Experience Spring on Nantucket Island -and Beat the Crowds!

Nantucket Island, 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, is best known as a world-class resort, boasting unique shops, fine restaurants, fascinating museums and a host of historic sites. Beyond the island's unique historic and cultural appeal, however, is its sheer natural beauty and unparalleled environmental integrity, making it an ideal destination for travelers who take pleasure in biking, hiking, fishing, nature study and other outdoor relaxation.

Nantucket has long been a pioneer in the area of land conservation. Since the 1960s the non-profit Nantucket Conservation Foundation has vigilantly defended the island's rare habitats, endangered plants and animals, and sprawling open spaces, and today has an astounding 8,500 acres of land under its stewardship. In 1984 the privately-funded NCF got some public help, when Nantucket became the first community in the United States to institute a Land Bank. Thanks to the efforts of these two organizations—and a host of other, smaller groups--over 40 percent of Nantucket is protected forever. Within this land, along its rutted roads and well- delineated trails, a plant enthusiast can find any number of rare species of fauna, and birders can catch glimpses of the dog-eared owl or the northern harrier, endangered predators of the plain grasslands.

One of the best ways to tour Nantucket Island is by bicycle, especially on a spring day. Since the island is just 14 miles by 3.5 miles, a dedicated cyclist can bike around the entire island in one day. Round up the family, pack a picnic lunch and explore Nantucket from shore to shore. With nearly twenty miles of paved bicycle paths that are kept in tip-top condition, athletes of every type - bikers, walkers, and runners - may share the trails in true Nantucket style.

For those who prefer adventure of the offshore variety, Nantucket's waters are among the cleanest in the nation and support hundreds of different animal species. Gray seals spend the winter frolicking off the Nantucket coast and can be seen in the Sound and in the surf around Tuckernuck and Muskeget (two islands off the Western shore). Upon arrival into Nantucket Harbor, ferry passengers are greeted by seals basking in the sun on the rocks of the Jetties. From November through April, visitors can take a seal cruise around Nantucket Harbor and observe the seals in their natural habitat. It's also not unusual to see schools of whales passing through the island’s waters. Though they can occasionally be spotted from south shore beaches, it's best to head out by boat to their migrating routes.

And of course, there is fishing. Running the gamut from offshore and surfcasting to pond fishing, Nantucket Island is rich with opportunity for anglers of every stripe. Early spring fishing revolves around the island's many fresh water ponds, until the month of May arrives. Then, most anglers head for the beach, for a shot at the elusive striped bass or the feisty bluefish. Stripers make their debut as early as May 1st. Shortly thereafter, bluefish begin running and can be caught until November. Nantucket's tackle shops are full of gear to rent or buy information on fishing guides and charters, and helpful people who know where they're biting.

Daffodils are a Nantucket rite of spring. From early-April to mid- May, millions of planted daffodils transform Nantucket Island into pockets of brilliant yellow paradise. On the last full weekend in April islanders engage in a spectacular tradition, the Daffodil Festival, sponsored and organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. Visitors may stroll the cobblestone carriageways of Nantucket Town and enjoy viewing daffodil-adorned shop windows, or venture to the charming village of Siasconset for the annual Tailgate Picnic, the culmination of the popular annual Antique Car Parade.

For more information and the best Nantucket resource - the Official Guide - call the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce at 508/228-1700 or visit www.nantucketchamber.org. Nantucket is accessible by airplane or ferry - one-hour high-speed ferry services are available. Visitors are encouraged to leave their cars behind, as all activities are accessible by walking, bicycle, or taxi.

SOURCE Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce