Six Spots to See in in 2019

Have you started planning your 2019 cruising itinerary? So many places, so little time. Here are six geographically diverse hotspots to get you excited for cruising in the new year.

Sanibel, FL

Sanibel and her sister Captiva offer easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for serious offshore fishing adventures and open-throttle cruises. At the same time, this is where Florida’s Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) begins, allowing boaters to tuck inside Pine Island Sound where waters are generally mellow but some routes run shallow.

As for dining out, it’s hard to go wrong here. Among dozens of fine eateries, The Lazy Flamingo has restaurants on both Sanibel and Captiva. Catch your own fish and they’ll cook ’em three different ways.

The Berry Islands, The Bahamas

While this isn’t technically a city, the Berry Islands hold great historic intrigue owing to their past as a drug transshipment Mecca and a playground for the rich and famous to live out their fantasies. Nevertheless, it’s the championship sport fishing and island tranquility (with their many secluded beaches) that attract leisure boaters.

Thinking about chartering in the Berrys? From Nassau, daily flights are morning and afternoon on Le Air’s 19-seater. From Fort Lauderdale, Tropic Ocean Airways offers direct flights every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

River Dunes, North Carolina

Located just of the Pamlico Sound, River Dunes aims to enhance the cruiser’s lifestyle, and it shows through with lush landscaping, architectural design features, gourmet meals, fully outfitted facilities, and a friendly staff. Cruisers on the property agree that it’s more of an experience than a marina.

For transient cruisers, the best part is that they’re welcome to use all club members’ amenities at no additional cost. In fact, one cruiser discovered the benefits of River Dunes quite unexpectedly.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, an island located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, stands apart from other cities. An ideal one, where the beaches are always perfectly windswept, the lighthouses are straight out of a postcard, and life moves a little slower. Could it be “the best island in the world”? National Geographic thinks so.

In spite of Nantucket’s relatively small size—less than 50 square miles—its inhabitants and history offer a bounty of captivating stories that have been passed down through generations. The New England island is a must see in 2019.

Tangier Island, Virginia

You’ll have to move quickly to see Tangier Island. Due to a changing climate, the island is losing its coastline and losing it quickly. Getting to the rustic and charming town is an adventure in itself.

But, when you get there, you’ll discover a beautiful, rugged place populated by interesting folks who march to the beat of their own drummer, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.

Bonaire, Caribbean

Bonaire has 86 official dive sites that will suit almost any diver. Dedicated to marine conservation and protecting their gorgeous waters, the primarily Dutch island has unparalleled dive sites. The island is dedicated to conservation and preservation throughout all of its tourism initiatives. Bonaire pursues projects that will reduce the CO2 effects on the planet and works toward being an eco-friendly destination.

Where will your travels take you in 2019?

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Thousands of years ago, a melting glacier deposited sand and rock debris south of Cape Cod. What was left? The boomerang-shaped island of Nantucket.

“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.”

Boaters will find not only a full range of services at the Nantucket Boat Basin, but also easy access to transportation, accommodations, shopping, and dining. The 240-slip marina is owned by Nantucket Island Resorts, which also operates and provides transportation to several premier hotels and restaurants on other parts of the island.

If you prefer to stay close to your boat in the marina but sleep on land, consider The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin. The one-, two and three-bedroom units are located on the marina wharves, and each cottage displays a creative moniker on a quarterboard at its front door. All 29 cottages have kitchens and air conditioning, and if you’re traveling with Rover, reserve a pet-friendly unit well in advance.

For those who prefer higher-end accommodations, the White Elephant Hotel and White Elephant Village offer guest rooms and suites, garden cottages and one- to three-bedroom residences furnished with state-of-the-art appliances. Amenities available to Village guests also include a heated pool and cabanas, fitness center and complimentary bicycles.

“Consider all this; and then turn to this green, gentle, and most docile earth; consider them both, the sea and the land; and do you not find a strange analogy to something in yourself?”

