Our visit started on the ferry from Oak Bluffs to Nantucket. It was a perfect day. Even sitting at the pier waiting to board was fun!
Life was just getting going in the harbor and we enjoyed watching it come to life.
The ride was lovely. We sat on the top deck, hair blowing and chatting with our new friends of the hour -- a fashion designer from New York and a young couple from Westchester County, NY. Finally we saw Nantucket come into view.
We looked a bit disheveled when we landed -- boat hair! But we weren't alone.
To be perfectly honest, Nantucket, which I explored on my own while Rick was working, didn't knock me out. I suspect this is partly because my feet were my transportation.
Once I got through the shopping streets, I wasn't quite sure where to go or what to do. There wasn't enough time for the whaling museum and I wasn't dressed for the beach. I suspect if I knew about a bus tour or could have toured the whole island, I'd have a different experience. For the most part, it was a lot of cute shops and I'd been to a lot of equally cute (and redundant) shops for the past few days. But I did enjoy seeing some of the landmarks around town.
I was glad I'd worn my tennies because the cobblestone streets were treacherous! Charming, but treacherous!
Below is the library. A handsome and historical building where Frederick Douglass spoke against slavery. Nantucket did have quite a history during the Civil War.
On the far side of the library was a lovely garden, designed for readers to enjoy their books outside. I had stopped at the bookstore for a Louise Penny mystery and did exactly that!
And I found the statue outside this church lovely.
It was interesting to learn how far I was from home. I'm really not sure the distance to Mackinac Island was correct -- but I loved the sign!
The thrift shop offered a few good buys and it was fun to see new things. Had I better transportation, I might have ended up in a bit of trouble with some larger pieces! As it was a candle snifter and some postcards were my souvenirs.
There were lots of galleries and I liked this painting (for obvious reasons!).
I enjoyed a nice lunch at Brotherhood of Thieves -- reasonably priced for the area ($15 for mussels in a wonderful wine and butter broth with sausage, onions and tomatoes and a garlicky bread.)
I took a little time to do some sketching too. I'll show that later when I get my art act together but this is the scene.
The streets and buildings were quaint and I suspect some of these will show up in art work eventually, too. I loved the wandering.
This pretty wreath reminded me of the season -- Labor Day approaching!
Rick and I met up at a restaurant called Straight Wharf for dinner, prior to our ferry departure.
We both had the grilled black bass with a glass of the pinot grigio (a generous pour served in Mason jars). It was both delicious and memorable.
And of course, there is always a sign or two that reminds you who you are.
And that you're not anywhere near home!
But for me, the best part of the day might be yet to come! Stay tuned!
20 comments:
What a fun adventure you took us on today. Impressive photos, but equally enjoyable narrative. Loved some of the writings, like "our new friends of the hour" and "boat hair." You certainly experienced a lot in a short amount of time, including both a lunch and a dinner. Either of these would have been more than I could have eaten all day.
Loved it all and enjoyed reading about your thrift store finds.
Oh what a lovely place to wander. I love seeing it. Yes, cobble stones are treacherous for sure. The food looks wonderful. And the piece of artwork just perfect for you.
Being on foot can really be a challenge sometimes. It always feels as if the good stuff is just beyond one's capacity. Happens to me all the time -- especially on islands that don't do much with cars! I'm glad you did find some fun.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I've never been to Nantucket. It was fun to read your description and see your photos. I look forward to seeing your art.
That's interesting to me that you didn't find a ton of things to do on Nantucket besides shop. I'm finding when we go to lots of places now, everything revolves around shopping. I can do that at home! If my feet were feeling good I'd probably be happy to walk around and stare at houses and gardens. Like a stalker. :)
This was a lovely tour around Nantucket. I like your images and I get quite an idea of this place now. The only place I know close to Nantucket is Cape Cod. Thank you for this tour!
This is my first visit to your blog, but I'm sure I will come back.
Looks like a great trip! You guys are always up to fun adventures. I love the Labor Day wreath... so festive!
Such pretty pictures and I love the boat hair :)
I had to smile at your windblown locks! I'm not fond of ferries because I tend to get sea sick. I never go inside if I can help it, so I'm always pretty windblown, too! The gray clapboard is so Nantucket.
I love arm chair traveling and real travel too. Years ago I went to Nantucket and had the same issue not having a car and being limited to my feet. Its a gorgeous little town but I still feel like there's a lot more to see. Beautiful photos. Happy weekend. Hugs-Erika
I love these kinds of trips. When my husband had to go away on business I always loved going with him when I could. Jeanie, this is exactly how I would spend my days, wandering! I love exploring new places. I love everything about this post with your beautiful pics. Such cute pics of you and Rick too. I love touring with you :)
My goodness! What a fabulous trip you are having! One interesting and fun day after another. Thank you for taking us along! :-)
I love the boat hair pictures! It's great that you got a chance to explore another area. Cobblestone streets/sidewalks are charming but they are so hard to walk on, even in tennis shoes! The meals you enjoyed look awesome, too!
Thank you for the lovely tour, Jeanie. Those shingle houses are very charming and that painting is adorable. Did you watch the show "Wings" in the 90s? It was set in Nantuckeet. Being on a boat is wonderful indeed. It's been a while since we had the chance.
Have a happy weekend!
I think boats are great too. I don't think I've ever been on a ferry though. I've been on a river barge, and I've been in pedal boats on ponds and lakes (and on the ocean once too). But that's it. I'd like to do more, but am unfortunately cursed with relatives who aren't big fans of things like boats for the most part, which - when combined with the fact my lack of sight and poor mobility means I really need to have someone come with me - makes for very little boating experience for me. My brother did go on a sailing holiday once, but it was organized by someone at university or something like that so I wasn't allowed to even get invited to go, and him liking boats doesn't help me much, since him being blind too means we still need someone to go with us.
Girl... you are living the dream! What spectacular photos... I think I would love to visit that place too! Charming!!! I went on vacation too--- Disneyland lol....
Love your reviews and tours "gypsy!"
This looks like the perfect day. those cobblestones are treacherous and hard on the feet. Dinner looks great.
I kept saying, "More boats! More boats! I wouldn't have given a flip for the houses and such, as attractive and interesting as they are. I would have been down at the harbor, talking waterlines and sail plans -- and maybe even cadging an invitation to come aboard!
Fun to see these charming photos too.
Your boat hairdos made me smile :-)
What a great way to spend summer's last official weekend!
oxo
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