Monday, October 29, 2012

Visiting Nantucket

Old Farm is a ten minute ride from the ferry to Nantucket, my favorite place to visit, especially in September and October. It is still warm and peaceful with all of the beaches public, and plenty of places to rent a bike and visit easily. Here are some photos I took while touring through the historic fishing village of Sconset. I find so much inspiration in these early, small, and individual cottages.


The core of the above house named Auld Lang Syne is thought to have been built in the 1670’s, which predates Nantucket’s “Oldest House” The Jethro Coffin House (another fun place to bike to) built in 1686. The older cottages in Sconset were built when it was an early whaling station.



This cottage is covered with Sweet autumn clematis, which I've just planted on Old Farm's fence. In early fall it's starry flowers have a lovely sweet fragrance which hangs in the air and drifts across lawns.



I am planning to put lattice like this on the back walls (and roof) at Old Farm; then plant New Dawn climbing roses.







I also like to bike around the Middle Moors (on the way to Sconset from town) where old Indian trails can lead you to Altar Rock, a high point in Nantucket. Here you can see opposite shores and above the harbor. My favorite place to rent a bike is "Young's" near the harbor where you can pick up great island maps, the best B & B is the Union Street Inn which is near town in the historic district, and a romantic place to dine is the Company and the Cauldron.

A scenic place to bike to is Sanford Farm whose lands and wide trails stretch from above town to the more remote beaches on the far side of the island. Nearly half of Nantucket land is preserved open space and the trails here include a large parcel. Below is a painting Leif made while visiting, which reflects the moodiness of the sky this time of year...