Welcome our New Innkeeper - Claire Theriault

Nantucket is never far away

Please join the Martin House family in wishing Tiffany all the best this world offers as she returns to the west coast. As those of you who visited during our 2019 season know, Tiffany’s light and joy lit and warmed the inn as well as our hearts. Our lives were enriched by her beautiful spirit and smile, her calm energy and kind humor. She will be missed, but her indomitable spirit will always be a part of the rich tapestry of our historic inn.  Bittersweet is the adjective that comes to mind as we wish her Godspeed, success and continued joy.  

 We are delighted to welcome Claire Theriault back to the Martin House Inn, after more than two decades away.  She returns, invigorated, with a huge heart and sweet smile, a genuine love for people and for the Martin House, and all the skill sets necessary to make your stay exceptional.  Her warm welcome will make you feel you’ve come home. Your warm welcome will make her know she has. 

Welcome Claire!

A Message from Tiffany 

To all the guests of Martin House Inn,


It is with a bittersweet heart that I offer my farewell to you all. I am returning to California to embark on independent business endeavors. I am thrilled for the life that awaits me. Still, it is with a great heaviness that I leave Martin House Inn.

Lisa, the owner of Martin House, is the most gracious, generous and thoughtful person anyone could hope to work for. I have learned so much under her mentorship.  I’m confident that my friendship with her will be lifelong. Likewise, my love and appreciation for Sari, the head housekeeper of Martin House, has affected my life in the most profound manner.  Her great will, drive, and compassionate spirit has made me appreciate more the divine nature of every day and the blessing of every breath.

 Indeed, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been the face of Martin House Inn.  It has afforded me the greatest gift of all, the opportunity to cross paths with so many wonderful people and I will cherish the many memories that were forged here. To the many fine guests I have encountered in my time here, I site Dorothy as she said to the Scarecrow upon her departure from Oz, “I think I’ll miss you most of all.”

Certainly, I was blessed to meet the most remarkable and fascinating people. I am confident that all will empathize with my sentiment however that “There’s no place like home.”  Now as I make my departure, join me in welcoming our new wonderfully effervescent innkeeper, Claire Theriault.  Her dedicated spirit will ensure you experience a one of a kind stay with her signature scones, savory breads and best of all, her warm smile. I know that Martin House Inn has an even more glorious future in her capable hands.

With love,

Tiffany Fernandez

Cheers to Martin House Inn

Martin House is Dreaming of Christmas Stroll

At Martin House Inn we celebrate the kick-off to the holiday season with the annual celebration of Christmas Stroll.  This year it is held from December 5th-8th and is sure to get one in the spirit of the season. After all, where else can you holiday shop, sip mulled wine with cookies, hear Dickensian carolers and ride in a horse-drawn carriage? Main Street, of course!

Snap a picture of Brant Point Lighthouse all decked in holiday décor if you arrive on the ferry.  Also, be sure to throw those pennies overboard to ensure a return visit to the island!

While on Main Street you can peruse quaint shops and even participate in a silent art action if you are in the market for a locally inspired gift.  Save your shopping for this event!

Let's not forget the magical trees that line the street the day after Thanksgiving and the crème de la crème 20-foot tree at the top of Main Street decorated by one lucky local artist.
The Festival of Trees at the Whaling Museum is not to be missed with over 80 trees decorated by local businesses.  It's truly a winter wonderland and marshmallow world!

What about Santa, you say?  Well, he doesn't arrive by sleigh in Nantucket.  He arrives by boat at the wharf!  He and Mrs. Claus are welcomed by the Town Crier and children sit on his lap at the Jared Coffin House just down the street. Picture perfect!

So, join Martin House Inn as we ring in the holidays with Christmas Stroll.

 Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Farewell Indian Summer in Nantucket

Click below to listen to 

 Indian Summer by Frank Sinatra 

Enjoy!

Summer, you old Indian Summer
You're the tear that comes after June time's laughter
You see so many dreams that don't come true
Dreams we fashioned when summertime was new

You are here to watch over
Some heart that is broken
By a word that somebody left unspoken
You're the ghost of a romance in June
Going astray, fading too soon

That's why I say,
Farewell to you, Indian Summer!

Enjoy the stunning memories of another enchanting summer come and gone. 

Martin House Inn now embraces the autumnal gold of a warm sun with fresh air but not yet the chill.  Welcome bountiful, beautiful autumn in Nantucket!

Stunning Siasconset-Escape to the East Side

Bluff Walk

Running along Milestone Road, one heads east toward Siasconset.  Siasconset was developed in the late 1800's to be a beach resort town.  Many famous actors of that time visited 'Sconset (the local's name for the town) including Henry David Thoreau in 1854. On the Milestone Bike Path is the site known as the "Serengeti".  It has a landscape of mixed vegetation of about 400 acres and is conservation land.  It resembles the African Serengeti and even has animal cut outs set up to make visitors laugh. To ride from town into 'Sconset is about 6 miles one way.  One will also pass the large cranberry bog and see in the distance Sankaty Head Lighthouse.

