Sometimes we lose track in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and succumb to the pressures of juggling our work and families and preparations for gatherings and the entire retail aspect. But in the still of the early morning hours of each day, before the day rushes in, there is time to  reflect, celebrate and be thankful for the many blessings we do have and to recalibrate and remember how blessed we are. We will always have more than some and less than others. Someone will always be better at something than we are and we will always be better at something than someone else is. It’s all a matter of perspective and we can make a conscious effort to focus on the positives, the blessings, the people and dreams and opportunities that make our hearts sing. Because gratitude and aspirations are the first steps to the lives we want. If we can envision a present and future that fulfills us, we are halfway there.  

We live in the richest country in the world and have access to drinking water, food, health care, freedom of speech, education and opportunities that millions of people do not.  If you’re reading this blog, you have probably visited Nantucket and experienced its pristine and unparalleled beauty, and pondered the juxtaposition of its simplicity and casualness and its reputation as one of the wealthiest vacation destinations in the richest country in the world. We have much to be grateful for. 

But as we rush around in search of physical gifts between Thanksgiving and the end of the year, we lose track of the reality that each day is a gift. And what the people who love us most want from us is not presents but our presence. Because in the end, we won’t wish we had one more purse or pair of shoes or watch or toy; we will wish for one more smile or touch, one more shared meal, one more day together. 

Oftentimes, our attitudes determine our happiness. And the practice of gratitude informs our attitudes. So this holiday season, take a few moments to reflect on what and who you’re grateful for.  A sunrise, the sweet purring of your cat, the fresh aroma of coffee, the ability to walk (for me along the shoreline), the people you cherish, the dreams you hold dear, your health and that of those around you, the way everything works for you once you start believing it will. Share your gratitude. Believe in yourself and revel in the gift of each day. 

We at the Martin House are grateful for you!  Thank you for enriching our lives with your presence and for choosing us as your home away from home. As we come to the close of another year, we wish you the happiest of holidays and a healthy and happy 2022. 

 

NANTUCKET- A HAVEN FOR PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

In difficult times, I have tried to temper sadness with gratitude, consciously asking myself what lesson I was meant to learn.  In the isolation of 2020, I learned through physical absence something I have always known- the absolute importance of friends and family.  I learned, from not seeing people’s faces, the way a simple smile can transform an afternoon. I learned from being home with my sweet cats to savor the sun, the percussion of the rain, a languid stretch, a snack, a brief nap.  I learned the rejuvenation that comes from taking a break from the computer, zoom calls, and errands to cuddle with the cat purring patiently by my side, to take a walk in the surf, to watch the sun rise (or set), and to revel in the twinkling of thousands of stars lighting the night sky on the easternmost shores of this island.

In my walks and my solitude, I see the birth and death evoked by the natural order- early bird getting the unlucky early worm, seagulls plucking unwary fish from the ocean, baby seals and fawn frolicking in the shallows and in the woods, the bunnies that chose our yard as their haven.  I look for reasons for the ebb and flow of life as I mourn the devastation Covid wrought, the reality that life always ends, the tragic sinking/collapse of buildings, the unfairness that the lives of beloved pets and their humans are not coterminous, the challenges people of color still face in 2021.  

Pic K. Tejada

And then a finch lays its eggs in a hanging fern on our veranda and its blue eggs hatch into hungry little chicks, our newest and youngest ever guests!  The roses bloom in profusion covering cottages in Sconset and in town, and the streets smell like perfume.  The temperature here on island remains in my small comfort zone of 65-75 degrees and ocean breezes blow through sheer curtains and caress our faces, carrying the tinkling laughter of young children passing by.  And it becomes increasingly clear that while nature gives and nature takes, it also teaches us that love never ends, that we are more resilient than we know and if we still our souls, it can rejuvenate all of us.  Health and wellness are reset by getting outside (of our minds) and by getting inside (of the natural world).

Most of us spend the vast majority of our time indoors working, and in doing so, fail to reap the health and wellness benefits of outdoor time.  All of that changed in 2020 when remote working became the norm.  In 2020, we were able to go back in time to a different era when people were more connected to nature.  In Nantucket, it is easy to tap into the many health attributes derived from nature, including improved mood and optimism and the benefits of vitamin D (helps prevent chronic diseases, fights infections, regulates our immune systems), fresh air (helps prevent infection and lowers levels of pain and stress ), greater focus (we become sharper and more focused when we return to our work after giving our brains a break), and the inimitable spiritual connection to our environment.

