beach & Cisco Brewery. Book at WalkNantucket.com 8:20 AM - Fabulous Mansions of the Cliff & Brant Point You’ll be over the moon after going on a 3-mi., 75-min., non-stop exercise walk with historic commentary past fabulous mansions of The Cliff & Brant Point. Departs at 8:30 am from Centre & Main by bank steps. $25 for adults (20-64), $20 for seniors, $15 Teens, $10 ages 6-12 Cash Only. No reservations. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 8:30 to 10 AM - Pick Your Own Flowers at Bartlett’s Farm A picturesque morning in the flower fields at Bartlett’s Farm. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Farm as you pick flowers and capture unforgettable moments with your family. Clippers provided+ guidance to help you create the perfect bouquet. All ages welcome. Register at BartlettsFarm.com 10 AM - Endeavor Sailing Excursions with Captain Jim Learn Nantucket’s maritime history & see waterfront sights. Reservations encouraged. Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Tickets at 508-228-5585 or EndeavorSailing.com. Repeated at 1:30 & 3:30 pm. 10 AM - Gail’s Tours of Nantucket Daily in-depth van tour of Nantucket with 7th generation native as your guide. Intown pickup. To reserve a seat, call 508-257-6557. Tours again at 1 & 3 pm 10 AM to 5 PM - Nantucket Whaling Museum Open Daily Exhibits in 9 premium galleries, including the new 2026 exhibit The Wider World & Scrimshaw, & more than 1,000 works of art, artifacts, & treasures on display to tell the story of Nantucket across 4 centuries. Tickets: nha.org 110 AM to 5 PM - Outside of Time at The Gallery at Four India See fabulous new work by island artists Joanna Kane and Sherre Wilson Liljegren at this fabulous gallery upstairs at 4 India Street ~ TheGalleryNantucket.com 0 AM to 5 PM - Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Open Explore updates in the Andrea Doria Gallery, with the story & legacy of the famed 1956 shipwreck, and the new exhibit, From Coast to Coast: The Heroic Stories of Madaket Millie & Marshall the Sea Dog. 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10 AM to 10:45 PM - Monday with Magic at Children’s Beach Join magician, musician, and artist Mark Carapezza at Children’s Beach for free, family-friendly entertainment and hands-on activities. Harbor View Way. 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM - Hands-on-History: Watercolor Marine Mammals Weekly family programming at the Whaling Museum Discovery Center featuring hands on crafts inspired by The Wider World and Scrimshaw. A new activity each day with a project to create. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. nha.org 10:45 AM - Historic Downtown Walking Tour with NHA Walk through Nantucket town with an NHA Museum Guide & hear the story of the rise and fall of whaling, the beginnings of tourism, and social & racial development on-island. Rain or shine. Tickets at nha.org. 11 AM - Barrett’s Tours Historic tours offered daily departing from 25 Federal St., across from the Visitors Centre. Reservations: 508-228-0174 Barrettstours.com Again at 1:30 & 3:30 pm 11:15 AM - The Signature Tour: a Traditional Historic Tour of Nantucket Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead a 75-min. tour of historic sites in Nantucket Town, Sconset, & more. See The Oldest House, The Old Windmill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse & more. Daily at 11:15, 1, & 2:45. Book at 42 Straight Wharf or at nantucketbustours.com or at 508-228-0334. 11:15 AM - Nantucket by Water Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise Relax on a narrated tour of the inner harbor while you enjoy ice cream with friends & family. Departs again at 1, 2:15, & 4 pm. One-hour; daily cruises. Call 508-2287037 or book online nantucketbywater.com. 1 to 4 PM - Drop-In Craft Gam with No Instruction Bring any project you are working on to this open session & work with other creative people to share knowledge. Basic tools available; no instruction provided. 1800 House, 4 Mill St. nha.org Nantucket Historical Assn. Heritage Craft Program. 2 PM - Lost Farm Sanctuary Hike with Nantucket Walkabout The area is within Nantucket’s oldest outwash plain of sandplain grasslands and contains pitch pine forests and an inlet over which a small walkway passes. Hike is close to Cisco Beach and Cisco Brewery. Book at WalkNantucket.com 4 to 6 PM - Mahjong Mondays Friendly games, community connection, & philanthropy. Players of all skill levels welcome, with beginner instruction available. Enjoy Mahjong, wine, & light snacks while helping support local youth programs. Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, 61 Sparks Avenue. $20. 4 to 7 PM - Live Music by Jacob & Jackson at Cisco Brewers Head to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road for a pint or two & enjoy live local bands. Tables are first-come, first-served: no reservations. Ciscobrewers.com 5:15 to 6:15 PM - Nantucket by Water Cocktail Cruise Escape the summer crowds & enjoy breathtaking views as you cruise around Nantucket Harbor with family & friends. On board music. BYOB. Book at nantucketbywater.com or 508-228-7037. 6 PM - Head of The Plains Sunset with Nantucket Walkabout Experience the Head of the Plains at sunset on a guided dusk walk through Nantucket’s rare sandplain grasslands. Watch night herons, owls, and deer emerge as the sky glows and stars begin to shine. Includes transportation to and from downtown. Book at 508-422-7466 or at WalkNantucket.com 6 to 9 PM - Harborview Concert Series presents: The Wails - A Beatles Tribute The Fab Four Eras Tour brings a live Beatles tribute to The Dreamland’s Harborview Deck with performances by local band The Wails. Tickets at NantucketDreamland.org 6:30 PM - Sunset Sail Aboard the Endeavor Enjoy a stunning sunset from the water. Reservations at EndeavorSailing.com or
August 13-19, 2026
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508-228-5585. Departs from Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Departure times change as time of sunset changes. 6:30 to 8 PM - Nantucket by Water Sunset Cruise Nothing beats a Nantucket Sunset. Grab your favorite beverages & snacks and c’mon aboard for one of the best shows in town! Departure time will vary with sunset. Call 508-228-7037 or book online nantucketbywater.com 7 PM - On With The Show: Broadway 1956 - A Cabaret A joyful evening celebrating music from the shows that opened on Broadway in 1956, the year Theatre Workshop was founded. Bennett Hall, 62 Center Street. 508-228-4305 Tickets at TheatreNantucket.org 8 PM - The Nantucket Ghost Walk - Town Route Gather at 7:50 pm at the corner of Centre and Main Top of Main St in front of bank steps. This is the most popular walking tour ever on Nantucket, led by the original guide. $25 for adults; $20 seniors(65+); $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Cash Only. No Reservations necessary. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
7 AM - Sports Fishing on the Herbert T Capt. Fred Tonkin is an experienced island fisherman who will take you to where the fish are biting. All equipment provided. A fishing trip on the Herbert T is a memorable for the whole family. Reservations: 508-228-6655 (evenings call 508257-4176). Trips at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm 8:20 AM - Historic Mansions of Main Street and America’s Oldest Windmill A 1.8 mi, 45 min. exercise walk with historic commentary past whaling era mansions & back downtown. Cash only; $25; $20 seniors (65+) ; $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Meet at Main & Centre by the bank steps for the 8:30 departure whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 8:30 to 10 AM - Pick Your Own Veggies at Bartlett’s Step aboard the Bartlett’s hay wagon, for a family-friendly trip to the heart of produce fields, where you can witness first-hand what’s fresh & in-season. There’s time to stop at multiple points along the way. Bartlett’s provides a bag to fill up with farm-fresh vegetables to take home. Registration required: BartlettsFarm.com 910 AM - Endeavor Sailing Excursions with Captain Jim Learn Nantucket’s maritime history & see waterfront sights. Reservations encouraged. Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Tickets at 508-228-5585 or EndeavorSailing.com. Repeated at 1:30 & 3:30 pm. 10 AM - Gail’s Tours of Nantucket Daily in-depth van tour of Nantucket with 7th generation native as your guide. Intown pickup. To reserve a seat, call 508-257-6557. Tours again at 1 & 3 pm 10 AM to 12 PM - Tuesday Tie-Dye at Children’s Beach A fun-filled tie-dye session at Children’s Beach. T-shirts and all materials are included for this free weekly summer program. Harbor View Way. 10 AM to 4 PM - Maritime Activity Stations Explore Nantucket’s lifesaving history through rotating pop-up interactive stations featuring crafts, games, and artifact encounters.Included with museum admission. Nantucket Shipwreck & Life Saving Museum, 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Nantucket Whaling Museum Open Daily Exhibits in 9 premium galleries, including the new 2026 exhibit The Wider World & Scrimshaw, & more than 1,000 works of art, artifacts, & treasures on display to tell the story of Nantucket across 4 centuries. Tickets: nha.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Outside of Time at The Gallery at Four India See fabulous new work by island artists Joanna Kane and Sherre Wilson Liljegren at this fabulous gallery upstairs at 4 India Street ~ TheGalleryNantucket.com 10 AM to 5 PM - Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Open Explore updates in the Andrea Doria Gallery, with the story & legacy of the famed 1956 shipwreck, and the new exhibit, From Coast to Coast: The Heroic Stories of Madaket Millie & Marshall the Sea Dog. 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM - Hands-on-History: Scrimshaw Scratch Art Weekly family programming at the Whaling Museum Discovery Center featuring hands on crafts inspired by The Wider World and Scrimshaw. A new activity each day with a project to create. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. nha.org 10:30 to 11:15 AM - Family Connections Tour in the Whaling Museum Experience featured exhibit The Wider World and Scrimshaw in a guided intergenerational tour. Guides bring topics to life with visual & tactile elements, to share the influence of Nantucket whalers, whale ecology, the art of scrimshaw, souvenirs, & more. Incl. with museum admission: registration strongly recommended at nha.org. 10:30 to 11:30 AM - Book Signing with Zara Anishanslin Meet Zara Anishanslin, author of The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution, at Mitchell’s Book Corner, 54 Main Street. 10:45 AM - Historic Downtown Walking Tour with NHA Walk through Nantucket town with an NHA Museum Guide & hear the story of the rise and fall of whaling, the beginnings of tourism, and social & racial development on-island. Rain or shine. Tickets at nha.org. 11 AM - Barrett’s Tours Historic tours offered daily departing from 25 Federal St., across from the Visitors Centre. Reservations: 508-228-0174 Barrettstours.com Again at 1:30 & 3:30 pm 11:15 AM - The Signature Tour: a Traditional Historic Tour of Nantucket Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead a 75-min. tour of historic sites in Nantucket Town, Sconset, & more. See The Oldest House, The Old Windmill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse & more. Daily at 11:15, 1, & 2:45. Book at 42 Straight Wharf or at nantucketbustours.com or at 508-228-0334. 11:15 AM - Nantucket by Water Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise Relax on a narrated tour of the inner harbor while you enjoy ice cream with friends & family. Departs again at 1, 2:15, & 4 pm. One-hour; daily cruises. Call 508-2287037 or book online nantucketbywater.com. continued on page 33
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
MAP of DOWNTOWN NANTUCKET brant point Lighthouse ▲
● NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION PROPERTIES
whaLing museum: 13 Broad Street Hear the story of Nantucket over 4 centuries with rotating exhibits in 9 galleries. Daily programs, films, & a stunning view of town from the rooftop. Open from 10am. oLdest house: 16 Sunset Hill Built in 1686; restored in 1990. Opening June 2026.
● oLdest house
greater Light: 8 Howard Street Built in the 1790s & transformed into a stunning whimsical summer home in the 1920s, this is home to the NHA Decorative Arts Program. Opening June 2026
pubLic boat ramp
chiLdren’s beach
hadwen house: 96 Main Street This Greek Revival mansion built in 1846 is the only mansion of its era onisland open to the public. Exhibits include Nantucket Lightship Baskets, maps, and decorative arts. Open 11am-4pm May 23-Sept. 4.
steamship authority
▲
first congregationaL church
★
●
oLd miLL: 50 Prospect St The oldest functioning mill in the USA, built in 1746. Opening June 2026.
whaLing museum
hyLine
★
▲ atheneum methodist church
st. mary’s
▲
oLd gaoL: 15R Vestal Street Constructed of massive oak timbers with iron bolts & iron rods across the windows. The heavy wooden doors are reinforced with iron. Opening June 2026. Please visit nha.org for hours, tours, ticket prices, and additional information.
▲ pacific cLub
▲
▲
greater Light
●
unitarian church
●
●
observatory
■ ■
research Library
▲
fire hose cart house oLd gaoL
●quaker meeting &
3 bricks
▲ civiL
●hadwen house
▲ st. pauL’s
aquarium ■
shipwreck & Lifesaving museum: 158 Polpis Road eganmaritime.org Learn the dramatic history of Nantucket’s shipwrecks, lifesaving, and rescuers. Family activities. Free shuttle to the museum from Visitor Services downtown runs June 23-Oct. 3.. Beautiful property at Folger’s Marsh open for picnics. Opening for 2026 on May 25. town pier
war monument
mitcheLL house
■
francis street beach
naturaL science
●1800 house
oLd miLL
●
african meeting house
▲
▲ OTHER HISTORICAL POINTS OF INTEREST
brant point Lighthouse: 2 Easton St First erected in 1746, America's second oldest lighthouse and at 26 feet tall, the shortest in New England. nantucket atheneum: 1 India St The island’s public library was built in 1847 and is filled with art & artifacts as well as books, periodicals, digital materials. Children’s section, reading room, & public garden. Open Mon.-Sat. pacific cLub: Lower Main St Built in 1772 by whaling merchant William Rotch, this is the only 18th century brick building still standing on-island. Quarterboard on the front lists names of 3 notable ships of Rotch: 2 in the Boston Tea Party and
the first ship to fly the American flag in London. first congregationaL church: 62 Centre St Built in 1725 & moved to this site in 1765. Open for services. Climb the tower for a view of town & the harbor. st mary’s church: 3 Federal St Built in 1897. Open for services. st pauL’s church: 20 Fair St Founded in 1838. Rebuilt in 1901 with Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. Church is open daily for visits and for Sunday services. methodist church: 2 Centre St Built in 1831. Open for services.
unitarian church: 11 Orange St Built in 1809. Houses the town clock & 1810 Portuguese Bell. Open for services. three bricks: 93, 95 & 97 Main Street Identical brick mansions built 1836-38 by whaling merchant Joseph Starbuck for his sons. Now privately owned. soLdiers & saiLors monument: Upper Main Street Built in 1875, this obelisk bears the names of 73 island men who died in the Civil War. african meeting house: 29 York Street Built in 1827, the only public building constructed & occupied by African Americans in the 19th century still standing on-island.
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
Page 15
The Real Brilliance of Summer from page 5
Perhaps that’s why these months feel so emotional. They remind us that beautiful things never stay exactly as they are. The irony, of course, is that recognizing how fleeting summer is often makes us fill it with even more activity, as though staying busy might somehow slow the calendar. It never does. September always arrives. The ferry lines shrink. The beaches empty. The hydrangeas photo by Denize White of Flourtown, PA fade. The evenings cool. And suddenly we find ourselves wondering where it all went. The answer is simple. It went exactly where every season goes: into memory. The question isn’t whether summer will pass. It always will. The question is whether we were truly there while it happened. Years from now, I doubt any of us will remember how many errands we finished, how many emails we answered, or how many events we managed to attend. We’ll remember who we were with. We’ll remember the conversations that stretched long after dark. We’ll remember laughing so hard that nobody noticed the sunset had already disappeared. We’ll remember the feeling of warm cedar beneath our bare feet, the smell of salt carried on an evening breeze, and the quiet comfort of realizing there was nowhere else we needed to be. Perhaps that’s the real brilliance of summer. Not that it dazzles us with extraordinary beauty, but that it quietly reminds us the most beautiful parts of life have never been the scenery. They have always been the people standing beside us while we admired it.
