Miacomet Beach, Nantucket

Miacomet Beach in South Shore Nantucket is ideal for all tourists, from adventurous and action-loving beachgoers to laidback looking to bask in the sun. The public recreational facility is accessible to children, adults, and pets alike. It is open year-round and has authorities patrolling the beach regularly. However, lifeguards are only on duty during beach season and work between 9 am & 5 pm. You can view the guards’ names on duty and daily temperature and tide updates on the Miacomet Beach board along the shore.

If you arrive in a vehicle, you should note that driving through the beach is prohibited. You can park in the main parking area or along Miacovmet Road, where a short trek or bike ride down narrow paths leads to the ring-fenced white sandy beach.

The views of the beach from the elevated Miacomet Road are simply breathtaking. The sloppy landscape, dune, plants, and marshy waters blend to offer undiluted sceneries of nature. An alternative route to Miacomet Road is the road connecting from the neighboring Surfside Beach that leads straight to the parking area and the adjacent Miacomet Beach shed.

Raging tides are a familiar sight in Miacomet Beach. They make for spectacular photographing, surfing, canoeing, and swimming experiences. However, they also pose a risk to children and tourists not skilled in swimming in rip tides. If this describes you or your friends, a helpful hack would be checking for inclement weather forecasts online before your visit and planning accordingly. You may also check the Miacomet Beach board upon arrival. Alternatively, you can visit the adjacent Miacomet pond, where you can enjoy many of the same beach activities, such as swimming and canoeing, albeit in a smaller body of water.

Miacomet Beach has been nudists’ go-to beach in New England for decades. It has a dedicated nudist zone near Miacomet Pond, where nudists frequent to have fun in a semi-secluded area. It has become even more appealing in recent years since vehicles are barred from driving through the beach, which means that nudists have more privacy.

Sunrises, sunsets, and rainbow sightings from Miacomet Beach are breathtaking. If you love photographing the weather, these sightings will make excellent portraits. The weather during the beach season is perfect for sunbathing in the Miacomet waters or along the shore. You can bring along your beach lounger or inflatable relaxation station to enjoy the serenity of the Miacomet beach.

The beach posts decent numbers during beach season but rarely gets crowded. This makes it ideal for beach activities such as sand games, pet walking, and quad-biking. Facilities such as food and merchandise kiosks are absent in Miacomet Beach. Therefore, you should bring along any items you require during your visit. The beach doesn’t have restrooms, but you can check with local authorities whether portable toilet facilities are available.

Miacomet Beach has recently made media headlines for the rare sightings spotted along its shoreline. These include a dead humpback whale and remnants of an 1884 shipwreck washed ashore.

Surfside Beach, Nantucket

Located just a short distance from town, Surfside is one of the most popular beaches in Nantucket. Most swimmers, surfers, loungers, and fishermen prefer it due to its vast flat ground and rolling waves. The waves also make it perfect for boogie boarding.

Surfside Beach is a great place to have a full-day beach experience where you can enjoy games like volleyball. It also has the perfect setup for picnics and grill-outs. You can grill on the beach using a charcoal or propane grill. Another option is to set up small enclosed fires away from flammable material or dune vegetation. Remember to extinguish all fires when done.

Even though Surfside Beach has a lot of visitors, it has enough space for anyone who wants to swim or even relax in the sun. However, given the area is also shared by surfers, you must always stay vigilant to avoid risks of injury or any other mishaps.

The beach features restrooms, diaper changing stations, food concessions, showers, and outdoor seating. It also has a range of eateries to stop and grab a meal or drink. Moreover, it has an ample parking space with handicapped access for accessibility.

While the beach is easily accessible from town, prepare for a long walk on soft sands from the parking lot to the beach.

Surfside is an ideal spot for beach driving with established vehicle paths and clear sands. You can move at any time in winter if you have a permit. In summer, driving is limited to the night hours due to the number of people at the beach.

Ensure your tires have the proper pressure for the soft sands, and watch out for any restrictions. Also, avoid “traction control” settings in your car, as they can mess up with the 4WD system when driving on the beach. The speed limit is 20mph, which reduces to 5mph when you get within 100 yards of pedestrians. While you can stop or park anywhere along the beach, avoid the main trackway to ensure traffic flow.

