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The Epicurean Traveler

Inspiring Cultural Exploration Through Culinary Travel

Five Best Things to Do in Nantucket for First-Time Visitors

Wondering what the best things to do in Nantucket are? Whether you are planning a vacation or day trip to this Massachusetts island, this guest post on Nantucket things to do answers that question. Read on to learn which five Nantucket activities we recommend for first-time visitors!

Disclosure: This guide to things to do on Nantucket Island for first-time visitors contains affiliate links. When you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Of course, this is at no extra cost to you.

Nantucket is a must-visit destination in New England with plenty of sights and scenes to quench your curiosity. The island, located off Cape Cod in Massachusetts, has recently gained much attention as people realize its hidden niceties.

Preparation is crucial when visiting a new place; the same applies when you tour this amazing island. Part of your preparation is to secure accommodation. Getting a vacation rental in Nantucket is a sound idea due to the value offered; plus the houses are ideal if you are traveling as a family or group.

How to get to Nantucket

Since there isn’t a bridge connecting Nantucket Island to Cape Cod, you can’t drive there.  Rather than by car, you’ll have to travel to Nantucket by air or sea.

You should travel by air transport if you want to travel fast, but it can be costly. However, you can use WayAway to find the best prices on flights to Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK).

Otherwise, taking a ferry is a popular choice. You can travel by passenger ferry to Nantucket from New York City; Highlands, New Jersey; and Martha’s Vineyard, New Bedford, and Hyannis in Massachusetts.

There also is a car-and-passenger ferry to Nantucket from Hyannis. It’s operated by Steamship Authority, and you’ll need to make advance reservations to bring your vehicle on board.

However, a faster option is to travel by sea aboard a high-speed ferry, which gets you from Hyannis to Nantucket in an hour. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to bring a vehicle. Don’t worry though —  there are plenty of things to do in Nantucket without a car!

Now, let’s look at the five best things to do in Nantucket!

Explore Nantucket Island by Bike

You can use various means of transportation to get around Nantucket, and traveling by car or vehicle will quickly get you to attractions on the island. For getting around Nantucket without a car, cycling is an excellent option to see more of the island.

Riding a bike helps you keep fit as you check out Nantucket’s sights, too. It is also a great bonding activity to have with friends or family.

You can bring a bike from home when going to Nantucket or, better still, rent one from the many bike-rental spots in the town center.

Start cycling in the morning to take advantage of the cool oceanic breeze and calm atmosphere. Then explore hiking trails, such as the Sconset Bluff Walk and Masquetuck Reservation . 

Enjoy Nantucket’s Best Beaches

Nantucket is synonymous with its many beaches. Therefore, having a beach day is one of the top things to do in Nantucket. The beaches are great spots to chill with a scenic view of the sea. Nantucket beaches are ideal places to spend your afternoons doing one of the following activities.

Sunbathing in Nantucket

Madaket Beach is one of the most popular sunbathing spots, located in the far west of Nantucket Island. It is also the place to be to watch the beautiful sunset. The sand is soft, and you can walk barefoot as you feel its soothing touch on your soles.

The best way to access Madaket Beach is by bike, where you can peddle a roughly 6-mile bike path.

The beach has a few lifeguards, but you must ensure your own safety. Be extra keen if you have kids. Also, it lacks restrooms or food service. Packing a picnic is an excellent idea if you want the best experience on the beach. 

If you are visiting Nantucket with kids, there are child-friendly beaches. The kid-friendly beaches in Nantucket include Surfside Beach , Children’s Beach , Jetties Beach , and Siasconset Beach . These beaches have active lifeguard services and safe playgrounds for children to play. Moreover, they are pet-friendly, but you should always have pets on a leash.

Wondering what to pack for a beach day in Nantucket? Check out our beach packing list !

Surfing in Nantucket

The beaches are not only for sunbathing and resting, activities which can get monotonous with time. You can hike your adrenaline levels by surfing! Cisco Beach is Nantucket’s surfing hub, where you will meet surfers on the beachside eagerly waiting for the next big wave. 

Don’t worry if you are a novice surfer! One of the surfers may be willing to teach you how to ride a wave. You can also take a surfing lesson from one of the surfing schools on the island. 

You’ll also find surfing supplies, including surfboards and other gear, from several Nantucket stores. Alternatively, you can bring your own surfboard and gear from home.

Fishing is another excellent pastime activity in Nantucket. Take your fishing gear to Eel Point Beach, Cisco, Coatue, and Hoiks Hollow. Depending on the season, you can catch mahi-mahi, bluefin tuna, and bluefish at these Nantucket beaches.

Hiring a fishing charter or guide is advisable to know about the permits involved and the best places to fish in Nantucket. A private beach fishing activity guided by Steve Tuna is among the top fishing adventures in Nantucket.

Visit a Museum

Nantucket is home to several museums that will give you an idea of its colorful timeline. Among these must-visit Nantucket attractions are:

Nantucket Whaling Museum

Established in 1930, the Whaling Museum is easily the most famous on the island. As its name hints, its main exhibitions focus on Nantucket’s once-thriving whaling industry.

Visiting this museum gives you a glance at what Nantucket was like during its early days. One of the main attractions is the 46-foot-long sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. The museum’s nine galleries also contain more than a thousand artifacts and artworks dating back to the whaling era.

Inside the museum, you can also tour a resorted 1847 candle factory and climb the circular staircase to Tucker’s Rooftop for a panoramic view of Nantucket’s harbor.

The Whaling Museum is located at 13 Broad Street. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Saturday in the non-peak season and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from May 27 through Sept. 26. However, the museum is closed from Jan. 1 through Feb. 14.

Admission costs $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and college students, $5 for youth (ages 6-17), and free to children younger than 6. Admission is always free to Nantucket Island residents and active-duty US military members. The museum may offer free admission to US military veterans on Veteran’s Day.

Accessibility:  The Whaling Museum is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, non-motorized wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can request a wheelchair at the ticketing desk in the main lobby. Service animals are also welcome. Throughout the museum, elevators have Braille signage and auditory signals, and assistive listening devices are available for some films and presentations.

The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum

Treacherous conditions off the coast of Nantucket Island caused 750 shipwrecks, earning Nantucket’s waters the grim nickname “a graveyard of the Atlantic.” The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum , affiliated with the Egan Maritime Institute, shows the history of those devastating shipwrecks and the heroic lifesaving rescues. 

Admission to the museum includes a guided tour of the exhibitions. On weekdays during the summer, the museum offers kid-friendly activities. Designed for ages 6 to 12, kids may learn Morse code, how to tie knots, or how to use signal flags. Also, you won’t want to miss live demonstrations of a shore-to-ship rescue at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day.

Situated near Folger’s Marsh, the museum also welcomes its visitors to take in the view during a picnic lunch on its grounds or to watch the birds in the surrounding marsh.

The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum is located at 158 Polpis Road. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday from late May through early October. Admission is free for members, $10 for adults (18+), and $7 for children, college students, and seniors. 

Hawden House

The Hawden House is an 1846 mansion in Greek revival architecture with a beautiful Victorian garden. It has operated as a public museum since 1964 and houses historic maps of Nantucket and Nantucket lightship baskets among other artifacts.

Nantucket lightship baskets are significant artifacts of the island, and they were common in lightships during the 19th century. Previously, this collection was on display at the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, which was established in 1997 to preserve this island artifact, but it merged with the Nantucket Historical Association in 2022. Visitors can now see a collection of more than 100 authentic Nantucket lightship baskets at the Hawden House.

Hawden House is located at 96 Main Street. The Hawden House is closed for the winter, but it will be open again in the summer season.

Accessibility:  Due to the limitations of its 19th-century architecture, Hawden House is only wheelchair-accessible on the first floor. The front entrance has a path and porch with steps, but there is an elevator lift through the garden entrance from Pleasant Street. Service animals are welcome.

More Museums and Historic Sites on Nantucket Island

Other museums, historic sites, and art galleries to check out while in Nantucket include the Museum of African American History , the Quaker Meeting House , and Quidley and Company Fine Art . 

See the Nantucket Lighthouses

Nantucket’s three lighthouses are the top things to see in Nantucket and significant attractions you should visit when touring the island. Not only are Nantucket’s scenic lighthouses picture-worthy for photography, drawings, or paintings, but the calm surrounding areas have benches where you can spend a lazy afternoon gazing into the vast ocean. 

Brant Point Lighthouse

Brant Point Lighthouse is a picturesque wooden tower constructed in 1901 that still operates today. The current lighthouse is the tenth light on Brant Point, which has been the location of a lighthouse station since 1746. It has been part of the National Registry of Historic Places since late 1987.

You can visit the structure any time, but you can’t get inside, as it is still in operation. Since Brant Point Lighthouse is located near the harbor where ferries arrive, this would be the easiest lighthouse to see on a day trip to Nantucket.

Also, Brant Point Lighthouse has a fishing spot. 

Brant Point Lighthouse is located in the Nantucket Downtown Historic District and can be reached via Easton Street.

Sankaty Head Lighthouse

Sankaty Head Light is a red-striped lighthouse situated in the easternmost part of the island. Established in 1850, Sankaty Head has been a crucial part of the shipping industry and was among the first lighthouses in the country to get a Fresnel lens. 

Sankaty Head Lighthouse is located on a bluff near Baxter Road.

Great Point Lighthouse

Great Point Lighthouse, also known as Nantucket Light, is located on the dunes of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge on the northern tip of the island. It was first built as a wooden tower in 1784, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1816. The lighthouse was then rebuilt as a stone tower the next year, and it stood until a storm destroyed it in 1984, leading to its removal from the National Register of Historic Places. The current lighthouse is a 60-foot replica built in 1986.

Great Point Lighthouse can be accessed by a 7-mile walk through the sand or by a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a beach permit sticker.

Get a Taste of Nantucket

Another interesting part of Nantucket is its food. The island’s cuisine is diverse, and there is an abundance of fresh seafood.

If you are visiting for a romantic getaway, dining at one of the seafood restaurants is one of the most romantic things to do in Nantucket.

There are several fantastic local places to eat in Nantucket from breakfast through dinner. So, let us guide you on the ultimate Nantucket food tour!

