Christmas Boat for the Christmas Stroll Weekend

The town and island of Nantucket is such a quintessential New England location – with its traditional homes, gorgeous water views, and quaint shops and restaurants.  While it’s typically considered a summer destination, like the rest of New England, it’s beautiful year round.  Nantucket’s Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting Nantucket Noel and the signature event – the Christmas Stroll, and many Nantucket hotels are open for the occasion.

The annual Christmas stroll includes traditional New England Christmas foods, Victorian dressed carolers, Santa Claus, holiday decor, and much more.  It takes place from December 2-4, 2011, and the shops and restaurants are open for holiday shoppers.  During the weekend, Santa Claus will make his grand arrival via a Coast Guard Vessel – something you just won’t see anywhere else.

Several of the Nantucket Island Resort hotels are open for the Christmas Stroll Weekend.  Options include the Jared Coffin House, which is centrally located just a few blocks away from all of the action, the famous White Elephant Hotel, the Cottages and Lofts at the Boat Basin (great for families), and the luxurious and deluxe White Elephant Hotel Residences (for a special treat during the Christmas Stroll weekend!).

Visit the Nantucket Island Resorts website for more information on rates and availability.

Photo credit: The Nantucket Island Resorts

The White Elephant Hotel

Are you looking for ultimate local beach getaway this summer?  The White Elephant Hotel on Nantucket, one of my favorite hotels of all time, is hosting their very first Food and Fin getaway from July 7-10th, 2011.  Priced at $3,500 for two, this getaway is the perfect way to relax, enjoy some great food, and have a fun time together.

The Food and Fin getaway starts on July 7th, when guests can arrive on their own, check in to the White Elephant, and enjoy dinner on their own.  On July 8th, guests will spend their morning and early afternoon on a chartered boat with a celebrity chef and captain (both breakfast and lunch will be served at sea during the journey).  After returning to land, guests can enjoy snacks and drinks in the BMW Hospitality Suite, followed by a BMW sponsored meet and greet with celebrity chefs.  If that isn’t enough, guests will have dinner and wine pairings at  TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet with Chef Kyle Zachary.

On July 9th, guests will have dinner at the Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant, then can explore Nantucket on their own.  In the evening, there’s a celebrity chef cook off, where guests can sample food from each chef.

Finally, on July 10th, guests depart after a breakfast at the Brant Point Grill.

White Elephant Hotel
50 Easton Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
800.445.6574

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

The Exterior of the White Elephant Residences

This past weekend, my family traveled to Nantucket, a place none of us had ever been (despite the fact that both my husband and I have lived in Massachusetts for much of our lives).  The White Elephant Hotel Residences, the newest property from the Nantucket Island Resorts, hosted us for this spring weekend away.

Upon arriving from the Hyannis ferry, we were greeted by the bell man who would drive us to our resort.  He was friendly and helpful, and after all of the guests from the ferry had joined us, we were off to the main hotel for check in.  The van waited, then drove us to the residences, just a block away.

Our room, a 2-bedroom residence, was breathtaking.  Featuring a light and airy, yet luxurious decor, we were amazed at how much was included in the room, from a toaster oven and microwave to a washer and dryer.  The two bathrooms were a great perk, as were the little stuffed animals and bath toys that greeted my kids.  Because we visited in May, the pool wasn’t yet open, but it looked wonderful.

Service was impeccable.  The front desk clerk not only knew all of our names at check-in, he even remembered them when we saw him days later in town on his day off.  The residences have their own hospitality suite with coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the day, as well as a concierge, workout room, and DVD library.  Our request for a late check out was granted, although I’d imagine that wouldn’t be the case in the busy summer months.

Dinner at the Brant Point Grill was delicious.  It’s a nice restaurant, but they do offer a kids’ menu.  My daughter declared the chicken nuggets “her favorite ever”, and I’d have to say my lobster Á La Plancha was one of my favorite entrees ever.  We sat in the covered and heated patio, which becomes an outdoor patio in the summer.  The view is absolutely spectacular.

We didn’t bring our car over, and were initially worried about how we’d get around.  Turns out, we didn’t need to worry.  The White Elephant Hotel Residences is right near town, and walking distance to just about everything.  It’s really the perfect place for a luxurious, family-friendly getaway to Nantucket.

White Elephant Hotel Residences
50 Easton Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
800.445.6574

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: The White Elephant Hotel Residences provided us with a complimentary two-night stay, as well as dinner at the Brant Point Grill (excluding alcohol).

Santa arrives on Nantucket

I’ve never been to Nantucket, MA, even though I’ve lived in New England almost my whole life.  However, when I do visit, I plan to go off season, when the crowds and tourists are gone and all that’s left is a gorgeous island with quaint shops and restaurants.  While some of the resorts do close for the winter months, some stay open for the whole year or for special events.  This December, some of the Nantucket Island Resorts, including the historic and centrally-located Jared Coffin House, the White Elephant Hotel, and the luxurious White Elephant Hotel Residences are going to be open for the Annual Christmas Stroll weekend, which is going to take place from December 3-5, 2010. Between the three hotels, you’ll certainly find just the right one for your stay.

The Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend is the highlight event of Nantucket Noel, a month-long holiday celebration that is organized and coordinated by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. During the weekend, Nantucket stores, shops, and restaurants are open for holiday shoppers, while carolers sing Christmas songs.  Santa Clause will even arrive to the island by a Coast Guard Vessel.  If you can arrive a day earlier, you can also attend the Festival of Trees opening ceremony!

The Nantucket Island Resorts
10 Amelia Drive
Nantucket, MA 02554
800.ISLANDS

Photo credit: The Nantucket Island Residences