The town of Nantucket Department of Health and Human Services always ensures the right water quality. They conduct weekly water sample testing for bacterial levels to ensure safe swimming conditions. Excessive bacteria in the water for two consecutive weeks means the beach will get closed for monitoring and only open once cleared.

Even though the beach permits dogs, they must be leashed. Also, the dogs and owners are not allowed into the marsh grass, dune vegetation, or fenced areas.

The natural beach is home to a collection of wildlife. Sanderlings, Sandpipers, and small songbirds like Snow Bunting gather in flocks to forage at the beach. Several other species of birds can be seen around the beach depending on the season. If you are lucky, you may see Seals swimming on the beach.

Spending time at the beach remains one of the leading attractions of Nantucket Island. The spacious ground, organization, and assured water quality make the Surfside a must-visit place for locals and visitors alike.

Western Avenue Beach: Best Hangout Spot for Experienced Swimmers and Surfers

If you are a strong swimmer or surfer up for a challenge, ensure to check out Western Avenue Beach. It is found on the southern part of the island, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The water in this area is colder and has rip tides, shifting sand, strong currents, and heavier surf. The powerful waves and currents are guaranteed to provide a worthwhile challenge, which will pump up your adrenaline.

However, swimming and surfing at the beach are at your own risk as no lifeguards are on duty. Due to this, it only attracts a few people making it the ideal chill-out spot for those looking for a quiet, unspoiled beach.

Western Avenue Beach is among the three beaches managed by the Land Bank, the other two being Stones and Footsteps. It is found right opposite the Nantucket’s Youth Hostel.

To access it, you may take Surfside road towards the South Shore. You should then take the road on your right – just before you reach the ocean. It will lead you to a Landbank sign and a dirt parking area. Only three parking spots are available; thus, you may not find space, especially in summer and on the weekends. Luckily, Western Avenue Beach is within walking distance from Surfside Beach.

You will find an access path on the left of the parking area. Benches at the beach entry path allow you to catch your breath and take in your surroundings.

The path is fairly long and features a staircase over a dune leading to the beach and ocean. Though the walk may be tiring, you enjoy stunning ocean views that make it worth the trouble. On the flip side, the staircase makes the beach challenging to access by anyone with mobility issues.

Brant Point Beach, Nantucket

Brant Point Beach is in the mouth of Nantucket Harbor, at Brant Point Lighthouse. It is among Nantucket’s south shore beaches lying on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike the North Shore beaches, which are protected by the Nantucket Sound, South Shore beaches are open to the ocean and thus experience stronger currents and waves. Therefore, swimming or surfing at Brant Point Beach is not advisable unless you are an expert. Besides, the beach often experiences high boat traffic, and no lifeguards are on site.

Instead, you may enjoy a walk on the beach, collect shells or relax and watch colorful sunsets & sunrises, boats passing by, and artists painting the lighthouse. As there is only so much you can do at the beach, it is rarely crowded. This allows you to find plenty of space all to yourself. You may use it to get lost in a good book or simply delight in the beach’s unadulterated serene nature.

If you visit in June, you will encounter alluring wild roses whose sweet fragrance and the wonderful smell of the ocean will stimulate your senses.

Ensure to carry along your camera, as there are plenty of picturesque spots on the beach. It is among the most photographed places on the island. Besides photoshoots, you may hold special events, such as weddings. However, you need to seek the Coast Guard’s permission beforehand.

The beach is easily accessible via walking, biking, or driving from town. It features facilities including a bike rack, boardwalk, and parking. Driving on the beach is prohibited; thus, you must leave your car and walk to the beach.

The Brant Point Lighthouse is about 200 meters from the beach. To access it, you may walk through the beach’s loose sand. Most people go to the lighthouse to wave goodbye to their loved ones leaving on the Steamship Ferry and take more photos – it makes for the perfect backdrop. However, you cannot go inside or climb it; you may only walk around it and hang out at its periphery.

