Ten ways to (safely) enjoy Fall on-island.
1. Sip a Pumple Drumkin at the Brewery
Nothing says autumn more than a pumpkin-spiced beverage to warm you up on those crisp afternoons outside—just add a dash of alcohol and you’re ready to hit the pumpkin patch. Crack open a Pumple Drumkin, a special Cisco Brewers ale that’s fermented with pumpkins and spice, and enjoy the island’s fall beauty. For more information on hours and COVID-19 policies at the Brewery, click here.
2. Take part in the Nantucket ProAm and Swing Golf Weekend
Hit the links for a good cause. The Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s annual fundraiser offers two days of golf, dining and fun. The tournament is split into two days: The first, held at Sankaty Head Golf Club, includes the Legends Tour Shoot Out, a cocktail party and an awards ceremony for participants. The second, held at Miacomet Golf Course, includes a Meet Your Legend breakfast, the Legends ProAm and a barbecue luncheon and awards ceremony. At press time the tournament was still scheduled to take place September 14-15. For event updates and more information, click here.
3. Go Whale Watching
While Nantucket has a long history of whales off its shores, it may be tricky to spot one on your own. Booking a whale-watching excursion is the perfect way to experience the beauty of marine life off our coasts. Only private trips are available, ensuring you’ll see and learn a great deal on the six-hour journey. With whale sightings guaranteed, and the chance to see a variety of other animals, you’ll be sure to have a “kriller” experience. For more information or to book a trip, click here.
4. Take a Stroll in the Cranberry Bogs
Celebrate Nantucket’s 150 years of cranberry farming history with a sweet stroll around one of the island’s famous bogs. On your way back, stop by your local store to pick up a pack of your favorite Nantucket cranberry chocolates or juices. For more information about the cranberry bogs, click here.
5. Book a Private Tour of the Whaling Museum
Everyone is whale-come to visit the museum this fall! Despite the coronavirus, the Whaling Museum is open for business and creating new experiences for all visitors. A quick tour includes their famous 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a restored 1847 candle factory and the rooftop deck, which offers stunning views of Nantucket Harbor. For more information, click here.
6. Enjoy Fall Restaurant Week
What better way to ring in the cooler temperatures than by partaking in seasonal cuisine provided by Nantucket’s sumptuous spread of boutique restaurants and bars? Even if Nantucket’s Fall Restaurant Week doesn’t happen in the usual way, you can support your local eateries by continuing to make your family reservations and, of course, following required COVID-19 safety precautions. For more information about Fall Restaurant Week, click here.
7. Construct Your Fall Window Box
The town of Nantucket is still in bloom— or at least its window boxes are! Pick up a copy of Renee Pembroke’s Nantucket Window Boxes (available at Nantucket Bookworks or Mitchell’s) for inspiration for designing your own window box, or simply browse the beautiful boxed gardens on your evening amble through town. To purchase a copy of Nantucket Window Boxes, click here.
8. Compete in Nantucket’s Fall Series of Fishing Tournaments
Catch your fresh fall dinner when you participate in Nantucket’s annual series of fishing tournaments, organized by the Nantucket Anglers’ Club. Slip on your boots and wade into the water in early September and October for some classic saltwater fun. For more information, click here.
9. Go Family Scalloping
Nantucket scallops are world-renowned for their delectable, unique flavor. While commercial scalloping does not begin until November 1st, Nantucket laws allow noncommercial, or “family,” scallopers to get harvesting as early as October. Just make sure to obtain a shellfish harvesting license from the Nantucket Town government and keep your pick under one bushel per week. Then, enjoy your delicious, hand-picked treasures! For more information and advice on family scalloping in Nantucket, click here.
10. Tour Historical Grounds and Gardens
Ever wanted to explore a secret garden? Thanks to the hard work of the Nantucket Historical Association, you can take a peek into a variety of grounds, gardens and more on their historic properties. While the homes themselves are closed for the 2020 season, all outdoor spaces are free and open to the public. From the bohemian artist’s oasis of Greater Light, to the grand Victorian gardens of the Hadwen House, you’re sure to find a variety of magical outdoor spaces, not to mention the added bonus of beautiful fall foliage! For more information, click here.
