Nantucket, MA: White Elephant Village

I land at Boston’s Logan airport and transfer to a dramatically smaller, 36’ Cape Air Cessna 402 twin piston engine plane. I am one of 8 passengers, including the pilot. We effortlessly ascend into the clouds and in about 43 minutes land just as easily at Nantucket Memorial Airport—the exterior of which was memorialized in the 1990’s TV show Wings. A quick ride places me at my home away from home, for a few days at least: The White Elephant. The historic property has been around since the twenties and encompasses a hotel, an inn, and residences. I am set up in a one bedroom residence, called Cobblestone; it is furnished with deep cushioned chairs and a sofa, a dining room table to seat 6, a remote controlled fireplace that I use every night of my stay, and the kind of bed that you never want to leave. I marvel at two features of my retreat that I sadly won’t have time to utilize: The in-room washer and dryer, which brings a tear to my New York apartment-dwelling eye, and a kitchenette bursting with state of the art appliances, a full-size refrigerator, selection of local coffees, and all the crab claw crackers, corkscrews, chef’s knives, and other kitchen tools that you might need on an extended island stay. I remember from my check-in at the hotel’s lobby that there is a DVD lending library, so I quickly go and scoop up the new releases that I'll enjoy from my giant bed at each day’s end. I hastily unpack and leisurely walk to dinner, drinking in the full moon that rises over the harbor and smelling the sweet fall air. I silently kick myself that I have arrived on the last weekend of the season. Cru, one of Nantucket’s hippest restaurants, is where I sit to dinner, letting new friends regale me with tales of the steamy summer season, the crowds, the seafood, the good times. The meal is a dreamlike waltz through locally raised oysters, each one brinier than the last, a blue crab cocktail, a sweet, warm-buttered lobster roll on house-made brioche, and some well-chosen wines. I return to my residence sated, concocting a plan to return before my trip has even begun. —Kellie Evans
 

In the Area

Beyond the travel trinkets, magnets, and the like emblazoned with ACK, the island's federal aviation airport code, most of the treasures you’ll find are made locally by residents. Nantucket Looms is a shop founded in 1968 as a weaving studio. It offers classes and sells baskets, blankets, and other textiles. Purchase a rattan and wooden lightship basket made by second generation weaver Michael Kane from his gallery. An early 19th century tradition learned from the native Wampanoag tribe, some baskets are also adorned with scrimshaw, engraved ivory pieces. Nantucket Looms; 51 Main Street;
Michael Kane Baskets; 18A Sparks Avenue.

Purchase handmade stationary and cards at Parchment with a purely Nantucket charm. Many visitors who decide to wed on island come here for locally engraved invitations.Parchment; 11 Washington Street.

Visit Sweet Inspiration to purchase the famed chocolate covered cranberries, “Coco” the whale truffles, Nantucket chocolate scallop shells and many more island inspired treats.Nantucket Chocolate; 26 Centre Street.