'Sconset Beach

Many visitors flock to 'Sconset Beach on the eastern tip to see the sunrise and to see the 'Sconset Footbridge, a ninety-foot wooden bridge built in 1873.  The view of the beach from the bridge is worth the trip alone.

Center of 'Sconset

Most however come to see the 'Sconset Bluff Walk, a scenic walk past the backyards of the homes on the left and the ocean below off the bluff to the right. In the summer when the flowers and roses are in bloom, it is a gem not to be missed.

Oldest 'Sconset Cottage

Finally the Sankaty Head Lighthouse built in 1850, which from the Wampanoag word means "Cool Hill", has a red and white stripe and nestles along the Sankaty Head Golf Course.

Siasconset is a charming town not to be missed in the summer.  It's a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Sankaty Head Lighthouse

Surfside-Yesterday and Today

Surfside is a popular beach destination on the southern end of Nantucket close to the airport.
Its popularity is due in part to its close proximity to town and the ease of a bike ride with a sandwich, blanket, and a fun Nantucket read.

The cascading wisp of pines at Surfside

It was once the hope of investors to become a prosperous beachfront community with access by train in the late 1800's including a boardwalk hotel and fine dining. Storms dashed those dreams as waves destroyed and washed away part of the hotel and railroad tracks.  The instability of the weather and erosion scared many investors away from purchasing summer homes and the plan eventually failed.

Star of the Sea Youth Hostel

The location of the island's first Life Saving Station was built in 1874 and is today a youth hostel offering semi-affordable accommodations to visitors of Nantucket.  

Picture Perfect Surfside Beach

So, grab your flip flops and take in the vast open sky at Surfside.  Did I just hear the sound of an old train whistle or was it the crashing of the waves?

Upcoming Events:

Film Festival June 19-24th

July 4th Celebration July 4-5th 

Majestic Madaket

Recently, I was lucky enough to be invited by a long time Nantucket resident to take a personalized driving tour of the island. One may think that because Nantucket is such a small location that all can be discovered in one trip.  Not so!
I took a deep breath to slow down and fully experience the many natural wonders of my new island home. I share with you Madaket, the western tip location of Nantucket. It is a perfect spot for self reflection or fun with family and friends.

The Gut

Madaket Road

This is a very peaceful scenic turnoff, separating Long Pond from the North Head of Long Pond.  One can throw in a fishing line and take a small non-motorized boat in the water.  You will find this dirt turn-off on the way to Madaket beach either by bike or car.

Majestic Madaket Beach

At the end of Madaket Road is its vast and beaconing beach.  It has limited public parking, but if you have an off-road vehicle, there is room along the sand.  The name "Madaket" is possibly related to the Algonquin words meaning "land without wood."  Gorgeous sunsets and surfing are always a guarantee.

Millie's Restaurant

Millie's Restaurant and Millie's Market offer something for everyone.  From coastal cuisine to ice cream from the market window, this location is a must stop for visitors and locals alike.
Named after native Millie Jewett, she was a local legend who spent her time caring for the beaches, animals, and residents of Madaket.  Always on the lookout for shipwrecks, she earned the highest civilian rank from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Madaket Millie

Millie's Bridge and Hither Creek are the entrance to Smith's Point Beach, an-out-of-the-way hidden gem. The bridge was named after Madaket Millie. She sold ice cream ice cream from her yard and greeted visitors, which was located on Hither Creek. The creek is a famous spot for watching egrets.
Smith's Point is named after one of the early Smith settlers on Nantucket.

Hither Creek

These are just some of the sights and discoveries of majestic Madaket.  Our next location will be Surfside and beyond.

"Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets."

Upcoming Events

Restaurant Week-June 3rd-9th

Book Festival June 14th-16th

Film Festival June 19th-24th

A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou

The 24th Annual Nantucket Food & Wine Festival is right around the corner, May 15th-19th, and Martin House Inn will be joining in the celebration offering our own house label wine and cheese tasting every Friday evening. 

Cheers!

The coming together for wine and cheese in our warm and inviting inn helps break the ice and opens up spontaneous conversation among strangers.  Strangers who soon become friends.  Only the intimacy of an inn can allow for that kind of relaxed engagement. And we do it best!

Our wine tasting flight is also an indulgence for smaller parties.

One should always find a reason to celebrate and joining us for wine and cheese Fridays is just that kind of reason!

Join us for the Nantucket Food and Wine Festival May 15th-19th. 

"Wine and cheese are ageless companions, like aspirin and aches, or June and moon, or good people and noble ventures."

