The sad truth about magazine publishing is that sometimes—because of cost, space, timing, etc.—well-written and informative articles are never published. The happy antidote to that truth is the emergence of blogs, specifically National Geographic Traveler's IT, where such material may be repurposed. Like this week, where we present to you associate editor Susan O'Keefe's Nantucket itinerary (written originally for TRIPS!) in its heretofore unpublished glory:
Some 30 miles off Cape Cod, the island of Nantucket shows its mellow side in autumn. With the post-summer hush comes the harvest of bay scallops and cranberries, the scent of wood-burning fireplaces, empty beaches for endless walking, boutique sales, and reduced hotel rates. The action takes place in Nantucket town and beyond.
8 a.m. Wake up with a view of Nantucket Harbor at your private Boat Basin cottage on Swain's Wharf, a short walk from Main Street. Each cottage features nautical interiors, full kitchen, slate-floor bathroom, and patio or deck.
9 a.m. Make your way to the art-filled Even Keel Cafe in the heart of town. Submit to the lobster Benedict or get some coffee and berry muffins at the cheery grab-and-go counter for an alfresco breakfast on the waterfront.
10 a.m. Pick up an all-terrain or tandem bike at Young's Bicycle Shop and head out on a seven-mile trip to Siasconset, a former fishing hamlet turned actors' colony. Park your bike and mosey along Sconset Bluff Walk, a best-kept secret that allows for views of gardens, choice homes, and the ocean. Another option: rent a Jeep (at Young's or the airport) and visit the Milestone Bog near Gibbs Pond for a look at the cranberries, a crop here since 1857. The island's Cranberry Festival is October 14.
12 p.m. Relax on the harborside terrace at Brant Point Grill at the posh White Elephant hotel. The boating scene complements the comfort-food menu that includes lobster-crab cakes, lobster mac and cheese, and cod sandwiches on brioche with cranberries, pea shoots, and orange slices.
1 p.m. Let the whales lead the way. From the early 1700s to the 1840s, Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world, something that becomes abundantly clear when you spend an hour at the newly renovated Nantucket Whaling Museum. The lore of the island's past is captured in letters, scrimshaw, old photographs, a 46-foot-long sperm whale skeleton, and more.
2 p.m. Some of the shops and galleries close for the winter in late October (exact dates depend on the weather). Take advantage of end-of-the-season sales at the shops along Centre, Federal, and Main Streets. For designer women's labels and shoes, check out Zero Main (0 Main St.; +1 508 228 4401). Don't leave the island without a pair of Nantucket Reds, the faded, pinkish khaki pants from Murray's Toggery Shop. At Nantucket Looms, local artists weave heirloom-quality blankets. Kitchen gear, beach plum jam, and rose hip jelly lure visitors to Nantucket Gourmet.
4 p.m. Stop in at the Brotherhood of Thieves for a pint of Whale's Tale Pale Ale—made on the island at Cisco Brewers. Locals gather at the bar here to watch sports and talk about the weather. Snack on the Brotherhood's cheese plate, famous shoestring curly fries, or creamy New England clam chowder. If it's Chowder Contest time (October 14), you can try a slew of chowder samples and cast your vote for the best at the bottom of Main Street.
7 p.m. The cozy, candlelit Company of the Cauldron is open for dinner only, with a set prix fixe menu that changes week to week and is posted outside. Dishes range from lobster risotto with wild mushrooms and black truffle oil to pan-seared halibut with Tuckernuck clams over fresh pasta. Live harp music seasons the surroundings.
9 p.m. Have a nightcap at a friendly neighborhood bar. The Club Car piano bar is an old railroad club car left over from when the island had its own railroad, while the intimate bar at 21 Federal is the place for good wine by the glass.
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