Invest in yourself and some “me” time and book a stay at the Martin House Inn.  In our haven in the heart of historic Nantucket, you are warmed by the sun and cooled by salty ocean breezes in our gardens and on our veranda and can observe the rhythm of the ocean from our roof walk.  You can stroll through cobbled and antique brick streets, along the shoreline, pedal the expanse of bicycle paths that lead to all quadrants of the island, swim, kayak, paddleboard, sail, do outdoor yoga at Children’s Beach, picnic and so much more.  And then you can come home to our serenity gardens with trickling fountains and a fire pit, relax into our plush comfortable beds in luxuriously turned out rooms, and enjoy the property and the many nooks and crannies it offers for introspective thought.  Solitude, sleep, exercise, fresh air, and the process of being mindful and consciously grateful all promote wellness- a state of complete physical, mental and spiritual well-being.  Take time to invest in you, nourish and pamper and  indulge yourself, feed your soul, reset your system and reconnect with the brightest version of yourself you can be. 

ONE YEAR LATER- A GREATER FOCUS ON THE OUTDOORS

(and what better place to be than on the beautiful island and beaches of Nantucket)

 

The word April was derived from the Latin word Aperit, which means open.  And a year later, the COVID vaccines roll-out, there is a sweet reawakening in Nantucket and in our world - marked by cleansing April showers, warmer breezes and the opening of spring flowers, businesses, and hearts.  We feel it intrinsically in a slow and then blossoming sense of hope for a return to a more traditional existence this season.  Perhaps it took a pandemic to highlight something we all innately knew but have never appreciated the way we do now- how connected we all are to each other and to the earth, how fortunate we have been to enjoy a lifetime of hugs and smiles.  We emerge from 2020 with 20/20 clarity and an ever present sense of gratitude that colors every small step forward.  The world is different now.  The earth is healthier, air quality vastly improved, and sunrises and sunsets more intensely beautiful.  Any in-person interactions, even with acquaintances, feel like reunions, something longed for and cherished.  Those with family and friends bring both laughter and tears.  The return of repeat guests to our inn and to our island is, to us, a homecoming, anticipated with joy and appreciation.  How different this April is from last April in both its sense of hope, freedom and rebirth.  2020 has changed us in some important ways and the ability to see the world and the people we know and meet in a new light, with a new perspective, is a rebirth and a gift.  April marks a new beginning for all of us.

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything ~William Shakespeare

One positive and well-received response by the Town of Nantucket to COVID was the closure of streets in the downtown area, creating oases for European-style outdoor dining.  As restaurants reopen this year, the downtown is peppered with umbrellas and planters, people gathering in a socially distanced outdoor way, and enhanced by the wafting smells of a multitude of culinary offerings.  Daffodil decorations add touches of yellow and green, reminding us that even though the iconic celebration will be virtual this year, spring is on its way and the holiday remains very much a part of the fabric of our community. 

Bill Hoenk Photography

Luckily for the island and its visitors, a tremendous part of Nantucket’s charm is the innate beauty of the island itself -- its beaches, trails (walking and biking), boutiques and cobbled streets. In the past month, the beaches of Nantucket have been cited in several articles as some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and in the world, making the island the subject of many bucket lists.  See what Travel & Leisure’s travelers had to say about Nantucket – “one of the world’s most romantic islands”.  And check out what travelers such as yourselves had to say on TripAdvisor about the BEST 15 Things To Do In Nantucket.

Other major draws include the island’s history and culture, and our museums and theatres and tours remain open for socially distanced exploration.  The island is also known for its sustainable farms, conservation lands and open-mic brewery, which are also must-sees.  And finally, Nantucket is renowned for its events and festivals. 

 

Courtesy NFF

While some events have been moved to a virtual setting (or postponed) this year, many are still slated to happen.  The Nantucket Film Festival, #NFF2021, takes place June 17-28.  The 26th annual Festival will feature a robust program of online screenings, as well as drive-in screenings and intimate garden screenings and conversations.  All in-person gatherings are being planned in compliance with local and state public safety guidelines.  

The Nantucket Garden Festival will lend an added festivity to the summer July 13-15.  Connie Q. Umberger, Nantucket Lighthouse School grandmother and former Chair of the Board founded the Nantucket Garden Festival as a fundraiser for the Nantucket Lighthouse School, which has long used gardens and gardening as an educational tool.  Throughout the years, the Festival has celebrated island gardening through informative workshops, exquisite garden tours, educational and inspirational keynote addresses, creative family activities, parties and more.