Savor Doughnuts at the Downyflake

For breakfast, you can’t pass by the Downyflake and pass up its popular doughnuts and muffins! The family-owned diner has been a Nantucket institution since the 1930s.

Breakfast options from the griddle include a tall stack of the Downyflake’s “famous” blueberry pancakes and Portuguese bread French toast. Sweet-tooth breakfast eaters will also love the restaurant’s homemade doughnuts, muffins, and pastries. Gluten-free pancakes and muffins are also available.

On the savory side, you’ll find omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and a variety of egg dishes. Light options include oatmeal, a yogurt parfait, and house-made granola. 

The Downyflake is located at 18 Sparks Avenue. Though the restaurant is temporarily closed, it will reopen in April. Operating hours will be 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, and closed on Wednesdays.

Share Small Plates at The Nautilus

The Nautilus is the place to be for lunch or dinner if you are into tapas-style dining. With a menu heavy on small plates, you’ll find shareable dishes such as seared Nantucket Bay oysters, crispy monkfish bites in a Vietnamese fish sauce, and scallion pancakes with a soy-ginger dipping sauce. The impressive décor has a touch of class, making it perfect for a night out with your date. 

The Nautilus is located at 12 Cambridge Street. Reservations are recommended, and you can book your table through Resy via the restaurant’s website. Hours are subject to change and are best confirmed on the restaurant’s website.

Eat Seafood at The SeaGrille

One of the finest places to have dinner in Nantucket, especially if you are into seafood, is The SeaGrille . Noteworthy dishes include the grilled Wester Ross salmon, sword frites, fresh cavatelli pasta, and house-made lobster tortellini. Like the Nautilus, the SeaGrille’s ambiance is also ideal for a date night.

The SeaGrille is located at 45 Sparks Avenue and open for dinner at 5 p.m. daily. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 508-325-5700.

Dine with a Waterfront View at Straight Wharf Restaurant

Another upscale restaurant in Nantucket is the Straight Wharf Restaurant . With an incredible view from its waterfront porch and rustic, seaside decór, the romantic ambiance sets the mood.

The Straight Wharf Restaurant’s daily menu reflects seasonal flavors and fresh, local ingredients. Though it changes daily, the menu may include favorites such as Nantucket oysters, a clam bake, or wood-grilled swordfish. In addition to the elegant seafood entreés, main dishes will likely include land-based proteins, such as a wood-grilled aged prime ribeye, and a vegetarian option.

Straight Wharf Restaurant is located at 6 Harbor Square. The restaurant is open seasonally, typically from May through October, for dinner from 5:30 to 10 o’clock nightly. Reservations can only be made within two weeks ahead of dining, and you can reserve your table on Resy via the restaurant’s website. Please note, dining on the harbor-side deck is only available by request.

Sip Local Craft Beverages at Cisco Brewers

Cisco Brewers is a fun, casual hangout spot for refreshing craft beverages, food trucks, and live music. That is why visiting the brewpub is one of the best things to do in Nantucket at night.

Both beer and conversation flow at Cisco Brewers, where “good vibes are always in season.” Events — such as comedy nights, music performances, trivia nights, and brewery tours — add to the fun. So, check the brewery’s website for updated events before your visit, and then stop by to sip a juicy, hazy New England style IPA!

Cisco Brewers is located at 5 Bartlett Farm Road. During the tourism season, Cisco Brewers also offers a complimentary shuttle between the brewery and a pick-up spot at 18b Federal Street in town. 

Final Thoughts on Things to Do on Nantucket Island

Nantucket Island is a charming destination off the coast of Massachusett’s Cape Cod worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Arrive by plane or ferry to explore picturesque lighthouses, dive into local history, see beautiful sunsets from sandy beaches, and eat fantastic seafood as you unwind in this slow-paced island locale. 

Explore the map below to pinpoint attractions and restaurants featured in this Nantucket guide!

Read More Travel Posts

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• Romantic Getaways in the Midwest

Save this guide to fun things to do in Nantucket to your Massachusetts travel or New England travel board on Pinterest!

About Erin Klema

Erin Klema is the founder and editor of The Epicurean Traveler, combining her journalism background with her passion for culinary travel. When she isn't exploring the world through unique, local culinary experiences, she enjoys cooking with her husband, planning her next trip, and reading or watching a good rom com.

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Congregational Church Tower Tour

Climb the steps to the top of the Congregational Church tower for a panoramic view of downtown Nantucket and its surrounding waters. $5 suggested donation.

Walking Tours

In-Person Tour Offerings:

May 25-September 6 Offered Monday-Saturday (no Sunday tours) at 10:30 am and 1:30.

For private experiences, contact [email protected]  

Historic Downtown Walkthrough historic downtown Nantucket with a Museum Guide and discover the unique history of the island. The Downtown Walking tour transports visitors on a journey through Nantucket’s past and tells the story of the rise and the fall of the whaling industry, the rise of tourism, and the impacts the island’s economy had on social and racial development on Nantucket.

Important Information and Pricing: 

• Walking tours depart from the Whaling Museum at 13 Broad Street.
• Tours are 60 minutes long.
• Rain or Shine.
• Tickets are nonrefundable.

Virtual Walking Tours:

Nantucket’s notable women.

Made possible through a grant by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

Nantucket: A Walk Up Main Street

Nantucket is a treasure trove of historic homes. The Nantucket Historic District, which encompasses the entire island, was designated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Nantucket has over 800 pre-Civil War buildings and has been called the “finest surviving example of an early New England seaport.”

This video celebrates Nantucket’s architecture, remarkable history, natural beauty, and unique sense of place and harmony in American design. Here we spotlight exceptional antique homes on Main Street and tell the stories of the people who built them and lived in them. Beautifully preserved, these homes are still lived in today.

Filmed and produced by Dan Driscoll, September Productions, for the NHA

Sponsored by Novation Media

Banner photo by Cary Hazlegrove.

The NHA preserves, interprets, and shares the diverse stories of Nantucket with all audiences through its collections, properties, programs, and research.

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The Signature Tour: a traditional historic tour of Nantucket

Enjoy a fully narrated tour of the island, including the historic sites in Town, The Old Mill, The Oldest House, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse and more. Join one of Island Tours’ highly knowledgeable guides, relax in our beautiful new air-conditioned buses, and learn about our diverse and deep history during this 1-hour 15-min. tour. Leaving 3 times a day at 11:15 am, 1 pm and 2:45 pm from our facility at 10 Washington Street (The Greenhound Building—Nantucket’s Transportation Center). Tickets can be purchased at our offices there, at  www.nantucketbustours.com , or by calling us at  508-228-0334 .

Hourly Schedule

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© 2021 Yesterday's Island, Inc. | PO Box 626 | Nantucket, MA 02554

New England Wanderlust

Massachusetts , Nantucket , Summer  ·  April 21, 2022

How To Visit All 3 Nantucket Lighthouses (2024)

Nantucket’s lighthouses stand out as some of the most beautiful and picturesque in all of Cape Cod and New England, so seeing them should be at the top of your list when visiting Nantucket. Whether you’re taking a day trip to Nantucket, or staying on the island for a week or longer, this guide will share with you the best way to see each lighthouse, suggestions on which to visit with the amount of time you have, and my tips on how to take the best photos when touring the Nantucket lighthouses.

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

How Many Lighthouses Does Nantucket Have?

There are 3 Nantucket lighthouses that visitors are able to see, and they are Brant Point Lighthouse , Sankaty Head Lighthouse and Great Point Lighthouse .

Some say that Nantucket has a 4th lighthouse, which is actually a pair of lighthouses called Cliff Range Lights. But these lighthouses were discontinued in the early 1900’s and replaced by Brant Point Lighthouse, and are now privately owned. They are not accessible or open to the public, and are not operational.

Where Is Each Nantucket Lighthouse Located?

Brant Point Lighthouse is located at Brant Point Beach, which is a short 15-minute walk from the wharf downtown, and the easiest of all the Nantucket lighthouses to visit.

Sankaty Head Lighthouse is located in Siasconset, and will require either a car, moped, bike or public transit to visit.

Great Point Lighthouse is located at the most Northern part of the island within the grounds of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve. This is the most difficult of the Nantucket lighthouses to visit, but absolutely worth the effort.

Brant Point Lighthouse On Nantucket

The most popular of the Nantucket lighthouses to visit is Brant Point because it’s the easiest to get to, and is also situated right on a beach near town. When you come to Nantucket on the ferry, you’ll also get a great view of this lighthouse as your approach the dock, making it one of the more iconic landmarks on the island for that reason.

I love this little lighthouse because its backdrop is the ocean, and it’s a great place to watch sailboats and ferries go by. And the footbridge that connects the sandy beach to the lighthouse itself just adds so much character and charm. I’ve been to Nantucket countless times, and have to come here during each visit.

Brant Point Lighthouse was built in 1746, but because it was constructed of wood, it caught fire, and was therefore rebuilt, several times. It wasn’t until 1901 when the lighthouse that stands now was finally constructed, and since then, it’s been renovated twice in 1983 and 2000. It’s currently a fully operational lighthouse.

How To Get To Brant Point Lighthouse

To get to Brant Point Lighthouse, you can either walk, bike, moped or drive, and this is the best lighthouse to visit if you’re on a Nantucket day trip. You’ll want to follow Easton Street all the way to the end, where it dead ends, and you’ll immediately see the lighthouse and Brant Point Beach in front of you.

The best way to get to Brant Point Lighthouse is to either walk or bike, as parking for cars is limited. But it’s only a short walk from Straight Wharf in downtown Nantucket, so it’s very easy to get to on foot.

Can You Go Inside Brant Point Lighthouse?

No, you can’t go inside Brant Point Lighthouse, as it’s still a fully-functioning lighthouse owned and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. There are currently no tours or special offerings for visitors to take guided tours to the top of the tower. But you’re able to walk right up to it, walk on the footbridge, and get as close to it as you want without actually stepping foot inside.

How Much Time Do You Need To Visit Brant Point Lighthouse?

Your visit to Brant Point can be as quick or long as you’d like! Most people spend about 30 minutes here, which will give you plenty of time to walk up to the lighthouse, and enjoy the views from Brant Point Beach. But if you’re looking to take some fun photos, or spend a bit more time lingering on the beach to watch the boats go by, or enjoy a peaceful moment, you’ll want to spend an hour or more.

