Before the crowds descend on the idyllic New England island of Nantucket for the summer, a springtime visit should be in the cards for anyone who wants to experience what might just be its most beautiful season.
Making a last-minute spring visit to Nantucket is trouble-free with Tradewind Aviation, who offers up to 25 scheduled service flights per week starting in late April. Tickets can be purchased on an individual basis, or for frequent travelers, in a ticket book to receive significant savings and additional perks. Perks include exclusive access to the automated waitlist system (helpful in the busier summer months!), the ability to book private scheduled service, and easy booking with the Tradewind mobile app. Those who want to travel on their own time can book a private charter to Nantucket year-round.
Frequent visitors know all the benefits of visiting Nantucket in the summer, but the island is no less magical in April, May, and even June than it is in the throes of the summer high season. Read on for 10 compelling reasons to kick off beach season early with a springtime visit to Nantucket.
1. The atmosphere is tranquil.
Though fewer popular attractions and restaurants will be open in spring than in summer, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff for practically having the island to yourself. Reservations for restaurants are easier to come by, and lines for popular coffee and ice cream shops are mercifully short.
2. The weather is cloudy and cool.
Nantucket without the blazing summer sun and large crowds is the perfect springtime repose. You’ll be hard pressed to find an afternoon cozier than reading a book by the window of the Handlebar Café with a warm mug of coffee and listening to the soothing white noise of a tranquil spring drizzle.
3. Daffodils are just as beautiful as hydrangeas.
Before hydrangeas and climbing roses make the island explode with hues of pink, white, and blue, yellow daffodils take center stage in Nantucket for a few weeks. A beloved harbinger of spring, daffodils even have their own festival in Nantucket. Held in April, the Nantucket Daffodil Festival has been a springtime tradition since 1975. Celebrations often include a daffodil flower show at Bartlett’s Farm, an antique car parade in ‘Sconset, and events for the whole family at Children’s Beach.
4. Popular hotels are easier to book.
A trip during the peak months of summer typically requires booking hotel rooms and cottages months in advance. But in spring, classic hotels such as White Elephant, The Wauwinet, Greydon House, Hotel Pippa, Life House, and many more are likely to have rooms available. Rates are typically lower in the spring than in the summer, and some properties even offer springtime specials.
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5. The famed Wine and Food Festival is a spring tradition.
For more than 20 years, the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival has drawn chefs, sommeliers, vintners, and food and wine enthusiasts to the island each spring. Taking place at the White Elephant from May 18-22 in 2022 and May 17-21 in 2023, the five-day festival includes tastings, meals, and seminars with industry-leading experts.
6. Spring produce is at its peak.
Produce purveyors like Bartlett’s Farm see nonstop visitors in the summer, when corn and tomatoes are at their peak. But spring visitors to the island might just find that spring produce beats out the competition. Delicious local asparagus, peas, strawberries, and greens all make for an easy, fresh meal at your rental home.
7. You can mingle with your favorite author or filmmaker.
Nantucket is the setting of many favorite beach reads and home to beloved independent bookshops like Mitchell’s Book Corner and Nantucket Bookworks, so it’s only natural the island is also home to a popular annual book festival. The Nantucket Book Festival in 2022 features authors including Mitch Albom, Roy Blount Jr., Sharon Stone, and Imbolo Mbue. Looking towards 2023? The Book Festival will be hosted from June 15-18th. The size of the event — and size of Nantucket — means it’s not uncommon to rub shoulders with authors at the event, or local bars and restaurants.
More of a film person? Check out the Nantucket Film Festival, which welcomes the very start of the summer season with a lineup of preview screenings, screenwriting sessions, and other discussion panels.
8. Beach walks replace beach days.
Rather than spending a whole day on one of Nantucket’s most popular beaches (with the ensuing crowds), throw on a cozy sweater and enjoy a tranquil beach walk when the sand is deserted.
9. You’ll have the island’s famous lighthouses to yourself.
A sunset photo op at one of Nantucket’s lighthouses is something all visitors should seek out during their trip. Though some of the lighthouses won’t be open during a spring visit, you’ll likely have the grounds to yourself. And the photo opportunities will be second-to-none.
10. The magic remains, regardless of the season.
It might seem odd to explore Nantucket in other seasons when the summer is so idyllic. But one spring visit will convince you the magic of this quaint island starts long before the summer crowds arrive.
To learn more about flying to Nantucket and booking your vacation, please visit our website. To receive a private charter quote, please submit an inquiry here or contact our specialists at charter@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922.