 

The Nantucket Comedy Festival, founded by headliner Kevin Flynn in 2007, is an annual summer event that brings top comedic talent to Nantucket Island as the major fundraiser for Stand Up & Learn™. This year’s Nantucket Comedy Festival, slated for July 15-17, again highlights Nantucket as a community connected by laughter.  They assure you, you will "laugh your ACK off".

Courtesy Nantucket Comedy Festival

The Boston Pops community gathering on Jetties Beach to support our Nantucket Cottage Hospital has been a tradition for 24 years.  The program features the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and is scheduled for August 14, 2021.  What better way to spend a sultry summer night than at a concert, surfside. 

Courtesy TWN

The Theatre Workshop of Nantucket (TWN) will be announcing details of their 65^th Season soon!  You can sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date on the latest announcements and developments. 

 

Come home to the Martin House Inn as your base to explore the beautiful Island of Nantucket.  Mention SPRING AHEAD for a discount on a new reservation of up to 20% for April stays: 10% for two nights, 15% for three nights, 20% for four nights.

 

 

 

March, toward Spring!

March 2021 has arrived and here on Nantucket, it definitely came in as a lion!  The wind chill was 1 degree with wind gusts reported at 70 mph in Madaket!!  But with March comes the delicious knowledge that SPRING is just around the corner.    And we can think of no better place to be than here on Nantucket.   So why not begin thinking about a “Spring Fling” getaway or summer vacation? 

When was the last time you pampered yourself, planned or enjoyed a getaway or a sweet respite?  As the days lengthen, crocuses peek through the soil and the air grows incrementally warmer, the feeling that our world is reopening sends a message of hope and connection.  Now, as the vaccine rolls out and travel restrictions ease, is the time to plan your next great adventure.  And for now, the most trusted travel is in our own beautiful country, which you can explore with no possibility of getting stuck out of the country.  So plan a vacation to someplace you have read about, someplace you may have visited and had hoped to again, someplace you can drive to (with the help of a ferry or a puddle-jumper), someplace revered for its timeless beauty, its wealth of culture, its pristine beaches and world-renowned cuisine.  Come to Nantucket - Voted #2 of 50 Best Coastal Towns in the United States! Come to the Martin House Inn! 

The Martin House Inn combines the charm and romance of a bygone era with all the comforts of home. It also offers plenty of room for social distancing- in our serenity gardens, our spacious veranda, our lofty roof walk with panoramic views of the harbor and town, our comfortable gathering areas.  Our spacious accommodations blend the convenience and comforts of today with the romance and nostalgia of the past.  We offer 13 room choices. See a sampling below:

Located on our first floor, ROOM 1 is a lovely room with loads of light, a stunning, full-sized antique pillow top canopy bed, and private shower bath. 

Travelling with a larger group, or simply want your own private living area?  ROOM 2 is a richly decorated 2-room suite with a queen poster bed, that sleeps up to 4. Its spacious living room with large gas-remote fireplace, sleeper loveseat, flat screen TV with DVD, and board games provides you the comforts of home.  What's not to love?

Venture to our 2nd floor for our most romantic room (ROOM 21) , which features a queen canopy bed, a large fireplace, and a large bathroom with both a tub and shower.  Imagine, grabbing one of the sumptuous afternoon snacks we provide, and your favorite beverage (from your own private mini-fridge) as you return from your day of adventures, to enjoy in the warm, sultry breezes on your own private porch that overlooks our Serenity garden.  What better way to unwind!

 

There are many more rooms to choose from, depending on your preferences, and we invite you to visit our website to view them all. 

What to expect when you arrive?  Camelot style weather, where air conditioning exists but is not really necessary.  Gentle ocean breezes, windswept beaches, sand dunes, blinking lighthouses, cobbled streets, rose covered cottages and a charming pace of life await you on this 50-square mile island, 27 miles out to sea.  Formerly,  the world's top whaling port, the Town of Nantucket is now designated a National Historic District, and the Martin House Inn is in the heart of the historic district- a sea captain’s mansion built in 1803 and the most romantic inn on island.  And although Nantucket is often dubbed a haven for the rich and famous, it is surprisingly affordable and the ambiance down-to-earth.  Leave your make-up and your high heels at home and revel in comfortable shoes and the natural beauty that derives from sunshine and relaxation.  People dress casually when they are on island, spending days exploring the island’s beaches and trails, its historic district and theatres and one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. 