Is Brant Point Lighthouse Free To Visit?

Yes! There is no charge to visit Brant Point Lighthouse on Nantucket. Both the lighthouse and the surrounding beach are free for anyone to visit, and there are no tickets or passes needed. Just come whenever you’d like and enjoy.

Is Brant Point Lighthouse On Nantucket Or Connecticut?

Some people confuse Brant Point Lighthouse on Nantucket with the replica that was built in Mystic, CT, but the original Brant Point Lighthouse is on Nantucket Island. A replica was built for the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut in 1966 as part of the Sentinels Of The Sea exhibit, which showcases lighthouses from around the U.S.

How To Take The Best Brant Point Lighthouse Photos

The best time of day to take photos of Brant Point Lighthouse will be early morning or around sunset, but you’ll still be able to take great photos at any time of the day while here. Below are some tips on how to take the best photos when visiting!

First, I usually suggest that if you want good photos of the lighthouse, head directly there after getting off the ferry if you’re visiting for the day, or go in the early morning if you’re staying on the island overnight. The later in the day it gets, the more crowded it tends to be. While I’ve never seen it swarming with people, afternoons tend to be a busier time.

You should also know that there are usually people sitting right on the rocks at the base of the lighthouse to fish, so there’s a chance you’ll see them in the background of your photos. Try using a low aperture (or portrait mode on your iPhone) to blur them out a bit if you think they’ll be in your photos.

Sometimes I have luck with apps that remove objects from photos (I’ve heard FaceTune is a good one for that, although I’ve never used it). For me, the spot healing tool on Photoshops has sometimes worked well in this case.

Brant Point Photo Suggestions

Definitely take advantage of the footbridge, which I think is the best part of the lighthouse. Use a low angle to get the footbridge floorboards in the foreground for a cool photo of just the lighthouse, or position yourself so that you’re able to see both the bridge and the lighthouse.

Get close to the lighthouse itself. My favorite angles for this are standing right on the rocks that sit at the base of the lighthouse, and also walking to the very end of the footbridge and standing in front of the lighthouse door.

Use the little brick building that’s close to the lighthouse for some faraway photos, where you can get both the building and the lighthouse in the same frame. To find the brick building while at the lighthouse, face the entrance of the beach with the lighthouse behind you, and look to your left. You should easily spot it.

Be sure to explore the lighthouse from different angles! It’s easy to get caught up in taking tons of photos close to the actual lighthouse, but it’s fun to also photograph it from the left side of the beach. Try getting up into the beach grasses to take some more creative photos, and getting far away to offer a different perspective.

As you arrive or depart Nantucket, be sure to snap some photos from the ferry! This is a great way to capture the entire lighthouse from a distance, and also preserve your memories of seeing it for the first time. Ferry boats actually get pretty close to the lighthouse, so you’ll be able to get some great shots just from the ferry.

Sankaty Head Lighthouse On Nantucket

Sankaty Head Lighthouse on Nantucket is a beautiful 158-foot tall, red and white striped lighthouse in ‘Sconset that sits in an open field measuring 7 acres, and guards the waters along Siosconset Beach and the eastern part of the island. Because it’s not walkable from Nantucket’s main town, I don’t visit it as often as I would like, but every time I have access to a car, moped or bike, I love to come out to visit this gorgeous Nantucket lighthouse.

Built in 1849, Sankaty Head was the last of Nantucket’s lighthouses to gain approval to be built on the island during the peak of Nantucket’s involvement in the whaling industry. The original light that was used during its first years, a French Fresnel lens, is now on display at the Nantucket Historical Association , and this was the first time this type of light was used on a lighthouse in the U.S.

Sankaty Head Light is currently fully operational, and owned by the U.S. Coast Guard.

How To Get To Sankaty Head Lighthouse

The best way to get to Sankaty Head Lighthouse is by bike, car or moped. You can also take The Wave shuttle, which is Nantucket’s public transit system, and then walk from the bus stop to the lighthouse, which is a 1.5 mile walk, and will take 30-40 minutes. The easiest methods will be by car or moped.

To bike from downtown Nantucket to Sankaty Head, you’ll want to take the Siasconset bike path, which is a nice, paved bike path that’s very flat and easy to navigate. Once you arrive at the rotary in ‘Sconset, you’ll want to use Google Maps to get to the lighthouse. It should only take you about 10 minute by bike to get there from the rotary.

Sankaty Head is easy to visit on a day trip if you have a bike or moped, or are willing to take public transit and walk 1.5 miles from the bus stop to the lighthouse.

Is There Parking At Sankaty Head Lighthouse?

Yes, parking is very easy at Sankaty Head Light. There are multiple parking spots for cars, and plenty of street parking if the lot is full.

Can You Go Inside Sankaty Head Lighthouse?

There are a few days throughout the year where visitors are able to climb the inside of the lighthouse to the top of the tower. With efforts from the ’Sconset Trust board of trustees, as well as local volunteers and businesses, the lighthouse is generally open for tours of the tower four times a year. So while you can’t get inside every day, you can click here to visit the ‘Sconset Board Of Trustees website and see what days the lighthouse will be open for interior tours.

Is Sankaty Head Lighthouse Free To Visit?

Yes! Sankaty Head Lighthouse is free for everyone to visit, and there is no charge to park or walk the grounds of the lighthouse.

How Much Time To Spend At Sankaty Head Lighthouse

This will vary depending on your visit. If you’re just stopping by while touring the island, you don’t need more than 30 minutes, which will allow you enough time to see the lighthouse up close, and snap some photos while admiring its beauty.

If you chose to climb the lighthouse during one of the days it’s open, you’ll need more time, and may spend up to 90 minutes here.

When Was Sankaty Head Lighthouse Moved?

Sankaty Head Light was moved in 2007 in an effort to protect it from bluff erosion. During the 20th century, Sankaty Head’s bluff lost over 190 feet of land due to erosion, and before the lighthouse was moved, it stood just 68 feet from the water’s edge. As the lighthouse stands now, it sits over 260 feet from the edge of the bluff.

How To Take The Best Sankaty Head Lighthouse Photos

This is a beautiful place to take photos, especially at sunset! But because the lighthouse is in an open field, you’ll be able to walk around and take photos of it in any light conditions, even if you visit in the middle of a bright, sunny afternoon.

I think the best photo opportunity of Sankaty is walking on the path leading up to the lighthouse. This allows you some leading lines, and showcases the lighthouse in the background.

Be sure to get up close to the lighthouse, even though the entire structure won’t be in your photo. Showing the base of the lighthouse with a close up of the stripes makes for a really cool shot.

Get out into the grasses! To show the height of the lighthouse in the open fields, try to get far away from it and snap some photos from that perspective.

You can also utilize the lighthouse’s informational headstone and play with aperture for a nice photo.

Tip : Be sure to stay within the fenced in areas of the fields around the lighthouse. They are there for your safety to protect you from the bluff, as well as poison ivy. Don’t go beyond the fenced area to get a great shot – it’s not worth it.

Great Point Lighthouse On Nantucket

Great Point is the hardest of the Nantucket lighthouses to get to, but my absolute favorite. Located at the very tip of the most northern point of the island, it’s quite an adventure to get out to it, and makes for an incredible day trip or afternoon excursion.

Once you’re out at Great Point, you can also combine your trip with a beach day because you’ll be surrounded by shoreline during your visit.

Great Point Lighthouse was originally built in 1784, and again, because it was made of wood, it caught fire and was destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1818 with stone, and collapsed in 1984. In 1986, the lighthouse was rebuilt for the last time, which is what stands today, and is an exact replica of the original structure.

How To Get To Great Point Lighthouse On Nantucket?

To get to Great Point Lighthouse, you have three options. One, you can walk, which will be a 7-mile hike in soft sand each way. Two, you can drive a 4×4 vehicle, as long as you have a beach sticker and an Oversand Permit specifically for Great Point. Lastly, you can take a tour in a vehicle, and not have to worry about getting all the correct permits.

The grounds of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve, where the lighthouse is located, are open 9a-5p daily, with extended summer hours in July and August from 8a-6p daily.

My favorite way to get out to Great Point is to rent a Jeep and drive on your own. This will allow you the most flexibility, and will also allow you stay all day and go at your own pace. There are lots of places on Nantucket that rent out Jeeps to get to Great Point, including Affordable Rentals and Young’s Bicycle Shop .

Tip : Stop by Fresh or Something Natural to pack a beach picnic to bring with you! Also, pack your swimsuit, beach towels, beach chairs, and anything else you’d need to spend some time at the beach.

It’s also a good idea to call the Wildlife Reserve before arriving at 508-228-5646, Option No. 2 to get informational on conditions and closures for the day.

Important Information About Car Rentals For Great Point

If you decide to rent a Jeep specifically to go out to Great Point, you need to be sure to ask the rental company if the Jeep comes with all the permits and stickers to get out there, as well as a tire gauge. If you’re unsure how to deflate and inflate tires, ask the rental company for a demonstration because you’ll need to deflate all your tires to drive on the soft sand out to Great Point, and inflate them again when leaving.

Usually, Jeep rentals will come with all these things, but it’s always good to ask. You also need to make sure that the Jeep is a 4×4 or 4-Wheel drive. All-Wheel drive vehicles are not permitted at Great Point , and your car will be inspected at the gate.

Once you have your Jeep rental, you’ll want to drive to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve entrance gate. Once at the gate, you’ll need to purchase a day pass to visit Great Point and the Wildlife Reserve, and deflate your tires to 12-15 PSI, which will allow you to drive on soft sand. Once you have your day pass and your tires are deflated, you’re all set to begin your adventure to Great Point!

When you depart the gate, you’ll slowly start to make your way onto a sandy trail that will lead you to the ocean. Once you reach the ocean, turn left, and drive to the very end to get to Great Point Lighthouse. It’s very easy to figure out once you’re on your way. After you explore the lighthouse, you can spend the rest of your day at the remote beach.

Can You Visit Great Point Lighthouse During A Nantucket Day Trip?

