Holiday Season is Great Time to Visit Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket

Nantucket Christmas Stroll (photo by Emily Elisabeth)

Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket – After two very challenging years, people are dreaming more than ever of sharing an authentic holiday experience with loved ones. Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island offer a coastal respite where they can do just that – recapture the true essence of the season in a destination where modern amenities and Victorian charm casually coexist.

This holiday season, many traditional and much beloved celebrations will return to the Cape and Islands with an emphasis on safety for attendees, participants and locals.

On Cape Cod, Christmas on Cape Cod festivities will run through New Year’s Day, with each of the Cape’s 15 towns putting their own special stamp on the season. Savor such quintessential holiday experiences as the illuminated Pilgrim Monument, festively decorated village centers, and Heritage Museums and Gardens’ twinkling Garden Aglow. Spot all of The Giants, local glass artist Michael Magyar’s oversized illuminated whimsical figures, dotted along Route 6A in Sandwich and Dennis. A vibrant arts community and picturesque Main Streets offer a boatload of unique treasures and hand-crafted items for holiday shopping.

On Martha’s Vineyard, the month of December is a wonderful time to enjoy Vineyard Holidays, where you’ll find all the fun activities, delicious dining and lodging options or check out our Vineyard inspired gift guides for truly one-of-a-kind treasures. If you’re looking for a bit of holiday magic, come to the 40^th annual  Christmas in Edgartown the weekend of December 9-12, with fun for family, couples or a quick get away with your best pal.  Be certain to take a selfie at the stunningly illuminated Edgartown Light and treat yourself to the wide variety of super fresh chowder recipes!

On Nantucket, the two-year delayed and beloved 47^th Annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll (Stroll program guide here) will kick off on Friday, December 3 and run through Sunday, December 5, including the arrival of Santa on Stroll Saturday, with live entertainment, a visit with Santa, community caroling on Main Street with Victorian Carolers, storefront and Christmas tree decorating contests, the Christmas Market and its popular and exciting Red Ticket drawing on December 24 (winners must be present to win!).

All details of holiday events happening on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are spotlighted here for convenience in having everything in one place.

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46th Annual Nantucket Noel 2019 of Winter Nights & Holiday Lights Underway Nov 29-Jan 1

Nantucket Island’s month-long (November 29, 2019 to January 1, 2020) Nantucket Noel is a venerable tradition.

Nantucket Island’s month-long (November 29, 2019 to January 1, 2020) Nantucket Noel is a venerable tradition. With the influx of visitors and return of islanders with homes here for the holidays, Island population swells along with the intense feeling that something very special is about to happen. And, to be sure, Nantucket Noel and its dazzling Christmas Stroll Weekend remind us of every reason why Christmas season is so special to us all.

This year’s theme is Winter Nights & Holiday Nights — a reminder that, on Nantucket, the winter holidays commence with the Tree Lighting and continue for 33 days through The New Nantucket New Year’s Event and The Nantucket Hotel’s Anchor Drop on New Year’s Eve.

Nantucket Noel’s magic begins on Friday, November 29, 2019 with the annual Tree Lighting & Community Caroling Ceremony at the top of Main Street (which will be closed to vehicular traffic). Islanders, visitors and others convene in holiday spirit, gleefully anticipating the Town Crier’s countdown to the illumination of more than 150 balsam holiday trees. After the balsam trees are ablaze with light, rounds of traditional holiday carols spontaneously break out in song with the remarkably colorful and energy-efficient LED lights in the background. Caroling is led by Nantucket High School’s renowned a cappella group Accidentals & Naturals.

Nantucket Noel 2019’s festivities — including the incomparable signature event Christmas Stroll Weekend (December 6-8, 2019) — commence first at dusk on November 29 with the annual Tree Lighting & Community Caroling Ceremony presented by Stop & Shop. This much anticipated tradition features more than 150 majestically attired balsam Christmas trees lining the side perimeters of cobblestoned Main Street and adjoining byways. The 46^th Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend (December 6-8, 2019), presented by The Steamship Authority, is the following weekend.

“The Steamship Authority is pleased to again sponsor the Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend” said Kimberlee McHugh, Steamship Authority’s Director of Marketing. “We look forward to transporting many visitors to and from Nantucket during the festivities. If you haven’t already done so, please book your ferry reservations online at www.SteamshipAuthority.com or call 508-477-8600. On behalf of all of us at the Steamship Authority, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.”