APPETIZERS
ROMAN STYLE FRIED AR RT TICHOKE $17 lemon/sea salt POINT JUDITH CALAMARI $19 banana pepper/spicy marinara/corn flour SNOW CRAB DIP $22 snow crab/old bay/tortillas chips BOLO MEA AT TBALLS $18 tomato ragu/whipped ricotta/basil/grilled bread FRESH BURRATA AT TA A $18 tomato sundried pepper relish micro basil/ balsamic/crostini WARM OLIVES $11 WA MEA AT T & CHEESE BOARD $20 stuffffed peppers/ salami coppa/provolone/cheddar fig jam/rosemary crackers TRUFFLE FRIES $12 truffffle powder/maldon sea salt JUMBO SHRIMP COCKT TA AIL $22 jumbo gulf shrimp/dantes cocktail sauce/lemon HOUSE WINGS $19 honey jerk hot sauce/pickled okra/blue cheese dressing BABY WEDGE $17 bacon/maytag blue/fried onion/egg cherry tomato/shallot vinaigrette
SIGNATURE AT COCKT TA AILS NOBA SPRITZ $17 aperol/prosecco/soda water orange wheel MOSCOW MULE $17 vodka/goslings ginger beer/lime ACK PA PALOMA $18 tequila/grapefruit/sprite tonic soda ESPRESSO MAR RT TINI $18 vodka/espresso/coffffee liqueur bailey’’ss/pumpkin spice syrup PERFECT MANHATT ATTA AN $19 makers mark/sweet vermouth dry vermouth/angostura bitters/luxardo cherry/orange INLAND SPLASH $19 vodka/chambord/pineapple juice orange juice/lime juice/grenadine
FLA AT TBREADS T BRAISED SHORT RIB $20 mozzarella//braised short rib giardiniera a/chevre cheese MARG GARIT TA A $18 fresh mozza arella/basil/tomato BUFF FA ALO CHICKEN $20 buffffalo chicken/blue cheese hot sauce
HANDHELDS THE IT TA ALIAN $21 sliced mortadella/cappicola ham/salami/provolone/lettuce tomato/calabrian pepper mayo tuscan roll NOBABURGER $21 lettuce/tomato/onion/american cheese/sesame kaiser/pickle add bacon $3 add fried egg $2 LOBSTER GRILLED CHEESE $34 fresh lobster/cheddar american blend ripe tomato/buttered sourdough NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH $22 buttermilk brined chicken lettuce/tomato/pickle/creamy nashville hot sauce/sesame kaiser
BEER/SEL LT TZER $9
Cisco Whales T Ta ale Pale Ale Cisco T Trracker Bud Light Pacifico Stella Artois Corona Nantucket Cran Seltzer Nantucket Te Tequila Lime Seltzer
WINE
Decoy y,, Cabernet Sauvignon $15/$58 Kate Arnold, Pinot Noir $15/$58 Craggy Range, Sauvingon Blanc $16/$64 Sonoma Cutrerr,, Chardonnay $16/$64 Masi Masianco, Pinot Grigio $16/$64 Whispering Angel, Rose $16/$64 Villa Sandi Prosecco $15/$58
Open Tuesda Tu ay y-Sunda ay y from 3-10pm
inside THE NANTUCKET INN 1 MILLER LANE 508.228.6900
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Beyond the Harpoon from page 3
Nantucket Island’s global reach is illustrated by the museum’s featured 2026 exhibition, The Wider World & Scrimshaw. Open through November 1, this is a highly acclaimed traveling exhibition organized by the New Bedford Whaling Museum with support from Art Bridges. Anchored by scrimshaw, the folk art of engraving whale teeth and bone that whalemen practiced during long, idle stretches at sea, the exhibit covers so much more. Featuring more than 300 objects, The Wider World & Scrimshaw sets American scrimshaw alongside carved decorative arts and material culture made by Indigenous communities across Oceania, the Pacific, and the Arctic—the same waters that Nantucket whaleships sailed in pursuit of their catch. Work from Māori, Aboriginal Australian, Inuit, and other Pacific and Arctic makers appears alongside the ivory engraved by American whalers, tracing carving traditions that were practiced along whaling routes. This interdisciplinary, community-driven, and collections-focused project engages questions about identity, place, and material, and considers how exploration and whaling impacted the production of material culture in this diverse region during the centuries between 1700 and today. As NHA Gosnell Executive Director Niles Parker put it, the goal is to apply “a wider lens to our understanding of whaling, exploration, and artistic creativity” so visitors can “better understand the cultural exchange taking place which influenced disparate societies around the world.” That includes the harder history: the exhibition doesn’t shy away from how Native Pacific communities were affected by commercial whaling ventures and by the broader pressures of
August 13-19, 2026
19th-century colonialism and Western expansion. The show inspires questions about identity, place, and material, treating scrimshaw not as a quaint curiosity but as one thread in a much larger, and often fraught, global story. According to Naomi Slipp, Chief Curator at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and co-curator of this exhibit, The Wider World & Scrimshaw also addresses some cultural myths about whaling and whaling history, “including ideas that many of the people on whaleships were Yankee New Englanders who set out to sea in a crew and came back on that vessel with the same crew. “... in fact whaleships had really diverse crews...the crew that left on a whale ship often included people from around the world, and they didn’t always return with the same crew...there was a lot of changeover and transitioning crews...many people still connect in their minds the idea of scrimshaw and whaling with a very sort of New England and very white point of view... But that is far from true... people across the globe came into contact with whaling vessels...and those vessels traveled across the Pacific...They established colonies, whaling stations, and trade networks. And they picked up supplies, materials, and crew. So that as a result, crews of US whaling vessels included people from the Azores, Kabou, the Pacific Islands, Native Americans, people of color, both free and escaped enslaved persons, ethnic minorities, and recent immigrants from around the world... Port cities like New Bedford and Nantucket were global hubs where these large populations of people mixed and mingled contributing to a regional culture, economy, and landscape that was international in character and very multicultural,” Slipp explained in a recent talk she gave at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. The Wider World & Scrimshaw connects the historical and contemporary through cultural products ranging from continued on page 17
EVENTS ARE UPDATED DAILY:
H ealth y Wraps,
Smoothies, and B owls Vegan Specialties, Chips, Sides, + Drink s Ve
Online orderriing is easier thaan ever at
NANTUCKET.NET
cookscafenantuckeet.com 6 South Beach St • 508.2 228.8810
Good food. Good drinks. Good company. OPEN DAIL LY Y FOR LUNCH & DIN NNER Open from 11:30 to midnight (kitchen closes at 10pm) 774-325-5812 • brotherhoodnantucket.com
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Oceanic material culture and Arctic carvings to engraved sperm whale teeth. Short films and touchable samples of natural materials and carving techniques provide additional opportunities to engage with exhibition themes that include paddles, dance wands & clubs, busks, fids & needle cases, coconut dippers, totem poles, trade goods, and more. “The NHA’s Whaling Museum interprets the history of 19th century American whaling, where whale-hunting voyages from New England headed to all corners of the Pacific world. The Wider World & Scrimshaw exhibition will bring non-New England perspectives into our museum and help our visitors understand the cultural interactions that resulted from this commercial activity,” said Michael Harrison, NHA Chief Curator and Obed Macy Research Chair. “The NHA is excited to share this significant exhibition with our visitors and to open up our interpretation of whaler’s scrimshaw to new and broader perspectives.” The Wider World & Scrimshaw in the McCausland Gallery is the 2026 main exhibit inside a museum that uses whaling as an entry point to wider Nantucket history, not its sole subject. A visit to the Nantucket Historical Association’s Whaling Museum typically moves through several distinct experiences. Gosnell Hall explores what it was like to be part of the demanding and dangerous trade of 18th century whaling. Here visitors will see the imposing skeleton continued on page 18
August 13-19, 2026
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
Beyond the Harpoon from page 17
Lunch & Dinner Tuesday-Sunday RESERVATIONS RESY.COM or 508.257.4499
of a 46-foot male sperm whale “diving” from the ceiling. Next is the 1847 Hadwen & Barney Oil and Candle Factory which has been carefully restored to reveal significant elements of the original factory, including a two-story lever press—the only original whale-oil lever press still in place in the world. This area tells the story of how whale oil became a global commodity and the businesses built around it. The dramatic story of the Essex, is presented in the museum’s overlook gallery, recounting the reallife disaster that helped inspire Moby-Dick. Neptune’s Grotto is a smaller gallery of oddities, including a tusked walrus skull that resembles a fossilized cyclops, and a dramatically contorted whale jaw. Designed for younger visitors, The Discovery Center makes Nantucket history come alive with interactive, hands-on activities, crafts, and games. For visitors exploring the museum with kids, the NHA’s Family Connections Tour is designed to make Nantucket’s history engaging for young audiences by pairing guided storytelling with the same hands-on spirit found in the Discovery Center. . The Scrimshaw Room is a dedicated gallery containing over a century and a half of collecting by the Nantucket Historical Association. This room houses some of the earliest and rarest engraved sperm whale teeth in existence, worked by some of the most celebrated scrimshaw artists. Here visitors can see the classic Nantucket tradition in its own dedicated
MONDAYS WITH MAGIC MARK TERRIFIC THURSDAY Mondays | 10:00 - 10:45 AM | 6.29 - 8.31
CRAFTING
TUESDAY TIE-DYE
Thursdays | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 7.2 - 9.3
Tuesdays | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 6.30 - 9.1
CAPOEIRA ON THE
WEDNESDAY WELLNESS CHILDREN’S YOGA WITH
BANDSTAND WITH WERDUM Saturdays | 9:00 - 10:30 AM | 6.6 - 8.29
PHOEBE STROBINO Wednesdays | 9:30 - 10:30 AM | 7.1 - 9.2
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Sundays | 6:00 - 7:15 PM | 6.21 - 9.6
photo by Suzanne Daub
space, then step into the featured exhibition to see that same tradition placed in conversation with the wider Pacific and Arctic carving worlds that whaling routes connected it to. Tucker’s Roofwalk is a fully accessible observation deck that offers a sweeping, panoramic view of Nantucket Harbor and the town. What ties all of this together—the Scrimshaw Room, Tucker’s Roofwalk, the films, the family programming, and now The Wider World & Scrimshaw— is the NHA’s ongoing commitment to telling the full arc of Nantucket’s history. Whaling built the island’s fortune and identity for a time and remains a visible subject in the museum. But the NHA’s galleries and programs include more than that single narrative to include island life that came before and after the days of whaling. The Wider World & Scrimshaw exhibit shows how Nantucket has long been part of a much bigger, interconnected world. Nantucket Whaling Museum Peak season hours: daily 10 am to 5 pm 13 Broad Street • nha.org @nantuckethistoricalassociation
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Training the Next Generation from page 9
Lucas and a tiny turtle
photo courtesy LLNF
plan to return to Nantucket. But the island, and the great diversity of conservation work available, called him back. Lucas returned in 2026 to work for the Nantucket Conservation Foundation as their Seasonal Wildlife Field Assistant. “Now for my NCF job, I am working on five or six different projects plus the collaborative work of IPSC (Invasive Plant Species Committee). There is so much that you get to touch on that is just not common for
Blue Beetle 12 Main Street
clothing, jewelry & accessories open daily 508 228 3227 BlueBeetleNantucket.com
these types of jobs. I think that Nantucket provides such a well-rounded experience,” Lucas commented. Despite its relatively small size, Nantucket is big on conservation work opportunities. Sometimes seasonal folks worry that it may feel isolating, being so far out at sea. But the sheer number of people working towards common goals, the amount of open space, and the encouragement of mentors at the various organizations all help to make the island feel far from isolating. Lucas noted, “Being in conservation on Nantucket, especially very early in your career, gives you such an optimistic and positive look into what a cross-collaboration can look like. And how conservation can interact with the community and what it can provide. It’s been a positive example of that interaction and professionally what your part in that can be.” Every organization on-island builds their internships and seasonal staffing differently. But there is a similarity among these types of positions in that Nantucket itself is the ideal training ground. Within a relatively small geographic area, there are a diversity of habitats to study. But the two things that Nantucket really has going for it is the amount of conservation land and the conservation professionals to help train the next generation of scientists. Through the various positions on-island, interns build technical field skills like hands-on experiences in ecological restoration, wildlife monitoring, habitat continued on page 22
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
Dog Days of Summer from page 7
photo courtesy Jennifer Wright
smallest bluefish caught. It isn’t her 17.5 inch bluefish that got the August Blues community buzzing, however. It was the beautiful striped bass that she landed. Jennifer had said on her Instagram, “I was fishing for bluefish for the August Blues Tournament but caught a 37.5 inch striper! My first ever from shore!” And what a beauty that fish was! I asked Jennifer about her beach fishing experiences. She was so excited about fishing that it made me think maybe the front lawn could wait another day so I could get out and start casting! Jennifer said that she’d been looking forward to the tournament. “I couldn’t wait for August! I did the tournament last year. I caught a large bluefish in July but only caught one in August, and it was only 16 inches. I got my husband Dave signed up too! We’re aiming for the family prize. Our daughter Robin (who is 8 years old) caught one last year.” I asked Jennifer about her monster striped bass. She said, “I was fishing for a blue and the striper hooked on pretty close to shore. It just ran! I didn’t know what I had. Robin was yelling, ‘Mom, I think it’s a shark!’ I had to tighten my drag. We were all shocked at how big the striper was! I had caught some big stripers on a boat a few years ago. This one was like that!” “We pack up dinner and fish until sunset. Robin gets really excited when we hook up! I started fishing at a young age with my dad in Littleton, MA. Beach fishing has helped me meet people. I’ve taken a couple of classes with Tammy King. Last year it was pouring rain, and we were all out there. It was so much fun! It’s really fun to cheer everybody on. I just love it!” Tammy King is a huge part of the August Blues Tournament. She is sponsoring a women’s beach fishing event on August 18. Ladies, don’t miss this! It will be held from 5 to 8 pm. Reach out to Tammy at fishgirlack@yahoo.com for details. All funds raised from this event will go to Parent’s Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Keep Saturday, August 22 on your calendar as well. That’s the August Blues Derby Day event. There will be a sign-up event at the Fairgrounds Restaurant and all kinds of fun on the beach. Details are at augustbluesnantucket.com. My favorite catch of the week was little Gordie McEvoy’s bluefish. Gordie was out with his dad, Pat, and Gordie’s buddy Auggie Schaeffer. The joy on the faces of Gordie and Auggie really show why we all need to get kids out there fishing! Remember: junior anglers (age 17 and younger) can automatically be signed up by submitting a catch from the beach. Let’s get those kids out there! Thanks to the motivation provided by Jennifer Wright, I talked my wife into a late drive to Great Point. We fished way down on the inside, trying to get out of the seaweed that had been stirred up by the big winds. And, as Corey Gammon had promised, my opportunistic fishing paid off! I added a 27-inch fish to my three fish total, giving me a score of 84 inches. That could put me into fourth place, provided no one else made a move! Fingers crossed! Steve “Tuna” Tornovish is a Nantucket native who has spent his life fishing from the beaches of his beloved island. He loves to introduce clients to the joy of fishing with his Nantucket Island Fishing Adventures: stevetuna.com
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
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Fame, Glory, & a Bit of Cash Att Cape Cod 5, we A we’re here to support all your banking needs. Personal & Business Banking Wealth Management • Financing 112 Pleasant Street • Zero Main Street capecodfive.com • 888-225-4636 Member FDIC
NMLS# 401717
photo by William Perrelli of Hamden, CT
September 12 is the deadline to enter our 2026 Nantucket Photo Contest. For more than a quarter century, this popular contest has been a fun way for residents and visitor to share their images of Nantucket Island. Any season, any view, any time period (we love the old photos), serious or silly are accepted, as long as the photo was taken on Nantucket. You might even win one of the cash prizes. Winning photos and many deserving honorable mention will be shared with our readers in our Autumn Edition of Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket, which hits the stands on September 24, 2026. They will also be posted on Nantucket.net and on YesterdaysIsland.com after the print edition is published. The 2025 winners and entries can be viewed now at yesterdaysisland.com/photo-contest To enter, email your photos—high resolution only—to ackphotocontest@gmail.com and include your name in each filename (please do not send us images with names like IMG_001). If you choose to use snail mail to mail in your entries on a thumb drive, be sure to include the form at nantucket.net/photo-contest-entry and send them to YI Photo Contest, P.O. Box 626, Nantucket, MA 02554. Entries must be postmarked by September 12, 2026. Photos received later will be entered in the 2027 contest.