 

There are many activities to choose from on Nantucket.  We promise, you will never be bored.  Visit our 3 world-renowned lighthouses, take a fishing charter or plan a sailing adventure! Rainy day? Not to worry, we have over 6 museums in-season featuring Nantucket’s history of whaling, shipwrecks, and beautiful lightship baskets, to name a few.  Additionally, there are a myriad of tours available to you.  Bike, Walkabout, Architectural tours, theatre – and whale & seal tours with Shearwater Excursions.  Hoping to enjoy the nightlife?  Visit Nantucket’s CISCO brewery, The Chicken Box and the Muse on the outskirts of town offer live bands.  The Rose & Crown, located within walking distance to the Inn offers live bands and karaoke contests.  What’s not to love?

Jack Vatcher Photography

Prefer a more mellow close to your day?  Why not unwind on our open-air veranda, or sit in the Serenity garden with its glowing fire pit and beautifully lit evening ambiance and soothing fountains.

Reserve now while there is still space, and be proactive in planning your next great adventure!  Now is the time to SOW!  Mention “Spring is On the Way” or “SOW” for a 15% discount on any reservation purchased in full before the first day of spring (March 20^th, 2021).*

 

 *Cannot be combined with any other offer

 

 

 

February Can Be Fabulous

During the endless days of 2020, I learned patience and I practiced gratitude.  I learned that my family and friends and I were among the lucky ones during the proliferation of the pandemic- we had food and shelter and some degree of financial security.  I learned how little I really needed.  I learned an entirely new appreciation for our resilient family of friends and guests.  I call my lessons from 2020 “2020 Vision” and I am a better human with my 2020 vision.  My perspective has changed; my empathy for those less fortunate increased. 

 So with the benefit of 2020 Vision, I know without a doubt that February of 2021 breezed into Nantucket bearing gifts!  While a nor’easter hit the coast, piling multiple mounds of snow over a 2-day blizzard,  Nantucket was spared shoveling as our precipitation came only in the form of rain.  High winds shut ferries down.  Those wishing to come to the island were unable to, and those who thought they were heading home had a swift change of plans.  The Grey Lady and Mother Nature often conspire in this fashion, thick as thieves they can be.  Known  on average for balmier winter temps (39+), low precipitation (1.22”), and low winds (12mph), Nantucket’s weather is  one of the challenges (some say joy) of island-life, and it is magical.   It has taken many years, but finally, I learned in 2020 to embrace the weather offered us; to accept the things I cannot change, to savor the freedom of letting go.  And to enjoy all that February offers - the slowing down, the lengthening days, the beautiful light that makes a bad photograph virtually impossible to take.

Did you know that the month of February has nearly 230 holidays in its 28 days?  In the past, the shortest month of the year has been my longest, but not so in 2021.  A tradition since 1886 and a February event that continues to this day that most everyone is familiar with is Groundhog Day.  Punxsutawney Phil, the famed groundhog, came out of his snug winter abode this year and saw his shadow, portending six more weeks of winter, and sure enough, many snow storms are predicted for this month.  Nantucket had its own nautical version, Quahog Day, bought to the isle in 1982 by former harbormaster Allen Holdgate, Sr. and H. Flint Ranney.  Quentin the Quahog predicted the timing of winter’s end not by shadow, but rather by spitting his juice to the left this year, echoing Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter.  In true New England practicality, unlike Punxsutawney Phil who continues his celebrity from year to year, once Quentin’s services are completed he becomes a snack!!

Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated of February’s events.   Long known for flowers, chocolates and romantic excursions, it too offers a break from the long winter and a weekend to look forward to as the days lengthen.  Here at Martin House Inn, we offer an array of rooms with fireplaces and  canopy beds to sink into and cozy up with your sweetheart  after a day hiking our many trails, combing our endless beaches, strolling the Town’s historic streets on your self-guided walking tour, or simply relaxing in in front of a crackling fire.  The Artist’s Association will be featuring its Valentine’s Work Online exhibition through Saturday, February 13^th, a perfect opportunity to bring a piece of Nantucket home and to offer your mate a memorable Valentine’s gift.  

The historic Whaling Museum reopens February 12^th.   It is an outstanding way to learn of Nantucket’s fascinating history from the Whaling days to the Great Fire.   And the magnificent Festival of Trees will be on display through President’s Day.  And don’t forget to climb to the roof deck for a spectacular view of the island and harbor (and the Martin House Inn)!

 

Call and book between now and February 10th your next stay and enjoy a 15% discount (not to be combined with other offers).   A Nantucket escape will soothe your soul!