If you’re visiting the island for a day trip, Great Point is the only Nantucket lighthouse I don’t suggest you visit unless your only plans for the day are to come out here (which is not a bad way to spend your time for a day trip!), OR you plan to arrive very early in the morning, and depart after sunset. In the latter case, you could spend your morning and afternoon at Great Point, and use your Jeep to visit some of the local beaches before heading back to your ferry.

For first-time visitors, I would suggest you skip this one, focus your time on downtown Nantucket and ‘Sconset or Madaket, and plan to visit Great Point on your next trip. But if you’ve been to the island before, this is a great excursion to consider. Just know that most of your day will be this trip, with maybe a couple of hours leftover before you have to head back to town to catch your ferry.

Can You Walk Or Bike To Great Point Lighthouse?

Yes, you can walk and fat-bike to Great Point Lighthouse. From the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve entrance gate, you’ll still need to get a day pass, and from there, you can begin your walk or fat-biking trip to the lighthouse. It will be a be just about 7 miles round trip of walking or biking on soft sand to get to the lighthouse. Be sure to stay on the shoreline, or on the designated paths when walking or fat-biking, and don’t climb onto the sand dunes.

Great Point Lighthouse Tours

If you’re not able to walk out to Great Point, or rent a Jeep, the Trustees of Reservations offers tours in a Jeep for visitors. To arrange a tour, you’ll need to contact the Board of Trustees directly by calling or emailing. Click here for the Trustees website and scroll down to “Tours” for contact information.

Can You Go Inside Great Point Lighthouse?

During certain days throughout the year, guided tours inside the lighthouse are available. Click here for more information, and instructions on how to contact the Trustees to ask about tours inside the lighthouse .

How Much Time Do You Need To Visit Great Point Lighthouse?

Plan to spend a minimum of 3-4 hours to see the lighthouse, and to spend time at the beach and the surrounding area.

The first time I visited by renting a Jeep, I was in awe of how beautiful it was, and didn’t want to leave. I sadly made other plans that day, which only allowed me about 4 hours out here, and it wasn’t enough. I would highly suggest staying out here all day if you can to make the most of your Jeep rental, and the cost of the day pass.

Is There A Fee To Visit Great Point Lighthouse?

Yes, in addition to the Jeep rental (if needed) and the permits, you’ll need to purchase a day pass for the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve, which is $50 for the day, and $10 for each additional consecutive day if you plan to visit more than once. The day pass is pricey, but it’s worth it to see this amazing and remote part of the island, and to visit the lighthouse.

You will not need to purchase the day pass if you choose to walk, as the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve is free for pedestrians.

Are There Seals At Great Point Lighthouse & Beach?

Chances are good that you’ll see some seals while out at Great Point, as this is a popular spot for them to hang out. During the day, they tend to come to the shoreline, and return to the water at night, and in the winter, it’s common to see groups of them on the shore of Great Point Beach.

Tip : Seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act which makes it illegal to touch, harass, or have any affect on their normal behavioral pattern. If you spot a seal, it’s important to stay at least 150 feet away from them, and admire their cuteness from a safe distance.

How To Take The Best Great Point Lighthouse Photos

I think Great Point is the most photogenic of all the Nantucket Lighthouses, and it’ll be easy to capture some great photos during your visit. Of course, it’s best to take photos around sunrise and sunset for the best lighting, but since gates are only open between 9a-5p most days (8a-6p in July & August), it’s hard to visit during the best lighting conditions. So, it’s a good thing that this lighthouse looks good in all different light!

As you begin to approach Great Point Lighthouse from a distance, this is a great opportunity to stop your Jeep and get some photos, even if you can only see the top of the structure.

Once you arrive at the “parking” area of the lighthouse (I put parking in quotes because it’s really just a beach, but where most people will leave their car to walk toward the lighthouse), it’s a great photo opportunity to position your Jeep in front of the lighthouse, and take a photo with you in the Jeep. I used a tripod and interval timer to take the photo below, but you could always ask someone nearby as well (I snapped a few photos for people who saw us doing it, and was happy to help!).

Once you’re up close to the lighthouse, definitely take some photos of the top of the structure to highlight the beautiful windows, and use the small stairs at the front of the lighthouse to take some fun photos.

After visiting the lighthouse, walk past the lighthouse to the other side of the beach (the opposite side of where you left your car), and get some photos from that perspective as well.

Best Time Of Year To Visit The Nantucket Lighthouses

Peak season on Nantucket is July & August, with June and September also becoming popular times to visit. This is when there will be the most people at the Nantucket lighthouses. That said, I’ve never seen any of the lighthouses, especially Great Point or Sankaty Head, super crowded, even in the summer. Brant Point typically as the most people, but I’ve never seen it overrun with visitors (more like a steady flow of a few groups at a time).

Early spring is a really great time to visit Sankaty Head because the field will be filled with yellow daffodils, which is a beautiful site to see! The little yellow flowers sprinkled all over the grass make for a lovely contrast against the red and white stripes on the lighthouse.

Depending on the time of the year, Brant Point Lighthouse is usually decorated. During the summer, a giant flag is often hung from the side of the lighthouse. In the spring, a wreath made of daffodils is hung to celebrate the Nantucket Daffodil Festival , and during the Christmas season, a holiday wreath is hung on the side of the lighthouse for the Nantucket Christmas Stroll.

If you’re brave enough to venture to the island in the winter, you’ll likely have the Nantucket lighthouses all to yourself. You may even spot a snowy owl while visiting Great Point!

More posts you may find helpful:

• The Most Incredible Lighthouses In New England
• The Best Cape Cod Lighthouses To Visit
• The Ultimate Nantucket Day Trip Guide
• Should You Visit Nantucket Or Martha’s Vineyard For A Day Trip?
• Cape Cod vs. Nantucket: Which Is Best For You?
• Winter On Nantucket: Things To Do & Tips For Visiting
• Gorgeous New England Islands Worth Visiting
• Must-See Towns On The New England Coast

That’s A Wrap On How To Visit The Nantucket Lighthouses

Now that you know how to visit all 3 of the Nantucket lighthouses, which one do you plan to visit on your next trip? Whether it’s the iconic Brant Point, the beautiful Sankaty Head or the gorgeous Great Point lighthouse (and adventure!), you’re now ready to explore them all and take some great pictures!

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Nantucket Island Tours

Ready to book your nantucket bus tour click here, nantucket’s premiere transportation company, add a little local flavor with a nantucket bus tour.

Sightseeing tours of Nantucket Island

While visiting this beautiful island full of so much to enjoy, take some time and treat yourself to a tour of the breathtaking island of Nantucket in the comfort of our luxury busses.

Get a feel for the true Nantucket as we take you away from downtown and allow you to enjoy the natural & historical beauty of our island! See the Old Mill, Sconset Village, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, and much more on this one-hour & 15 minute tour.

Available through October 23rd at 11:15am, 1:00pm & 2:45pm. $35 per person

Want to see even more of Nantucket without access to a bike or car? We’ve got you covered with this new, longer tour!

The Westender tour will visit sites on the west end of the island and include some of the historic things we show during our regular tour as well. These are places you really cannot walk to, such as beautiful Madaket, Mr Rogers history on Nantucket, the famed “Madaket Millie”, and stops at Bartlett Farm and Cisco Brewers.

In the same beautiful climate controlled buses as our regular tour with the friendly faces of our awesome tour guides, this tour is a must for anyone looking to get deeper into the more remote parts of the island of Nantucket.

With plenty of photo opportunities, and lots to see this 2.5 hour tour will be fun for all!

Available through October 23rd at 11:30am. $65 per person

Helpful Hints 🙂

Busses depart from 10 Washington Street, Nantucket Tours are not recommended for young children No food or drink allowed on Signature Tour Please arrive and check in inside Greyhound Station 15 minutes prior to boarding time There are no restroom breaks during the Signature Tour

• Category : All Articles , Nantucket
• Tag(s) : George C. Gardiner house , Gray Lady of the Sea , Jared Coffin House , Nantucket , Nantucket Ghosts , Nantucket Haunted House , The Chicken Box

Nantucket Ghosts and Haunted Places

• Marguerite Wiser
• October 18, 2023

With its storied history of whaling, wealth, and water, it’s no wonder that Nantucket Island is home to many ghost stories. Whether you’re a believer in supernatural happenings or not, Nantucket offers fun stories to entertain, spook, and intrigue you! Whether their hauntings are fictional or real, estates that line Nantucket’s streets have long and fascinating histories, including the original Nantucket Ghost Walk and rumors of old haunted buildings.

The story behind Nantucket Island

Nantucket Island is 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, comfortably set apart from the mainland. The island’s name is derived from an Algonquin word meaning “far-away land.” The island is also known as the “Gray Lady of the Sea.” This haunting moniker was coined by sailors who named it for the fog that swept in quickly, leaving the island and its coastline cloaked in a quiet, otherworldly mist of thick fog. Nantucket’s historic lighthouses have warned sailors off of rocks in heavy winds and waves. Unfortunately, not all sailors survived the gales, leading to several maritime ghost stories as well.

Spooky stories of the supernatural occurrences on the island of Nantucket include rumors of flickering lights, slamming doors, disembodied footsteps and laughter, and the lingering scents of floral perfume.  Visitors and locals alike have had spooky encounters that have morphed into legends over the years and tellings.

Stories of the spirits of long passed whaling captains have settled around the island, not unlike the ghostly fog that swirls. Chairs rock themselves, empty by the fireplaces of their stately homes. The ghosts of ministers roaming the bell towers of their church’s years after their deaths. Bootleggers lurking in the shadows of what was rumored to have been a prohibition speakeasy. The spirit of a Puritan woman is known for harassing unwed couples who scandalously share a bedroom in a local bed and breakfast.

Original Nantucket Ghost Walk

For those intrigued by the ghostly goings-on of the Grey Lady of the Sea, consider joining one of the Nantucket ghost walks offered. They are great outdoor activities on Nantucket and a perfect thing to do on Nantucket in October or any time of year! Not only are they a fun way to spend an evening, but they are also a great way to learn about history, imagining what things were like on yesterday’s island.

