1. Value

Fall rates at hotels on the island are greatly reduced in September, October, and beyond.  For example, at the iconic White Elephant hotel the lowest midweek July rate available is $550, while in September guests can stay overnight for as little as $265.  Quite a bargain!

2. Nantucket Restaurant Week , September 27- October 3, 2010

For a small island, Nantucket has a wide variety of esteemed culinary establishments – just to note, two of the island’s restaurants are actually up for James Beard Awards this year!  Three course dinners will be offered at top Nantucket joints from $25 – $45.

3. Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair, October 2, 2010

Celebrate fall harvest at the Old Mill and learn about Nantucket’s agricultural heritage, play lively colonial games, and make traditional crafts such as cornhusk dolls or beeswax candles.

4. Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival , October 9, 2010

Visit Nantucket’s infamous cranberry bogs, generally closed to the public but open for a short time in October just when the berries are harvested.  Enjoy bog tours, hay rides, sheep-shearing, and of course, fresh berries and delicious cranberry creations!  

5. Annual Chowder Contest, October 16, 2010

What is a New England vacation without “chowdah”?  Taste and vote for your favorite Nantucket Chowder, held right in the center of it all on Main Street in Nantucket Town.  This event costs $7, all-you-can-eat!

6. Scenic Hiking and Biking

Traverse the many different trails of Nantucket and check out the beautiful fall foliage.  For speedier tours of the island, rent a bike and hit the newly resurfaced 6.4 miles of bike paths.  Bike rentals typically cost around $30/day; complimentary bikes are available for guest of the White Elephant and The Wauwinet.

7. Golf

Nantucket is home to many top-notch golf clubs including the world-class Sankaty Head Golf Club.  Play is limited to members during the summer; however the public is allowed to play in the off-season (October-May) for a fee.

8. Inexpensive airfare

Think getting to Nantucket is difficult and pricey?  Phooey!  Fly Jet Blue direct from New York City to Nantucket starting at $49 this September.

9. Romance

If you took the kids to Nantucket this summer, come back in the fall sans the little guys and stay at the romantic Wauwinet (open until October 26).  The 32-room inn doesn’t allow children under 12, so there’s no chance of having a screaming baby just down the hall.  Rates at this luxury inn start at just $225 in October.

10. Traditional New England-style Thanksgiving

Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets of Nantucket and you’ll feel like you traveled through time back to the 18^th century!  The White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill hosts a special Thanksgiving buffet with all the comfort foods you’d expect at your grandmother’s house without all the work.

Humans benefit from all kinds of perks with hotel loyalty programs, and it’s about time our furry friends receive the same treatment!  The Nantucket waterfront Cottages & Lofts at The Boat Basin is now offering rewards to returning pets staying at the 11 pet-friendly WOOF Cottages with the new “VIPets” program.  Repeat dog and cat customers will receive a customized welcome card, just like their human counterparts, as well as a take-home toy and a photograph of themselves in front of their cottage.  For pets that really enjoy the limelight, the picture can be posted on The Cottages Facebook page.  And finally, all “VIPets” will be entered in a sweepstakes to win a three-night stay at the WOOF Cottages this fall, plus a special pet spa treatment.

Pets in the past have appreciated all the comforts offered at the WOOF Cottages, as “almost 50% of pets are repeat customers,” says general manager Jim Storey.  All pets (even first-timers) are treated extra-special; amenities include a welcome basket of pet treats and play toys, food and water bowls, personalized pet tags, Draper Canine Therapy dog beds  – even Doggie sunscreen (15 SPF). 

The Cottages at the Boat Basin are located in the heart of Nantucket Town, with waterfront or water view locations on the docks of Swain’s Wharf and Old South Wharf.  The newly-refurbished WOOF Cottages feature dedicated one- and two-bedroom accommodation with stunning views of the sea.