Christmas Stroll Weekend is truly an inspiring event comprising the ultimate holiday imaginings of every child, teenager and adult! Every nuance of Christmas past, present and future is rolled into one weekend here on Nantucket. Nantucket presents the Christmas of everyone’s dreams for all to experience and participate in year after year.

On Saturday, December 7, everyone awaits the arrival of Santa Claus himself! Promptly at 11:45AM, when Nantucket’s Town Crier, in full regalia, will ring in the 46^th Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend presented by The Steamship Authority. The Crier then leads the procession to Straight Wharf to meet Santa, who arrives via Coast Guard cutter. Santa — held aloft on his nautical sleigh (minus the reindeer, of course!) — will greet his enthusiastic fans before riding to the Discovery Room at the NHA Whaling Museum on Broad Street to meet with the hopeful children who will regale Santa with their ‘wish lists.’

After Santa Claus’ departure to the Discovery Room at the NHA Whaling Museum, a full day of holiday activities and events including strolling Victorian carolers, bell ringers, local talent of every description, Main Street’s Magical Talking Tree, the Christmas Marketplace, styled after the authentic holiday markets of Europe, and other traditional holiday activities will be on offered for every member of the family! Grown-ups are as enthusiastic as the little ones about Nantucket Noel events and, especially, Christmas Stroll Weekend.

“From Downtown Nantucket across the entire Island, there is a feeling of anticipation as the Christmas holidays unfold. Commencing with the Tree Lighting and continuing through Stroll Weekend and Nantucket New Years, the joy and tradition are amazing,” said David Martin, President & CEO of Nantucket Chamber.

“Nantucket evolves into a living ‘snow globe,’ evocative of every wondrous emotion and memory of Christmas holidays past and present. Holiday bells, the twinkle of holiday ornaments on trees and Christmas carols complete the spell. Nantucket presents the Christmas of a lifetime, every year, with its Nantucket Noel, Christmas Stroll and Nantucket New Years,” Martin continued.

To encourage shopping local for the holiday season and promote the sustainability of Island commerce, the Chamber continues its popular Holiday Red Ticket Program, with participating Chamber member businesses giving out one red ticket for every $25 purchase.  The program commences on November 1^st, with merchants dispensing one red tickets for every $25 spent. On Double Red Ticket Days, December 14^th, merchants will dispense two red tickets for every $25 spent.  At 3pm on December 24^th, five lucky winners of $1,000, one luck winner of $5,000, and one extra-lucky winner of a surprise prize valued at $1,000 will be chosen at random from the multitude of tickets filling the enormous bed of a Don Allen Ford truck parked outside the Pacific National Bank at the head of Main Street. A list of participating merchants can be found at www.nantucketredtickets.com.

The month of December draws to a close with the new Nantucket New Years on December 31, 2019. More details to follow on this day full of events. In 2018, Nantucket Hotel hosted a Countdown to 2019 at its first-ever complimentary ‘Anchor Drop’ from the top of The Nantucket Hotel. The tradition will continue this year with a Countdown to 2020. Gather outside the Hotel at 5:00PM for an Anchor Drop or an Anchor Drop at 12:00AM, both with hot chocolate for all.

 

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Love ACKtually: Top Reasons to Visit Nantucket This Summer

The famous White Elephant waterfront hotel on Nantucket.

Located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is the former whaling capital of the world. Today, it’s home to 82 miles of public beaches, untouched moors and dunes, dramatic cliffs, and quiet harbors. With the summer travel season in full swing, there will never be a better time to escape to the “Grey Lady.”

What’s New on Nantucket: Nantucket is booming and its hydrangeas are blooming. New restaurants complement island favorites, and accommodations are opening due to demand. Despite the development, conservation remains king, with almost half the island under preservation. As the island carefully expands its offerings, here’s a look at what is new this season.

The Wauwinet, located on the northeast end of the island and sandwiched between two private beaches, re-opened in April following a multi-million-dollar restoration of its 32 guest rooms and cottages. As part of the renovation, the hotel collaborated with Serena & Lily to re-design the property’s three-bedroom Anchorage House. The interior now features the brand’s signature coastal prints and beachy furniture.

