The island of Nantucket is a popular destination for vacationers, a preferred second home spot for the most affluent and famous people in the USA, as well as a perfect place to have a special celebration.
But it is not only the endless beaches on the island’s expansive shoreline and the perfectly conserved wildlife which make it so special. There are many unique historical sites to see, three iconic lighthouses, and stunning mansions, houses, and cottages like no other in New England.
The best news is that you don’t have to be a billionaire to spend some time on the island. Many short-term rental residences are available for people of all tastes and budgets. You can book a place Downtown or choose a more secluded place to stay in some of the other neighborhoods and areas of Nantucket.
But even though the island is pretty small, there are many things to do, sites to see, and places to visit in Nantucket.
Here are the five places you should see next time you are in Nantucket.
1. Brant Point Lighthouse
Brant Point Lighthouse is the first structure that will greet you if you are arriving on the island via ferry. It was first built back in 1746 and has been rebuilt since then, but its original look has been preserved.
The fully functional lighthouse is still working and guiding the boats and yachts arriving and leaving Nantucket. It is one of the three historic lighthouses in Nantucket.
While visitors are not allowed inside the lighthouse, you can still enjoy exploring the grounds around it. You can take some stunning photos of the lighthouse, the harbor, and the ocean there. It is a great place to gawk at the mega yachts in the harbor.
When you are leaving Nantucket, don’t forget to throw a coin from the ferry once you pass by Brant Point. This is said to be a guarantee that you will be back on this heavenly island one day once again.
2. Whaling Museum
This unique museum is among the leading attractions in Nantucket. It is the place to go if you want to learn more about the glorious whaling industry history of the people who lived there centuries ago.
The museum is set in a restored old whale oil candle factory in Downtown Nantucket. It has hundreds of unique exhibits from those whaling years and is also the place to go if you want to see a real 46-foot sperm whale skeleton. You can also see the original Fresnel lens from one of the lighthouses on the island.
At the Whaling Museum, you will learn some amazing stories of the whaling captains, crews, and their ships. One of them, in particular, is the real story that inspired author Herman Melville to write the classic adventure novel Moby Dick.
After you are done exploring the museum, make sure you head up to the rooftop, where there is a viewing deck. From there, you can enjoy a mesmerizing view of the island and the Nantucket harbor.
3. Bartlett’s Farm
Bartlett’s Farm is not just a farm. It is actually the largest and oldest family-owned Farm in Nantucket. At Bartlett’s Farm, you can buy the best locally grown veggies, fruits, and potted plants or cut flowers. The products from this iconic town can be found used for the menus of some of the best restaurants and eateries on the island.
You can also buy some of the fresh produce, snacks, and flowers sold in the family’s vintage truck located on Main Street Downtown.
At Bartlett’s Farm, you can go on a tour through its fields and the Farm itself or shop from The Market, The Garden Center, and the Farm Kitchen. It is a great place to stop by to buy fresh snacks for the beach, or eat a hearty homemade lunch in the Farm Kitchen.
4. Old Mill
An old mill may sound like a boring site to see, but this one is worth visiting! It is the oldest functioning windmill in the USA and was built back in 1746.
The mill was built by the sailor Nathan Wilbur who was inspired by the iconic windmills in Holland (The Netherlands).
After almost a century of working and milling corn, in 1828, the Old Mill was sold to Jared Gardner for firewood for only $20.
The new owner, a carpenter, decided to restore it instead of destroying it, so thanks to him, even today, visitors can visit the mill and watch it grind the corn if the weather allows it. The guides at the mill will show you how the windmill works and will tell you its incredible story, which is spread over almost three centuries.
5. Cisco Brewers
This is no ordinary brewery. In fact, Cisco Brewers is one of the island’s hottest party spots and a preferred gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
It has a large beer garden where you, your friends, kids, and even your dogs can enjoy spending the whole afternoon. There are some unique craft beers you can try, and luckily, the brewery is right next to the local Nantucket Winery and the Triple Eight Distillery, so there is a refreshing locally made beverage for every taste.
There are food trucks on site throughout the summer and a stage with live music which plays from early afternoon to late at night.
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