~M.F.K. Fisher 

Martin House Mini Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Renew Your Senses in Nantucket

On a recent windy morning newly planted in Nantucket, I happened upon a beach full of perfect unbroken shells. They were a mirage of pink, lavender, and blue and my eyes could not be diverted from this endless blanket of layer upon layer of cool color.  I was completely in awe of the backdrop of turquoise water and the crisp sun rising over the horizon.  

All I could think about in that moment was that this experience every day could renew my spirit and bring me endless peace.  

Yet it seems inevitable that the initial awe we feel in seeing something inspiring loses its luster over time if we see it continuously, often dulling our senses.  Is this why we keep seeking and exploring?  Must we strive to find solace in the road less traveled? 

I can only say that for myself and many of the guests I've met here at Martin House, that Nantucket is a destination that so many return to for that very personal renewal of spirit and in the joy of the simple pleasures that only this island can offer.  Summer is right around the corner....come experience serenity again with us.

Upcoming Events

April 26th-28th 45th Annual Daffodil Festival 

A Thyme for Spring at Martin House Inn

"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark."

~R. Tagore

Time for Thyme!

Spring has arrived with a renewal of self and rebirth in the effortless joys that nature offers. Can you feel that change in the air?  It's happening all around us here on Nantucket. Workmen are busy getting the town ready while the daffodils are breaking through the soil's frozen surface just in time for Daffodil Festival April 26-28th.  We only have a few rooms left so call for availability. We hope to see you there in full bloom!  

 With this season now gloriously upon us, we borrow the winsome words of Susan Branch. 

"This is my wish upon you all - that your days be filled with good things; the inspiration granted to you in the colors of a rainbow, the sweet fragrance of a wild apple tree, the comforting warmth of the sun, the hopeful imagery of a hummingbird, the wondrous luminosity of the moon and stars, the aroma of something baking in the oven, the music within a gentle breeze, the closing of old chapters and the beginning of new ones, and some quiet moments to yourself by which you might contemplate all these things."

This spring, Martin House Inn is reborn and wonderful new 

chapters are now being written as we, your new innkeepers, continue our quest to meet more and more guests and offer your most memorable Nantucket experience.  We

 leave you with the romantic coastal beauty of our crashing surf. 

Ahhhh…..Nantucket!

Meet our New Innkeepers - Tiffany & Jose Fernandez

This phase of our journey started with our August 2018 marriage and honeymoon in Monterey, CA. During our respite, we realized that working together, rather than apart as fellow educators, was our first goal. We wanted to spend our new lives together, not just passing each other as we ran through the grueling paces of teaching day in and day out. With the insights gleaned from many soul-searching conversations, we realized that innkeeping would be a perfect fit for us and decided to change our life’s direction.

After researching and learning about many different B&B’s, I was lucky to find the elegant Martin House Inn which fulfilled every requirement for both our dream inn and location. We are very excited to begin this new adventure, to embrace the change in lifestyle, and to make Nantucket and Martin House Inn our new home.

I was born in Los Angeles and lived in Norfolk, Virginia before finally moving back home in 2017. I have my B.S. in Education and a Master of Education degree from Old Dominion University, Virginia. Now after over twenty years of working as a teacher and in education administration, I am retiring from teaching to launch this new career. By integrating my business experiences with my love for entertaining, baking, and gardening, I am thrilled to begin this new adventure as Innkeeper. Raised by a gourmet caterer where food was everything, I am looking forward to applying and refining those coveted culinary skills. Adventurous by nature, I am eager to revive my love of east coast history, hiking, and exploring this transcendent island.

My husband Jose was born in Mexico City and raised in Los Angeles. After graduating with a B.A. in History from the University of California, Santa Barbara he moved to Monterey where he began working with at-risk youth utilizing a tough-love curriculum he both ran and developed, spending over 35 years in education. As a varsity basketball coach working for schools all over California, he has won many championships, most recently at North Hollywood High School. In moving to Nantucket, he also has left the “educational” world behind to pursue his lifelong aspiration of writing, speaking and managing his own business to guide others in pursuing their dreams. In addition to being a born communicator and possessing an extensive passion for history, Jose has never met a stranger. His geniality and hospitality will welcome guests from far and wide.

While we leave behind dear family and friends, and the sunny weather of California, we know that the timeless beauty and wonder of Nantucket is unmatched in the world. Our family and friends are already planning to visit! Yes, moving from the mountains of L.A. to sea-level island life will be a big change, but we are ready and excited about the new venture. Please come and see us! We plan to maintain the current excellence and add our own touches to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as you have come to expect over the years.

Visit us in this inimitable oasis of maritime history and see the historic sites of Nantucket.

We look forward to the many memories yet to come!

 

Tiffany & Jose Fernandez