Quick and Convenient Medical Care Urgent Access at Nantucket Cottage Hospital provides walk-in medical care for non-life-threatening conditions. Open Monday through Friday from 8a to 5p and Saturdays and Sundays from 8a to 3p. Located in the Anderson Building on the hospital campus at 57 Prospect Street. Learn more at nantuckethospital.org/urgentaccess
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Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Training the Next Generation from page 19
mapping, and invasive species removal, among other topics. Seasonal staff can also acquire some specialized knowledge depending on the projects: dive deep into localized ecological processes, specific species interactions, and niche conservation techniques. Another past LLNF intern I spoke with is Nantucket native, Luke MacKay. Luke was also an Ecological Education Intern working with LLNF in the summer of 2022. Being from the island, the position helped him view Nantucket in a different way. He expressed how grateful he is to have grown up here with so many opportunities to explore his interest in environmental science. Going off to college and learning about ecological principles and then being able to put those lessons into practice. “I learned so many lessons from all the staff at Linda Loring. But it was also just seeing how a small non-profit works. The biodiversity of the property, the stewardship side, and then also the environmental education side, and just seeing the impacts from all the different aspects was really rewarding. I learned what a multifaceted field this is.” Luke then went on to do an internship the following summer with the Nantucket Land and Water Council as their eel grass intern and then as a policy intern with them—a connection he made during an invasive plant pull the previous summer. “Growing up walking on trails around the island, I underestimated the amount of love, care, and investment on every parcel of property. Once I was working in my internship, I was so impressed with how much the staff knew about every nook and cranny on the property,” said MacKay. “My experiences here were beyond valuable, especially in the off-island world. The experiences really helped me with my classes, my research, and my work-career.” Ava Boettiger is a current LLNF intern and hails from Texas. Before this summer, she had only briefly visited New England. One of her first impressions starting this spring was how much “wild landscape” there is to explore. She was also impressed with how many different and collaborative conservation organizations there are in a small place like Nantucket.
August 13-19, 2026
Ava specifically mentioned one unexpected outcome of her work this summer is her gaining leadership and science communication experience. But one of her biggest take-homes echoes what Luke MacKay had said. “Working here (LLNF), I am really seeing an example of what permanent positions in this field could be and all the potential careers in non-profit conservation work,” Boettiger said. The qualities that make a Nantucket internship experience unique have a lot to do with the island itself. Isolation breeds partnership, so island organizations are more willing to help each other out. There are lots of opportunities for collaboration and learning. Sometimes it’s been “all hands on deck” for projects like the American burying beetle, horseshoe crab surveys, eel grass surveys, restoration plantings, and invasive plant management. These are big projects where field crews and volunteers from different organizations come together to achieve a goal even if it’s another organization’s project. Seasonal staff member Lucas Leasure said that these collaborative projects are one of the highlights of working for on-island organizations. Collaboration allows for cross-pollination! One of the things many seasonal staff mention is housing availability. All the Nantucket non-profit organizations are only able to attract such stellar seasonal staff is by providing housing. And, as one LLNF intern mentioned, “good housing” (private and clean with good housing culture) is so important. For many of these interns and season staff, these positions may be their first jobs after graduating. The year-round staff that mentor interns can be influential and provide important guidance. Lucas noted, “Both at LLNF and the staff I am working with at NCF are really high-caliber professionals providing a great look into what is a career in conservation that is accessible. This is what happy people look like, and it’s interesting to see how an organization cares for its people.” Nantucket seasonal jobs are out there. The conservation groups on-island advertise on multiple job boards specific to each internship (wildlife, environmental education, etc.), and they share the information locally as well. It’s a competitive market out there, but potential applicants shouldn’t be dissuaded. Jobs are generally posted during January or February. Word is getting out about the caliber of Nantucket research and internship opportunities. It means only good things for the island’s conservation work and learning more about the priority habitats, the flora and fauna, that we all appreciate. For details, follow your favorite Nantucket conservation groups, check out their websites, or chat with a local professional.
ACK Happy Summer Contest! Win i a $100 Gif Gift Card to Cisco Brewers TO ENTER: 1 Follow us on Instagram: 1. @Nantucket_Insider 2. Like the ACK Happy posts 3. Te Tell us wh w at you like best about Nan ntucket 4. Tag 3 friends 5. Like & comment on our #ACKHappy possts for more chances to win Winnerr will be drawn on August 19, 20 026.
Sankaty Lighthouse 9.5 miles Siasconset (via Polpis) 10.5 miles Smith Point 7 miles Squam 8.5 miles Surfside 3.5 miles Tom Nevers Head 6.5 miles Wauwinet 9 miles
Nantucket Island is just about 14 miles by 3-1/2 miles, and there are miles of bike paths to nearly every area. This means that riding a bicycle is one of the best ways to get around our island. Follow the QR code to discover miles of bike paths, where to rent bikes, biking tips, and where to find water stations along the way.
Airport 3.5 miles Altar Rock (via Polpis) 6 miles Eel Point 6 miles Madaket 6.75 miles Monomoy 2 miles Quaise 3.5 miles Quidnet 7.5 miles
Approximate distances, in miles to various locations of Nantucket Island from Main Street and Orange Street (Pacific National Bank)
41° 17' 30" Latitude by 70° 05' 30" Longitude ~ The winter population is approximately 20,000
NANTUCKET ISLAND Extreme caution should be exercised when traveling to Great Point due to driving in soft sand. Please respect restricted conservation areas.
is the home of the Great Point Lighthouse and is accessible by foot or four-wheel drive vehicles.
GREAT POINT
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
NANTUCKET ISLAND BEACHES NORTH SHORE AND HARBOR BEACHES
40th Pole: Great for families and young children, but no lifeguards. On Nantucket
Sound; warm water during July, August, and September inspired nickname “The Bathtub” for area nearby. Parking. Best access via 4WD vehicle. Dionis: 3 miles from town by bike on the north side of Eel Point Rd. off Madaket Road. Look for the boulder marked “Dionis.” Sheltered by dunes, calm waters for swimming, safe for children; restrooms, & parking. Beachgoers can take NRTA shuttle bus to Eel Point Rd stop & walk. Steps: Between Dionis and Jetties beaches; access from Cliff Road. No lifeguard, no facilities, very little parking. Gentle surf; sandbar. Many steep steps must be descended to get to the beach. Jetties: Easy bike ride from town, or take the shuttle bus. Great beach for families. Lifeguards, changing rooms, playground, volleyball nets, restrooms, showers, public phones, restaurant and take-out food service. Concession and restrooms handicap accessible; boardwalk to the beach. Tennis. Windsurfing, sailboat, and kayak rentals. Shuttle service from town to Jetties Beach is available seasonally. Brant Point: Easy walk or bike ride from town. No lifeguard. Strong current; experienced swimmers; beach drops off suddenly under the water. Scenic beach with Brant Point Lighthouse; nice to sit and watch the boats rounding the point. Here is where to go to wave goodbye to friends and family departing on the Steamship. Children’s: Harbor Beach, an easy walk from town down So. Beach Street and off Harbor View Way. Flotation devices are not permitted within the guarded area. Ideal for small children; park, playground, and bandstand; lifeguard, restrooms, showers, food service, picnic tables. Food, playground, and rest room are all accessible. Activities sponsored by Park & Recreation Commission are often held at this beach during the summer. Francis Street: Five-minute walk from Main Street. Calm harbor waters for swimming; no lifeguard. Jungle gym, kayak rentals, bathroom.
SOUTH SHORE - OCEAN BEACHES
Cisco Beach: Four-mile bike ride to end of Hummock Pond Road. Heavy surf; lifeguard. No facilities. Parking. Rip currents can be strong. Ladies Beach: To access, turn left at the end of Bartlett Farm Road. No facilities; no lifeguard. Limited parking. Rip current can be strong; heavy surf. Miacomet Beach: at the end of Miacomet Road. Some parking. Surf and rip currents can be strong on the ocean side. No facilities or food service. This beach is near Miacomet Pond, but the pond is currently closed due to harmful algae. South Shore Beach: at the end of South Shore Rd. Limited parking; difficult to access beach, 4WD is advisable. No lifeguard; no facilities. Surfside: Located at the end of Surfside Road, a three-mile ride on paved bike path or take the shuttles. Easy to park. Plenty of surf, wide beach is good for picnics, beach games, and surfcasting. Kite flying west of Surfside Beach is acceptable; for safety reasons, please do not fly kites east of Surfside toward the airport. Due to the number of people who frequent Surfside Beach during the day, it is inadvisable to fly kites during the peak beachgoing hours. Lifeguard, restrooms, showers, public phones, food service. Shuttle service from town to Surfside Beach is available seasonally. Fisherman’s Beach: Located between Surfside Beach and Nobadeer. No parking; Beach access via steep wooden steps. Plenty of surf, wide beach is good for picnics, beach games, and surfcasting. No lifeguard; no facilities. Nobadeer: Located near the airport. Limited parking; difficult to access beach. Plenty of surf, wide beach is good for picnics, beach games, and surfcasting. No lifeguard; no facilities. Madequecham: Land Bank property at the end of Madequecham Valley Road; rough sand road. Parking. No facilities; no lifeguards. Rip current can be strong; heavy surf. Tom Nevers (“Pebble Beach“): Surf can be heavy; very coarse sand. No lifeguard; no facilities. Good for fishing. Strong rip currents; heavy surf. Access to the beach can be difficult.
WESTERN SHORE - OCEAN BEACHES
Madaket: As far west as you can go, six-mile bike ride on scenic, paved bike path, or take the shuttle bus. Heavy surf, lifeguard, restrooms. Famous for its incredible sunsets.
EASTERN SHORE - OCEAN BEACHES
Siasconset: Regular shuttle bus service or seven-mile ride on paved bike path. Surf can be heavy; lifeguard. Food available in nearby village of ’Sconset. Low Beach: 4WD access. Surf can be heavy; no lifeguard.
BAY & POND BEACHES
Miacomet Pond: Fresh water pond, nantucket-ma.gov/hab for algae updates. Pocomo Beach: Great for kayaking and to learn to windsurf. Just west of the
Head of the Harbor. Good for children. No lifeguards, no facilities. Eel Point: Good for fishing and watching the sunset. No lifeguard; no facilities. Limited parking. Rip currents can be strong. Coskata-Coatue and Great Point: at the end of Wauwinet Road, past The Wauwinet Inn. Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge managed by Trustees of Reservations; beach sticker required for vehicles from Trustees of Reservations. Great for fishing and for seeing Great Point Lighthouse up close. Rolling dunes, bayberry, beach plum, heather, and beach grass. Salt marsh and maritime shrubland. The largest red cedar savanna and woodland in New England. Gray and harbor seals. Public restrooms available at the lighthouse Memorial Day-Columbus Day. Sections of the refuge are sometimes closed to protect nesting shorebirds. Dogs permitted only from Sept. 16 thru March 31 and must be leashed at all times. Guided tours with Trustee naturalists offered in-season. Seasonal hunting permitted. For more details, go to www.TheTrustees.org Property Lookup. Sesachacha Pond: off Polpis Road. Great for families; warm water; no facilities; no lifeguard. Parking. Near the Audubon Sesachacha Heathlands and Wildlife Sanctuary. Check nantucket-ma.gov/hab for harmful algae bloom updates.
Leave only footprints...
Nantucket has some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. Please respect Nantucket’s fragile environment and the beauty of our island. Clean up your litter, respect private property, and use only designated entry points. In areas where dune reclaimation is taking place, please do not cross the rope or fence barriers protecting the dunes.
BEACH SAFETY •Learn to swim. If you can’t swim an overhead stroke for at least 15 minutes you should not be in the ocean. •Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy, and swim near a lifeguard whenever possible. •Stay out of the “surf zone” where the waves break at the shoreline. Waves are at their greatest force here, and even a small wave can lift you up and throw you headfirst into the sand. •Never run from the beach into the water and dive headfirst into the waves. Sandbars that cannot be seen from the surface may be present and/or the water may be too shallow. •Don’t jump or dive into the water from a pier or rock jetty. From a pier or jetty, water appears much deeper than it really is. What looks like 10 or 20 feet of water may only be 2 to 3 feet deep. Diving in could be fatal. The same applies for jumping headfirst into the ocean or a wave from a surfboard – don’t do it! It’s not a risk worth taking. •If you are body surfing or boogie boarding, always keep your arms out in front of you to protect your head and neck. •A rip current will pull you away from the shore, but it will not pull you under. If you’re caught in a rip current, do not swim toward the shore! Instead, swim parallel to the shore, until you’re out of the rip current. Then, swim in to shore. •Never drink alcohol or use drugs at the beach. It clouds your ability to make wise decisions, and that could be fatal! •Take direction from lifeguards at all times.
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Island Fun & Shopping Adventure / Eco-Tours
Nantucket by Water
A Variety of Boat Tours for All Ages Call or visit us on Straight Wharf for your Island Adventure
508-228-7037 Straight Wharf, Slip #1011
NANTUCKET by WATER (formerly Shearwater Excursions) is a local family-run company dedicated to providing unique tours and cruises to individuals and families of all age groups. From small kids to grandparents, NBW has trips that cater to your needs and taste for adventure. Whether you take a leisurely tour around Nantucket Harbor, or a longer adventure exploring the wildlife sanctuary of Coatue or visiting the unique 5th Bend Oyster Farm, Nantucket By Water promises an exceptional experience. nantucketbywater.com
Nantucket Walkabout
508-422-7466 Daily Guided Wilderness Hikes on Nantucket see website for hikes & times Book online & meet at Handlebar Cafe, 15 Washington St nantucketwalkabout.com
Explore Nantucket’s wilderness with “Walking Nantucket” and “Nantucket: A Natural History” author and naturalist Peter Brace, and learn how the last glacier formed the island. Experience wildlife and rare plants. Learn about Nantucket’s conservation efforts, ecology and the Native Americans that lived here. Adults $65-80; children ages 13 & younger $30-$35. Private and solo hikes also available. Apple Pay, Android Pay, MC, Visa, Amex, & Discover accepted. Get details & make reservations at nantucketwalkabout.com or 508-422-7466.
Blue Beetle
Apparel & Accessories
Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry, Gifts
508-228-3227 12 Main Street
Located at 12 Main Street, BLUE BEETLE reflects the playfulness and elegance of island living. We strive to provide a collection of carefully curated clothing, jewelry, gifts and accessories that portray the summer lifestyle on Nantucket. The boutique is filled with modern, chic, and contemporary fashions to suit every occasion. We proudly sell Joules, Jude Connally, Captiva Cashmere, Lilla P and MZ Wallace. Known for our Nantucket Jewelry, there is something for everyone; beads to fit Pandora, rings, bracelets and of course our charm bar, where you can create your own unique island necklace. Shop year round in store or visit us online at BlueBeetleNantucket.com
Commonwealth Open Daily. Visit us in the store & online! Fabulous Resale. Fresh Finds.
508-680-1399 16 Federal Street
COMMONWEALTH is a unique resale boutique where we believe even clothes deserve a second chance. This eclectic little shop on Oak Street specializes in curating quality gently used pieces from your favorite designers. Come in to find preloved gems or bring in your gently used items to turn your closet into cash! Commonwealthnantucket.com
Legit Effortless, Elevated, & Totally Enviable Exclusive brands sourced from Paris, Greece, Italy, & Beyond
@shoplegitstyle 12 Old South Wharf
Legit is an exclusive seasonal boutique offering a curated edit of women’s apparel, accessories, and lifestyle goods sourced from France, Greece, Portugal, and beyond. Every piece is hand-selected for its craftsmanship, detail, and effortless wearability. Discover your Legit looks at 12 Old South Wharf and @shoplegitstyle shop-legit.com
The Love Shack by Lola Open for the 2026 Season Layer. Collect. Gift.
774-325-5982 10 Old South Wharf
THE LOVE SHACK is located right in the heart of Nantucket’s boat basin and it is home to our entire collection of LOLA jewelry. Here you can see, touch and layer all of our pendants, chains, and bracelets that LOLA offers. It is also our inspiration for our Love Shack apparel and home goods which include t-shirts, candles, hats, glassware – everything you need that is perfect for your very own Love Shack! Holiday Sale: discounts on everything in the store (not including gift cards). lolacompany.com
The Rainbow Fleet Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 5pm Clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories
508-680-1159 167 Orange Street
Shop sustainably at THE RAINBOW FLEET, Nantucket’s year round women’s consignment boutique located mid-island near the rotary. We carefully select the best vintage, modern and designer pieces from over 450 island consignors, and steam-clean them into new life daily! From clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories to one of a kind finds from local artists, you can find your own style in our relaxed atmosphere—complete with outdoor covered shopping, dressing rooms, and, yes, ample parking! We aim to provide sustainable and affordable fashion options for all… great for the planet and your wallet too! @therainbowfleet
Sara Campbell Open for the Season Celebrating Made in the USA every day!