Scrimshander Gallery, Nantucket

To many, Nantucket is a top tourist destination, with its beaches and weather being its primary attractions. However, there are plenty of goodies on this island that are discoverable by a keen eye. For instance, little is mentioned about Nantucket’s impressive art scene, immortalized by its many galleries and museums.

The Scrimshander Gallery is among the many art establishments dotting Nantucket, and it stands out courtesy of its scrimshaw works. There’s plenty to know and appreciate about this gallery. For your convenience, we will review Scrimshander Gallery to hint at what to expect when you visit it.

Introduction to the Scrimshander Gallery

The Scrimshander Gallery specializes in scrimshaw, a form of art that specializes in engraving and carving whale bones, teeth, and cartilage. Scrimshaw was a favorite pastime activity for whalers. Nantucket has a long association with whaling and is home to some of the finest pieces of this art form.

The gallery opened its doors in 1990, setting up shop on Old South Wharf. This was its location for 22 years before it shifted to its present location, 38 Center Street.

The Scrimshander is the creative haven for resident artist Mike Vienneau, who spent most of his early years in Duxbury, Massachusetts. He became interested in scrimshaw, pushed by boredom and curiosity, in his early teens. Eventually, he started getting scrimshawing gigs during his holidays in Nantucket. Coincidentally, his first gigs were at a store in the same building as his gallery’s current location.

Presently, Mike lives with his wife and dog in Nantucket. You may occasionally bump into his welcoming family members at the gallery.

Visiting the Scrimshander Gallery

The gallery is a 5–10-minute walk from the town center and is open all days from 10 am to 6 pm. You will easily spot it courtesy of its bold signage. Scrimshander Gallery’s atmosphere is calm, allowing you to enjoy the sights of the intricately displayed artworks, enhanced by the lighting.

The store has plenty of scrimshaw pieces that you can have on your wall, office desk, bedroom, or other preferred areas. They make excellent souvenirs. You may request custom pieces from the artist.

Visit Scrimshander Gallery’s website to see some of their works and learn more about their services.

Rafael Osona Auctions

Auction days at Rafael Osona Auctions in Nantucket are an excellent opportunity to grab good quality items and rare collectibles sourced from Nantucket and the larger U.S. at sliced-down prices. There’s virtually everything for everyone at these themed auctions, with personable service for first-time and experienced auction participants alike. The auctioneer mainly deals in art and antiques. Still, you’ll also find jewelry, real estate, vehicles, gaming machines, and household items, among other items.

The business housed on 21 Washington Street has been in operation since 1980. Rafael, the founder, comes from a lineage of relic enthusiasts, and this influenced his path into the fine art and antiques auction business. His wife and two sons are part of a seven-member full-time team that collaborates in the running of the business. The staff handles everything from scheduling auction events, phone biddings, cataloging, shipment consignations, and providing regular Auction News updates on the firm’s website and social pages.

Rafael Osona Auctions organizes numerous themed auctions throughout the year comprising Marine, Christmas Stroll, Late Summer, Designer, Decorative Arts, and Americana, Fine Art, & Décor Auctions. An intense Cash & Carry marketplace event spanning 10-19 days at the Auction showroom is a popular event with customers. The auctioneer also organizes private sales as an alternative to public auctions for buyers and sellers seeking discretion.

Sellers with varied needs, from new and established artists selling their fine art to property owners wishing to liquidate their property, are guaranteed a fair buck by the firm’s appraisers and auctioneers. It is common for auction price records for featured artwork to be regularly smashed, underscoring the attractiveness and competitiveness the auctions create for sellers and bidders alike.

Customers can participate in auctions in-person or virtually, either by phone or filling out an absentee form on the auctioneer’s website. The auction attracts buyers worldwide, and the absentee bidding option provides a convenient way for customers far and wide to participate in the bidding. However, the in-person experience is simply incomparable, and many customers opt to attend the action-packed auctions in the flesh.

Rafael Osona Auctions also features a ‘Buy it Now’ online marketplace on its website that runs year-round. You can seamlessly shop for dozens of ready-priced items with product details included and information on whether the sellers would entertain lower offers.

