NANTUCKET SPRING NEWSLETTER
No question that Nantucket reigns supreme as New England's most beloved summer escape— but savvy travelers also anticipate the island in the springtime when flowers are just beginning to transform town into a riot of color while the gorgeous beaches lie vast and empty. Tis the season for previewing what's new and exciting, which this year includes: the 30th anniversary of the Nantucket Film Festival, a must-see textile exhibition at the Whaling Museum that explores the island's craft heritage, and an all-new look for the beloved Brant Point Grill's harborview terrace.
No matter what's on the agenda, the four storied properties and award-winning marina of the White Elephant Resorts collection set the scene for an unforgettable stay — whether you dream of staying at a former whaling captain's home in downtown, a romantic getaway at the The Wauwinet, or the recently revamped The Cottages at The Boat Basin, perched on the edge of Nantucket Harbor.
What's On
Nantucket bursts into color during the Daffodil Festival (April 24-27), a weekend of botanical-themed art shows, garden tours, exhibitions, and the beloved Nantucket Daffodil Flower Show, hosted at the Garden Club. Opening May 23, a new exhibition at the Whaling Museum, "Behind the Seams: Clothing and Textiles on Nantucket," will spotlight Nantucket's rich craft heritage through more than 150 textile objects, including everything from bathing costumes and resort-inspired garments to historic whaling flags. In June, the island transforms into a haven for book lovers and cinephiles. This year's Nantucket Book Festival (June 12-15) promises to be especially exciting, with a lineup that includes Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward and Australian novelist Geraldine Brooks and the acclaimed poet Ocean Vuong, whose highly anticipated third book, "The Emperor of Gladness," is set to be published in May 2025. Meanwhile, the 30th edition of the Nantucket Film Festival (June 25-30) brings a milestone year of screenings, panels, and filmmaker conversations. Don't miss Elizabeth Taylor: the Lost Tapes, a deeply personal look at the iconic performer featuring 70 hours of newly uncovered interviews that shed fresh light on her life and legacy, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary of Diane von Furstenberg's fashion empire.
Staying in Style
From foodie havens to pet-friendly cottages, White Elephant Resorts transforms Nantucket getaways into bespoke experiences that cater to every traveler's passion. Read on for the top accommodations on the island.
For Foodies: This season, Brant Point Grill at the island's icon White Elephant Nantucket will unveil an all-new look of its harborside terrace, with a replacement of the canopy and a refresh of the alfresco bar area with stunning harbor views. With a coastal blue color palette, a marble bar, and open-air views of the expansive lawn and harbor, it's poised for a new era of al fresco dining. While introducing exciting new food and mocktail menus, the Brant Point Grill's specialization in fresh local seafood is a mainstay, preserving beloved classics like their renowned lobster roll and signature Lobster Bloody Mary (featuring a quarter pound of lobster).
For Families: Right in the heart of town, the Jared Coffin House—a grand, red-brick mansion once home to a 19th-century shipping merchant—is the perfect base for families looking to soak up Nantucket history. Just two blocks from the Whaling Museum, the 43-room property is rolling out a stylish renovation of its family rooms, which sleep up to four guests and come with king beds, pull-out sofas, and complimentary kids' amenities. For a more secluded, waterfront retreat, the White Elephant Residences offer one- to three-bedroom accommodations that feel more like private beach homes. Each comes with a pantry-style kitchen, gas fireplace, and access to the resort's full amenities (favorites include courtesy BMWs to zip around town and one of the only in-town pools - complete with poolside ice cream cart).
For Bringing the Pets: Fresh off a multi-million-dollar renovation, The Cottages at The Boat Basin will add two newly designed pet-friendly accommodations this season—High Tide and Low Tide—to its Woof Cottages collection. Each sleeping six guests, the new two-bedroom accommodations make easy work of traveling with a furry friend, with private decks (one for Low Tide, two for High Tide), a full kitchen, and amenities like food and water bowls, beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and custom pet tags. Owners will also enjoy complimentary use of Priority Bicycles, fishing rods and nets for kids, and shuttles to the beach.
For a Couples' Retreat: An adults-only escape, the 32-room Wauwinet is where storybook romance comes to life. With exclusive access to two private beaches—and arguably the island's most breathtaking sunset views—couples can reconnect with each other at this enchanting "inn by the sea." Adventure awaits with a roster of complimentary activities during the spring—sail across the sparkling harbor, explore the island on Priority bicycles, a 4x4 Jeep tour to Great Point lighthouse, or cooking classes at the award-winning TOPPER'S. The highlight? A sunset dining experience each evening with locally harvested selection of Retsyo Oysters, cultivated just 300 yards from the restaurant, paired with a crisp selection from the 1,400-plus-label wine list.