The original Nantucket Ghost Walk is the island’s first and oldest town ghost walk. It takes visitors on an 80-minute stroll to the island’s five most haunted locales. The tour features two possible routes, the town route, and the cemetery route. The cemetery route takes about 90 mins and covers 1 ⅓ miles. The Walk stops at Old North Burial Ground, Oldest House, and visits two haunted hotels! The town route visits five haunted locations on the island, takes about 80 mins, and covers 1 mile. The walks are on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights thru October and cost $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $15 for teens,and $10 for kids aged 7-2, cash only.

If you don’t want to brave the spooky ghost walks, you can join the festive Thanksgiving or Christmas Strolls to come. For more information, contact Nantucket Walking Tours at 508-332-0953.

The most haunted locales in the island

Explore the Jared Coffin House

Notoriously haunted spots on the island include the Jared Coffin House , a three-story mansion built by the successful shipowner for whom the house is now named. The house was constructed at the height of the island’s lucrative whaling days. It is said that the Coffin only lived in the house on Nantucket briefly before moving closer to Boston. Regardless, many believe the ghost Jared Coffin returned to the island after his death and still lingers in the house.

The Jared Coffin House is now a historic downtown hotel. Employees and guests report seeing an old man rocking in a chair by the fireplace or a chair rocking itself. There is also a rumored haunting by a Puritan woman who scowls at unwed couples sharing a bedroom at the Inn.

George C. Gardiner House

The George C. Gardiner House , located at 141 Main Street, was long thought to be haunted. In reality, the specter of a messy divorce led the house to be neglected and to fall into disrepair. The New York Times published a piece titled “A Real Estate Mystery on Proper Nantucket” in July of 2001, detailing the house’s neglect and the vindictive reasons behind it.

The Chicken Box

Other spooky locations include The Chicken Box. Rumors say that it was a prohibition-era speakeasy and is now the home of several bootlegging Nantucket ghosts. Other haunting attractions include The Unitarian Church, where an old minister roams the bell tower, and a few other old hotels rumored to have ghostly guests.

Nantucket Ghost Books

If you can’t get enough of Nantucket ghosts and haunted history, consider picking up one of the books on the subject. These include Nantucket Hauntings, The Ghosts of Nantucket, and Haunted Nantucket Island. You can also continue on to read more tales of haunted Cape Cod .

• George C. Gardiner house , Gray Lady of the Sea , Jared Coffin House , Nantucket , Nantucket Ghosts , Nantucket Haunted House , The Chicken Box

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Western Mass.

Central Mass.

North of Boston

South of Boston

Cape cod & the islands have the most legendary lighthouses of them all.

Nobska Point Light at Woods Hole Harbor

Church Street Woods Hole, MA, 02543 Phone:

Location: Church Street

Gay Head Light (Aquinnah Light)

Location: Aquinnah (Gay Head) Cliffs, Martha's Vineyard

Brant Point Light

Location: Nantucket Island

Long Point Light

Provincetown Harbor Provincetown, MA, 02657 Phone:

Location: Cape Cod Bay / Provincetown Harbor

Hyannis Harbor Light (South Hyannis Light)

Hyannis Harbor Hyannis, MA, 02601 Phone:

Location: Hyannis Harbor

West Dennis Light at the Lighthouse Inn

1 Lighthouse Inn Road West Dennis, MA Phone:

On Lighthouse Inn Road

Stage Harbor Light

Location: Stage Harbor, Harding's Beach, Nantucket Sound

Monomoy Point Light

Location: South end of South Monomoy Island

Highland Light on Cape Cod National Seashore

Highland Road North Truro, MA, 02652 Phone: 508-771-2144

Location: Cape Cod National Seashore, east side of Cape Cod

Cape Poge Light (Cape Pogue Light)

Location: Chappaquiddick Island

Wood End Light

Entrance to Provincetown Harbor Provincetown, MA, 02657 Phone:

Location: West End of Provincetown

Sandy Neck Light

Location: Entrance to Barnstable Harbor, Cape Cod

Nauset Light

Ocean View Drive Eastham, MA, 02642 Phone: 508-240-2612

Location: Ocean View Drive

Race Point Light, northern tip of Cape Cod

Race Point Road Provincetown, MA, 02657 Phone: 855-722-3959

Location: Northern tip of Cape Cod

East Chop Light

Location: East side of Vineyard Haven entrance, Martha's Vineyard

Wing's Neck Light

Location: East side of Buzzards Bay

Great Point Light (Nantucket Light)

Location: Northeast point of Nantucket Island

Cleveland Ledge Light

Cleveland Ledge Channel Buzzard's Bay, MA, 02532 Phone:

Location: Cleveland Ledge Channel, Buzzards Bay

Point Gammon Light

Great Island Road West Yarmouth, MA, 02673 Phone:

Three Sisters of Nauset

Cape Cod National Seashore Eastham, MA, 02642 Phone: 508-771-2144

Location: Off Nauset Road

Chatham Light at Chatham Harbor

Shore Road Chatham, MA, 02633 Phone: 508-430-0628

Location: Chatham Harbor, southeast corner of Cape

Sankaty Head Light

Location: East coast of Nantucket

Tarpaulin Cove Light

Location: Naushon Island (Elizabeth Islands)

West Chop Light

Location: Entrance to Vineyard Haven Harbor, Martha's Vineyard

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Discover Nantucket Tours & Discover Nantucket Bike Tours

Let's Have A Whale Of A Time!

Rated # 1 Private Tour by TripAdvisor

Welcome to Discover Nantucket Tours & Discover Nantucket Bike Tours!

Whether this will be your first time to Nantucket Island, a return trip, or if you have been coming to Nantucket for years, booking a tour with Discover Nantucket Tours and/or Nantucket Bike Tours will give you an in-depth, surprisingly interesting, and absolutely fun tour of Nantucket Island. Whether your tour is by bike , on foot , or by scenic drive , we will show you the rich and unique history, along with the breath-taking nature and scenery of the island. Let us show you all the hidden history, intrinsic nature, and scenic gems that Nantucket has to offer. At the end of the tour you will be able to impress and amaze everyone with your newfound knowledge and appreciation of Nantucket island, it’s history, and it’s unique culture and people.

Discover Nantucket Tours and Discover Nantucket Bike Tours are also a mix of fun trivia as well as local insights on the island. The tours are great for visitors of all ages and interests and are family and dog friendly too!

Hugh Lloyd-Thomas, Owner/Operator

Hugh visited Nantucket in 1986 while on vacation from Australia, to meet for just the second time his soon to be parents-in -law, and immediately fell in love with the island.

When Hugh and Beth moved to the US in 1991, the tradition of regular visits to the Nantucket began. If you ask Hugh’s children where they grew up, they will say Nantucket from all the summers they spent on the island.

After living in Connecticut and Virginia and travelling to Nantucket every summer, and at other times during the year, Hugh and Beth moved to Nantucket in 2018. Hugh started Discover Nantucket Tours in 2020 and purchased Nantucket Bike Tours in 2022.

Hugh has been referred to as “Mr. Nantucket.” “He knows EVERYTHING about Nantucket – quite incredible!!! ”  A “walking encyclopedia”. “Very professional, knowledgeable and fun”. “…(and the) best vacation tour we’ve ever experienced” by tour guests.

When Hugh is not taking guests on tours he can be found walking his dog Bogart on the beaches and the moors of the island, volunteering for the Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket, and riding his bike around the beautiful island of Nantucket.

The beginning of the walking, biking and scenic driving tours includes a brief introduction to how the island was first formed, the history of the Wampanoag Native Americans, early European settlement, the development and decline of the whaling industry, island culture and heritage and the decline and rebirth of the island.

NOTE: Please understand that all bookings are tentative until confirmed, after a reservation review. All tour times are subject to availability. Please call: 917-716-5973 to confirm if you do not get a confirmation call or email. Thank you for your understanding.

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celebrating 25 years of

Nantucket adventures.

choose your cruise

Welcome to Nantucket By Water, a local family-run company dedicated to providing unique tours and cruises to individuals and families of all age groups. From small kids to grandparents, we have trips that cater to your needs and taste for adventure.

Whether you take a leisurely tour around Nantucket Harbor, or a longer adventure exploring the wildlife sanctuary of Coatue or visiting the unique 5th Bend Oyster Farm, we promise you an exceptional experience.

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Tuesday nights | june 18 - sept 10.

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Don't know which trip is best for you or want us to build a completely custom experience for you? Contact us today for a tailormade trip and experience.

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We did a chartered sunset cruise with our family. It was great! Captain, crew, and bartender were perfect for us. We had the whole Shearwater boat. We played music via Bluetooth. Had food from Bartlett’s Farm brought in. And we danced on the bow for almost the whole cruise.

glorious harbor tour

Our family had a glorious ride around the harbor on the Shearwater Ice Cream tour!

Captain Max was very helpful. Rachael, who organizes the tours, was very sweet explaining available ice creams to the young ones. Kids say it was the highlight of their visit. 

chef's kiss

Don't miss this! Not only was the sunset incredible, but cruising around Nantucket Harbor was delightful. We did this on the first night of our trip and it was the best way to kick off a great weekend. Rachael and her team were so easy and helpful to work with in planning the trip, and Max was a great sailor, leaving us with great recommendations on what not to miss on island.

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This Converted Boathouse Is a Love Letter to Nantucket Design

Gary McBournie's coastal home is filled with artwork, baskets, and antiques collected from the island over the last 20 years.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

“We do a lot of work with the Nantucket Historical Association and Nantucket By Design, and I think as more and more people come here, the character of the island is getting lost,” says Richards. “As much fun as we had doing a mid-century house the last time, we really committed to doing something that more celebrated Nantucket and its artisans.”

To practically anyone else, the property that McBournie and Richards chose to call their new home was less than ideal. The pair explains that it was originally a boathouse that had been poorly converted into a guest cottage and featured ski lodge-inspired architecture and interiors (think: tree trunk columns in the kitchen and a retro sunken tub with a fireplace in the primary bathroom).

However, it was on a more remote stretch of the island that was practically untouched and offered views of the harbor, so there was plenty of potential to make this the ultimate beach house. After working closely with architecture firm Botticelli & Pohl for many years, including several projects for clients on Nantucket, McBournie knew they would be just the team to transform this dark, mountain house gone wrong into a breezy summer home fit for entertaining—not to mention all of the couple’s collections.