New dining options on the island include Pizzeria Gemelle, which offers Neapolitan pies using ingredients from the nearby Bartlett Farm; Or The Whale, an American bistro whose name was inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby Dick; and Saltbox Tavern & Table, which serves comfort food favorites like fried pickles and truffle honey risotto.  Also new to the island is Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop MRKT pop-up. The general store/beach house hybrid offers curated summer items like Sperry boat shoes, Alo Yoga activewear, and Vintner’s Daughter Skincare. In other retail news, Veronica Beard partnered with local Perch boutique to feature their signature jackets; and ACK4170’s first brick and mortar outpost has goods like tote bags printed with hand-drawn Nantucket maps from the early 1900s.

JetBlue has new direct flights to Nantucket from LaGuardia Airport in New York City and Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York. The service began last month. The new routes supplement existing service to Nantucket from JFK, Boston, and Washington D.C. Southern Airways Express has also launched service from three New England-based airports: Norwood, Massachusetts; New Haven, Connecticut; and Warwick, Rhode Island.

“Pet Set” to ACK: The Woof Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin are designed especially for guests traveling with pets. Pups are welcomed with Draper Canine beds, a basket of treats and toys, food and water bowls, dog-walking services, and personalized pet tags. For tips on the best dog-friendly activities on Nantucket, guests can contact Bailey, the Cottages’ resident golden retriever and new pet concierge at petconcierage@niresorts.com.

“Summer for Less” means 25% off at the Residences at the White Elephant if you stay at least three consecutive nights on select dates through September. For guests seeking an early week getaway, the “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” promotion offers savings up to 20% when booking directly with any of the Nantucket Island Resorts properties for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Added perk: Stay in one of the top three-bedroom suites at the White Elephant or The Wauwinet and receive the keys to a 2019 BMW SUV vehicle for your entire trip. The amenity equals a savings of up to $450 per day by forgoing a jeep rental.

COVER Swim X White Elephant: The waterfront hotel partnered with Cover Swim to create a children’s sun shirt, which is now available online and at the hotel’s boutique. The blue and white shirt is dotted with White Elephant’s “trunket” mascot and blocks 98% of UV rays in and around water. Sizes vary, for children ages 2-9 years old. Cost: $85

 

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Nantucket’s White Elephant Partners with Mandarin Oriental, Boston to Offer ‘2 If by Land, 3 if by Sea’ Package

The White Elephant on Nantucket

Can’t decide between a beach holiday on an iconic island and a city stay packed with culture and history?

The White Elephant on Nantucket is partnering with Mandarin Oriental, Boston to offer guests a New England vacation experience with three nights on the island and two nights under the city lights. The package also includes experiences such as a sailing tour around Nantucket and tickets to the Whaling Museum, the backbone of the island’s history. Rates start at $3,398 for two guests.

Overlooking Nantucket Harbor, White Elephant is the quintessential New England retreat composed of peaceful, light-filled guest rooms and charming garden cottages that dot the water’s edge. Guests of the hotel can dine al fresco at Brant Point Grill, Nantucket’s premier steak and seafood restaurant, or pick up a book from the on-property library and spend the day in a chaise on the Harborside Lawn. White Elephant also offers complimentary Priority Bicycle rentals, making for an easy ride to the island’s many beaches and favorite spots such as Bartlett’s Farm and the Brant Point Lighthouse. Guests who book the top suite at the hotel will also receive the keys to a 2019 BMW vehicle for the duration of their stay.

During a visit to Mandarin Oriental, Boston guests can unwind with The Spa’s tension melting New England Retreat therapy. The treatment begins with a full dry body brush exfoliation, followed by a targeted tension relieving massage. To finish, warm muds and de-stressing muscle gels are applied to revitalize and refresh. Guests will also enjoy a personal shopping experience at Lilly Pulitzer on nearby Newbury Street so they can deck themselves out in the perfect seaside attire.

The Two if by Land, Three if by Sea package starts at $3,398 plus taxes and gratuities and includes:

Two if by Land at Mandarin Oriental, Boston

–          Two-night stay in luxurious accommodations

–          Daily breakfast at Bar Boulud or in-room for two people

–          Boston-themed welcome amenity

–          New England Retreat treatment at The Spa for two people

–          $250 gift card to Lilly Pulitzer

 

Three if by Sea at White Elephant, Nantucket

–          Three-night stay in seaside accommodations

–          Daily breakfast for two people

–          Nantucket-themed welcome amenity

–          Endeavor sunset sail and island tour

–          Two tickets to the Whaling Museum

–          Three-course dinner with wine pairings at the waterfront Brant Point Grill for two people

The package is available until November 2, 2019, is based on double occupancy and is subject to availability. It must be booked a minimum of 7 days prior to arrival and additional nights can be booked at the best available rate. Reservations can be made by contacting hotels directly.

