Breathe in the salt airโฆ Walk the cobblestone streets of this classic, old whaling villageโฆ Listen to the sound of the oceanโs waves on the beachโฆ Watch the sea birds nesting near the quiet waters of the harbor. Choose to be active or choose just to beโฆ Itโs time for a summer getaway to Nantucket Island, MA.
While there are miles of beaches and bike paths, and lots of activities and historic attractions on Nantucket Island, here are some specific culinary and theatrical ideas to consider for your Nantucketย holiday.
White Heron Theatre Company was originally founded in New York in 2004 but found new life on Nantucket eight years later. White Heron now has a home in the Old Historic/Cultural District – the Brass Lantern neighborhood – easy to find and in the heart of the Island. The White Heron and the Nantucket Theatre Institute are currently led by Lynne Bolton as Founder and Artistic Director and Michael Kopko, Executive Director who can also be found on stage and in the directorโs chair. Together these visionaries speak to audiences through classical, contemporary and new plays on the stage of the theatre.
Late in July, you can see โOutside Mullingarโ by John Patrick Shanley. This is an Irish comedy that takes place in rural Ireland where Rosemary steps into a land feud and family quirkiness of her neighbor, Anthony. The New York Times call this โMr. Shanleyโs finest work sine โDoubtโโ.
White Heronโs first musical of the season also appears late in July. โSeawifeโ is an original musical by Seth Moore with music and lyrics by The Lobbyists. The show is inspired by stories from old Nantucketโs sailors and captains who sailed whaling ships.
Then at the very end of July and continuing into August, the Nantucket Theatre Institute (NTI) students are on stage to present a family-friendly version of William Shakespeareโs โThe Tempestโ. The students work and learn from the NTI educators and White Heronโs Equity actors for four weeks before the curtain rises on the production. A special performance on August 3rd at 10:00am will be presented in partnership with Autism Speaks. This special show has been adapted to be a sensory friendly production.
If all this culture works up your appetite – head on over Nantucket Culinary, just across Broad Street.ย Nantucket Culinary has opportunities for you to learn and sample some wonderful, fresh foods. In fact their main idea behind the creations coming from their kitchen is โgood food, served simply and cleanlyโ. The Corner Table Cafรฉ, on the lower level is open from 7am to 9pm daily and offers a family-friendly dining both inside and out on the pet friendly patio. This special restaurant is located in a restored home at 22 Federal Street.
Nantucket Culinary offers cooking classes and โlunch at the chefโs tableโ. Chef Greg Margolis, a graduate of the CIA, and his wife, Joy Margolis, would love to have you dine at the chefโs table Mondays or Fridays all season long. These special lunch experiences educate you about the fresh foods used that day while you savor every bite of the meal. Other classes this season include โThai cooking with Kwanโ, โWalk the market with Chef Gregโ, โBubbles, Bites, and Blooms with Aliceโs Tableโ, and โOn a Lobster Roll โ Dinner with Sarah Leah Chaseโ. There are kids classes too! โKids in the Kitchen – sous chefs โ 10-14 year oldsโ and โFarm to Fork class for kids (6-9 year olds)โ.
Make your plans now for a late July or August getaway to Nantucket Island, MA.