Whale of a time

No Nantucket visit would be complete without a visit to the Whaling Museum, where exhibits and artifacts explain the time and culture far beyond that of the whaling industry. In addition to this, you’ll learn about the island’s earliest settlers, including the Quakers, shipmates’ crafts and activities, the fire that destroyed much of the island, and the resulting exodus of islanders who sought other sources of income like gold mining in California.

The museum opens daily at 10 AM, and a number of tours and ticket options are available, some of which combine visits to other historic sites. Within steps of the Boat Basin and the seaport, Nantucket proper comprises boutiques and shops, art galleries, restaurants, and pubs. Here, or anywhere on the island, you won’t find a Starbucks, Red Lobster, Macy’s, or any other chain store or restaurant. Each shop is unique, and each shop-keeper offers a particular brand of Nantucket experience.

Classic New England style shingled homes line the coast in Nantucket.

You’ll be hard-pressed to visit all in a weekend, so a return trip will not only prove necessary but, anticipated. Each time you visit, invest not only in yourself, but in the island community with a remembrance of your on-island experience: trousers or a skirt in Nantucket red, a Lightship basket, whale memento, or artwork created by an islander.

If you carry bicycles on board your boat, you’ll enjoy using them on Nantucket. If not, bicycles and mopeds are readily available for rental. Five paved and well-marked trails range from 2.5- to 8-miles long and lead to scenic areas around the island where you’ll enjoy views of both the sparkling sea and of protected conservation landscapes. Public transportation is available during the summer season to Siasconset, Madaket and Surfside beaches.

“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I’ll go to it laughing.”

With all the walking, bicycling and beaching, feel free to sate your appetite with fine food and drink. Topper’s at The Wauwinet—another accommodation option that offers a respite from bustling seaport activity—is the recipient of the coveted Wine Spectator “Grand Award.” Closer to town, Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant offers a complete land-and-sea menu overlooking a well-manicured lawn and the harbor.

The harbor in Nantucket has a classic feel.

Some sources suggest that the island is sinking into the ocean, a claim that is unfounded. However, the scientific community at large verifies that the polar caps are melting and as a result, Earth’s seas are rising. Consequently, low islands and coastal areas are living on borrowed time. All would agree that Nantucket is much closer to the end of her life than the beginning. Go soon and to experience her tales and treasures before she is gone forever.

By Liz Pasch, Southern Boating August 2018
Photos Courtesy of the Nantucket Historical Association and Mike Galvin

Nantucket 2018 Fall Calendar

AUGUST

9-12: Big Game Battle
11: Boston Pops & Fireworks
11-19: Nantucket Race Week
19: Opera House Cup

SEPTEMBER

8-9: BlueFin Tuna Blast
9-11: Cystic Fibrosis Nantucket Slam
29: Maritime Festival
24-30: Fall Restaurant Week

OCTOBER

1-31: Family Scalloping
6: Cranberry Festival
7: Nantucket Half Marathon

NOVEMBER

22: Thanksgiving Turkey Plunge

Plan Ahead for 2019 Events

APRIL

Daffodil Weekend

MAY

Nantucket Wine Festival
Figawi Race Weekend

JUNE

Nantucket Book Festival
Nantucket Film Festival

JULY

Nantucket Comedy Festival
Nantucket Triathlon

New England Cruising Guide

Cruising on the other coast: Our New England Cruising Guide

Late summer and early fall are the best times to plan a tour of coastal New England. Slightly cooler temperatures mean the summer beach crowds have thinned considerably, so you’ll be able to fully enjoy the experience. And, more importantly, find dock space. Hence, this New England Cruising Guide.

I’ve been struggling to put a timeline on this New England cruising guide. Ideally, you’ll have two full days at each location to fully immerse yourself in the culture and quirks. But there is so much to see; there were five or six locations I wanted to add but figured that three weeks of uninterrupted cruising wasn’t necessarily doable. So, use this as a loose guide to planning out your perfect New England cruise. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Boston, MA

A must-see when cruising New England? Boston.

The what: One of the most historic cities in America.

