Local Color
An insider's guide to enjoying the grey lady.

Island Fare: Breakfast: Go to the Hen House for a good, laid-back meal in a traditional New England setting.

Lunch: Sit outside at Slip 14, located on the docks of Old South Wharf, and watch the boats in the harbor. Try the fish taco and, if the mood strikes, the Berry Sexy cocktail.

Dinner: The Boardinghouse Restaurant is a relaxing place for dinner with friends. The ambiance is signature Nantucket, the food is delicious (try the grilled prime skirt steak), and the wine list makes it an evening.

The Time is Always Right: If you want to stroll on secluded beaches, off-season is the time to visit. But, if you want to be on the island for action on the water, go during Nantucket Race Week, August 7 to 15. There are regattas of all kinds, including the 38th annual Opera House Cup, a race for wooden (mostly classic, and staggeringly beautiful) sailboats. For more, visit www.nantucketraceweek.com.

Get Out of Town: Book your stay at The Wauwinet, a postcard-perfect New England resort near Great Point. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Sound on the other, it’s a sublime location. And, getting there is half the fun—hop aboard the Wauwinet Lady for a lunch or dinner cocktail cruise from the White Elephant downtown to The Wauwinet’s Topper’s restaurant. www.wauwinet.com