Welcome to Nantucket
Welcome to Nantucket Island – designated by National Geographic as “ Best Island in the World ” in 2012
Those who inhabit this spit of sand – whether they be year-rounders , summer residents or tourists – would be hard pressed to disagree that this remote enclave 30 miles at sea is indeed an enchanted spot . Nantucket has received numerous accolades over the years , highlighting the island ’ s most strikingly beautiful features and paying homage to the diligence and passion involved in preserving the “ Grey Lady ’ s ” unique and natural built environments . The twin efforts of preservation and conservation have been critical in maintaining Nantucket in its pristine condition , and will undoubtedly remain the forces which sustain her future .
As a result of its proximity to the Atlantic ’ s Gulf Stream , Nantucket is home to some of the earth ’ s most unique habitats . A naturalist ’ s paradise , the island attracts rare animal and plant species owing to its geographic location midway between the northern-most reaches of southern species , and the southern-most reaches of northern species . Visiting birders delight in the ability to spy unusual birds during Sunday morning walks and , interestingly , marine biologists discover baby tropical fish in August when they are swept into Madaket Harbor by swirling eddies from the Gulf Stream .
Historically speaking , Nantucket ’ s rich architectural heritage is promoted by a number of island organizations and town committees . Passionate commitment to building or renovating “ with Nantucket in mind ” is critical in preserving the authentic character of our buildings and roadways . Those glossy travel magazine photos of rose-covered cottages and sea captain ’ s houses are the real thing , having been maintained and lovingly preserved since the 18th century .
To insure a sustainable Nantucket requires that residents and visitors alike carefully monitor electricity demand , water use and recycling . In recent years , we have learned about the deleterious effect of fertilizers on water quality and watched electricity demand reach alarming heights . Each Saturday morning – regardless of weather – the all-volunteer Clean Team does a fabulous job retrieving litter along the island ’ s roadways and bike paths . Our island is also renowned for recycling 90 % of its trash ! Every proactive gesture makes a difference in helping to preserve Nantucket ’ s singular beauty and make it the special place you call “ home ” for some part – or all – of the year .
Sustaining Nantucket : Preserving a Timeless Treasure .
Sincerely yours , Janet E . Schulte , Ph . D ., Executive Director
© nathancoe . com
Cover Photograph : Cary Hazlegrove Design and Production : Litos Strategic Communication • Printing : Recycled Paper Printing , Inc .
The Official Guide to Nantucket is published annually by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce . © 2017 Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce . All rights reserved . Reproduction of any part of this publication by any means without written permission from the publisher is prohibited .
Requests for copies , inquiries for advertising , editorial , or photographic submissions should be directed to the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce , Zero Main Street • Nantucket , MA 02554 • 508-228-3643
In the event of any error or omission in this Guide , the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce ( NICC ) assumes no liability for losses resulting in , nor any obligation to correct , the error or omission . For paid listings , the liability is limited to the amount paid for the listing in which the error occurred , for the issue life of the Guide . The NICC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions occurring either in non-paid listings , editorial content , or in paid camera-ready advertising submitted to the NICC .
4 • 2017 Official Guide to Nantucket