Independence Day is just around the corner, and with a plethora of festivities and celebrations to choose from around the island, the N Magazine staff put together their tricks of the trade to help you get the most out of your Fourth of July!
If you’re traveling with kids…
Start the day at the Main Street water fight with the Nantucket Fire Department – a can’t-miss Nantucket tradition. Don’t forget to bring your water guns and challenge your family and friends to a water battle royale! After you dry off, head to Jetties for the midday sunshine and the kid-favorite playground behind the dunes. For Mom and Dad, a frosé at Sandbar is in order… it is a holiday after all. As the evening rolls around, walk or drive to Children’s Beach for classic summer field games including potato sack races, tug of war, and wheelbarrow races. A balloon wizard will be on hand to entertain the kids, and there will also be live music jamming on the bandstand. Looking for a more relaxing version of quality family time? Grab a few board games, sweatshirts, and chairs for a sunset game night on the beach instead.
If you’re planning to have a cookout…
Shop early – we cannot stress this one enough! Our friends at Stop N’ Shop tell us that the morning of Fourth of July is a mad dash to grab last minute summer essentials like corn, burgers, and watermelon. So be sure to do your shopping the day before (and as early in the morning as possible because that parking lot will fill up fast!) If you’re tight on space for a backyard BBQ, take your summer eats to the beach for a sunset picnic instead. Just be sure to pick up a permit for your gas or charcoal grill, and make sure to bring trash bags so that you leave the beach as beautiful and clean as you found it!
If you want to spend the day exploring…
Rent bikes and cruise around on the Island’s many bike paths. You can make the bike trip even more fun by following the guided bike ride on trACK Nantucket. Stop by Maria Mitchell’s birthplace, The Old Mill, and play music along the way. Don’t forget to bring water and stay hydrated while biking! Or, take your exploration to the water and hop aboard Egan Maritime’s Tall Ship Lynx for the evening of July 5th to enjoy the fireworks. Because a sunset cruise around the harbor offers some of the best views Nantucket has to offer!
If you like to be off the beaten path…
Gather your troops and head out to the quietest beach you can find – think Quidnet, Polpis, Madequecham – and camp out for the day. Pack your favorite treats, drinks and games and embrace the peace of the beach. Extra pro-tip for a quiet spot? The entirety of Coskata-Coatue is accessible by car and is completely secluded from the craze of packed beaches so you can enjoy a truly tranquil beach for the Fourth, or head out on the evening of the Fifth for the perfect view of the fireworks while avoiding the masses.
If you like to be where the party is…
Rent an SUV with an oversand vehicle permit, wake up early on the Fourth, and head out to Nobadeer Beach, the center of the Nantucket party. Word to the wise – if you are of drinking age, remember that glass is not allowed on the beach and police cars will be patrolling and checking coolers. Be smart and safe! For those looking to continue the party into the night, check out Andy Frasco and the U.N. at The Chicken Box. But make sure to get in line early as this is often the busiest day of the summer. And although this event is not ticketed, there will likely be a door cover charge, so remember to bring cash or a debit card. Ask for a ‘Life is Good’ at the bar, because how could life get any better than spending the Fourth of July on Nantucket?!
If you’re trying to plan your celebratory outfit…
Bring a bathing suit and a change of clothes if you’re heading to the water fight – there’s no avoiding the flood of those fire hoses! Sweatshirts and layers are key for the beach, as it tends to get cooler as the day goes on. If you’re going out on the town at night, wear comfortable shoes to avoid cobblestone pitfalls (ladies, that means wedges or block heels over stilettos). This is also the perfect day to break out the traditional Nantucket Reds with a white button down or blue shirt to match. Our most important sartorial pro tip? Leave the American flag shorts and matching tank top at home – they give off a major “Chad” vibe and you don’t want to end up on @Chadtucket.