To do: Walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail and immerse yourself in the history of the American Revolution. Or head over to the Boston Public Market (100 Hanover Street) and peruse all manner of unique New England specialty items. If you are a baseball fan, catch a Sox game at Fenway (4 Yawkey Way). If the kids are with you, check out the New England Aquarium (1 Central Wharf).

To eat: A greasy classic is a must, so grab the fish and chips at the Barking Crab. Oh, and you can’t leave the city without trying its namesake Boston Cream Pie. We like the twist they add at Legal Sea Foods.

To dock: Boston Waterboat Marina. Located on historic Long Wharf in Boston Harbor, Boston Waterboat Marina is just steps from the attractions above. If you needed any more history, Boston Waterfront Marina is the city’s oldest continually operating yachting facility.

Kennebunkport ME

The what: Picturesque rocky shores, some of the state’s best beaches. Oh, and lobster. Did we mention lobster?

To do: Take a ride out to Goose Rocks Beach or walk along the cliffs of Marginal Way, a paved path that wraps around rocky shores.

To eat: Do I need to say anything here? Lobster. Have some lobster at the famed Clam Shack (2 Western Ave). Then have some more lobster at Chowder House (79 Pier Road).

To dock: Chicks Marina on the Kennebunk River. Their concierge service is top-notch.

Provincetown, MA

You can let your freak flag fly in the welcoming artistic Cape Cod hamlet of Provincetown.

The what: Quintessential Cape Cod. The pilgrims landed here, as did some more eccentric types. Beaches and artists make P-Town a must-see.

To do: See where the Pilgrims first landed at the Pilgrim Monument. Stroll Commercial Ave for the best people watching around.

To eat: Start your day with pastries at Connie’s Bakery. End it with frosé and clams at The Canteen.

To dock: The aptly named Provincetown Marina. Anchorages are lovely here as well.

Nantucket, MA

It doesn’t get more New England than Nantucket.

The what: The classic summer destination. This idyllic whaling town turned quaint little summer getaway is a favorite to many.

To do: Marvel at the gorgeous architecture, rent a bike and test yourself on the cobblestone streets. The entire island is designated as a National Historic Landmark, so the Historical Society has some suggestions for you.

To eat: Grab a sandwich at Something Natural before you head out exploring. For fine dining, we like the modern twist that The Proprietors take.

To dock: Moorings are first come, first served at Nantucket Moorings. Our advice? Come first.

Chilmark, MA

Why yes, there is a JawsFest. Thanks for asking.

The what: If you want to see Martha’s Vineyard in her full glory, you need to see Chilmark.

To do: Pretend you’re on the set of Jaws. Parts of the Spielberg classic were filmed on the Vineyard. A good portion of it was set in Chilmark. Or, take in the sights at Gay Head Light.

To eat: It’s BYOB at the Chilmark Tavern (1435, 9 State Rd) if you’re into that sort of thing (I am). Or for the butteriest lobster bisque you’ll ever have, try the Menemsha Fish Market (54 Basin Rd).

To dock: The harbor is tight, but there are moorings available at the east and west sides of the harbor entrance. Contact the harbormaster for more information.

Newport, RI

The what: America’s first resort town is full of mansions, music festivals, and boating.

To do: If you’re there on time, you can visit the Newport Boat Show in September. If not, shop on Thames Street. Walk off the inevitable seafood feast you’ll consume on the picturesque Cliff Walk. The mansions along the way can barely compare with the ocean views.

To eat: If you’ve had enough lobster, take a breather with some Mexican-inspired cuisine at Diego’s or Perro Salado.

To dock: You’ll be in the center of all the action at Bowen’s Wharf. Full? Try the Newport Yachting Center.

Other amazing locales to squeeze in if possible include Bar Harbor, ME or Block Island, RI and Montauk, NY. I have fond memories of Shelter Island as well. All are accessible depending on how you plan your trip. Bar Harbor could be after Kennebunkport, Montauk is a quick jaunt from Block Island.

Tag: Nantucket