Imagine the most quaint, historic little town imaginable, a place that is equally charming and upscale. Then, imagine that place decorated for Christmas. That is exactly the scene at Nantucket Noel, a month-long holiday celebrate which is in full force over the Nantucket Stroll weekend (which is when we visited).
Visit the quaint Main Street in Nantucket, where each business, in conjunction with local nonprofit organizations, has decorated a tree in front of the store. Check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where eighty trees, all uniquely decorated, are on display. My kids loved walking up and down Main Street and through the museum, pointing out their favorite trees.
During the stroll weekend, there is something for everyone, including art gallery parties, craft shows, shopping discounts, tasting menus at local restaurants, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via Coast Guard ship. My kids happily waited in line to greet Santa at the Jared Coffin House – despite the line. Nantucket Noel is really the epitome of the spirit of Christmas, and our whole family loved it.
Not every restaurant and hotel is open in December, so it’s best to check well in advance before making plans. Ferries do run, but on an abbreviated schedule, so make sure you make reservations for both legs of your journey. During Nantucket Noel, we stayed at Harborview Place – a community of absolutely gorgeous vacation homes located right in town.
Photo credit: Jodi Grundig
Disclosure: The Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and Harborview Place provided transportation and accommodations for our stay.
LIFE Books has released a beautiful book called Heaven on Earth: The World’s Must See Destinations, and it is amazing.
Today we’re looking at Nantucket, which is an island located off the coast of Massachusetts in the area of Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod. It is also the hometown of a man in the famous, allegedly, dirty limerick that nobody has ever heard in its entirety.
Other famous Nantucket residents include Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick characters Ahab and Starbuck. As you may have guessed, whaling plays a pivotal role in the history of the town.
The town of Nantucket is actually comprised of the namesake island and two smaller islands, Tuckernuck and Muskeget, both of which seem like they could offer a plethora of clever rhyme schemes to the dirty limerick canon.
The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers a large collection of pre-Civil War structures. Maps and tours are available.
Photo: Nantucket by Michael Melford, courtesy of LIFE Books
They say you learn something every single day. I generally take a few off here and there, but I get the point. We don’t know everything (especially those that think they do).
Today I learned that there is an Eric Carle Museum (hence the title of this post), and this excites me to no end. You may recall my brief encounter with Eric Carle in Los Angeles.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is in Amherst, MA, and it looks fantastic. The museum, as you probably guessed, features art from Carle and other popular (and not so popular) picture books. It’s a book lover’s dream. Also, art lovers.
The museum has a number of events and rotating exhibits. Please check their website for more information, including hours and directions.
NCAA March Madness Logo (photo courtesy NCAA.com and CBSSports.com)
Zero. That is the collective number of college basketball games I have watched this season. Yet, come next week, I’m sure that I will be counted among the millions of Americans contributing to the estimated $1.7 billion dollar productivity drain (thanks NCAA.com and CBSSports.com) during this springtime basketball tournament frenzy known everywhere as March Madness.
Selection Sunday is March 15 and opening round games are scheduled around the country beginning in Dayton, OH with the “play-in” game March 17. The play-in game pits the 64th and 65th ranked teams against each other. The winner of that game goes on to the regular tournament where in all likelihood they shall be soundly beaten by a far superior team. That’s just how it works.
Here’s the tournament schedule at a glance. Although tickets may be scarce, your best bet for seeing any of the games live would be the first and second rounds or the regionals. Follow the city links below for lodging options in each of the host cities as well as interesting game alternatives while you’re there.
Games will be played at the Greensboro Coliseum. If you’re traveling with the kids, make sure to give them a break and head over to the Greensboro Children’s Museum for a fun filled, hands-on and interactive learning experience.
Games are scheduled at the Sprint Center. Allow some extra time to visit the Kansas City Zoo while you’re there. It was voted one of America’s 60 Best in 2008.
Games will be played at the Wachovia Center of St. Joseph’s University. No trip to Philly would be complete without a trip to Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where our Constitution was drafted.
The Liberty Bell in Independence National Historic Park (photo ushistory.org)
Games will be at the American Airlines Arena of Florida International University. Of course, Miami is a top Spring Break Destination so bring your trunks and floaties. Hit the beach with your downtime. That should go without saying.
Games to be held at the HHH Metrodome of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Two words: Mall of America. (Of doesn’t count.) While there, make sure to see the world’s largest underground aquarium Underwater Adventures.
Regionals: Thursday and Saturday March 26 and 28, 2009
Games will be held at the TD Banknorth Garden, home of the Bruins and Celtics. While in Boston be sure to check out the Freedom Trail a three mile walk through downtown Boston that links 16 historical sites.
The Old North Church Steeple Boston, MA (photo courtesy oldnorth.com)
Games will be at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Az. I hear the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive is a great way to experience some of Arizona’s beautiful scenery and to boot–it’s free.
Regionals: Friday and Sunday March 27 and 29, 2009
Games are scheduled at the new (in 2008) Lucas Oil Stadium. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis ranks as one of the best in the country. It’s a definite if you go to Indy with the kids.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (photo via web public domain)
If your team has made it this far, congratulations. If you’ve made it this far, congratulations again. There’s much to see and do in the Motor City and while the games from here on out promise to be nothing short of spectacular make sure to take a break see some of what Detroit has to offer.
The Road Ends Here Detroit, MI 2009 NCAA Final Four
Oh, and coming off a perfect season (perfect 0 and 16, that is) I’m fairly certain you can get a pretty good deal on Lions Season Tickets while you’re there.