Item payment includes the buyer’s premium, sales tax, and associated hammer prices on the auction date. The auctioneer accepts different forms of payment for both physical and online transactions, including cash, check, and wire transfers. Given the nature of transactions, the auctioneer may request detailed customer identification and longer waiting times for first-time buyers.

In addition to its auction events, Rafael Osona Auctions continues to contribute to community development programs in Nantucket, an initiative it has participated in for over 25 years. The firm partners with non-profits in its line of service, such as the Nantucket Historical Association and Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, and non-related organizations, such as A Safe Place Nantucket and Nantucket Boys & Girls Club.

Museum of African American History Nantucket

Many people associate Nantucket with a warm climate, stunning beaches, and fantastic food, which make it a perfect tourist destination, especially in summer. However, these are a mere handful of the niceties Nantucket has in store for you, particularly if you are into history.

Nantucket has a rich history that is easy to overlook. The good news is that its story is intact, courtesy of several museums and establishments, such as the Museum of African American History. As a history buff, you should visit this museum to discover a relatively unknown part of Nantucket’s timeline.

Let us give you a spoiler of the Museum of African American History and what to expect on your fact-finding escapades.

Introduction to the Museum of African American History

As its name hints, the Museum of African American History seeks to preserve the stories of African Americans who inhabited Nantucket since the 18th century. The museum has two campuses, the other being in Boston.

The story of this historically significant establishment dates back to 1774, when Seneca Boston, a formerly enslaved person, and his Native American wife bought a parcel of land in Nantucket. The couple contributed significantly to the foundation of the free Black community that was settling on the island.

Boston’s house remained in the family until Florence Higginbotham bought it in 1920. African American families occupied the house’s rooms, for more than two centuries, until its acquisition by the museum in 2001.

The museum is easily accessible, less than a mile from the town center via Orange Street. The building has a signature aged look, with a similar color scheme as many Nantucket houses.

This non-profit historical attraction has been operational since 1963 and comprises four African American buildings established when the nation was young. Its vision is to preserve early African American history and culture in New England.

The Museum’s Attractions

The Museum of African American History has numerous attractions that will quench your curiosity. Below are some things you should not miss when touring this Nantucket Relic.

The Seneca Boston/Florence Higginbotham House

As discussed above, this significant structure is part of the museum. You should tour this elegant house to appreciate its fascinating backstory.

The African Meeting House

The African Meeting House is a sizeable post and beam building that takes credit for being the only public building in Nantucket, built and occupied by African Americans in the 19th century.

This structure, built in the early 1800s by the African Baptist Society, was a pillar of Nantucket’s Black community. It served as a place of worship, school, and meeting point for various vital figures. The African Meeting House retains roughly three-quarters of its original form and has withstood the test of time. The structure occasionally holds special events and ceremonies.

The Black Heritage Trail

It is a self-guided trail that provides info on several sites around their museum and their relevance to African American roots.

Events and Exhibitions

The museum holds numerous events and exhibitions, mainly focusing on African American history and affairs. You should check the museum’s website to confirm oncoming events. You may also book the venue for your special occasion.

Final Word

The Museum of African American History is among the many historical sites in Nantucket that give you a glimpse of the island’s early days. As a history buff, you will have the time of your life visiting this establishment.

This summer, the museum will be open from 12 pm to 4 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and between 10 am and 4 pm from Friday to Sunday. You should book an appointment if visiting outside the specified windows. Additionally, you can donate to the museum’s cause to appreciate its role in historic preservation.

Independence Day in Nantucket: Celebrating in Style

Nantucket is known to go big on significant celebrations. Usually, the island’s authorities plan such days accounting for every hour from morning to evening. They incorporate engaging activities for children, family activities, concerts, performances, singalongs, et cetera. Thus, you are fully sorted in case you need a plan for spending such days.

Independence Day is no exception. Every year, the town’s authorities plan for the day and put their best foot forward to ensure its success. If you plan to spend this year’s independence day in Nantucket, here’s an insight into what to expect.

2023’s Independence Day in Nantucket

The day’s activities begin at 10 am, thus giving you sufficient time to have breakfast beforehand. Until noon, there will be several activities on the main street. However, the town’s authorities are yet to specify what kind of activities these will be. Check out their website as D-day draws near for updates.

