Mid/Late October Trip-first time to Nantucket

Question

Hi there! Coming to Nantucket for the first time the week of October 17th. We would love hotel and restaurant recs.

As far as the hotel, we want somewhere nice and clean but don't plan on spending a ton of time in the room. We would love somewhere we can walk to most things in town. Budget we would like to stay in is under $500/night if that's doable. We can go up if needed.

Restaurants: we like casual and fun atmosphere with good food. I know a lot of places will close after Columbus day too.

We plan on a lot of exploring/walking/biking so any rec's along those lines would be appreciated as well.

Thank you in advance!

Answer

Visiting Nantucket in mid to late October can be a wonderful experience as the crowds have thinned and the fall scenery is beautiful. However, keep in mind that some seasonal hotels and restaurants may start closing after Columbus Day, so it’s important to check availability in advance.

For accommodations, since you want a hotel that is clean, comfortable, and within walking distance of town, here are some good options that are often available in October and can fit under or around $500/night:

Hotel Pomegranate: Boutique-style hotel in the heart of town, clean and modern, walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Nantucket Hotel & Resort: Centrally located, comfortable rooms, some rooms offer water views, good access to downtown.
White Elephant Village: Smaller property with cozy accommodations, convenient location, nice for exploring town on foot.
Veranda House: Charming B&B-style option in town, often more intimate and personal service.

For restaurants with a casual and fun atmosphere that are likely to be open mid to late October, consider the following:

Millie’s: Fun, relaxed spot with great breakfast and lunch options, perfect for a quick bite before exploring.
Galley Beach: If the weather allows, casual beachside dining with excellent seafood and scenic views.
Brotherhood of Thieves: Popular pub-style restaurant in downtown Nantucket with a lively atmosphere and solid American fare.
Black-Eyed Susan’s: Breakfast and brunch spot, very casual, with a local favorite reputation.
The Juice Bar and Cru Café: For lighter options and casual snacks while biking or walking around town.

Since you plan on exploring and biking, Nantucket is very bike-friendly. You can rent bikes from:

Nantucket Bicycle Shop: Offers a variety of bike styles and helmets, good for day rentals.
Pedego Electric Bikes Nantucket: Electric bike rentals, great for covering more ground with less effort.

Popular spots for walking and biking include:

Brant Point Lighthouse: Iconic lighthouse within a short walk from downtown.
Children’s Beach & Jetties Beach: Scenic coastal walks, accessible and relaxing.
Sankaty Head Lighthouse: A bit further out, but beautiful views, worth a bike ride if you’re up for it.
Historic downtown streets: Explore cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and historic homes.

Overall, mid-October is quieter, so you’ll likely enjoy a peaceful experience without the summer crowds, but booking accommodations and checking which restaurants are still open is crucial to avoid disappointment.

Mid/Late October Trip-first time to Nantucket

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