“We’ve done quite a few projects together [with Lisa Botticelli] and have a very good relationship,” says McBournie. “She just gets it, and the whole thing was a really easy process with her. The firm oscillates between contemporary and traditional work, and you can see that the design style in this home is more traditional, but when you look at what we did inside architecturally, it does have that clean, contemporary element, too.”

The interesting thing about this project, besides it being the couple’s own home, was that McBournie and Richards were staying just 100 feet away in another cottage during the renovation process. The couple were part of the process every step of the way as Botticelli brought in more views and natural light, adding extra windows in the primary bedroom, which offers the best elevation for enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the island, as well as the stunning landscape created by Hollander Design .

They also had much of the wood removed between beams on the ceilings to make the rooms feel lighter, brighter, and larger. All of the outdoor spaces are brand new, from the generous screened-in porch to the breezeway off the kitchen. And yes, the retro sunken tub and fireplace in the primary bathroom, which Richards says used to look straight out of a hotel in the Poconos, were replaced.

“The kitchen is a fun space because we created all of it,” says McBournie. “It used to be split up across the room so you had to run from one side to another to cook. People love to sit in the kitchen while we entertain, and we found this mid-century modern sofa that we covered with a beautiful antique linen to go in the bay window, and we’ve found that it’s always full. In fact, our first friend that came over for a drink when we moved in immediately sat there, and we knew this was the spot.”

While the designer explains that most houses on the island are sold fully furnished, as people are willing to pay a premium to avoid dealing with shipping and long lead times, he’s always kept the arts and crafts he’s collected on Nantucket from house to house, and the home is peppered with oil paintings, sailor’s valentines, model sailboats, and the island’s famed baskets. And Richards spent many pandemic days perusing online auctions that would help this house feel like home as soon as they completed the finishing touches.

“Once the design process got going, we moved very quickly and had a real vision for it,” says Richards. “One of the things that is distinctive about us is how we put different things together. When we do a home, it’s a collection of things, and it never looks like we just went to a design center and picked out as many objects as we could. It should look like someone has actually lived in the home and that’s what people were so surprised by when they came in for the first time—it feels as if we’ve lived here forever—and that’s always the goal with our projects.”

McBournie & Richards Nantucket House Tour

While McBournie is known for his brilliant and bold color pairings, most of the common areas in this house are swathed in a light and airy white to evoke a clean, sophisticated take on coastal design while the furnishings and objects bring in vibrant pops of color. The bedrooms, however, are where his penchant for color shines, as the bedrooms are full of unexpected yet gorgeous color stories and contemporary artwork to juxtapose the more traditional furnishings.

The couple agrees that the space they most gravitate towards most in the home is their red and blue bedroom suite. They've made it easy to stay put all day, thanks to an in-room coffee bar by the seating area and a desk that doubles as Bill’s nightstand. Plus, the pair can wave to friends from the balcony in their bathrobes as they soak in the salty air, views of the Atlantic, and sounds of the ferries making their way to and from the island. Sounds idyllic, no?

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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Take a break from your road trip at these 6 weird, quirky Michigan roadside attractions

From private gnome villages built in front yards to giant tires along the highway, Michigan has a host of fun roadside attractions.

Here are just a few to check out. Do you have other attractions we should include? Reach out to us .

Gnome Village

• Location: Wolverine — off of Old Sturgeon Road

In an April social media video, TikTok user MckormickRadio randomly stumbled across a gnome village off Old Sturgeon Road in Wolverine, and couldn't believe the find.

The collection of tiny houses is unique and whimsical and features a small church and other community buildings.

Eiffel Tower

• Location: Paris Park, about 5 miles north of Big Rapids
• Cost: $6 park entry

Visit the Eiffel Tower without ever leaving the state with a visit to Paris Park in northern Michigan. The 20-foot-tall tower is constructed of steel, built in 1980 by welding students from the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center in Big Rapids.

The park is also home to the state's first fish hatchery dating back to 1881 and operated until converted into a park in 1964. Behind the hatchery is a drawing of a Chippewa Chief carved in 1937.

Cross in the Woods and Nun Doll Museum

• Location: 7078 M-68, Indian River

Along I-75 in northern Michigan is a spiritual site with the world's largest crucifixion of Jesus Christ, sculpted by Michigan's own Marshall Fredericks, responsible for the Spirit of Detroit among other monuments. The bronze 28-foot statue is just one spiritual stop of the park's seven holy shrines .

In addition to the holy sculptures, the Cross In the Woods Catholic Shrine at Indian River is home to the largest number of dolls dressed in traditional habits of men and women in religious communities in the country. On display in the doll museum is 525 dolls and 20 mannequins from around the world.

More: 8 unusual Michigan museums to visit this summer

Dinosaur Gardens

• Location: Ossineke
• Cost: $10 and up

Take a walk on the wild side with a trip to Ossineke Michigan's Dinosaur Garden , first opened in 1923, which more than 20 dinosaur sculptures call home.

The park is a half-mile walk and self-guided tours start at $10 with children under 2 years old free. For an added $3 per child, kids can dig for their fossils and take home their favorite three. The park also has an 18-hole putt-putt golf course overlooking the nearby Devil's River.

The Miner's Sluice packages range from $10.95 to $21.95 and give families the experience of picking a bag of mining mix and washing the contents in a live, water-operated miner's sluice.

Nearly 200 miles south of Dinosaur Gardens in Irish Hills is the site of the long-abandoned Prehistoric Forest , a similar dinosaur park that thrived in the early 1980s.

Uniroyal Tire

• Location: Dearborn, westbound I-94

An 80-foot-tall Uniroyal tire , originally built as a Ferris wheel for the 1964 New York World's Fair , has welcomed incoming metro Detroiters off of I-94 for decades.

See inside: I-94's giant Uniroyal tire

Allen Park was awarded the giant tire, worth $750,000, made of polyester resin and fiberglass in 1965 as long as they converted the moving and set up costs — which estimated to be about $300,000.

Detroit's Hollywood-style Sign

• Location: Detroit, eastbound I-94

Detroit's newest roadside attraction, a Hollywood-esque light-up sign, was built in early April to welcome visitors for the 2024 NFL draft .

Opinion: Detroit sign on I-94 should have included more residents, input from artists | Letters

The 10-foot-tall letters received mixed reviews from community members after its installation. Mayor Mike Duggan blamed the negative response on a misleading rendering that went viral on social media after the Free Press' original reporting .

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5 favorite places

Eugene Levy’s Toronto

The Canadian comedian, known for “American Pie,” “Schitt’s Creek” and now, “The Reluctant Traveler,” isn’t at all reluctant to share what he loves about his hometown.

Eugene Levy called Koerner Hall, at the Royal Conservatory of Music, one of his favorite places to see concerts. “The acoustics are impeccable,” he said. Credit... Eugen Sakhnenko for The New York Times

Supported by

By Abbie Kozolchyk

• May 9, 2024

As you might guess from the title of Eugene Levy’s latest series — “The Reluctant Traveler” — he’s a guy who’s happy to stay put.

The show, now in its second season on Apple TV+ , follows Mr. Levy, a 77-year-old comedy legend known for his roles in “Waiting for Guffman,” “American Pie,” “Schitt’s Creek” and more, as he defies his anxieties about airports, heights, temperatures, textures and vast swaths of the animal kingdom. With great consternation, he leaves his comfort zone — Canada, as he often reminds viewers — to shadow an expert moose caller in Sweden, herd 600 sheep through a German resort town and politely avoid an octopus aboard a Greek trawler.

Raised in Hamilton, Ontario, about 40 miles southwest of Toronto, Mr. Levy got his big break in 1972 alongside Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin and Paul Shaffer in a celebrated production of “Godspell” at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theater . He has since called the city — and one historic, leafy neighborhood — home.

“Rosedale is a residential area that is right in the heart of Toronto,” he told me over coffee at Tavern on the Green, in New York, where he’d joined the cast of the fourth season of “ Only Murders in the Building .” With new skyscrapers going up “a mile a minute” in Toronto, he said, the scene from our table in Central Park looked a little like his view from Rosedale. He and his wife, Deborah Divine, are neighborhood loyalists — Avant Goût , a local bistro, has been their go-to for decades — but spots in other areas rank high, too.

Here are five of Mr. Levy’s favorite places in Toronto.

1. Terroni Bar Centrale

“Deb and I would usually do our daily constitutional in the morning and end up at Bar Centrale for a latte and some of their fine pastries,” he said, adding that the croissants are especially good at this spot in Summerhill, a neighborhood that borders Rosedale. Occupying the ground floor of the multistory Terroni Price restaurant in a 19th-century brick building, Bar Centrale forgoes the Wi-Fi you might expect with your coffee in favor of a wall’s worth of international magazines and — according to Mr. Levy — a staff full of good conversationalists.

2. Harry Rosen

The flagship of this family-run men’s wear emporium on Bloor Street is one-stop shopping for Mr. Levy. “I hate traveling around to different places to get different things,” he said, very much on brand. This place “has every designer, if that’s what you’re into, and everything from socks to tuxedos.” There’s also a sumptuous grooming department, a tailoring service and an array of coffee table books on topics like racecars, rockers and tattoo art.

3. CN Tower

Touristy? Sure, Mr. Levy acknowledged. Still, this approximately 1,815-foot communications and observation tower offers unrivaled views of the city and Lake Ontario, even if — like him — you avoid the acrophobia-inducing glass-floored sections. “We used to take the kids there when they were young,” he said. “I couldn’t even put my toe on the edge of the glass, but my kids would just destroy me — they would lie down on it.” A less stressful view: Rogers Centre , the stadium next door, where you can see the Toronto Blue Jays play baseball. “I’ve been a Jays fan for, I guess since they started in ’77,” Mr. Levy told me. He clarified his brand of fandom during a Season 2 episode of “The Reluctant Traveler”: “I don’t go and paint my face,” he told the Spanish footballer Héctor Bellerín , but “in a championship game, I’ll stand up and give them, you know, a thumbs-up.”

4. The Royal Conservatory of Music

“The musicianship coming out of the Royal Conservatory is just awesome,” said Mr. Levy, quick to note that his wife “would go there when she was a kid taking piano lessons.” (Students at the 138-year-old institution have included the pianist Glenn Gould and the singer Sarah McLachlan .) Mr. Levy loves concerts at the attached Koerner Hall — “the acoustics are impeccable” — where you can see top students or international stars .