There will also be children’s beach activities from 9 am to noon. Your young ones can participate in activities such as singing the national anthem and patriotic songs, nanpuppet shows, singalongs, bike parades, games, snacking, and painting their faces.

To rejuvenate, you may have lunch at close-by eateries, including the Charlie Noble, The Whale, The Pearl, Nautilus, and the Club Car, to mention a few.

Children’s games will later resume at 5 pm. These include the three-legged, wheelbarrow, and potato sack races. The popular Tug-of-war will mark the end of the games.

You may then have dinner and move to Jetties Beach to await a fireworks display at 9 pm. The day’s planners promise you a spectacular show that will last for about 25-27 minutes.

Due to the speculated high traffic, parking may be quite a challenge. It is therefore advisable to use public transportation instead of a private car. NRTA buses will provide trips from the whaling museum to the corner of Bathing Beach Road and Hulbert Avenue every 20 minutes, from 6 pm to 9 pm.

What is Scrimshaw Art?

Scrimshaw is a form of art that features carvings, engravings, or scrollwork made in bone or ivory. It also comprises hand tools, kitchen utensils, toys, and decorative pieces made using teeth, bone, and ivory.

Scrimshaw Art’s Origin

The art originated from whalers in the 18th century. They would often create artwork during their free time. Since whaling was done during the day, the whalers had plenty of time on their hands at night. They would utilize this time to create scrimshaw using teeth and bones from animals, such as sperm whales and walruses. Whale bones were especially a favorite as they were easy to work with and readily available.

The results largely depended on the tools used and the artist’s skill. Thus, scrimshaw is available in varying levels of detail and artistry. Most commonly, they depict whaling scenes and lettering made on the surface of a bone or tooth. To highlight their work, the whalers often used small sculptures made from the same material, pigment, candle black, soot, and tobacco juice ink.

The oldest scrimshaw art is a sperm whale tooth dated back to 1817. The inscription on the tooth details the sperm whale’s origin,  the crew that caught it & the year, and how much oil it produced. It is among the few scrimshaw art whose creator is known – a majority are anonymous.

Creating scrimshaw art served as a leisure activity for creative sailors for decades until commercial whaling was banned in the late 18th century due to the overhunting of whales to near extinction. This led to a slowdown in creating scrimshaw art using the by-products of whales.

Instead, Scrimshanders (makers of scrimshaw art) utilized walruses’ tusks, elephants’ ivory, hippo tusks, warthog ivory, giraffe bones, camel bones, micarta, and the mother of pearl. That is until the 19th century when the material option further narrowed due to the ban on walrus tasks and elephant ivory.

Contemporary Scrimshaw Art

Today, the creation of scrimshaw art is eminent among commercial artisans. Unlike their predecessors, who used crude tools, they use finer tools, mostly borrowed from the dental industry. They also use a variety of colors to bring their motifs into better view.

Killing whales and marines for their teeth and bones is still illegal. The only legal means to acquire these materials is through estate sales, auctions, and reputable dealers. Custom officials worldwide often scan the market for illegally sourced materials and, if found, seize them, making them lose their value and almost impossible to sell.

Consequently, scrimshaw art made from alternative materials dominates the market. Modern designs include both nautical themes of historical scrimshaw and new creations. Technology makes carving techniques much better and produces more desirable results. However, you should beware of fakes as there are fewer unique scrimshaw art in the market.

To view historical scrimshaw art, you may visit museums, including The Nantucket Whaling Museum, The Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, Virginia, The Kendall Whaling Museum, and the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, England, to mention a few.

Nantucket Film Festival

Nantucket Film Festival has become renowned as one of the most exciting destination film galas in the U.S. today. Nantucket Film Foundation organizes it between May and June as part of its seasonal and year-round schedule of programs.

Established in 1996, the fiesta is the brainchild of The Burkhart siblings, Jill & Jonathan. The avid film enthusiasts thought starting a festival in Nantucket would be a great way to bring together burgeoning film creatives and fanatics and foster community interactions. Today, they sit on the NFF board and have entrusted the long-serving Mystelle Brabbee with the firm’s Executive Director role.