508-680-1626 5 South Beach St.
SARA CAMPBELL is a women’s fashion brand rooted in timeless, feminine style, and American
August 13-19, 2026
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craftsmanship. We are a small business with a big vision—creating mindful collections in limited quantities, made in the USA. With our customers and community at the heart of everything, we believe in style that endures. Visit SARA CAMPBELL at 5 South Beach to find the perfect look … see you soon! saracampbell.com
Art Schools & Classes
Nantucket Island School of Design & the Arts
508-228-9248 Thursday Night Fete + Seaview Farm at 23 Wauwinet Road Workshops, Tutorials, Lectures, Silo Gallery Openings www.nisda.org
Art for all at NISDA. Summer Creativity at the Nantucket Island School of Design & the Arts! Students 5 to 105+ celebrate creativity, imagination and interdisciplinary art through Ceramics, Fibers, Painting & Drawing, Photography, and Creative Wellness. NISDA is dedicated to sharing the spirit of creativity that the Arts bring and offers a place to be inspired, refreshed; to create, & learn. Week-long to season-long Artist’s Residencies. NISDA is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit. Visit NISDA’s Visit for our Thursday Night Fetes. Meet our staff! Sign up for Painting, Textiles, Clay, Photography, & Creative Well Being! Get Messy & Make a Bowl in the Long Shed!
Artists & Galleries
Artists Association of Nantucket
508-228-0294 “Eye of the Beholder” Aug. 6-18 with an opening 8 Federal Street reception at 5 pm on Aug. 13 In-Person Gallery & Online Exhibits
The mission of the ARTISTS ASSOCIATION OF NANTUCKET is to foster the visual arts on Nantucket. They create a vibrant arts community by promoting, supporting, and encouraging the work of Nantucket artists, providing educational programs in the arts, and preserving the legacy of Nantucket artists. You can see a range of works, including oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, mixed media, ceramics, and photography in AAN’s Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery downtown at 8 Federal Street. Through August 18 Eye of the Beholder, Hale Juried Exhibition exhibit will be on display: reception at 5 pm on Aug. 13. Stay in touch at nantucketarts.org for a schedule of 2026 exhibits. Visit AAN’s online gallery to view regularly changing online exhibitions of fresh, original artwork from iconic Nantucket artists. nantucketarts.org
G. S. Hill Gallery Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm Oils, watercolors, prints, and note cards by G. S. Hill
508-228-1353 40 Straight Wharf
gshill.com G. S. HILL’s one-man gallery is open daily. For more than three decades, Greg’s original oil and watercolor paintings have captured the image, spirit, and soul of Nantucket.The gallery also offers giclees and miniatures, plus exclusive American-made gifts designed by Greg and Judi Hill. Est. 1979
Gallery at Four India
508-228-8509 Joanna Kane and Sherre Wilson Liljegren Outside of Time Opening Reception August 14th from 6-8pm A fine selection of art & art glass Open Daily upstairs at 4 India Street
THE GALLERY AT FOUR INDIA is an exhibition gallery that offers the collector an tranquil space to browse through fine collections of art. Stroll upstairs and see the new artists and works in the gallery for 2026. THE GALLERY AT FOUR INDIA is open daily. thegallerynantucket.com
Hostetler Gallery Forest & Form: A Centennial Celebration Sculpture & Art of David Hostetler & other featured artists
740-591-8180 42 Centre St
Located in beautiful downtown Nantucket, HOSTETLER GALLERY is hosting a centennial celebration of the art of David Hostetler, featuring never before seen sculptures by David from a private collection. This special exhibition features monumental works carved from elm, walnut, cherry, and other native hardwoods, and offers a deep look at Hostetler’s evolution as a sculptor of the female form. Special events will be held throughout the season. On August 6: Susan Hostetler celebrates 100 years of David Hostetler’s art with more to explore about the artistic career of sculptor David Hostetler: stories about his process and inspirations. In addition, the gallery also exhibits paintings & photography by contemporary esteemed artists as well as luxury Eittem sculptural handbags. hostetlergallery.com
Susan Lister Locke Gallery
508-228-2132 & 508-221-0531 Open Daily & don’t miss the special WOW event on Aug. 19 Watercolor Class with artist Ellie Gottwald 28A Easy Street Art and Inspired, Creative Jewelry
Inspired by the ocean that surrounds her, be it in her Gallery on Nantucket or her winter home in Palm Beach Florida, Jewelry Designer, Susan Lister Locke creates highly sought after, unique jewelry using beautiful, and oftentimes rare, gemstones set in high karat Gold and Platinum. Follow @susanlisterlockejeweler susanlisterlocke.com
Cape Cod 5 Open Monday-Saturday
Banking 888-225-4636 Locations at 112 Pleasant Street & Zero Main Street
We at CAPE COD FIVE are deeply committed to the communities we serve. Our dedication to serving our neighbors and local businesses and earning our customers’ trust every day has remained the same since our founding in 1855. We focus on continuously evolving to be our customers’ trusted financial partner in a rapidly changing world, offering digital tools, accessibility and sound guidance and insight to help our customers navigate their unique journeys. capecodfive.com
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Island Fun & Shopping Bike Rentals
Cook’s Cycle
Open Daily Bicycle Rentals & e-Bike Rentals
508-228-0800 6 So. Beach Street, next to Affordable Rentals
Nantucket’s bike shop for all of your vacation needs.... here at Cook’s Cycles Nantucket we have all of the latest bikes and accessories for your beach runs, brewery tours, and beyond. Our selection of new bicycles & e-bikes in a convenient downtown Nantucket location (just a 2-minute walk from Steamboat Wharf) is great for a day of cycling. Nantucket is known for its many bike paths and trails. Whether you want to ride to Jetties Beach for a swim or take in the sights of the Sconset Loop, Cooks Cycles has the bikes for you and your family. Moped & Jeep rentals, too! cookscyclesnantucket.com
Easy Riders Bicycles
508-325-2722 65 Surfside Road
Open Daily Bike Rentals, Sales, Service AND Electric Bikes
EASY RIDERS BICYCLE RENTALS offers rentals, sales, and service, plus island-wide free delivery on all rentals and usually within an hour or so. With advanced on-line reservations, it’s the easiest way to experience Nantucket! Offering low prices and discounts on multi-day, weekly, monthly, and group rentals of top quality, new GT and Easy Riders bicycles, as well as retrostyle Schwinn Cruisers, and accessories in a variety of styles...They have the right bicycle for all of your adventures. We have electric bikes. Check out our Easy Riders brand ebikes at erbikes.com. EASY RIDERS has a safe & convenient bike path location at 65 Surfside Road. easyridersbikerentals.com
Young’s Bicycle Shop
508-228-1151 6 Broad Street
Open daily in season “The Cycle-logical Way to See Nantucket Island”
Harvey A Young’s Bicycle Shop started on Nantucket in 1931. When Harvey sold the business to his son, Roger, it became YOUNG’S BICYCLE SHOP. Now with over 90 years in business, the 4th generation is running YOUNG’S. The Young family and their staff provide you with the ideal rental bike for Nantucket. Their fleet of CANNONDALE and TREK bikes are well maintained, so you and your family can have a safe and enjoyable bike ride around the island. YOUNG’S also rents cars and Jeeps. Check out their website, give them a call, or stop in to see their friendly, knowledgeable staff, so they can share with you “The Cycle-logical Way to See Nantucket Island”. Reservations & delivery services available. youngsbicycleshop.com
Books & Publications
CALL NANTUCKET
508-228-9165 ext. 110 FREE DOWNLOAD - Nantucket’s searchable phone book app CallNantucket.com The island’s “Little Black Book”
CALL NANTUCKET is the fully searchable app version of The Nantucket Directory: the island’s phone book. Not sure who to call? Browse our Yellow Pages to choose the best company for your needs! Town information in our newly redesigned White Pages. Our CALL NANTUCKET app is FREE TO DOWNLOAD.CallNantucket@gmail.com
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket Guiding Visitors on Nantucket for 56 Years In print & online + eNewsletter
508-228-9165 Box 626, Nantucket, MA 02554
Visit our online publication to see more articles, more photos, enter contests, and to share your impressions of Nantucket. For more than half a century, YESTERDAY’S ISLAND/TODAY’S NANTUCKET has been the best source for planning your leisure time on Nantucket Island. From Daffodil Festival through Christmas Stroll, you can pick up our print editions, available everywhere, or you can visit us online at YesterdaysIsland.com. After you leave your favorite island, you can stay in touch with the happenings here — find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram @nantucket_insider, and sign up for our free Nantucket eNewsletter — look for the link at the top of Nantucket.net Yesterdaysisland.com
Bookstores
Mitchell’s Book Corner
Open Daily with Book Signings on August 14 & 15 See the calendar for our upcoming book signings
508-228-1080 54 Main Street
MITCHELL’S BOOK CORNER prides itself on a long tradition of personalized attention to its customers for more than 50 years. Visit nantucketbookpartners.com for any book in print, preorders, signed copies, e-books, audio books, gift cards, staff picks, and more. If the book is “on our shelves now” we can offer next business day island home delivery for a small fee. If the book is not on-hand we can either ship it to you or order it for you. We are also happy to ship books to anywhere in the US. MITCHELL’S is open daily. nantucketbookpartners.com
August 13-19, 2026
Nantucket Bookworks
508-228-4000 25 Broad Street
Open Daily: books, gifts, chocolate Books, chocolates, & unique gifts
NANTUCKET BOOKWORKS is our quirky little shop chock full of books, gifts, and goodies. Visit nantucketbookpartners.com for books and nantucketbooksworks.com for the very best of Bookworks online. We have Nantucket gifts, puzzles, games, toys, art supplies, party accessories, stuffed animals, greeting cards, kids items, and so much more. And we have an enticing nook filled with amazing chocolates to buy and savor as you read your new books. We also are happy to ship anywhere in the US. For books, shop nantucketbookpartners.com. Order online or stop in to browse. BOOKWORKS is open daily. nantucketbookpartners.com
Affordable Rentals
Car Rentals 508-228-3501 6 South Beach Street
Open daily Cars, jeeps, mopeds
AFFORDABLE RENTALS can help make your visit on Nantucket more complete. With their cars, 4x4s, vans, and mopeds, you will have access to all parts of the island: Great Point, Wauwinet, Coatue, Squam,‘Sconset, Madaket, and more. Explore to your heart’s content in a vehicle from AFFORDABLE RENTALS, open daily at 6 South Beach Street. Call ahead for reservations. All major credit cards accepted. affrentals.com
Young’s Bicycle Shop
508-228-1151 6 Broad Street
Open daily in season “The Cycle-logical Way to See Nantucket Island”
Harvey A Young’s Bicycle Shop” started on Nantucket in 1931. When Harvey sold the business to his son, Roger, it became YOUNG’S BICYCLE SHOP. Now with over 90 years in business, the 4th generation is running YOUNG’S. The Young family and their staff provide you with the ideal rental bike for Nantucket AND YOUNG’S also rents cars and Jeeps. Check out their website, give them a call, or stop in to see their friendly, knowledgeable staff, so they can share with you “The Cycle-logical Way to See Nantucket Island”. Reservations & delivery services available. youngsbicycleshop.com
Charters - Sailing & Boating
Endeavor Sailing Excursions Private Charters. Per Person Fares Pleasure sailing
508-228-5585 Slip 1015, Straight Wharf
“Captain James Genthner shares his love of the Island with visitors aboard his sloop ENDEAVOR”—Ted Reinstein, CBS Good Day! Featured in Yankee Magazine’s Best of New England: “A cruise aboard the Endeavor is a lesson in beauty and local history.”“No one has done more to make sure that Nantucket’s maritime traditions are alive and well than Capt. Jim Genthner,” Nat Philbrick, author In the Heart of the Sea. The ENDEAVOR sails daily at 10 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and at sunset. They offer private charters, public sails. Gift certificates are available. Call for information and reservations. endeavorsailing.com
Nantucket by Water
508-228-7037 A Variety of Boat Tour Adventures for All Ages Straight Wharf, Slip #1011 Face Painting Cruises, Ice Cream Cruises, Cocktail Cruises, Sunset Cruise, & more
NANTUCKET by WATER (formerly Shearwater Excursions) is a local family-run company dedicated to providing unique tours and cruises to individuals and families of all age groups. From small kids to grandparents, NBW has trips that cater to your needs and taste for adventure. Whether you take a leisurely tour around Nantucket Harbor, or a longer adventure exploring the wildlife sanctuary of Coatue or visiting the unique 5th Bend Oyster Farm, Nantucket By Water promises an exceptional experience. nantucketbywater.com
Children’s Programs & Family Fun
Family Activities @ Children’s Beach
508-228-0925 Activities & Fun at Children’s Beach thru mid-August at Children’s Beach See Calendar of Events for Dates & Times Fun & games for children and families
Children’s Beach, located at the end of Harbor View Way, is the perfect park for families and children. Through August, the Town of Nantucket’s Culture & Tourism department sponsors fun for everyone, including free Sunday evening concerts, tie-dye, crafting, capoeira, magic shows, & more. See our display ad, check the events calendar, and use the QR code in our ad nantucket-ma.gov
Kids’ Night Out Nantucket Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays from 6-9 pm
508-325-4600 at Murray Camp
Enjoy your night out while your kids enjoy theirs! Operated by Murray Camp Nantucket (est. 1989), Kids’ Night Out offers children ages 4–12 an exciting evening of games, crafts, themed activities, outdoor play, movies, and fun in a safe, supervised environment. Complimentary in-town shuttle pickup and drop-off available. Register with the QR code in our ad kidsnightoutnantucket.com
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Island Fun & Shopping Classes & Workshops
Artists Association of Nantucket Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm Classes & Workshops for all ages
508-228-0722 Visual Arts Center, 24 Amelia Drive
The ARTISTS ASSOCIATION’s Arts Program offers year-round educational programs for adults and children. Our spacious workshop on Amelia Drive hosts a wide variety of classes and workshops in many media including oil painting, watercolor, pastel, life drawing, ceramics, printmaking, textile art and mixed media. Our instructors are resident artists, AAN artist members and a variety of visiting artists who work in a range of mediums and bring a wealth of talent and experience to the program. Classes are designed for all levels of experience, from the novice to advanced and for all ages. nantucketarts.org
Aunt Leah’s Fudge
Confections 508-228-1017 The Courtyard, 16 Straight Wharf
Made fresh on Nantucket
Step into AUNT LEAH’s and discover why our homemade fudge has been loved for decades and voted award-winning year after year. Crafted fresh in our shop using premium ingredients, we offer more than 40 rich and creamy flavors that make every visit unforgettable. Don’t leave Nantucket without trying our famous chocolate-covered cranberries, available in both milk and dark chocolate. Sweet, tart, and perfectly indulgent, they’ve become a favorite island treat and gift. Looking for the perfect souvenir or special occasion gift? Explore our wonderful collection of beautifully packaged tins filled with our signature fudge and chocolate specialties — perfect for sharing a taste of Nantucket with family and friends. www.auntleahs.com
Consignment & Thrift Shops
Commonwealth
508.680.1399 16 Federal Street
Visit us in the store and online! Fabulous Resale. Fresh Finds.