5. Windsor Arms Hotel

The 1972 “Godspell” role became Mr. Levy’s first steady acting paycheck: “That was huge,” he said. And with his windfall (“140 bucks every single week”) he started enjoying meals and late-night cocktails, or cake and coffee, at the Windsor Arms , a 10-minute drive from the theater. The hotel was popular, he said, because it was “quiet and more residential” than others. (The suites feel like genteel prewar apartments, with musical instruments and plenty of plush seating.) One of Mr. Levy’s favorite old haunts there — the Courtyard Cafe — is now the Courtyard, an event space worth a quick wander to see where, among other things, Elton John and David Furnish held an engagement party. Mr. Levy, now a connoisseur of 5:30 p.m. dinners, is no longer the late-night cake-and-coffee guy he once was — but he still gives the place, you know, a thumbs-up.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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San Marco Clock Tower - What ticket link do I use? - Venice Forum

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Hi, is there another link where I can buy clock tower advance tickets? I'm looking for June 15th or 17th, and the link below won't display June dates. Thanks so much.

https://muve.vivaticket.it/en/tour/torre-dell-orologio/567?qubsq=e3b80464-37aa-4027-b7fc-2437753e3c66&qubsp=60f9a9c9-979a-4d70-99ee-a59fc1953d50&qubsts=1706305576&qubsc=bestunion&qubse=vivaticketserver&qubsrt=Safetynet&qubsh=89764466473498e5bc944bc821bb262a

3 replies to this topic

I don’t think June tickets have been released There are none showing when following the Buy Tickets link from the MUVE Clock Tower page.

https://muve.vivaticket.it/en/event/clock-tower-english/159294?idt=567

Keep checking back. It’s not unusual.

When I first looked at this link (beginning of April), all of April and May were available. You're saying it's normal to go from having 60 days in advance available to less than 30?

Others have put on here that tickets weren’t available at this point.

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Live from Paris: Taylor Swift adds 'Tortured Poets' songs to Eras Tour in France

P ARIS, France — The Chairman jump-started her tour after a two-month hiatus, and anticipation was high over whether Taylor Swift would incorporate her 11th era album into the Eras Tour set at La Défense Arena on Thursday.

She did and then some.

Swift extended the set list by one track to land at 46 songs. But many changes were made along the way. She added a new era for "The Tortured Poets Department," cut a handful of songs and rearranged most of the eras including combining the sets for "Folklore" and "Evermore."

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She also debuted a number of new outfits along the way.

Delivering all the updates were Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's full-time Taylor Swift reporter, from inside La Défense Arena in Paris, with Swiftie and trending reporter Anthony Robledo assisting from his desk.

We hereby present the minutes from the first Eras Tour meeting in Paris, France.

More: Taylor Swift unveils new Eras Tour set list in Paris

'Midnights' set follows secret songs

Swift stuck to her original set list for the "Midnights" era by singing "Lavender Haze," "Anti-Hero" and "Midnight Rain." She ended the night with a triumphant rendition of "Karma" as usual.

'loml' is second secret song

Fans got one more taste of "The Tortured Poets Department" when Swift played the heartbreaking song "loml" on the piano during her secret set.

'Paris' is a secret song, of course

Swift started her secret set with "Paris," a bonus song from her "Midnights" album.

'Tortured Poets' set list

Swift played these songs from her newest album:

• "But Daddy I Love Him"
• "So High School"
• "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me"
• "Fortnight"
• "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived"
• "I Can Do It with a Broken Heart"

New 'Tortured Poets' set is here

Toward the end of her show, Swift officially launched the long-awaited “The Tortured Poets Department” section of the tour after the 1989 era.

Swift performed the track “But Daddy I Love Him” off the April 19 album for her ecstatic fans while wearing a new beige dress with cursive letters.  

A road spiraled down the catwalk in an animation to initiate the era. The background animation showed a deserted road while large cages animated and fell on the road.

“Oh my god you should see your faces,” she sang.

She quickly segued into a brief moment of “So High School,” the beloved track speculated to be about her romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. She quickly performed the powerhouse anthem “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me.”

Swift switched to “Down Bad” before seamlessly transitioning into the lead single “Fortnight.” Stage production recreated an asylum that resembled the music video for the song with Post Malone, recorded harmony played concluding the song. 

Dancers entered the stage in a marching band style format playing drums as she performed the wrath-fueled song “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.” Jan Ravnik and Kameron Saunders then revived Swift in a jazzy skit to set up “I Can Do With A Broken Heart,” where she debuted another new outfit. 

“The End” text displayed wrapping up the era that’s likely here to stay. Other beloved tracks like “Guilty As Sin” and “Florida!” did not make the cut.

New '1989' outfit

Swift never goes out of Style. During her “1989” set, she debuted a new, sequined outfit of blue and pink. Her sparkly shoes matched with a different colored heel on each. For the bridge of “Blank Space,” the crowd started chanting in Sydney, Australia, “Syd-ney” as a nod to the 1989 World Tour concert movie where Swift would chant the name of the city she was in after hitting a pole with a club two times. Singapore followed the chant and Taylor Nation tweeted they want every city to incorporate the fan-fueled chant.In Paris, thousands chanted “Par-ee,” the French way to say the capital city.

Swift made no cuts to the "1989" set.

Four songs cut from 'Folklore' and 'Evermore'

The new set list cut four tracks from the "Folklore" and "Evermore" eras:

• "'Tis the Damn Season"
• "Tolerate It"
• "The Last Great American Dynasty"

The combined set included eight songs altogether and wrapped up with "Willow."

'Folkmore' set debuts

Swift revealed she merged the 2020 pandemic albums “Folklore” and “Evermore” into one section. She told fans she wrote “Folklore” to represent spring and summer with “Evermore” representing fall and winter in what she always considered sister albums.

“On the Eras Tour we have now reunited the sisters, combined them into one chapter,” she said. “You can call it whatever you want as long as you promise to sing ‘Champagne Problems’ with me.”

'Folklore' set: 'Cardigan' makes the cut

Many fans had speculated "Cardigan" would be cut from the set list. But Swift actually moved it to the top of the "Folklore" set.

Up next: 'Reputation'

Swift kicked off her fifth set with "Ready for It?"

Another surprise: 'Speak Now' era comes fourth

Swift updated her "Speak Now" set with an intro dance featuring Raphael Thomas and eight other dancers wearing flowy purple dresses. She then sang "Enchanted."

Fan favorite track "Long Live" was cut from the set list.

Order of eras changed

After a fairly routine "Fearless" set, Swift altered her concert by including the “Red” era third instead of the expected “Evermore” set. Previously, "Red" came fifth.

With a new shirt that read “This Is Not Taylor’s Version,” the singer performed "22" and showed her audience that they needed to leave any expectations at home. 

The relocated "Red" set included the same four songs: "22," "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," "I Knew You Were Trouble" and "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)."

Beflore playing “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” Swift talked about bringing all of her favorite memories to France.She did her 2019 “Lover” live show here but hadn’t brought a tour to the country since the Speak Now World Tour 13 years ago.“I cannot thank you enough. I’m so moved," she said.

Follow along with set list changes here .

First set list change

Swift cut "The Archer" from her "Lover" set before beginning her "Fearless" set in a silver and black minidress as opposed to her classic gold one. A graphic showed her "Lover" house with a new addition in the attic for "The Tortured Poets Department." Her "Fearless" set remained the same with "Fearless," "You Belong With Me" and "Love Story."

More: Taylor Swift's 'Love Story' castle will soon host weddings

'Je m'appelle Taylor'

In her monologue before playing the song "Lover," Swift said the night would span 18 years of music. Previously, the concert covered 16 years. Get ready for a "The Tortured Poets Department" addition some time tonight.

She confirmed the tour would still go era by era, and also spoke about how Paramore is a band she idolized since she was a teenager. She ended with some French: "Je m'appelle Taylor."

First new outfit

Swift debuted a new, orange bodysuit and jacket for the "Lover" set.

Snippet of 'Tortured Poets' in intro

A snippet of the song "The Tortured Poets Department" was included in the intro music Swift kicks the concert off with. Is she foreshadowing other changes ahead? It seems likely.

Taylor Swift takes the stage

Swift took the stage about 8 p.m. in Paris (2 p.m. ET) to relaunch her Eras Tour in Europe. She kicked it off with a countdown clock and the Lesley Gore song "You Don't Own Me" as usual. Then she began her "Lover" set with "Miss Americana."

Paramore covers Blondie, Talking Heads in Paris set list

At the Paris show Thursday, Paramore energized fans with eight tracks including their cover off the upcoming “Stop Making Sense” tribute album out May 17 featuring artists like Miley Cyrus and Lorde.

Debuting a blond mullet, lead singer Hayley Williams encouraged fans to dance without fear of judgment ahead of Swift’s performance.

“Enjoy your time with Miss Taylor, we will see you next time,” Williams said. 

Paramore's set list included:

• "Hard Times"
• "Burning Down the House" (Talking Heads cover) 
• "Caught in the Middle"
• “Brick by Boring Brick”
• “The Only Exception”
• “That’s What You Get”
• “Ain't It Fun”
• “This Is Why”

Paramore begins their set

At about 6:45 p.m. in Paris (12:45 p.m. ET), Paramore began their set, officially restarting the second year of the historic Eras Tour. Lead singer Hayley Williams sported a new, blond mullet hairdo.

Paramore opens European leg of Eras Tour

The American rock band is joining Swift on her European leg of 51 shows. Paramore also opened the show for two nights in Glendale, Arizona, in 2023. Their setlist then included nine songs:

• "This Is Why"
• "That’s What You Get"
• "The Only Exception"
• "Still Into You"
• "Rose-Colored Boy"
• "Misery Business"
• "Ain’t It Fun"

Where to watch the Eras Tour livestreams

The Eras Tour is one of the first tours that has been followed, globally, by thousands of fans on digital platforms. Fans dedicate part of their concert experience to livestreaming as Swift performs. Livestream Queen Tess Bohne has spearheaded the "Great War" to find fans going live on social media and broadcasting a custom show to tens of thousands of fans almost every night on her account @tessdear .

