After the crowds have died down and the air has begun to cool, there emerges a most magical month on this island 30 miles out to sea. Here are just five of the many reasons we love October on Nantucket.
C R A N B E R R I E S
In our minds, October on Nantucket is synonymous with “cranberries.” This special month on island is painted red as the cranberry bogs off Polpis and Milestone roads burst with everyone’s favorite tart fruit. Now is the perfect time to grab a friend (two or four-legged) and enjoy a brisk, autumn walk while taking in the stunning scenery. And with over 200 acres of commercial cranberry farmland, there is certainly enough to go around!
This year’s 13th annual Cranberry Festival will take place on Saturday, October 8th and will offer attendees the opportunity to look on as the bogs are harvested, enjoy live music and delicious BBQ, take a hay ride, and – of course – purchase some of Nantucket’s finest cranberries just in time for the holidays. Of special note is the fact that this year’s festival will celebrate the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s move to organic cranberry farming methods.
C I N E M A
With summer firmly behind us, October gives us the chance to enjoy some of the indoor activities we’ve been neglecting for the last four months. Number one in our book? Getting back to the Dreamland! From new release features to the Wednesday night Film for Thought series, there are plenty of opportunities to satisfy your inner cinephile.
Also fulfilling our big-screen cravings is the Nantucket Shorts Festival, an afternoon of original short films filmed on or inspired by Nantucket and taking place in the Dreamland Main Theatre on Saturday, October 8th. If last year’s event was any indication, we know that audience members are in for a serious treat.
C U I S I N E
Nantucket Restaurant Week only comes around twice yearly, and the first weekend of October happens to be your last chance to take advantage of these special prix fixe deals at some of Nantucket’s finest eating establishments. But the October feeding frenzy doesn’t stop there… This year, Sustainable Nantucket will offer an inaugural NantucketGrown Food Festival the weekend of October 14th – 16th. From tastings and demos to tours and workshops, this exciting event will celebrate Nantucket’s local farmers, fishermen, chefs, brewers and more.
And speaking of local fisherman, it’s finally recreational scalloping season! Throw on your waders, grab your rake and hop in the water to collect our favorite delicacy: Nantucket Bay Scallops. Note that a permit is required and you are limited to one bushel per week (allowed Wednesdays – Sundays only).
C O Z Y
October is the perfect month to get back to cozy nights at home spent cooking with family and friends, hosting game nights, and reading that stack of books you’ve been neglecting on your nightstand. Light a fire on your hearth, pour yourself a hot toddy and enjoy. In need of a night out? We are loving the newly-opened Greydon House and their intimate and dimly lit bar-lounge that will surely make you feel as though you are relaxing in your father’s comfy study.
Also… Two words: Sweater. Weather. Now, while Nantucket may evoke images of sunbathing in swimsuits for the majority of folks, we like to envision autumnal beach walks in nubby fisherman’s sweaters and wellies this time of year. Why not head over to The Haul Over to snag a new quilted Patagonia pullover? Or to Milly & Grace for the perfect cashmere sweater?
C U L T U R E
Nantucket is no stranger to the arts. From Vladimir Kagan to Nat Philbrick to Meghan Trainor, Nantucket has and does play home to many talented artists, writers, singers and other creatives. The Nantucket Arts Council will be celebrating culture on Nantucket with this year’s annual Nantucket Arts Festival taking place now through Sunday, October 9th. So think of the first week of October as your opportunity to partake in New York City-level cultural events right here on Nantucket, and enjoy soaking up as much music, art, and lectures as your brain can handle.