Don’t miss the last chance for the lowest available rate at Nantucket Island Resorts! Hurry and book by April 1 (we’re not fooling) and guests will have the added bonus of the lowest rate guaranteed at the following properties: Jared Coffin House, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, The Wauwinet, White Elephant, and  White Elephant Hotel Residences. If the rate goes lower at any time before your stay, the resort will honor the lower rate. Guests will also receive:

Spa Credit: Two $25 spa treatment credits at the White Elephant Spa or The Spa by the Sea at The Wauwinet

Dinner Credit: $25 dinner credit when you spend $100, or $50 dinner credit when you spend $150, at either Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant or TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet

Offer is subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers, and is not applicable to groups. To receive the guarantee, you must book by April 1, 2010. Click here for other restrictions.

To book online, visit the Nantucket Island Resorts property of your choice and enter the booking code GTDLOW, or call 800.ISLANDS (800.475.2637) or 508.325.1000 and mention booking code GTDLOW.

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]]> http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/03/11/1570/feed/ 0 http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/03/05/friday-freebies-take-two/ http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/03/05/friday-freebies-take-two/#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:31 +0000 janet http://www.alicemarshall.com/?p=1477 Calling all boat lovers and Facebook FANatics! The Nantucket Boat Basin is now on Facebook. Help celebrate the marina’s 40^th Anniversary by becoming a fan and entering the Boat Basin’s Become a FAN Sweepstakes.

The FAN prize includes:

• Two-night slip stay for one boat
• Dinner for four paired with house wine at Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant
• Four 60-minute spa treatments at the tranquil White Elephant Spa
• Four tickets to The Whaling Museum

 
 To enter, visit http://www.nantucketboatbasin.com/  by April 1, 2010

From early April to mid-May, over three million daffodils of every color, shape and size will bloom on Nantucket. This blossoming, and the arrival of spring itself, is the focal point of celebration during Daffodil Festival Weekend. This year the festival will take place over the weekend of April 23-25. The Festival’s grand event is the Antique Car Parade, which features more than 100 antique cars (decorated with daffodils, of course!) After winding through town and across the island to the charming village of Siasconset, participants join residents and visitors for the Daffodil Tailgate Picnic. This“Nantucket-Style” tailgate picnic showcases traditional New England fare ranging from gourmet meals served on fine china to boxed lunches and burgers.

Other Daffodil Festival Weekend highlights include the Nantucket Garden Club’s Daffodil Show, The Annual Daffy Dog Parade, Children’s Daffodil Parade, and The Daffy Hat Pageant. Not only does springtime on Nantucket bring delightful weather ideal for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and fishing, but it also brings delightful deals such as Hot Dates, Cool Rates at the Jared Coffin House with rates starting as low as $125 per night. Book by April 1st and guests will also get the added bonus of spa and dining credits!

For more information about Jared Coffin House and their Hot Dates, Cool Rates Guaranteed promotion, please visit http://www.jaredcoffinhouse.com/.

Hot Rates, Cool Dates Guaranteed

Hot Dates, Cool Rates by Nantucket Island Resorts are back! For 2010, guests who book by April 1, 2010, get the lowest rate guaranteed at each property.

No April Fools here. If the rate goes lower at any time before a guest’s stay, Nantucket Island Resorts will honor the lower rate. In addition to the guaranteed rate, guests will also receive:

• Spa Credit: Two $25 spa treatment credits at the White Elephant Spa or The Spa by the Sea at The Wauwinet
• Dinner Credit: $25 dinner credit when $100 is spent, or $50 dinner credit when $150 is spent, at either Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant or TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet

Rates start as low as $125 at Jared Coffin House, $175 at The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, $195 at White Elephant, $225 at The Wauwinet, and $500 at White Elephant Hotel Residences.

When making reservations online, book and then enter special request code GTDLOW, or call 800.ISLANDS (800. 475.2637) and mention special request code GTDLOW

Crystal Cruises’ Price Guarantee & Assurance

In addition to Crystal Cruises’ Price Guarantee, which protects guests who have already booked by giving them the best applicable fare if it drops, the Crystal Assurance Plan also includes reduced cancellation periods from 75 days to 45 days prior to sailing without penalty, and extended deposit requirements, from three to seven days before deposit is due.

Plus, to celebrate Crystal’s 20^th Anniversary in 2010, guests will enjoy 2-For-1 Fares  for all destinations, All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard spending credits of up to $1,000 per guest, free round-trip air with most cruises, and business class air for Penthouse categories in Europe.

