Nantucket Island Vacation Guide

If you're considering a big vacation getaway this summer, you should consider going to Nantucket Island. Its fine dining, recreational, and shopping opportunities make for an unforgettable experience for you and your family.

Dining on Nantucket Island is full of excellent choices. You can find casual atmospheres, world-class dining, and even take-out. For a casual setting, consider A.K. Diamonds, a great place for steak, seafood, and spirits. This restaurant is considered the best place for family dining in all of Nantucket. Start off your meal with BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp for $11.95. They are served with BBQ cranberry sauce and coleslaw. Salad lovers can get the salad bar for just $4.95. For your entrée, try the Peppered Filets of Tenderloin. They are garnished with fried onions and served with country mashed potatoes for $28.95. Diamonds also has a great selection of assorted sandwiches, fine wines, and a children's menu.

If a world-class dining experience is what you are looking for, head to the Boarding House, which boasts award-winning cuisine, "dictionary-sized" wine list, and an excellent romantic atmosphere. For dinner, try the Grilled Lamb Kebab, served with fettuccine, cucumber salad, and flatbread for $32. The restaurant's assortment of fine wines will go great with your meal.

Maybe you just want some food for a picnic on the beach with your family. Try the Lobster Trap. The meals are wrapped in stay-hot packaging and perfect for a casual dinner in the sand. You can choose between a three, four, or five pound lobster for two, and other choices include grilled chicken, swordfish, or beef filet. For the children, the restaurant has chicken fingers and hamburgers, as well as fish and chips. There is something for everybody at the Lobster Trap, and you will have a take-out experience like no other.

There are plenty of recreational opportunities on the island. Besides the obvious popularity of boating and water sports, there are numerous bike trails, festivals, golf courses, museums, and spas. The most notable attraction on the island is the Nantucket Film Festival, which is held in mid-June, celebrates the art of screenwriting and independent filmmakers are given the chance to showcase their abilities. Scripts are read by a team of prestigious judges, which in the past have included acts such as Philip Seymour Hoffman and Rosie Perez. Winners receive a reception sponsored by the Showtime network, mentoring by one of their top executive programmers, a cash prize, and additional print and media coverage.

There are a vast amount of opportunities for shopping on Nantucket. Shopping enthusiasts can find a wide range of products, anywhere from antiques to specialty items. Visit the Nantucket Country antique shop for a selection of early quilts, toys, out-of-print books, and other interesting collectibles. If you're looking for Nantucket-themed merchandise, visit Nantucket Needlework Designs. It is home to special knits and other artistic designs with a Nantucket influence. Also notable is the Black Tick, an online store that sells T-shirts and other island collectibles (http://www.TheBlackTick.com).

As you can see, there's something for everyone on Nantucket Island. Whether it's dining, recreation, or shopping that suits your fancy, everything is sure to amount to a life-changing experience. If you and your family want a great vacation, choose Nantucket Island.