NFF brings together independent screenwriters, filmmakers, and storytellers to display their talent to a diverse audience. Creatives view the NFF platform as a springboard to larger audiences thanks to its competitive programs and awards. Numerous spotlighted creatives have gone on to have illustrious careers in the entertainment industry and gained recognition in prestigious awards like the Oscars Academy Awards.

Exceptional festival programs and experiences have seen NFF earn numerous recognitions, including multiple USA Today’s “10 Best Film Festivals” feature nominations and partnerships with big-name brand sponsors such as Bank of America, the festival’s official NFF Presenting Sponsor.

Entertainment Programs, Tickets & Passes

Entertainment segments included in the festival include film & documentaries screening, screenwriting, storytelling, and the awards gala. Dozens of submissions of fiction & non-fiction films and documentaries are screened throughout the multi-day event. Storytellers take to the podium for a five-minute Late Night storytelling session of select topics without the benefit of reference scripts to test their fluidity and content delivery skills.

The fun-packed festival programs are mainly hosted at the Dreamland Theatre. Different venues for the Garden events and Awards Gala are chosen for every festival edition. The organizers announce Box Office and Festival venues and schedules on the organizer’s website and social web channels. You can also get a curated and downloadable graphic calendar of events and ticket availability status on the official NFF website.

Ticket packages are available a month before the start of the festival, and individual ticket prices go on sale at the beginning of the festival. Passes are categorized under Founder, Legacy, and Patron and cost $3,000 on average, tax-deductible. You can purchase tickets and passes by phone, on the NFF website, or in person. Look out for occasional discount promotions offered by the organizers.

Hundreds of filmgoers stream into Nantucket in every edition of the Nantucket Film Festival, and early bookings and reservations are almost a necessity if you’re an outsider planning to attend the festival. That is why we recommend booking your accommodation ahead and avoiding the hassle of scrambling for tedious, sometimes overpriced vacation accommodation owing to its streamlined booking and liaison process.

Initiatives & Workshops

Nantucket Film Festival takes a commendable role in women’s empowerment, a subject of activism calls in the film and corporate industry. A glance at the firm’s senior staff, which is more than three-quarters occupied by women, evenly distributed board, and the cash prize awards to women writers and filmmakers at each edition of the festivals highlight this.

Signature Programs feature interviews, talks, and roundtables where established names in entertainment offer guidance to new writers, filmmakers, and comedians. The experienced talents also offer personal mentorship to emerging talents in a fully-paid, month-long workshop where they get to develop their film projects.

NFF recognizes new and established creatives through various awards such as the Screenwriters Tribute, Special Achievement in Documentary Storytelling, and New Voices in Television Writing.

In collaboration with The Adrienne Shelly Foundation, the organizers select a female writer or Director of feature-length film productions and present them with a $5,000 check.

A new award designated for the most creative filmmaker will commence in the 2023 edition. The Maria Mitchell Visionary Award will include a $5,000 reward and an inscribed telescope from Anna Jay, a celebrated jeweler on the island.

Filmgoers at the gala are granted the privilege of ranking Feature Films and Short Films at the Festival. Winners and runners-up in the NFF Audience Awards get to have their productions rerun at the culmination of the festival.

Organizers also enhance teenage film lovers’ knowledge of film through the Teen View workshop. A panel of teenagers is trained for free on filmmaking and critiquing. They are then tasked with discussing Short Films screened at the theater and awarding the best of the list.

In addition, NFF runs the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition, an intense, engaging, and competitive episodic contest that attracts dozens of emerging creative screenwriters and filmmakers. The program comprises four screenplay competitions: Feature, Episodic 60-minute, Episodic 30-minute, and Short Screenplay. Among other benefits, winners in the four categories receive cash prizes between $500 and $2,500. You can get regular updates on the NFF social platforms at each competition stage.

NFF is deeply rooted in Nantucket. It partners with small Nantucket businesses to promote their businesses by featuring their products and services on its platforms and in the festivals as part of its community-fostering initiatives.