For information and reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.

October 26, 2009, Cape Cod Times announced that a national advocacy group recently named Nantucket as the top recycling community in the country, knocking San Francisco off its perch. Thanks to an adaptation of a “zero waste” recycling program a decade ago, Nantucket leads the way in recycling and composting, and is ingraining “green” values within younger generations in the community. (Trust us. Ask any islander about the “Take it or Leave It” pile, which has become a hot gathering spot to find anything from furniture to good beach reads.)

Recycling and caring for the environment is now second nature to islanders. Everyone plays an important role. Here is how the Nantucket Boat Basin is helping:

• Reducing Pollution from Vessel Sewage Discharges – Raw or poorly treated sewage can spread disease, contaminate shellfish beds, and lower oxygen levels in water. Nantucket is a no-discharge harbor, and the Boat Basin offers complimentary pump-out services at all three of its wharves. Recently, The Clean Waters U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service recognized the Nantucket Boat Basin for participating in the most “pump-outs” of any marina in the U.S. The Boat Basin’s clean facilities and “clean boating” educational efforts were also recognized.

• Welcome and Educate – Upon arrival to the Nantucket Boat Basin, all incoming vessels receive a lovely welcome bag dedicated to Nantucket & the environment. Information on how to recycle, the proper use of environmental materials and where to properly discard each, is included. Boaters looking to refuel are given an absorbent donut to affix around fuel nozzles, to reduce leakage into the water. Guests also receive a small jar of biodegradable soap to wash their boat with, all in an effort to keep the surrounding water clean.

• Waste Has a Place! – The Nantucket Boat Basin has a zero-tolerance policy for mixed, or non-complying rubbish. There are 35 sets of large recycling bins to sort aluminum, plastics, and glass located throughout the 30 docks of the marina. Cigarettes can be extinguished in 50 dedicated areas, and there are 190 decorated rubbish barrels that blend with the décor of the island. Pet owners can even “dispose” at the Boat Basin’s Animal Needs Park with complimentary biodegradable bags.

• Time and Dedication – The Nantucket Boat Basin provides environmentally- friendly staff dedicated to removing, sorting, and cleaning the marina’s waste each day. Four or more marina attendants are on hand daily just to clean and maintain the 18 bathrooms and shower facilities.

For more information on the Nantucket Boat Basin and its environmental efforts, please visit http://www.nantucketboatbasin.com/ 

Last minute for the fall…

Nantucket / As the days get shorter, New England becomes even more delightful; the water is the warmest it’s been all summer, reservations at restaurants are easier to come by, and the crowds have returned to the city.  Nantucket Island Resort’s “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” makes Nantucket an affordable fall destination. DEAL:The Wauwinet from $380, White Elephant from $280, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin from $195, The Jared Coffin House from $125, White Elephant Hotel Residences from $500

…and into the winter.

London / Interested in visiting “Olde” England?  The Metropolitan and the Halkin in London are great spots to stay when checking out Hyde Park’s fall foliage. DEAL:Book seven days in advance and receive Ultimate Savings at The Metropolitan with rates starting at £199, and at the Halkin rates from £229.  That’s almost £200 off of normal rack rates.  Valid through December 31, 2009, Sun-Thurs.

United Kingdom / Before heading across the pond, spent $55 to join The Royal Oak Foundation, the U.S. affiliate of the UK’s National Trust, and receive perks aplenty. DEAL:Royal Oak membership grants FREE entry to all UK National Trust properties.  Right now members also receive 25% off rates at the three Historic House Hotels in England and Wales as well as complimentary room upgrades. These include Hartwell House outside London, Middlethorpe Hall in Yorkshire, and Bodysgallen Hall in Wales.

Santa Fe / Escape to Santa Fe for those amazing blue skies, and stay at Inn on the Alameda, the charming inn located right in the heart of the city. DEAL:From October 25, 2009 to February 28, 2010, stay three consecutive nights and get the third night for just $24 in celebration of the Inn’s 24th anniversary.  Details here.