COMMONWEALTH is a unique resale boutique where we believe even clothes deserve a second chance. This eclectic little shop on Oak Street specializes in curating quality gently used pieces from your favorite designers. Come in to find preloved gems or bring in your gently used items to turn your closet into cash! Commonwealthnantucket.com
Hospital Thrift Shop
508-228-1125 Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am-12:30pm & 1-3:30pm Clothing, housewares, furniture & more Tues. & Thurs. 1-3:30pm & Sat. 10am-12:30pm 17 India Street In 1929, a small group of dedicated women volunteers established the Thrifty Shop, selling affordable, recycled men, women and children clothing, household items and furniture to benefit the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Now incorporated as THE HOSPITAL THRIFT SHOP this store has donated millions to the NCH. Shopping hours in May are Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 10 am to 12:30 pm & 1-3:30 pm and Tuesday & Thursday 1-3:30 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 12:30 pm. Evening hours start June 9. hospitalthriftshop.org
The Rainbow Fleet
508-680-1159 167 Orange Street
Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 5pm Clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories
therainbowfleetnantucket.com Shop sustainably at THE RAINBOW FLEET, Nantucket’s year round women’s consignment boutique located mid-island near the rotary. We carefully select the best vintage, modern and designer pieces from over 450 island consignors, and steam-clean them into new life daily! From clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories to one of a kind finds from local artists, you can find your own style in our relaxed atmosphere—complete with outdoor covered shopping, dressing rooms, and, yes, ample parking! We aim to provide sustainable and affordable fashion options for all… great for the planet and your wallet too! Follow us on Instagram @therainbowfleet
Contests Instagram.com/nantucket_insider
YOU CAN WIN $100 gift card to spend at Cisco Brewers. ~ Follow us on Instagram @nantucket_insider ~ Like the new ACK Happy post ~ Tell us your favorite thing about Nantucket & tag 3 Friends Enter each time you see the ACK Happy post to increase your chances of winning!
NANTUCKET PHOTO CONTEST Deadline is Sept. 12, 2026 - CASH PRIZES See winners & entries online at Nantucket.net
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Nantucket with the world. Winners of previous contests are online at The Insider’s Guide to Nantucket: nantucket.net. The 2026 Contest has begun: DEADLINE TO ENTER IS SEPTEMBER 12, 2026. We accept copyright-free images of Nantucket present and past. Email your high resolution photo entries to ACKPhotoContest@gmail.com or mail us a CD or thumb drive with electronic images from your digital camera. Please make sure your digital images are highresolution. Visit Nantucket.net to see a great selection past entries and winners.
Copying, Mailboxes, Shipping
The UPS Store
508-325-8884 61 Old South Road
Open Monday - Saturday Locally owned and operated
Nantucket’s UPS STORE is in spacious quarters at 61 Old South Road and offers a variety of products and services to make your life easier: personal mailboxes, mail forwarding, UPS shipping and receiving, overnight delivery, and more. THE UPS STORE offers a wide variety of copy and print services, including b&w and color copies, output from disks, wide format printing, laminating, collating, and a full range of finishing services. You can even go there for notary services, passport photos, and mail boxes. THE UPS STORE makes high quality, full color banners and posters! Plenty off-street parking. THE UPS STORE: let them help you!
Cranberry Products
Aunt Leah’s Fudge
508-228-1017 The Courtyard, 16 Straight Wharf
Open daily Made fresh on Nantucket
Stop in AUNT LEAH’S for a taste of her delicious homemade fudge. Choose from more than 30 flavors of “the best fudge in the world.” Try her famous Nantucket Chocolate Covered Cranberries. AUNT LEAH’S Nantucket chocolate-covered cranberries, both milk and dark chocolate, are not only delicious, but also are loaded with antioxidants proven to have health benefits! Both make unique wedding favors, gifts for special events, or take-home gifts. Several of her other delicious cranberry creations are only available seasonally, so stop by her Nantucket shop to see what AUNT LEAH has available today. auntleahs.com
Digital Guide to Nantucket
All New Insiders Guide to Nantucket
508-228-9165
Beaches, Events, Museums, Biking, Classifieds, & More Visit us online & follow us on Instagram @nantucket_insider Visit Nantucket before & after you visit Nantucket! Visit the newly redesigned INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO NANTUCKET: NANTUCKET.NET for island events beach listings, biking info & maps, plus info about our island’s lighthouses, festivals, parks & trails, lodging, dining, theatre, watersports, recreation, and so much more. Our photo galleries have stunning images of Nantucket. Our Calendar of Events is the most complete and is updated several times a week, year-round. Looking for a beach? Our Beach Listings have photos, videos, and info about all the best island beaches and where to find them. Visit Nantucket before, during, and after you visit Nantucket by going to Nantucket.net ~ sign up for our free Nantucket eNewsletter, and follow us on Instagram @nantucket_insider Nantucket.net
Herbert T.
Fishing Charters
Daily: 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm. Call for Reservations Trolling “Catch those Blues and Bass!”
Day: 508-228-6655 Slip 14, Straight Wharf
fishnantucket.net Make sure you don’t miss the fishing while you’re here on Nantucket! The HERBERT T sport fishing boat will take you to where the blues are biting. Captain Fred Tonkin is an experienced fisherman and will provide you with all the equipment for up to six people to fish at one time. He takes four 2-1/2-hour trips a day: 7 am, 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm, and the fishing starts just 15 minutes from the dock. The HERBERT T is fully licensed and insured and is fully equipped electronically. While you’re on Nantucket, do as the islanders do - catch some blues! $150 per person (minimum of 2 people). Private charters are also available for $650 - up to 6 persons.
Steve Tuna’s Fishing Adventures
Nantucket Beach Fishing Trips
Book a Trip Online
ACK Happy Summer Contest
Win a $100 gift card to Cisco Brewers ENTER TODAY: Deadline is August 19, 2026
August 13-19, 2026
508-228-9165 Box 626, Nantucket, MA 02554
nantucket.net/photo-contest-entry ENTER EARLY & OFTEN! This annual photo contest is a popular way to share your photos of
stevetuna.com Want to see Nantucket from a very different and unique perspective and, perhaps, catch some fish? Join local guide Steve Tuna for an exploration of Nantucket’s amazing coastline as you fish for bluefish, striped bass, false albacore and bonito. Steve is an avid fisherman who will take you to places that most island visitors never get to see. Get up bright and early and fish hard or go at your own pace and enjoy an unforgettable day at the beach – it’s your choice! From the surf of the Nantucket south shore to the pristine beauty of Great Point, Steve Tuna will guide you on an amazing adventure!
Hill’s of Nantucket
Gifts
Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm. Unique & Original Nantucket Theme Gifts
508-228-1353 40 Straight Wharf
Established in 1981, HILL’S combines the best of Nantucket for the art and gift seeker. G.S. Hill Gallery and Hill’s of Nantucket offer fine art by Greg Hill and wonderful speciality gifts designed
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Island Fun & Shopping
Hy-Line Cruises
August 13-19, 2026
Inter-Island Ferry 508-228-3949
by this husband-and-wife team. Nantucket theme prints, note cards by Hill are their main focus. American made; that hard-to-find gift is here waiting for you! Treat yourself to a unique gift gallery from HILL’S. Est. 1981 gshill.com
Travel inter-island to Martha’s Vineyard: special price with code YESTERDAY High-Speed, Passenger-Only, Inter-Island Ferry Service
It’s A Shore Thing
See all that these sister islands have to offer! Get there quicky and easily with HY-LINE CRUISES high-speed inter-island ferry service. In a little over one hour, you can hop on over to the Vineyard...and we can’t wait to take you there! GET A 20% DISCOUNT on the inter-island ferry using promo code YESTERDAY. Tickets at hylinecruises.com
508-680-1901 30B Main Street
Open Daily Distinctive Nantucket Gifts
At IT’S A SHORE THING, we are proud to carry products made in New England. Come in and browse through our wide selection of gifts including lotion, soaps, jewelry, pottery, antiques, housewares, tote bags, art, and home decor. You can find unusual gifts at all prices in A SHORE THING that you’ll find nowhere else! shorethinggifts.com
Museum Shop at the Whaling Museum
508-228-1894, ext. 138 Open during museum hours: 10am-5pm in the Whaling Museum, 11 Broad Street NHA exclusives, gifts, apparel, books, home decor
The Nantucket Historical Association has been a steward of Nantucket’s cultural history since 1894. Don’t miss the MUSEUM SHOP at the Whaling Museum, where you will find unique gifts, books, prints, maps, and objects of art inspired by Nantucket history. Many items are exclusive to the MUSEUM SHOP,and NHA members get special discounts. 100% of all purchases support the Nantucket Historical Association and its mission to tell the inspiring stories of Nantucket through its collections, programs, and properties. nantucketmuseumshop.org
Cottage Pharmacy
24-hr emergency services, hospital care, lab, rehab Medical Care & Urgent Access
508-825-7300 10 Vesper Lane
508-825-8100 57 Prospect St
NANTUCKET COTTAGE HOSPITAL has been caring for our island community. In addition to excellent physicians and nursing staff, the hospital has a 24-hour Emergency Department, full laboratory, physical therapy, cardiac rehab, chemotherapy, surgical services, imaging services, maternity services, and much more. Through Mass General Brigham, NANTUCKET COTTAGE HOSPITAL offers high-quality virtual urgent care services for many conditions and minor injuries daily. NCH URGENT ACCESS is open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm & Saturdays 8 am-3pm. Details at nantuckethospital.org/urgentaccess Nantuckethospital.org
Home Decor
Arrowhead Nursery & Furniture
Where Home & Garden Meet - Patio Furniture in stock! Outdoor & Indoor Furniture, Home Accessories, Garden Needs
508-228-1961 9 Wampanoag Way
ARROWHEAD NURSERY & FURNITURE is the largest furniture showroom on island featuring indoor furniture, outdoor, home décor and more. Stop by their location near the airport, and browse through their wide variety of home accessories, including decorative items, table settings, indoor furniture, and unique gifts. Their garden center has a fabulous selection of plants, flowers, pottery, fountains, statues, garden structures, and garden accessories. ARROWHEAD NURSERY & SHOWROOM. . .where home and garden meet. www.arrowheadnursery.com arrowheadfurniture.com
Icarus + Co Open Daily Jewelry and Home Decor
19 Old South Wharf
Discover unique sculptural jewelry by local artists. We interpret nature through wearable art, handmade in small batches using uncommon and precious materials – including our exclusive collection of Nantucket beach stone jewelry. Follow along on instagram for a behind the scenes look: @icarusandco + @nantucketbeachstones. icarusandco.com
It’s A Shore Thing Open Daily Distinctive Nantucket Gifts
Your telephone book for Nantucket
FREE download for IOS and Android
Know who you want to call but need their phone number? Search by name on CALL NANTUCKET. Know what you want but not where to get it? Search by category on the up-to-date and locally produced CALL NANTUCKET app. This app is free to download and easy to use. Both white pages and yellow pages are included. callnantucket.com
Jewelry
Jewelry & Gifts
Nantuckethospital.org/pharmacy NANTUCKET COTTAGE HOSPITAL continues to expand its services provided to the residents and visitors of Nantucket. Located just across the street from the hospital, this new pharmacy will provide patients with greater convenience and continuity of care while sustaining an important community resource. Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s new community pharmacy—the Cottage Pharmacy—is open to everyone in the community, not only patients of NCH.
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Island Apps
Blue Beetle
Health Care
Open daily New community pharmacy servicing Nantucket
Call Nantucket
Departs from Straight Wharf
508-680-1901 30B Main Street
shorethinggifts.com At IT’S A SHORE THING, we are proud to carry products made in New England. Come in and browse through our wide selection of quality items for your home, including pottery, antiques, housewares, serving plates & trays, pillows, art, decorative wall hangings, and much more. You can also find unusual gifts at all prices in A SHORE THING that you’ll find nowhere else!
508-228-3227 12 Main Street
Located at 12 Main Street, BLUE BEETLE reflects the playfulness and elegance of island living. We strive to provide a collection of carefully curated clothing, jewelry, gifts and accessories that portray the summer lifestyle on Nantucket. The boutique is filled with modern, chic, and contemporary fashions to suit every occasion. We proudly sell Joules, Jude Connally, Captiva Cashmere, Lilla P and MZ Wallace. Known for our Nantucket Jewelry, there is something for everyone; beads to fit Pandora, rings, bracelets and of course our charm bar, where you can create your own unique island necklace. Shop year round in store or visit us online at BlueBeetleNantucket.com
Icarus + Co. Open Daily
Jewelry and Home Decor 19 Old South Wharf
Discover unique sculptural jewelry by local artists. We interpret nature through wearable art, handmade in small batches using uncommon and precious materials – including our exclusive collection of Nantucket beach stone jewelry. Follow along on instagram for a behind the scenes look: @icarusandco + @nantucketbeachstones. icarusandco.com
Jewelers’ Gallery of Nantucket Visit us online Fine Antique & Estate Jewelry
508-228-0229 21 Centre Street
JEWELERS’ GALLERY offers Nantucket’s largest collection of antique and estate jewelry, including pieces by Tiffany, Cartier, Webb, and more. Until we can reopen, visit us online to see our exquisite island classics, including the Turk’s Head braided bracelet, Nautical Cable Collections, gem-set Sailors’ Valentines, and handwoven gold lightship basket jewelry. Also featured at JEWELERS’ GALLERY is an outstanding collection of beautifully designed jewelry by such leading goldsmiths as Ronald Pearson, Michael Good, Thomas Kruskal, and others. Call us for details. JEWELERS’ GALLERY has been serving Nantucket since 1971. thejewelersgallery.com
The Love Shack by Lola Open daily Handcrafted sterling pendants, bracelets, jewelry, & more!
774-325-5982 10 Old South Wharf
THE LOVE SHACK is welcoming back customers to their shop on Old South Wharf. AND your favorite items are also available online at lolacompany.com. LOLA™ designs and creates beautiful sterling jewelry with inspirational messages on the back marking important moments in peoples lives. With more than 30 pendant designs varying in size and gorgeous colors, creating your own look is endless and addicting. THE LOVE SHACK is home to our entire jewelry collection and is inspiration for our apparel, candles, hats, and more. Everything you need for your very own Love Shack! lolacompany.com
Nantucket Estate Jewelry and Fine Arts Open for the 2026 season. Great gifts that sparkle! Jewelry, Lightship Baskets, Art, Scrimshaw, & more
508-228-0272 1 Orange Street
We feature fine estate jewelry in all price ranges - antique, vintage, and contemporary - including designers such as Tiffany, Cartier, Bulgari, Roberto Coin, and David Yurman. We also sell sterling silver jewelry and flatware and hollowware. We also carry a large assortment of Nantucket baskets and carved Nantucket purses, as well as a fine selection of antique scrimshaw. We stock an assortment of quality art work, including antique paintings, nautical items, maps, and island works by local artists. Follow us @Nantucket_Jewelry Nantucketestatejewelry.com
Nantucket Pearl Company
508-228-1353 Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm online & in the G.S. Hill Gallery, 40 Straight Wharf American made, hand-strung pearl jewelry
Authentic American-made jewelry from quality pearls at affordable prices. Jewelry designer Pam Freitus creates stunning one-of-a-kind jewelry from hand-selected pearls, stones, leather,
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Island Fun & Shopping crystals and glass. On some pieces, pearls are interspersed with turquoise and crystals or sapphire and diamond bling enhances the soft shimmer of the pearl’s whiteness. On others, the Ying & Yang of black and white is featured. Look for Pam’s signature: a small red bead that identifies the piece as hers. NANTUCKET PEARL COMPANY jewelry is available exclusively at Hill’s of Nantucket, 40 Straight Wharf. Est. 2004 nantucketpearlcompany.com
Susan Lister Locke Gallery
508-228-2132 & 508-221-0531 Open Daily & don’t miss the special WOW event on Aug. 19 Watercolor Class with artist Ellie Gottwald 28A Easy Street Inspired and Creative Jewelry
August 13-19, 2026
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Dreamland.org. Become a member and get special access, special pricing, and even free tickets! Check our schedule for film showings, Dreamland Stage productions, special concerts & events in the DREAMLAND’s Harbor View Room. NantucketDreamland.org
Museums & Sites
Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
508-228-1885
Mon.-Fri. from 10am to 5pm; Sat. from 10am to 2pm drive or take a free shuttle to 158 Polpis Road Maritime Education, History, Museum, Programs, Events & more
Inspired by the ocean that surrounds her, be it in her Gallery on Nantucket or her winter home in Palm Beach Florida, Jewelry Designer, Susan Lister Locke creates highly sought after, unique jewelry using beautiful, and oftentimes rare, gemstones set in high karat gold & platinum. Her creations – from classic signet rings to one-of-a-kind necklaces – offer a fresh perspective on timeless jewelry, with the ultimate goal of always being highly wearable. Susan Lister Locke designs for all of life’s beautiful moments – the big and small, the ordinary and extraordinary. Follow @susanlisterlockejeweler susanlisterlocke.com
Founded in 1968 as the first museum in America dedicated to honoring volunteer and professional lifesavers, the NANTUCKET SHIPWRECK & LIFESAVING MUSEUM preserves the heroic stories of Islanders who risked their lives to rescue mariners in peril at sea. These stories span from the early Massachusetts Humane Society through the U.S. Life-Saving Service and into the modern U.S. Coast Guard. This year, they’re unveiling an updated exhibit on Madaket Millie and Marshall the Sea Dog, along with a refreshed exhibit on the wreck of the Andrea Doria. The rotating featured exhibit, From Hard Times to Boom Times: Nantucket Waterfront, is also on view for one final season. Visit the Museum for tours, programs, events, and hands-on familyfriendly activities from Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples Day. Need a ride? Take the FREE Shipwreck Shuttle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays from 9:45 am to 2:45 pm, from June 22 - October 9. Find out more at eganmaritime.org . eganmaritime.org
The Trinity Collection
Nantucket Whaling Museum
508-228-7557 50 Main Street
Open for the summer season Classic timepieces: vintage & contemporary
THE TRINITY COLLECTION. Our shop offers an extensive collection of fine timepieces—classic designs with superb Swiss watchmaking. We specialize in fine watches such as: Franck Muller, Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, Cartier, Chronoswiss, Audemars, Graham, Panerai, Ulysse Nardin, Pierre Kunz, U Boat, and Rolex—vintage and contemporary. We also offer fine jewelry, contemporary and estate. We take trades and are always looking to purchase timepieces. Follow us @palmbeachnantucket
Library & Public Programs
Nantucket Atheneum
Open year-round. Books, Programs for All Ages, Concerts, & More Nantucket’s Free Public Library & Gathering Place
508-228-1110 1 India Street
THE NANTUCKET ATHENEUM, our island’s public library is a vital community hub. We are open year-round and offer materials and services for all ages. More than 170,000 people come through our doors annually, where they have free access to 1.6 million books and a large collection of CDs, and DVDs. In addition, we offer many web-based services, a digital library, free computer use, WIFI, and more than 1,300 educational and cultural programs a year. Our historic building, which opened in 1847, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and filled with beautiful art and artifacts that celebrate our maritime heritage and the history of Nantucket. nantucketatheneum.org
Maritime Education & Events
Egan Maritime Institute
508-228-2505
508-228-1894 Admission $25; 65+ & Students $23; Ages 6-17 $10; under 6 free Island residents & NHA members admitted free 15 Broad Street Your portal to Nantucket history.
