<p>We were thinking about a summer vacation here. We’ve never been (though we’ve been to Cape Cod, many years ago). It would be a family trip (myself, DH and sons - one in college and one in HS). Any suggestions on types of accommodations or specifics?
We’re in DC area - what’s the best way to get there? I don’t like little prop planes, so I’m guessing maybe fly to Boston, then drive to Hyannis then ferry to the island???
Any and all info appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>Besides a limerick?</p>
<p>@ emerald…I was wondering how quickly someone would go in this direction! :)</p>
<p>Yes, take the ferry. Nantucket is quite expensive…quite! You likely will need to use a rental broker to rent a house. I’d start looking ASAP as many folks book for the summer very early on.</p>
<p>Once ON Nantucket, it’s fun to use bicycles to get around!</p>
<p>If you don’t fly, you have no choice but the ferry. That process can take time - driving down, waiting, etc. - and you need reservations if you are bringing a car. If I were doing this, I’d either fly or drive up from DC. There are lots of interesting places on the way, from Mystic Seaport to Newport to, hey, Foxwoods (“the wonder of it all”).</p>
<p>Rentals often come with a ferry reservation for one car, although getting around by bike is perfectly doable, even for non-expert bikers.</p>
<p>I love Nantucket. I’ve only ever gotten there via ferry.</p>
<p>The flight is really short and worth the convenience–just pop a tranquilizer or down a glass of wine first! Nantucket is very expensive and very charming. Terrific restaurants. If I could afford it, I’d go there every summer. We stayed here and loved it (but very pricey):
[Cliffside</a> Beach Club 2013 | Nantucket Hotel and Lodging | Nantucket Island Accomodation](<a href=“http://cliffsidebeach.com/]Cliffside”>http://cliffsidebeach.com/)
A delightful restaurant choice is Company of the Cauldron. Extremely limited (and fabulous) menu that varies each day, but they post the daily menu online in advance so you can choose to go when they have something you like. (And no surprise, not cheap.)
Have a great vacation!</p>
<p>Doesn’t it cost something crazy like $400 to take your car on the ferry?</p>
<p>Not worth it, IMO.</p>
<p>Yes, that’s a typical summer cost for the ferry if you want to take a car. It’s meant to discourage it, clearly. Nantucket is an expensive place, though, so if you can afford Nantucket, the ferry cost isn’t likely to deter you if you want your car available. It’s a beautiful place with lots of nice shops and restaurants. Beautiful beaches, great places to bike.</p>
<p>I have to say, though, that planning a trip in April for this summer may present a problem. Places are often booked a year ahead, so with just a few months, your options are likely to be very limited.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. As alwaysamom noted, I think it is probably very late to try and get something for this summer. I didn’t know til the other day that DH has “always” wanted to go there (see - even after 24 years of marriage, you can still learn something about your spouse 
) I did look at some of the hotels and the prices were somewhat shocking (and we don’t consider ourselves budget travelers.) So, maybe we’ll put off Nantucket til next year when we have time to look for a rental and will only be paying one tuition instead of two.</p>
<p>Try Block Island RI instead… “poor man’s Nantucket” LOL (or was it Martha’s Vineyard?)</p>
<p>Ahem…I don’t think Martha’s vineyard is a poor man’s destination! Actually neither is Block Island these days…although Block can be less pricey than Nantucket.</p>
<p>You could always stay on Hyannis and take the ferry in and out for a day or two.</p>
<p>You’re not talking bargain travel when you’re going to Nantucket, but there are ways to cut costs. First, try looking at sites like We Need a Vacation–you’ll find rentals there at lower price points than you would with an agent (generally speaking). It’s not too late–there are always places available. </p>
<p>Also consider traveling in the off season (April 15-June 1 and after Labor Day). Same hotel room can be much cheaper in the off season. Beaches are always beautiful no matter what time of year. Take the slow ferry–it’s $35 round trip. You don’t need a car. There’s a shuttle bus, tons of taxis and you can also rent bikes (or bring yours on the ferry). In the summer, you can fly directly from DC to Nantucket on Jet Blue. If you don’t go this year, I’d suggest visiting for a long weekend to find the areas where you might want to stay next year.</p>
<p>Whoa! Did not know that JetBlue flew to Nantucket from DC! On “real” planes! That would answer my question about how to get there. We can’t go in the early/late season (pre June 1 or after Labor Day) because the kids will be in school. But I like the idea of doing a long weekend, with just DH and myself, to scout out a family spot for next year. That we can do in the shoulder season. Thanks so much! Also going to look into Block Island and other suggestions.</p>
<p>If you are planning to rent a car to drive from Boston to Hyannis , make sure you secure your ferry reservation through the Steamship Authority ASAP. There is limited space for cars and the Hy-line ferry is passenger only, or bikes.
Nantucket is beautiful and where you get off from the ferry is great as opposed to Martha’s Vineyard …I grew up in the area and think Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs are not very pretty compared to other parts of the island</p>