White Elephant, Nantucket: 1.800.445.6574

Mandarin Oriental, Boston: 617.535.8880 or emailing mosbo-reservations@mohg.com.

Nantucket Island Resorts is a collection of premier hotels on Nantucket that specialize in bringing the unique Nantucket lifestyle to all guests. From boating to fine dining to a large number of island festivals and events, Nantucket Island Resorts caters to its visitors and offers vacation planning that lets you get the most out of a Nantucket vacation while staying in a fantastic array of accommodations. Properties include The Wauwinet, which unveiled a multi-million dollar renovation in April 2019 and offers access and views of both bay and ocean beaches and home to AAA Five Diamond-rated TOPPER’S restaurant; White Elephant, offers a choice of accommodations including  an iconic hotel located right on Nantucket Harbor that offers a lovely arrangements of rooms, suites, cottages, and two stunning in-town luxury lofts as well as the Brant Point Grill. Down the street is the Inn with well-appointed deluxe rooms and suites and one-, two-, and three-bedroom Residences, that all enjoy access to the on-property heated pool; Jared Coffin House, a historic and charming hotel located in Nantucket Town and its restaurant, Nantucket Prime; The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, waterfront cottages with full kitchens located on three wharves jutting out into Nantucket Harbor and featuring 12 pet-friendly accommodations. All properties were recognized by 2018 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. The Nantucket Boat Basin, a 240 slip full-service award winning marina, is also part of the collection and located at the base of Town. 

An intimately luxurious hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Boston combines classic New England elegance with refined Oriental touches to create one of the most distinctive hospitality experiences in the region. Awarded both Forbes Five-Stars and AAA Five-Diamonds, Mandarin Oriental, Boston features 148 of the city’s most spacious guestrooms and suites, exquisite meeting and event facilities and legendary personalized service. Hotel amenities include Massachusetts’ only holistic Five-Star awarded spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and our signature restaurant Bar Boulud, a French-inspired bistro and wine bar from internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud. A short 15-minute drive from Logan International Airport, Mandarin Oriental, Boston connects guests to the city’s finest shopping, cultural venues and business institutions from its prime location in the heart of Boston’s chic Back Bay on Boylston Street.

 

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Lark Hotels Opens Stylish, Hip 21 Broad on Nantucket

Lark Hotels’ 21 Broad has just opened on Nantucket, bringing the hotelier’s stylish touch to the island.

Lark Hotels expands its “designer hotel meets historic property” concept with the grand opening of Nantucket’s 21 Broad, which began welcoming guests July 19.

Boasting designs by Boston’s award-winning Rachel Reider Interiors, 21 Broad is a fully renovated, 27-room hotel located within a 1876 structure and just a minute’s walk from the Steamship Authority and iconic island restaurants.

21 Broad pampers guests with luxuries such as a steam and massage room, gluten free artisan pastries and eco-friendly vitamin C showers, which de-chlorinate the water and leave the skin silky smooth.

21 Broad, which is owned by Bruce A. Percelay, is Lark Hotel’s second collaboration with his Boston-based real estate development company and joins Percelay’s chic sister property 76 Main, which opened last summer and is the only hotel on tony Main Street in the heart of Nantucket town.

Like all Lark hotels, guestrooms and common areas at 21 Broad display a hip and stylish decor, which infuses the historic architecture with bold, yet playful designs. Interiors blend an “Urban meets Nantucket – Modern meets Broad Street” feel all the while keeping the integrity of its 1800s structure. Reider has created the designs for most of the Lark Hotels collection. Textures and colors at 21 Broad blend a “white on white” palette with pops of bold colors mixed with woods, large striking art pieces, earth toned linens and sea grass.

Guest amenities and services at 21 Broad include spa services, a guest lounge with games, turntable with vinyl collection, landscaped outdoor courtyard with fire pit, iPads and iPod docking stations with a white noise feature, 40” LED Smart TVs, in-room Keurig coffee makers and refrigerators, personalized concierge service, complimentary wireless internet, and guest discounts for online purchases at vineyard vines, the official outfitter of 21 Broad and all Lark Hotels.