No trip to Nantucket is complete without a trip to the NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM . In this top-quality exhibition venue, visitors can see a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a restored 1847 candle factory, exquisite collections of scrimshaw, artwork, artifacts from centuries of Nantucket life, and a fully accessible rooftop observation deck with an unmatched panoramic view and cozy seating. Discover treasures from Nantucket’s cellars and attics in the newly redesigned, artifact-rich Hadwen & Barney Oil & Candle Factory. Don’t miss the film “Nantucket,” directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ric Burns. Showcasing the island’s natural beauty and its significant role in global history, this 51-minute film is a feast for the eyes, offering a transformative experience for islanders and visitors alike. All this and more can be found at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. nha.org
NHA Sites
nha.org The Nantucket Historical Association preserves, interprets, and shares the diverse stories of Nantucket with all audiences through its collections, properties, programs, and research. In addition to the Nantucket Whaling Museum, the public is invited to visit THE OLDEST HOUSE, built in 1686 and believed to be the oldest residence on Nantucket still on its original site; THE OLD MILL, said to have been built in 1746, this is the only surviving mill of 5 that once stood overlooking Nantucket town; THE HADWEN HOUSE, a Greek Revival mansion built in 1846; GREATER LIGHT, a stunning and unique home that was built as a barn in 1790 and renovated & repurposed in the 1930s into a home that illustrates the era of Nantucket’s art colony days. Learn more about these sites and the others that the NHA keeps open for visitors at NHA.org
Honoring the Past & Investing in the Future EGAN MARITIME INSTITUTE promotes and preserves Nantucket’s maritime traditions. We strive to ensure that our Island’s culture and community continue to be shaped by its seafaring legacy. We achieve this through year-round programs and offerings in the classroom, at the museum, and on the water. We envision a Nantucket where every resident and visitor experiences the Island’s rich maritime history and culture, and where future generations of Nantucketers will be inspired to explore maritime-focused learning and career opportunities. eganmaritime.org
Cape Cod 5
Mortgages
Open Monday-Friday We’ll make your dream come true!
888-225-4636 112 Pleasant Street and Zero Main Street
CAPE COD FIVE will give you more than just a mortgage. . . they’ll help make your dream come true! Fixed Rate, Adjustable Rate, Jumbo Loans, Affordable Housing, Construction & Land Loans for first time home buyers. Our knowledgeable, experienced mortgage loan officers are available to help you. Call Beth Ann Meehan at 508-247-1709 or Lauren Ard at 508-247-1795 or visit our website at CapeCodFive.com capecodfive.com
Movies, Concerts, Celebrations
The Dreamland
Nantucket’s Film & Cultural Center Films, Concerts, Celebrations, & Events
See Our Website for Films & Events 17 South Water Street
THE NANTUCKET DREAMLAND is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural and intellectual life of Nantucket by providing year-round films, educational programs, and a venue for community activities that engage Nantucket in the evolving world of entertainment and education. Films are shown in our 314-seat Main Theatre, in our 110-seat Studio Theatre, and seasonally at our Drive-In at 7 Nobadeer Farm Road. Tickets are available at Nantucket-
508-228-1894 15 Broad Street
Your portal to Nantucket history Historic Sites, Classes, Talks, & more
Nursery
Arrowhead Nursery & Furniture
Where Home & Garden Meet Outdoor & Indoor Furniture, Home Accessories, Garden Needs
508-228-1961 9 Wampanoag Way
ARROWHEAD NURSERY & SHOWROOM has a spacious garden center with a fabulous selection of plants, flowers, pottery, fountains, statues, garden structures, and garden accessories. In addition, their indoor showroom carries the largest selection of indoor & outdoor furniture on the island, featuring teak, aluminum patio sets and more. Stop by their location near the airport, just beyond the Thai House restaurant, and browse through their wide variety of home accessories, including decorative items, table settings, indoor furniture, and unique gifts. ARROWHEAD NURSERY & SHOWROOM. . .where home and garden meet. arrowheadnursery.com
Special Events
Family Night at the Museum: Pirates & Mermaids August 30, 2026 from 3 to 6 pm
Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
This year, the Egan Maritime Institute’s annual end-of-summer BBQ is being taken over by pirates & mermaids. The event will feature pirate-themed fun and hands-on activities: scavenger hunt, face-painting, live music. Arrive hungry: Island Kitchen will be on deck with a mouthwatering end-of-summer BBQ to satisfy landlubbers & young buccaneers. Tickets at eganmaritime.org/events/family-night-at-the-museum-pirates-mermaids Adults: $45; Youths & children free. Ticket includes BBQ, ice cream,and unforgettable family fun.
NHA Hands-On History
508-228-1894 Fun Activities for Families during August in the Whaling Museum Discovery Center Details in the calendar of events nha.org
No trip to Nantucket is complete without learning about our island’s history with the NAN-
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Island Fun & Shopping TUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION. During July and August, families can learn while having fun with special activities connected to this year’s main exhibit: The Wider World & Scrimshaw! These sessions change each day of the week and are ideal for kids and families. Stop by the Whaling Museum Discovery Center on Broad Street Monday through Friday from 10:15 am to 4:30 pm. Join the NHA as a member and save!
Tim Russert Summer Groove August 15, 2026 from 6-11pm
Nantucket Boys & Girls Club
The Tim Russert Summer Groove is the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club’s premier fundraising event—an elegant evening that honors the generosity of those who make our mission possible. Held in August at the Club, the Groove brings together supporters, Trustees, and friends to celebrate our impact and ensure a bright future for Nantucket’s youth. Every dollar raised empowers more than 1,300 children & teens at the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club. Tickets at nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org/summer-groove
Theatre 508-228-4305 Tickets at theatrenantucket.org
THEATRE WORKSHOP of Nantucket has been the island’s live theatre company since 1956. On stage through August 22, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE brings the beloved songs of Jimmy Buffett to life in a tropical romantic comedy filled with laughter, heart, and over-the-top fun. Set sail for paradise in this high-spirited jukebox musical where the sun is hot, the drinks are cold, and the music is pure island magic. The incredible Sondheim revue PUTTING IT TOGETHER in repertory through August 14. Get your tickets today at theatrenantucket.org! TWN: Where Nantucket Meets Broadway! theatrenantucket.org
Bartlett’s Farm Tours
Tours
Reserve your spot at BartlettsFarm.com Immersive PYO Veggies & Flowers Tours
508-228-9403 Bartlett Farm Road
bartlettsfarm.com Step aboard the Bartlett Farm hay wagon as they take you on a journey to the heart of their produce or flower fields, where you can witness first-hand what’s in-season. You’ll have plenty of time to stop at multiple points of interest along the way, and they’ll provide you with a bag so you can fill it up with farm-fresh vegetables to take home or with the clippers and instruction to make your own bouquet. Dates, times, and reservations at bartlettsfarm.com/farm-tours
Barrett’s Tours
a 2-hour tour on Wed. , Thurs. , & Sun. featuring iconic island spots in Hilderbrand’s novels, led by Elin’s sister ~ the 75-minute Signature Tour which departs 3 x a day ~ the longer 2-1/2-hour Westender Tour offered Mon.-Thurs. Learn the history of our diverse island, from the founders, the Whaling Days through the present. See the Oldest House, The Old Mill, The African American Meeting House, ‘Sconset Village, Sankaty Lighthouse, The Shipwreck Museum...and many more beautiful sights. Departures are from Straight Wharf. Buy tickets in advance at nantucketbustours.com, with your HyLine ferry ticket or in-person at 42 Straight Wharf. Tours sell out daily: advance reservations recommended. nantucketbustours.com
Tours - Walking
Guided Walking Tours with NHA
Tours - Bus & Van 508-228-0174
1-1/2 hr tour; departs daily at 10:30am, 1:30 pm, & 3:30 pm Private charters available departs from 25 Federal St BARRETT’S TOURS is the oldest tour company on Nantucket. With years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service & unforgettable experiences. BARRETT’S offers 1-1/2 hour historic tours with experienced guides daily from 25 Federal Street (across from the Visitors Center) at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Our team of professionals is committed to ensuring your comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Whether you’re exploring the historic scenic beauty of Nantucket, celebrating a special occasion, or planning your dream wedding, we have the perfect transportation solution for you. Trust Barrett’s Tours to make your travel experience truly remarkable. For more information and reservations, please call 508-228-0174. BarrettsTours.com
Gail’s Tours, Inc.
508-257-6557 Departures at approx. 10 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm Call for reservations & pickup Pickup at 25 Federal St, across from Information Bureau Personal scenic Island tours: voted “Best of Nantucket”
GAIL’S TOURS, tours of Nantucket guided by native islander Gail Johnson who has been giving tours for more than 25 years, gives you a look at the Island with a personal touch. Gail leads tours in her 14-passenger van with comfortable individual seats, AC, huge windows, and leg room! She’ll pick you up at 25 Federal Street approximately 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm every day. The tour lasts 1-3/4 hours to 2 hours, and passengers are welcome at any time during Gail’s tour to get out to take photos. Private charters are available. Call for reservations: if Gail is on a tour, she’ll call you back.
Nantucket Island Tours
508-228-0334 Three Great Tours: including a fantastic & fun Elin Hidlerbrand Blue Book Tour Nantucket’s Premiere Transportation Company 42 Straight Wharf
NANTUCKET ISLAND TOURS is the largest provider of tours, charters, & transportation services on-island. For more than 70 years, Nantucket Island Tours offers daily tours May-October, corporate charters, wedding & event transportation. Air-conditioned buses & experienced local guides. We offer multiple tours daily May-October: the new Elin Hilderbrand’s Blue Book Tour
508-228-1894
Walking Tours offered by Nantucket Historical Assoc. At 10:45 am & 1:30 pm Mon.-Sat. depart from Whaling Museum, 15 Broad St. Take a walk with the Nantucket Historical Association. Explore the ambiance of Nantucket’s cobbled streets and architecture with NHA guides trained in Nantucket history on the Downtown Tour at 10:45 am and at 1:30 pm. Tours begin at the Nantucket Whaling Museum Monday-Saturday from June through September, rain or shine. Tickets: $25 adults, $5 for ages 6 to 17; under 6 free. Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street. Walking tours are offered daily. nha.org
Nantucket Walkabout
Theatre Workshop of Nantucket
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLA on stage to Aug 22 + PUTTING IT TOGETHER through Aug. 14 Nantucket’s Longest Running Professional Theatre
August 13-19, 2026
508-422-7466
see website for hikes & times Book online & pickup at Handlebar Cafe, 15 Washington St Daily Guided Wilderness Hikes on Nantucket Explore Nantucket’s wilderness with “Walking Nantucket” and “Nantucket: A Natural History” author and naturalist Peter Brace, and learn how the last glacier formed the island. Experience wildlife and rare plants. Learn about Nantucket’s conservation efforts, ecology, and the Native Americans that lived here. Rated 5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor. Adults $65-80; children ages 13 & younger $30-$35. Private and solo hikes also available. Apple Pay, Android Pay, MC, Visa, Amex, & Discover accepted. Get details & make reservations at nantucketwalkabout.com or 508422-7466. nantucketwalkabout.com
Nantucket Walking Tours
774-325-8972 Ghost Walks, morning exercise walks + afternoon tours. Call for Private Tours Explore Nantucket: No reservations necessary Times & meeting spot in calendar
The ORIGINAL NANTUCKET GHOST WALK is the most popular walking tour ever on Nantucket. A fascinating evening stroll to five of the island’s most haunted locations, led by the original guide. See Calendar of Events for date & times & descriptions. Meet the guide 10 min. early at the corner of Main & Centre sts, near the bank steps. Discounts for groups of 10 or more. Cash only. No reservations necessary. Private tours are available for all walks. It’s a great way to see and enjoy springtime on Nantucket. whjamieson@gmail.com
Hy-Line
Transportation Boat
508-228-3949 Travel daily; see schedule for times Make your reservations online High-Speed, Passenger-Only, Ferry Service from Hyannis Straight Wharf
Year-round, High-Speed Ferry Service between Nantucket and Hyannis. Seasonal, High-Speed Inter-Island Ferry Service between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. With our convenient, daily departures all summer, let us whisk you away to the Cape, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard! While onboard, enjoy freshly-made food from our snack bar also featuring local beer, wine, and spirits. Visit us online for schedules, reservations, helpful blog posts, & more! hylinecruises.com
Steamship Authority Reservations: steamshipauthority.com
Trinity Collection
508-228-0262 1 Steamboat Wharf
Watches
Open for the summer season Classic timepieces: vintage & contemporary
508-228-7557 50 Main Street
THE TRINITY COLLECTION. Our shop offers an extensive collection of fine timepieces—classic designs with superb Swiss watchmaking. We specialize in fine watches such as: Franck Muller, Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, Cartier, Chronoswiss, Audemars, Graham, Panerai, Ulysse Nardin, Pierre Kunz, U Boat, and Rolex—vintage and contemporary. We also offer fine jewelry, contemporary and estate. We take trades and are always looking to purchase timepieces. Follow us @palmbeachnantucket
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
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August 13-19, 2026
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Never Miss the Nantucket Fun!
