There are 92 steps to the top of the tower of the First Congregational Church and though not air conditioned, visitors always seem to find the climb worth the effort. The windowed tower offers views in all directions; from the red and white stripes of Sankaty Lighthouse to the brick and cobblestone quaintness of Nantucket Town directly below. A collection of historic photographs and artifacts are on display on a mezzanine level, providing a nice, informative, resting stop on the climb up. A donation is requested.
Keeping the island's history alive is the goal of the Nantucket Historical Association. Many of the museums and historical sites on Nantucket fall under the NHA's umbrella, which makes it an excellent place to start when taking a tour of the island. Purchase a membership to receive admission to all of the NHA's sites and immerse yourself in the island's past. Individual memberships provide far more benefits other than just museum entrance fees.
You didn't come to Nantucket to sit in the sun all day or to shop. No, you came because you want to catch one gigantic trophy fish for your wall. Monomoy Charters can help you achieve that dream. They offer the opportunity to fish from the deck of a 31 foot Bertram Sportfish, the perfect place to reel in that striper you've been dreaming of. E-mail Monomoy Charters for current rates.
Like Jetties Beach, Surfside Beach is considered a great family destination with all the fixings for a great beach day, including some decent surf. Lifeguards, restrooms, public phone, parking and a food stand are amongst the amenities found at Surfside. If you don't have your own car on the Island, you can take the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) shuttle bus from town or bike along the 3 mile Surfside Bike Path directly to the beach.
Vineyard Arts Project in Edgartown is a lovely studio facility dedicated to promoting the performing arts on the island. The facility boasts rehearsal studios, workshops, classes and performances during the summer months. There are also living quarters for visiting performers and artists on-site.
The Martha's Vineyard Museum and Historical Society is devoted to the history and culture of this small Massachusetts island. Explore the island's fascinating past and learn about the people who lived here. The historical society first came together in 1922. Today, the museum and society are housed in historical buildings that are wonderful to walk through. Visitors to this museum can trace back their ancestry through the Historical Society's extensive genealogical services. There are special exhibits, classes, seminars, workshops, and movies hosted here throughout the year.
To come to Nantucket is to visit a place still in touch with nature. The Trustees of Reservations have worked to protect Massachusetts land and wildlife since 1891, and they want to teach you the value of the earth. From mid-June to mid-October the Trustees run twice-daily, 3-hour tours of Great Point, Nantucket's longest barrier beach.
Special guided tours are offered through the months of May June at the Vestal Street Observatory. In addition to taking a tour of the outdoor solar system, guides tell you all there is to know about the planets, the solar system and other natural science topics. Nantucket's unusual scientific facts are also included—the six types of snakes that can be found on the island is important information to know! Tours last about an hour; tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors. Call for tour times.
The United Methodist Church offers a Sunday service at 10a. The basement also serves as the current home of the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket.
The Monomoy Point Light is a historic lighthouse located at the Monomoy Island. It was initially built as a wooden tower in 1823 but was later reconstructed as a cast iron structure in 1849. Spread across an area of 4 acres (1.6 hectares), the light was functional until 1923. Time has not taken a toll on this structure as the lighthouse has been preserved well. Open to the public, tours of the lighthouse are conducted, where the visitors can get acquainted with the light's history and the scenic views it has to offer.
Learn more about your favorite spirits as you visit the Triple Eight Distillery. Operating since 1997, this distillery is known for offering a variety of hand-crafted spirits. The distillery is named after its water resource, a well named 888, and has been popular for producing the Hurricane Rum, Triple Eight Orange Vodka and more. You can enjoy a guided tour and a tasting session of the distillery to understand the distillation process from the friendly guides here.
Orange Street is part of Nantucket Historic District whose history can be traced back to the 17th Century. The street is home to some of the most significant historic structures of the time-honored precinct. Mostly carved out of wood, they portray arresting utilitarian design with minimal detailing and adornments. Hadwen-Wright House is one of the major architectural landmarks of Orange Street. It features distinct Greek Revival style and was built in the year 1845.