Riviera Maya / Missed out on Spring Break 2009?  Rosewood Mayakobá’s refined luxury is just a little different from MTV pool parties in Cancun… DEAL:The ‘3 for 2 Special Offer’ allow guests to stay an extra night…for free! Rates include breakfast and are exclusive of tax/resort fees and subject to availability/blackout dates.  A minimum consecutive two-night stay is required.  Package available now through December 15, 2009.  Details here.

Turks & Caicos / Parrot Cay says “Extend that Summer Feeling” into the winter with free nights at this private island paradise. DEAL:“4 for 3” or “7 for 5” includes breakfast and return airport transfers.   Expires December 20, 2009; certain blackout dates apply.  Rates start at $930/night and are reduced to $698/night with the “4 for 3” deal and $665/night with the “7 for 5” deal.  Details here.

Bangkok / The Metropolitan Bangkok, the Asian-equivalent to the Met London, offers chic Bangkok accommodations for under $100! DEAL:Book seven days in advance and receive Ultimate Savings with rates starting at $99. Valid through December 31, 2009, Sun-Thurs.  Details here.

Pacific to Atlantic / Start in Valparaíso and take in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Chile, spend a day transiting the fascinating engineering feat of the Panama Canal, and relish the clear blue seas of the Caribbean. Deal:Join Crystal Symphony’s 15-day sailing from Valparaíso to Miami (#0201), January 8-23, 2010, and enjoy 2-for-1 pricing with fares beginning as low as $3,620/person, plus an “All-Inclusive, As You Wish” shipboard spending credit of $1,000 per person, good toward anything but cruise deposits and casino gaming.  Details here.

Changlang Beach, Trang Province, Thailand / The early bird catches the deal at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa. There’s no better time than the present to book that flight… DEAL: From now until December 20, book 40 days in advance, get 40% off the rate of a room or suite; 30 days in advance, 30% off; 20 days, 20% off, and 10 days, 10% off. Rates start at $191 for a Deluxe Sea View Room, and include tax and service charge and daily breakfast for two. Details here.

Beaver Creek / Park Hyatt Beaver Creek’s Technique Week deals for this ski season include accommodations, individual training by Ski Ambassadors, ski evaluation with video analysis, lift tickets, ski rentals, 15% discount on treatments at Allegria Spa, two dinners, two après ski parties, and take home amenities. ***New this year: book by November 15, and you can upgrade the lift ticket to an Epic season pass for $599, which gives you unrestricted (no blackout dates) and unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Heavenly.

• Week One: December 9th-13th, 2009. 4 Nights, 3 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,299 per person or $3,899 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $2,799 per person or $4,699 for two people (double occupancy)

• Week Two: December 13th-18th, 2009. 5 Nights, 4 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,899 per person or $4,699 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $3,199 per person or $5,399 for two people (double occupancy)

• Week Three- January 6th-10th, 2010. 4 Nights, 3 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,799 per person or $4,299 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $3,199 per person or $5,099 for two people (double occupancy)

To book a Technique Week, call Hotel Reservations at 970.827.6634 or e-mail resbeave@hyatt.com

Courtesy of Nantucket Farmers Market (via Flickr)

Find yourself on Nantucket some Saturday morning? Lucky duck. 

Do yourself (and the island) a favor and wander over to the Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market, happening each Saturday through October 17 from 9 am to 1 pm.  Cambridge and North Union Streets, right by the Starlight Theater, are closed to cars for the market.

Spotted this past Saturday was Karin Sheppard of Island Weaves, with her beautiful blankets of alpaca, silk, and mohair, David Berry of Nantucket Honey Bee Company with his light and dark honeys (the color changes depending on whether the bees are pollinating summer or fall flowers), and Dylan Wallace and Claudia Butler of Nantucket Native, with their organic fruits and vegetables – and chocolates.  There were plenty more stands, all full of locally made and grown goodies.

A tip for those who wander in unprepared: there’s an ATM around the corner, on the bottom of Main Street.

 If you want to book a trip to the island this fall (one of the lovelier times to go), check the Nantucket Island Resorts website for the latest “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” offers.