Dining Guide Bakeries
45 Surfside Bakery & Cafe
774-333-3981 45 Surfside Road
Breakfast & lunch daily Take out or eat in our dining room or outdoor patio
Enjoy award-winning pastry chef/owner Rebecca Moesinger’s delicious pastries, hearty breakfasts, and tasty lunches at 45 SURFSIDE BAKERY & CAFE. You can enjoy breakfast & lunch daily from 6:30am until 2pm in their air-conditioned dining room or on their outdoor patio. In addition to burritos, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and hot & cold subs and wraps, they serve bubbly delights and refreshing smoothies. Order online from the QR code in our ad. 45 SURFSIDE BAKERY & CAFÉ is located along Surfside Road on your way to the beach. We have plenty of parking and are a few steps from an NRTA bus stop. 45Surfside.com
Brewers
Cisco Brewers
Open 7 Days a Week Home of Cisco Brewers, Nantucket Vineyard, and 888
508-325-5929 5 Bartlett Farm Road
CISCO BREWERS is Nantucket’s first & only craft brewery and prides itself on celebrating a deep-rooted New England island heritage through its portfolio of approachable, sessionable, and coastally-inspired beers. Founded near Cisco Beach in 1995 by hard-working, entrepreneurial islanders, CISCO BREWERS has gained a cult-like following across the Northeast. Visit its open-air beer garden while on Nantucket to enjoy a laid-back, good times atmosphere, live music, and a refreshing pint or two or a craft cocktail made with our own 888. Private tours may be arranged in advance. Table seating is first-come, first-served — reservations are not accepted. Family & dog-friendly. ciscobrewers.com
Light Food & Take-Out
45 Surfside Bakery & Cafe
774-333-3981 45 Surfside Road
Breakfast & lunch daily Take out or eat in our dining room or outdoor patio
Enjoy award-winning pastry chef/owner Rebecca Moesinger’s delicious pastries, hearty breakfasts, and tasty lunches at 45 SURFSIDE BAKERY & CAFE. You can enjoy breakfast & lunch daily from 6:30am until 2pm in their air-conditioned dining room or on their outdoor patio. In addition to burritos, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and hot & cold subs and wraps, they serve bubbly delights and refreshing smoothies. Order online from the QR code in our ad. 45 SURFSIDE BAKERY & CAFÉ is located along Surfside Road on your way to the beach. We have plenty of parking and are a few steps from an NRTA bus stop. 45Surfside.com
Bartlett’s Farm Open Daily, Year Round Farm Grown Produce | Garden Center | Groceries | Beer & Wine Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner To Go
508-228-9403 33 Bartlett Farm Road
A 7th generation family farm growing fresh vegetables on 200 acres of historic Nantucket farm land. Find our full service grocery store onsite with specialty items like quality meats, artisanal cheeses and dairy, olive oils, organic snacks, and more. Order groceries and made to order foods online at Bartlettsfarm.com. Peruse our selection of ‘well-farmed’ wines, craft beers and ciders. Our FARM KITCHEN offers take-out breakfast sandwiches, muffins, pastries, coffee and tea…for lunch we have sandwiches, lobster rolls, clam chowder...and delicious dinner specials. Grab lunch on your way to the beach, or food and beverages for your BBQ on the way home. Bartlett’s Farm, Who’s Your Farmer? bartlettsfarm.com
Cook’s Cafe Open Daily 10 am to 3 pm Healthy Take Out — Wraps & Smoothies
508-228-8810 6 South Beach Street
COOK’S CAFE is the way to eat healthy while you’re on Nantucket. Start your day right with one of their breakfast wraps, a toasted bagel, and a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing breakfast smoothie. Their Mermaid Magic Smoothie is a great way to start your day! For lunch or later, order one of COOK’S hearty wraps—there are more than 15 to choose from in two sizes, and they also have vegan specialties! All wraps are affordably priced. Go international with the “Bangkok Chicken Wrap,” the “Tokyo Curry Wrap,” the “Napoleon,” or try one of their tasty Bowls. They also have some classics: Italian, Turkey, Tuna Salad, Buffalo Chicken, and more! COOK’s smoothies make a terrific afternoon snack. You can call in or order online at cookscafenantucket.com
Live Entertainment Cisco Brewers Live Music & tasty libations
508-325-5929 5 Bartlett Farm Road
CISCO BREWERS is Nantucket’s first & only craft brewery and prides itself on celebrating a deep-rooted New England island heritage through its portfolio of approachable, sessionable, and coastally-inspired beers. Founded near Cisco Beach in 1995 by hard-working, entrepre-
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Nobadeer Café
Dining Guide
neurial islanders, CISCO BREWERS has gained a cult-like following across the Northeast. Visit its open-air beer garden while on Nantucket to enjoy a laid-back, good times atmosphere, live music, and a refreshing pint or two or a craft cocktail made with our own 888. Private tours may be arranged in advance. Table seating is first-come, first-served — reservations are not accepted. ciscobrewers.com
Bartlett’s Farm
Markets
Open Daily, Year Round Farm Grown Produce | Garden Center | Groceries | Beer & Wine Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner To Go
508-228-9403 Bartlett Farm Road
A 7th generation family farm growing fresh vegetables on 200 acres of historic Nantucket farm land. Find our full service grocery store onsite with specialty items like quality meats, artisanal cheeses and dairy, olive oils, organic snacks, and more. Order groceries and made to order foods online at Bartlettsfarm.com. Peruse our selection of ‘well-farmed’ wines, craft beers and ciders. Our Farm kitchen offers take-out breakfast sandwiches, muffins, pastries, coffee and tea…for lunch we have sandwiches, lobster rolls, clam chowder...and delicious dinner specials. Grab lunch on your way to the beach, or food and beverages for your BBQ on the way home. Bartlett’s Farm, Who’s Your Farmer? bartlettsfarm.com
Night Life
The Brotherhood of Thieves
Whether you are a first-time or returning visitor to Nantucket, THE BROTHERHOOD OF THIEVES, 23 Broad Street, must be on your To Do List! This landmark island eatery, offers 4 concepts to enjoy—a downstairs pub echoing a 1840s Whaling tavern, a second floor Cisco Kitchen & Bar with a surf shack vibe and live music, the Notch Whiskey Bar, and a Beer Garden on their patio— all in the heart of downtown Nantucket. Upstairs in their Cisco Surf Bar, they have live music most nights. brotherhoodnantucket.com
NobaBar Open Tuesday-Sunday from 3 to 10 pm Cozy Cocktail Lounge in the Nantucket Inn
508 228-6900 1 Miller Lane, in The Nantucket Inn
nantucketinn.net/dining Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, an evening cocktail, or a nightcap before bed, NobaBar is the perfect place for refreshments and snacks. Located in The Nantucket Inn, NobaBar is the ideal spot to gather with friends away from the crowds downtown.
Rose & Crown Open daily from 11:30 am Come for the Food, Stay for the Fun!
Restaurants
Open 7 days a week 11:30 am to midnight Good food. Good drinks. Good company.
774-325-5812 23 Broad Street
Whether you are a first-time or returning visitor to Nantucket, THE BROTHERHOOD OF THIEVES, 23 Broad Street, must be on your To Do List! This landmark island eatery, offers 4 concepts to enjoy—a downstairs pub echoing a 1840s Whaling tavern, a second floor Cisco Kitchen & Bar with a surf shack vibe and live music, the Notch Whiskey Bar, and a Beer Garden on their patio— all in the heart of downtown Nantucket. THE BROTHERHOOD’s different menus feature fresh salads, sushi, hot & cold appetizers, nachos, hearty burgers & sandwiches, their famous curly fries, and entrees featuring fish, chicken, and steak. (Kitchen closes at 10pm.) To accompany your meal, THE BROTHERHOOD serves Cisco & other craft beers on draft, wines by the glass & by the bottle, and more than a dozen signature cocktails. brotherhoodnantucket.com
The Chanticleer Lunch & Dinner Tuesday-Sunday Reservations available on resy.com or 508.257.4499
The all-new NOBADEER CAFE is your laid-back island escape inside the freshly reimagined Nantucket Inn. Whether you’re up early after chasing the sunrise or rolling out of bed ready to fuel your beach day, we’ve got just what you need to start your morning off right—or keep it going strong. In addition to bold coffees, for breakfast we serve warm breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, bagels, and pastries. Our satisfying lunches include hearty salads, tasty bowls, hot flatbreads, and delicious clubs and paninis. And we have a kids’ menu for your little ones. Whatever you’re after, NOBADEER CAFE is the perfect pit stop. nobadeercafe.com
Rose & Crown
508-228-2595 23 South Water Street
Open daily from 11:30 am Indoor & Outdoor Dining ~ Takeout Available
THE ROSE & CROWN is a perennial favorite of islanders and visitors. Stop by for one of the largest draft Craft Beer selections on the island and our scratch made Eclectic Pub Fare. We offer everything you could desire, including nachos and wings, sandwiches and our famous burgers, lobster rolls, local seafood, and mouth watering steaks, plus gluten-free and vegetarian options. Always family friendly with a children’s menu. Eat indoors or at our sidewalk tables. And you can order online for takeout. Check theroseandcrown.com for current hours, menus, & daily specials. theroseandcrown.com
Wines & Spirits Curated selection of wines & spirits 16 Federal Street
Open 10 am to 9 pm
This new boutique bottle shop founded by Edwin Claflin, chef & owner of Oran Mór Bistro, in partnership with Eileen Harkness, proprietor of the resale boutique Commonwealth Nantucket. Their goal is to enrich the island’s wine scene by offering a curated grower champagnes, unique spirits, and small-producer wines. From wine to whiskey, they have that bottle you’ve been looking for as well as the one you didn’t know you wanted. morwine.com
Nantucket Vineyard
508-325-5929 5 Bartlett Farm Road
Open daily Fine Nantucket wines
Stop by to taste our delicious wines. Located next to Cisco Brewers and Triple Eight Distillery. Ask about our wine dinners and events. Call for more information or to book a tour. ciscobrewers.com
508-228-2595 23 South Water Street
THE ROSE & CROWN is a favorite among locals and visitors. We are Nantucket’s only Downtown Nightclub. Whether it’s live local music, guided paint nights, house DJs, big screens for games, or our notorious karaoke competitions, we have your entertainment needs covered. In-season, we have entertainment 7 days a week, with early and late-night options, so everyone has a chance to enjoy the fun. Check our website for entertainment listings. Theroseandcrown.com
The Brotherhood of Thieves
508-228-6900
Open daily from 7 AM to 3 PM; Bar Open Tues-Sun from 3 to 10 pm 1 Miller Lane, in The Nantucket Inn A casual, family-friendly spot for dining in or take-out
Mór Wine 774-325-5812 23 Broad Street
Open 7 days a week 11:30 am to midnight Good food. Good drinks. Good company.
August 13-19, 2026
508-257-4499 9 New Street, Siasconset
Originally opened as a small tea house at the turn of the century, THE CHANTICLEER is now one of the premier restaurants on Nantucket. One of the most romantic destinations on-island, you may linger here over an intimate lunch in the Rose Garden or come together with family and friends for a convivial dinner in one of our personal dining rooms: al fresco on warm evenings. The lush gardens produce organic herbs, flowers, berries, and seasonal vegetables for the kitchen. An extensive wine list features some of the finest wines in the world. Reservations are available on resy.com or by calling 508-257-4499 chanticleernantucket.com
ACK Happy Summer Contest! Win i a $100 Gif Gift Card to Cisco Brewers TO ENTER: 1 Follow us on Instagram: 1. @Nantucket_Insider 2. Like the ACK Happy posts 3. Te Tell us wh w at you like best about Nan ntucket 4. Tag 3 friends 5. Like & comment on our #ACKHappy possts for more chances to win Winnerr will be drawn on August 19, 20 026.
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Events & Entertainment Events are updated daily, year-round at Nantucket.net from page 13
11:45 AM - The Westender Tour with Island Tours Visit historic sites in Town and the Village of Madaket. Also enjoy stops at Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm & at Cisco Brewers where you can enjoy libations & food vendors. The experience lasts about 2-1/2 hours. Book at 42 Straight Wharf, at nantucketbustours.com, or at 508-228-0334. 2 PM - Shawkemo Hills Hike with Nantucket Walkabout Hike a portion of the island dramatically shaped by the last glacier to cover most of North America. See & learn about the formation of Coatue, Great Point, the Haulover, Nantucket Harbor, & inner harbor shores. Book at WalkNantucket.com 2 to 2:30 PM - Tony Tuesdays Join Collections Manager Tony Dumitru for a weekly artifact spotlight and behindthe-scenes show-and-tell. Included with museum admission. Nantucket Shipwreck & Life Saving Museum, 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 4 PM - Teen Tuesday Crafternoon for Ages 12 to 18: Sailor’s Valentine’s Learn to recreate miniature versions of these souvenirs of the Caribbean favored by Nantucket whalemen during the nineteenth century. Program will be held outside outside in the garden. In case of inclement weather, program will be rescheduled. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 4 to 7 PM - Live Music by Bendigo Fletcher at Cisco Brewers Head to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road for a pint or two & enjoy live local bands. Tables are first-come, first-served: no reservations. Ciscobrewers.com 5 PM - Dreamland Conversation with Jacqui Heinrich Hear about behind-the-scenes at covering the White House and reporting from the from lines during this conversation between Heinrich & Bruce A. Percelay. Tickets at NantucketDreamland.org 5 to 7:30 PM - Digital Photography in the Landscape for Ages 18+ Experience photographing Nantucket’s natural beauty in the evening summer light. Photo opportunities on the island are abundant. Location determined by weather & instructor. Fee $80 per student. Register at nisda.org 5:15 to 6:15 PM - Nantucket by Water Cocktail Cruise Escape the summer crowds & enjoy breathtaking views as you cruise around Nantucket Harbor with family & friends. On board music. BYOB. Book at nantucketbywater.com or 508-228-7037. 6 to 7 PM - Mindfulness Meditation A meditation class featuring a short talk, guided meditation, and time for reflection. Designed to build understanding & support a consistent practice. No experience needed. Registration at NantucketAtheneum.org 6:30 PM - Sunset Sail Aboard the Endeavor Enjoy a stunning sunset from the water. Reservations at EndeavorSailing.com or 508-228-5585. Departs from Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Departure times change as time of sunset changes. 6:30 to 7:30 PM - ELL Beginner & Intermediate English Class Learn basic conversation or improve English skills. Class conducted in English in the Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 6:30 to 8:30 PM - Free Open Arts Nights! Bring your own creative projects or just enjoy the show in the acoustically stellar Great Hall of the Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 6:45 to 7:45 PM - Line Dancing at Children’s Beach Whether you’re learning the basics or looking to show off your moves, enjoy a lively night of music, dancing, and community by the harbor. Harbor View Way. 7 to 8:30 PM - Nantucket by Water Sunset Cruise with Shanty Singers Sunset Cruise/Live Music with the Shanty Singers. Come enjoy a Nantucket Sunset Cruise while you listen to fun old time shanty tunes. Sing along or listen with a smile as you enjoy your favorite beverage with family and friends. Straight Wharf Slip #1011 Book at 508-228-7037 or NantucketbyWater.com 7 to 9:15 PM - Escape to Margaritaville Presented by Theatre Workshop This high spirited jukebox musical brings the songs of Jimmy Buffett to life in a tropical romantic comedy set at a laid back island resort. Packed with laughter, romance, and fan favorite hits, it is a feel good escape filled with sunshine, music, & carefree fun. by Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Tickets at TheatreNantucket.org 8 PM - The Nantucket Ghost Walk - Cemetery Route A 1-1/3 mi, 90 min eerie stroll featuring Old North Burial Ground, Oldest House, & 2 haunted hotels. Led by original guide. $25; $20 seniors(65+); $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Cash Only. No reservations necessary, Meet at Main & Centre by the bank steps 15 min early. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 9:30 PM - Late Night Trivia at The Rose & Crown Enjoy fun and libations at The Rose & Crown, 23 South Water Street
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
7 AM - Sports Fishing on the Herbert T Capt. Fred Tonkin is an experienced island fisherman who will take you to where the fish are biting. All equipment provided. A fishing trip on the Herbert T is a memorable for the whole family. Reservations: 508-228-6655 (evenings call 508257-4176). Trips at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm 7:45 to 10:30 AM - Free Birding Field Trip Explore Nantucket’s birding hotspots & observe birds in their natural habitats. Binoculars, spotting scope, and field guides are available to borrow. All experience levels welcome. Pre-registration required at llnf.org 8 AM - Smith’s Point Hike with Nantucket Walkabout Nantucket’s westernmost sand extremity is a great hike to see gray seals during the winter, see nesting piping plovers, least terns and American oystercatchers dur-
