Get Out of Town is a series where we highlight easy getaways from Boston. These may be a perfect bitesize weekend trip or a splurge worthy weeklong escape. But the main criteria are that the destination is both convenient to access and offers visitors an experience that surprises and delights. If you missed our recommendation last week, read all about why you should book a trip to Lake Winnipesaukee. This week we are headed to Nantucket for Labor Day Weekend!
Why visit Nantucket
Nantucket has always been an old money summer enclave, but as we approach the shoulder season, the entire island becomes a bit more accessible and much less crowded—making September and October probably the best time of year to visit, especially for first timers. From the quaint downtown to the stunning beaches to the fresh ocean breeze, Nantucket is truly one of those places that after you visit for the first time, you will do everything in your power to make it an annual trip. And why not make it the perfect last minute Labor Day Weekend getaway from Boston for your first visit?
Getting there
The most convenient way to get to Nantucket from Boston is via Cape Air. While JetBlue does also run a seasonal route to the island in the summertime, Cape Air operates daily flights year-round and has the most flights per day from Boston. If you have never flown on a local airline like Cape Air, you are in for a treat, in the shoulder season, you will probably be lucky enough to have the plane to yourself so that combined with the time savings over the ferry makes a Cape Air flight to Nantucket quite special. Door to door from Downtown Boston, I can be on Nantucket in under 2 hours, that includes driving to Logan, waiting at the gate and actually flying there. So, if you want to skip the Cape traffic and get to ACK ASAP, book a flight on Cape Air.
Where to stay
Faraway Nantucket is the new centerpiece of downtown Nantucket. Having only opened in 2021, Faraway is one of those places that somehow feels like is has always been there in the best way. Owned by Blue Flag Partners, Faraway is a whole block of Nantucket and offers up not only a chic place to stay, but the most beautiful courtyard and restaurant in which to relax on the whole island. This is more than a hotel; it is an oasis.
When you enter the hotel, a delightful array of unconventional textiles and art pieces welcome you in, just as they might at the home of a well-travelled, yet eccentric friend. Designed to both embrace the 200-year-old New England heritage of the island and usher in a new era of hospitality, Faraway is a charming fusion of lots of quirky, cool things.
Each room is a little bit different, but they all have amazing modern bathrooms, top quality linens and some fab toiletries. So trust me, you are in for a treat during a stay at Faraway.
Dining at Faraway Nantucket
As I mentioned, Faraway is more than a hotel, it is also a dining destination. It holds our favorite restaurant on the island, Sister Ship is a must whether you are sleeping at the hotel or not. A restaurant, café and cocktail club, Sister Ship offers a Mediterranean-inspired, seafood heavy menu, that is all made with lots of local ingredients. Everything is meant to be shared, so order a plate of oysters, a few cocktails and just see where the night takes you, this is a place great for a date, a night out with friends or a birthday dinner with the whole family.
For more ideas on the best weekend getaways from Boston this season check out our top picks and if you are looking to stay a little closer from home read our guide to the best day trips from Boston as well!