Set in six coveted seaside locations – Kennebunkport and Portland, ME, Nantucket, MA, Portsmouth, NH and Newport and Narragansett, RI – Lark Hotels embrace the locations they are in, but in playful, unexpected ways. Think “sense of place” with imagination and a touch of mischief. Each Lark Hotel invites guests to experience modern luxury in the heart of an iconic destination, to feel the pull of a nostalgic getaway while surrounded by today’s amenities and to find attentive service when they want it and privacy when they don’t.

For additional information on 21 Broad, visit www.21broadhotel.com ;or call 508-228-4749.

For information on Lark Hotels and the “On a Lark Club,” visit www.larkhotels.com.

Follow Lark Hotels on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lark-Hotels/204105656355268
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LarkHotels
Instagram: @larkhotels

 

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WeNeedaVacation Expert Reports Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard Rental Price Hike, Offers Tips

Vacationers booking their vacation homes on the Cape and Islands may or may not have noticed a small price increase for the weekly costs from last summer to this one. On average, listing prices have gone up 3-4%, according to Jeff Talmadge of WeNeedaVacation.com. Talmadge and his site specialize in advertising vacation rentals on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.

“There’s no science dictating how homeowners price their rentals,” Talmadge says, “and it’s important for vacationers to do plenty of research before putting down a deposit.”

Although renters begin booking their Cape and Islands vacation rentals as early as Christmastime or before, Talmadge says there are still plenty of properties available and deals to be had. “Even this late in the bookings season, I predict we’ll be getting about 150 new homes on WeNeedaVacation.com from listers who have just bought or renovated a home or whose current advertisements aren’t getting the job done,” Talmadge says. “They are able to list with us just 2 or 3 months to fill any remaining vacancies.” To get a great deal, he says, it’s important to use vacation search engines like WeNeedaVacation to sort by price and even such amenities as “Walk to beach” or “Waterviews” – and check back frequently. He discusses the matter in further detail in his appearance on FOX 25 Boston.

Here are more tips from Talmadge:

• A week’s rental on Cape Cod, on average, costs $2,737, Martha’s Vineyard is at $3,636, and a rental on Nantucket, the most expensive, will run about $4,800.
• If you want to get a good deal, the closer you get to summer when booking a rental, the fewer amenities you should insist on.
• Cost-conscious vacationers should be sure to check for any Last-minute Availability Alerts or Owner Specials.
• Though renters may not want to hear it, the price increase is a good thing for the local economy – it means it’s finally recovering from the recession.
• Before putting down a deposit, it’s important to speak with the homeowner by phone if at all possible. And always use a lease for protection.

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Nantucket Island Resorts offers ‘Hot Dates, Cool Rates’ summer specials

The Inn at the White Elephant Village will open this summer with 20 units, including 14 suites and six deluxe guest rooms. Located on South Beach Street, the new Inn and existing White Elephant Residences will comprise the newly-created White Elephant Village, a natural extension of the award-winning White Elephant hotel that continues to be rated among the top hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines.

This hot and humid summer weather has everyone longing for a cool island escape! Nantucket Island Resorts is offering fantastic rates this summer with their Hot Dates, Cool Rates promotion. Think sun-filled days at the beach and evening clambakes on the dock.

The Hot Dates, Cool Rates offer for summer 2012:

•  Jared Coffin House from $195 | Relax at this historic inn just steps away from Nantucket’s Main Street
•  The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin from $255 | Admire stunning views of the harbor and spend time with man’s best friend at the WOOF Cottages, the Cottages’ pet-friendly accommodations.
•  White Elephant from $295 | Sip on delicious cocktails on the lawn overlooking the harbor, stroll the cobblestone streets and shop downtown.
•  The Wauwinet from $225 | Retreat from the bustle of the town and take a trip to Great Point Lighthouse (located at the very tip of the island with no other soul in sight).
•  White Elephant Hotel Residences from $350 | Enjoy all of the complimentary extras that the Residences offer, including access to the hotel’s private swimming pool (in season) and complimentary bicycles.

To book online, visit the website of the Nantucket Island Resorts property of your choice and enter the booking code HOV, or call 800.ISLANDS (800.475.2637) or 508.325.1000 and mention booking code HOV.

The Inn at the White Elephant Village will open this summer with 20 units, including 14 suites and six deluxe guest rooms. Located on South Beach Street, the new Inn and existing White Elephant Residences will comprise the newly-created White Elephant Village, a natural extension of the award-winning White Elephant hotel that continues to be rated among the top hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines.

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