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ing the summer and catch a glimpse of Tuckernuck Island. This is one of the longer hikes Nantucket Walkabout does. Book at WalkNantucket.com 8:20 AM - Fabulous Mansions of the Cliff & Brant Point You’ll be over the moon after going on a 3-mi., 75-min., non-stop exercise walk with historic commentary past fabulous mansions of The Cliff & Brant Point. Tour departs at 8:30 from Centre & Main by bank steps. $25 for adults (20-64), $20 for seniors, $15 Teens, $10 ages 6-12 Cash Only. No reservations. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 8:30 to 10 AM - Pick Your Own Flowers at Bartlett’s Farm A picturesque morning in the flower fields at Bartlett’s Farm. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Farm as you pick flowers and capture unforgettable moments with your family. Clippers provided+ guidance to help you create the perfect bouquet. All ages welcome. Register at BartlettsFarm.com 9:30 to 10:30 AM - Free Children’s Yoga with Phoebe Strobino This fun and engaging weekly program encourages movement and mindfulness in a relaxed outdoor setting. Children’s Beach, Harbor View Way. 910 AM - Endeavor Sailing Excursions with Captain Jim Learn Nantucket’s maritime history & see waterfront sights. Reservations encouraged. Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Tickets at 508-228-5585 or EndeavorSailing.com. Repeated at 1:30 & 3:30 pm. 10 AM - Gail’s Tours of Nantucket Daily in-depth van tour of Nantucket with 7th generation native as your guide. Intown pickup. To reserve a seat, call 508-257-6557. Tours again at 1 & 3 pm 10 to 11 AM - Face Painting Charter with Nantucket by Water Kids enjoy face painting fun while parents take in the beautiful views of Nantucket’s shoreline. Book at NantucketbyWater.com or call508-228-7037 10 to 11 AM - Crafts in the Courtyard: Paper Dinosaur Hat Become a dinosaur and experience prehistoric levels of awesome! Stop by the Weezie Courtyard this morning and create your very own dinosaur hat! Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Nantucket Whaling Museum Open Daily Exhibits in 9 premium galleries, including the new 2026 exhibit The Wider World & Scrimshaw, & more than 1,000 works of art, artifacts, & treasures on display to tell the story of Nantucket across 4 centuries. Tickets: nha.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Outside of Time at The Gallery at Four India See fabulous new work by island artists Joanna Kane and Sherre Wilson Liljegren at this fabulous gallery upstairs at 4 India Street ~ TheGalleryNantucket.com 10 AM to 5 PM - Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Open Explore updates in the Andrea Doria Gallery, with the story & legacy of the famed 1956 shipwreck, and the new exhibit, From Coast to Coast: The Heroic Stories of Madaket Millie & Marshall the Sea Dog. 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM - Hands-on-History: Design an Island Map Weekly family programming at the Whaling Museum Discovery Center featuring hands on crafts inspired by The Wider World and Scrimshaw. A new activity each day with a project to create. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. nha.org 10:45 AM - Historic Downtown Walking Tour with NHA Walk through Nantucket town with an NHA Museum Guide & hear the story of the rise and fall of whaling, the beginnings of tourism, and social & racial development on-island. Rain or shine. Tickets at nha.org. 11 AM - Barrett’s Tours Historic tours offered daily departing from 25 Federal St., across from the Visitors Centre. Reservations: 508-228-0174 Barrettstours.com Again at 1:30 & 3:30 pm 11 AM to 12 PM - Book Signing with Elin Hilderbrand No pre-purchase is required for Elin’s signings. The first 100 people in line will get a ticket. Start lining up at 10am Only books purchased at Mitchell’s & Bookworks can be autographed. Mitchell’s Book Corner, 54 Main St. MitchellsBookCorner.com 11 AM to 12 PM - Reader’s Advisory with Annye Camara A reader’s advisory session with Annye Camara offering personalized book recommendations. Discover new reads, share favorites, & find inspiration in a relaxed, setting. Free. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 11:15 AM - The Signature Tour: a Traditional Historic Tour of Nantucket Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead a 75-min. tour of historic sites in Nantucket Town, Sconset, & more. See The Oldest House, The Old Windmill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse & more. Daily at 11:15, 1, & 2:45. Book at 42 Straight Wharf or at nantucketbustours.com or at 508-228-0334. 11:15 AM - Nantucket by Water Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise Relax on a narrated tour of the inner harbor while you enjoy ice cream with friends & family. Departs again at 1, 2:15, & 4 pm. One-hour; daily cruises. Call 508-2287037 or book online nantucketbywater.com. 11:45 AM - The Westender Tour with Island Tours Visit historic sites in Town and the Village of Madaket. Also enjoy stops at Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm & at Cisco Brewers where you can enjoy libations & food vendors. The experience lasts about 2-1/2 hours. Book at 42 Straight Wharf, at nantucketbustours.com, or at 508-228-0334. 2 PM - Beechwood Farm Loop with Nantucket Walkabout This property in Polpis shares elements of maritime or coastal heathlands habitat: native tree species, meadows, & wetlands. You’ll feel you’re exploring Yoda’s home swamp planet of Dagobah from Star Wars. 508-422-7466 WalkNantucket.com 2 to 3 PM - Greenhouse Tours at Bartlett’s Farm Join your farmers for a walking tour to learn how Bartlett’s grow fresh, local produce year-round. This isn’t just a walk in the dirt it’s an exploration of the technology and tradition that feeds our community. Register at BartlettsFarm.com 3 to 4 PM - Children’s Chess Club for Grades 2 to 6 Learn basics or challenge friends to a game. Bring your board or use one of ours. No registration required. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India St. NantucketAtheneum.org continued on page 34
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
Events & Entertainment Events are updated daily, year-round at Nantucket.net from page 33
3 to 5 PM - Island Tours Elin Hilderbrand Blue Book Tour From the pages of Elin’s “Must See, Can’t Miss, Won’t Forget” guide to Nantucket, The Blue Book, this tour is led by Elin’s sister, Heather Thorpe, & highlights Elin’s favorite shops, restaurants, & beaches, & showcases island spots prominent in her novels. Book at 42 Straight Wharf, at nantucketbustours.com, or at 508-228-0334. 3 to 5 PM - Ellie Gottwald Watercolor Class Nantucket artist Ellie Gottwald leads a joyful watercolor workshop inspired by Nantucket’s rose covered cottages in the Susan Lister Locke Gallery, 28 Easy Street. Call to reserve a spot: 508-228-2132 SusanListerLocke.com 4 to 5 PM - Behind the Scenes at the Collections Center Wonder what’s hidden behind the scenes at the NHA? Join our curators for a private tour of special collections, including paintings, furniture, & unique Nantucket artifacts not on public view. Gosnold Collections Center, 89 Bartlett Rd. NHA.org 4 to 5 PM - Little Adventurer’s Book Club for Kids Entering 3rd Grade + Older A book club designed for readers of adventure stories, featuring unforgettable journeys, larger-than-life heroes, and page-turning suspense. Registration required. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 4 to 7 PM - Live Music by Bendigo Fletcher at Cisco Brewers Head to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road for a pint or two & enjoy live local bands. Tables are first-come, first-served: no reservations. Ciscobrewers.com 5 to 7:30 PM - Tall Ship Lynx Sunset Sail Set sail aboard the historic Tall Ship Lynx for a stunning sunset cruise through Nantucket Sound. As the sun sets, take in views of the Nantucket waterfront and watch a lively crew man the sails. EganMaritime.org 5:15 to 6:15 PM - Nantucket by Water Cocktail Cruise Escape the summer crowds & enjoy breathtaking views as you cruise around Nantucket Harbor with family & friends. On board music. BYOB. Book at nantucketbywater.com or 508-228-7037. 5:30 to 7:30 PM - How to Play Mahjong Sign up for a 4-week series to learn this game. By the end of the series, you will know all the basics to confidently play Mahjong. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 5:30 to 8:30 PM - Free Game Night (with Mag-ACK the Gathering) for Ages 13+ A night of board games, card games, and Mag-ACK The Gathering. All levels welcome. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 6 PM - Polpis Harbor Sunset Hike with Nantucket Walkabout As the sun sets over Nantucket Harbor & Coatue, learn from Guide Peter Brace how geological forces formed Nantucket & Polpis Harbors & about salt marsh ecosystem in the harbors & conservation efforts. Book at WalkNantucket.com 6 to 9 PM - Kids’ Night Out: Enjoy Your Evening While Your Kids Enjoy Theirs Safe, supervised evening program ages 4-12 with games, crafts, themed activities, outdoor play, & movies while parents enjoy a night out. In-town shuttle for pickup & drop-off available. Register: KidsNightOutNantucket.com 6:30 PM - Sunset Sail Aboard the Endeavor Enjoy a stunning sunset from the water. Reservations at EndeavorSailing.com or 508-228-5585. Departs from Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Departure times change as time of sunset changes. 6:30 to 7:30 PM - Meet & Greet: The Rossini Club The annual Meet & Greet invites audiences to explore the music of the season through its history, context, and inner workings. Come with questions and dive into conversation with our guest artists in an open & engaging setting. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 6:30 to 8 PM - Nantucket by Water Sunset Cruise Nothing beats a Nantucket Sunset. Grab your favorite beverages & snacks and c’mon aboard for one of the best shows in town! Departure time will vary with sunset. Call 508-228-7037 or book online nantucketbywater.com 6:30 to 8:30 PM - Atheneum Knitting Group A relaxed knitting group for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced crafters. Share projects, learn new techniques, and get help in a welcoming setting. Free and open to all. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 7 to 9 PM - Cultural Arts Lecture Series and Silo Gallery Gallery opening and hear Donna Elle speak on How to Design the Home & Garden Within You at NISDA Seaview Farm 23 Wauwinet Road Suggested Donation: $10.. 7 to 9:15 PM - Escape to Margaritaville Presented by Theatre Workshop This high spirited jukebox musical brings the songs of Jimmy Buffett to life in a tropical romantic comedy set at a laid back island resort. Packed with laughter, romance, and fan favorite hits, it is a feel good escape filled with sunshine, music, & carefree fun. by Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Tickets at TheatreNantucket.org 8 PM - The Nantucket Ghost Walk - Cemetery Route A 1-1/3 mi, 90 min eerie stroll featuring Old North Burial Ground, Oldest House, & 2 haunted hotels. Led by original guide. $25; $20 seniors(65+); $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Cash Only. No reservations necessary, Meet at Main & Centre by the bank steps 15 min early. whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
7 AM - Sports Fishing on the Herbert T Capt. Fred Tonkin is an experienced island fisherman who will take you to where the fish are biting. All equipment provided. A fishing trip on the Herbert T is a memorable for the whole family. Reservations: 508-228-6655 (evenings call 508257-4176). Trips at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm
August 13-19, 2026
8 AM - Head of The Plains with Nantucket Walkabout Experience the Head of the Plains walk through Nantucket’s rare sandplain grasslands. Includes transportation to and from downtown. Bring water, bug spray, sunblock, and walking shoes. 508-422-7466 WalkNantucket.com 8:20 AM - Historic Mansions of Main Street and America’s Oldest Windmill A 1.8 mi, 45 min. exercise walk with historic commentary past whaling era mansions & back downtown. Cash only; $25; $20 seniors (65+) ; $15 for teens; $10 for ages 6-12. Meet at Main & Centre by the bank steps for the 8:30 departure whjamieson@gmail.com 774-325-8972 8:30 to 10 AM - Pick Your Own Veggies at Bartlett’s Step aboard the Bartlett’s hay wagon, for a family-friendly trip to the heart of produce fields, where you can witness first-hand what’s fresh & in-season. There’s time to stop at multiple points along the way. Bartlett’s provides a bag to fill up with farm-fresh vegetables to take home. Registration required: BartlettsFarm.com 9:45 to 10:30 AM - Dance Party in the Garden Fun songs and singing games in the Atheneum Garden. Bring a blanket to sit on. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be canceled. Nantucket Atheneum, 1 India Street. NantucketAtheneum.org 10 AM - Endeavor Sailing Excursions with Captain Jim Learn Nantucket’s maritime history & see waterfront sights. Reservations encouraged. Slip #1015, Straight Wharf. Tickets at 508-228-5585 or EndeavorSailing.com. Repeated at 1:30 & 3:30 pm. 10 AM - Gail’s Tours of Nantucket Daily in-depth van tour of Nantucket with 7th generation native as your guide. Intown pickup. To reserve a seat, call 508-257-6557. Tours again at 1 & 3 pm 10 AM to 12 PM - Children’s Beach Crafting: Design Your own Plane Get creative every Thursday morning at Children’s Beach with fun, hands-on craft projects for kids of all ages. A morning of imagination, creativity, and take-home creations. Children’s Beach, Harbor View Way. 10 AM to 4 PM - Maritime Activity Stations Explore Nantucket’s lifesaving history through rotating pop-up interactive stations featuring crafts, games, and artifact encounters.Included with museum admission. Nantucket Shipwreck & Life Saving Museum, 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Nantucket Whaling Museum Open Daily Exhibits in 9 premium galleries, including the new 2026 exhibit The Wider World & Scrimshaw, & more than 1,000 works of art, artifacts, & treasures on display to tell the story of Nantucket across 4 centuries. Tickets: nha.org 10 AM to 5 PM - Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Open Explore updates in the Andrea Doria Gallery, with the story & legacy of the famed 1956 shipwreck, and the new exhibit, From Coast to Coast: The Heroic Stories of Madaket Millie & Marshall the Sea Dog. 158 Polpis Road. eganmaritime.org 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM - Hands-on-History: Tapa Cloth Design Weekly family programming at the Whaling Museum Discovery Center featuring hands on crafts inspired by The Wider World and Scrimshaw. A new activity each day with a project to create. Nantucket Whaling Museum, 13 Broad St. nha.org 10:30 to 11:15 AM - Family Connections Tour in the Whaling Museum Experience featured exhibit The Wider World and Scrimshaw in a guided intergenerational tour. Guides bring topics to life with visual & tactile elements, to share the influence of Nantucket whalers, whale ecology, the art of scrimshaw, souvenirs, & more. Incl. with museum admission: registration strongly recommended at nha.org. 10:30 to 11:30 AM - Book Signing with Julie Gerstenblatt Meet Julie Gerstenblatt, author of The Stargazer of Nantucket at Mitchell’s Book Corner, 54 Main Street. 10:45 AM - Historic Downtown Walking Tour with NHA Walk through Nantucket town with an NHA Museum Guide & hear the story of the rise and fall of whaling, the beginnings of tourism, and social & racial development on-island. Rain or shine. Tickets at nha.org. 11 AM - Barrett’s Tours Historic tours offered daily departing from 25 Federal St., across from the Visitors Centre. Reservations: 508-228-0174 Barrettstours.com Again at 1:30 & 3:30 pm 11:15 AM - The Signature Tour: a Traditional Historic Tour of Nantucket Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead a 75-min. tour of historic sites in Nantucket Town, Sconset, & more. See The Oldest House, The Old Windmill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse & more. Daily at 11:15, 1, & 2:45. Book at 42 Straight Wharf or at nantucketbustours.com or at 508-228-0334. 11:15 AM - Nantucket by Water Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise Relax on a narrated tour of the inner harbor while you enjoy ice cream with friends & family. Departs again at 1, 2:15, & 4 pm. One-hour; daily cruises. Call 508-2287037 or book online nantucketbywater.com. 11:45 AM - The Westender Tour with Island Tours Visit historic sites in Town and the Village of Madaket. Also enjoy stops at Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm & at Cisco Brewers where you can enjoy libations & food vendors. The experience lasts about 2-1/2 hours. Book at 42 Straight Wharf, at nantucketbustours.com, or at 508-228-0334. 12:45 PM - Linda Loring Nature Foundation Hike with Nantucket Walkabout LLNF’s publicly accessible property has easy trails thru sandplain grasslands, coastal shrublands, & along the North Head of Long Pond in sight of an active osprey nest. 110 Eel Point Road. 508-422-7466 WalkNantucket.com 1 to 3 PM - Garden Talk at Seaview Farm at NISDA. Free and open to all. Seaview Farm at 23 Wauwinet Rd nisda.org 3 PM - Dreamland Concert Series: The Glenn Miller Orchestra The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra brings the sounds of the big band era to The Dreamland with timeless classics like “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Featuring soaring brass, vocalists, and the signature Miller sound, this unforgettable performance celebrates classic American swing music. Tickets at NantucketDreamland.org second performance at 6:30 PM
Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026
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Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket
Vol. 56 No. 13 • YesterdaysIsland.com
August 13-19, 2026