On YouTube, user @TaylorSwiftHockeyBro also livestreams the 3-hour show, and on Twitch, @folkleric is a host fans follow.

There is also an app, Swift Alert , that notifies fans who only want to watch certain eras like the acoustic, surprise set. The app also sends out push alerts if there are any major announcements.

What secret songs are left?

For the past 83 shows, Swift has had an acoustic set she customizes every stop with a guitar and piano performance. In 2024, the Eras Tour star added mash-ups of her songs for each stop. Here are the songs she has yet to perform:

• "Taylor Swift" (debut album): "Mary's Song" and "A Perfectly Good Heart"
• "Fearless": "The Way I Loved You," "Change," "Superstar," "We Were Happy," "That's When," "Don't You" and "Bye Bye Baby"
• "Red": "Girl At Home," "Ronan," "Forever Winter" and "Run"
• "1989": "Sweeter Than Fiction"
• "Reputation": "I Did Something Bad"
• "Lover": "London Boy," "Soon You'll Get Better" and "It's Nice to Have a Friend"
• "Folklore": "Hoax"
• "Evermore": "Happiness" and "Closure"
• "Midnights": "Paris" and "Glitch"
• "The Tortured Poets Department": all 31 tracks

Bienvenue dans le 'Eras Tour'

Welcome to the Eras Tour (France's Version). Swift is kicking off her 3-plus-hour concert from La Défense Arena in the Jardins de l’Arche district. The venue is Europe’s largest indoor arena and houses the Racing 92 rugby club. More than 40,000 fans will watch the concert, according to the stadium's website.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.

Catch Taylor Swift live with tickets at  Vivid Seats , shop  merchandise , and stream her latest on  Disney+ . Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Live from Paris: Taylor Swift adds 'Tortured Poets' songs to Eras Tour in France

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Tower Life building, jewel of San Antonio’s skyline and history, has stories to share with visitors

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The Tower Life building with Brent Salter in the foreground.

From Texas Public Radio :

For decades, one building defined San Antonio’s skyline. Recently, it was sold, and remodels are coming.

But before those changes begin, tour guides offered the public the opportunity to appreciate its distinctive interior.

In late April, about 40 visitors milled about the ornate lobby of what was once the Smith-Young Tower — now the Tower Life Building. They marveled at the marble floors and walls and the vaulted Gothic ceiling.

Tour Guide Brent Salter runs Amigo Tours . He showed visitors select floors from the basement to the 30th floor.

“The owners of the building and the investors were two brothers named Jim and Albert Smith,” Salter said, explaining the story behind the original name.

The front door to the Tower Life building. Jack Morgan / TPR

Those brothers and partner Jay Young aspired to make their mark in San Antonio, and they selected what Salter said was an unusual location for a downtown building.

“Where the Tower Life building is today was called Bowen’s Island. And the water really was problematic with that plot of land,” he said. “The river in its original course is making it not very feasible for its use as it surrounded the land on three sides. Then there is an acequia water ditch on a fourth side.”

Downtown had been repeatedly wrecked by devastating floods, but by the late 1920s both the Olmos Dam and the the flood bypass channel had been built, making downtown investment wise again.

“Caesar Augustus is credited as saying, ‘hasten slowly.’ So there we see the Smith brothers say, ‘let’s start with a small structure first,’” Salter explained.

After re-routing the water, they built the Federal Reserve building, which is now the Mexican Consulate, at the corner of Villita and Navarro Streets, just a block away.

“Their next structure is a hotel, called the Plaza Hotel. Today we call it the Granada Apartments for older adults,” Salter said.

Both structures were considered successful. The brothers then turned their attention to what they really wanted to build: the tower.

“The building had two primary purposes. The first would be a major tenant anchor on the ground floor of the building. And that was Sears Roebuck,” he said.

In the 1920s, Sears represented a new world of retail, offering Americans options they’d never had before.

“Sears had just opened their first brick and mortar store in Chicago in 1925, and this is just four years later that San Antonio is getting this ‘cutting edge’ method of merchandise,” he said.

Customers could buy just about anything, including a house.

“Buying a home could be as easy as opening up a Sears Modern Home catalogue,” Salter explained. “You could choose from a Hollywood. A Martha Washington. Or any one of dozens more. Prices started at $650 and peaked at $5,140.”

At the Tower Life building, Sears occupied the basement through the fourth floors. The Smith brothers had other plans for the rest of the tower.

“And the second piece of their plan was commercial office space, which is what occupies the majority of the tower, largely inhabited by attorneys in the area because of the proximity to the courthouse, but also the construction company that built it — McKenzie Construction,” Salter said. “They wind up saying, ‘hey, I like this building, I’ll build it, and then I want to occupy it.’”

Opening day was a major success. Thousands of curious San Antonians showed up.

Architectural details in the lobby. Jack Morgan / TPR

“The opening day of Sears was March 7, 1929. That’s when customers flooded into those basement areas and the first three floors of the structure to do their shopping,” he said.

Three months later the tower itself was completed.

“The tower opens on June the 1st, 1929, opening day. It’s said that there were 5,000 people inside the building, on the observation deck at the top of the building, dancing on the rooftop garden at the seventh level to live jazz music,” he said. “Five thousand people inside that building, and that more than a thousand people had to be turned away who couldn’t get there, because it was so crowded.”

Salter also shared his favorite tale about the building’s early days.

Granada Apartments from seventh floor balcony, looking west, and the Bexar County Courthouse is in the distance. Jack Morgan / TPR

“A man runs into Sears Roebuck on November 17th, 1934, goes right up to the jewelry counter, which was one of the first things you saw when you entered,” he said.

The man was serving as best man in a wedding, and he was missing one critical item.

“His friend dated this woman for a short time, proposed to her, and she says ‘no.’ And so the friend keeps dating this woman and proposes again, and the woman says ‘no,’ ” he said. “And so the man unbelievably, continues to date this lady and proposes, and she finally says ‘yes.’ ”

Salter explained that after getting his yes, the friend wanted to get married the very next day, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church a few blocks away. But he didn’t have a wedding ring, so he sent his best man to get one. But the best man did not have a crucial bit of information in order to attain this crucial item.

“And the clerk says, what size of ring do you need? And he said, ‘I don’t know!’ ” he said.

So the best man bought 12 wedding rings — $2.98 apiece — and took them to St. Mark’s. The bride-to-be found her proper fit, and the couple — Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson — successfully married later that day.

“That is the story of Lady Bird Johnson’s wedding ring right there, taking place on street level just inside the doors of what was Sears Roebuck,” Salter said.

The Tower Life building viewed from St. Mary’s. Jack Morgan / TPR

The Great Depression marked the beginning of the end for the Smith-Young era.

Salter said Sears & Roebuck’s rent arrangement was based on a percentage of their sales. “So when their sales go to zero, their rent goes to zero,” he explained. “But that does not change the owners’ mortgage payment on the building. The brothers lose the tower.”

Over the subsequent decades, the building changed hands and names several times. It was the city’s tallest structure until HemisFair’s Tower of the Americas opened in 1968.

In 2022, a new set of partners bought the tower, with plans to turn it into residences.

“Right now, the guess is somewhere around 240, 244 residential units that will be there,” Salter said. “There is a plan for there to be restaurant and beverage areas, perhaps some retail.”

The process will likely take several years.

The $40 tours of the building continue until mid-May. They include stops at the basement and tunnel underneath St. Mary’s Street, the ground floor, plus the 7th floor and 30th floor balconies. Centro San Antonio receives a portion of the proceeds.

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Watch CBS News

Taylor Swift's European Eras Tour leg kicked off in Paris with a new setlist. See which songs are in and out.

May 9, 2024 / 8:24 PM EDT / CBS/AFP

Taylor Swift fever struck Paris on Thursday as the highest-grossing tour in history finally arrived in Europe, with fans treated to the first-ever performance of songs from her latest album.

The Eras Tour began its European leg with four dates at the La Defense Arena in Paris.

"I wish I could have toured Europe more. This is a dream crowd," the 34-year-old megastar told the ecstatic audience.

There were deafening shrieks as images of typewriter sheets indicated that songs off the new album "The Tortured Poets Department" were starting late in the show.

Emerging in a lyrics-covered dress, she ran through several of the darker new tracks starting with "But Daddy I Love Him" and "Fortnight", a particularly furious rendition of "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" and an elaborate "I Can Do it with a Broken Heart," with a golden-era Hollywood dance routine.

Other "The Tortured Poets Department" songs performed included "So High School," "Down Bad" and "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived," according to ETonline .

"You were the first crowd to see songs from 'The Tortured Poets Department'," she said, before adding: "Or, as I like to call it, 'Female Rage: the Musical.'"

That was a dream come true for many in the audience.

"I've been so excited for so long, I can't believe it's actually happening," said 11-year-old Emma, who had flown in with her mother from New York.

Adding songs from "The Tortured Poets Department" wasn't the only change to the show and its 45-song setlist.

Perhaps the biggest change, according to ETonline, is the "Folklore" and "Evermore" setlists were combined, cutting four songs across the two albums: "'Tis the Damn Season," "Tolerate It," "The 1" and "The Last Great American Dynasty."

"On the Eras Tour, we have now reunited the sisters, combined them into one chapter," Swift said, according to video posted to social media. "You can call it "Folklore, Evermore" or you can call it the Sister Albums! You can call it whatever you want as long as you promise to sing 'Champagne Problems' with me."  

"The Archer" was removed from the "Lovers" portion of the show and "Long Live" was cut from the "Speak Now" era setlist, according to ETonline.

One of the secret songs was, fittingly, the "Midnights" bonus track "Paris."  

Parts of the show were also rearranged to make room for the newest era. The "Red" era was moved from the fifth to the third slot, according to ETonline, and the newest album was introduced following the "1989" set.

The venue said a fifth of the crowd were from the United States — many attracted by Europe's rules against charging huge mark-ups on resale tickets that can save Americans thousands of dollars compared with shows at home.

Georg'Ann Daly decided to celebrate her 23rd birthday with the Paris show. It meant flying from Nashville to Chicago to London and catching the Eurostar to Paris.

"I've always been obsessed with Taylor Swift," she told AFP.

A handful of superfans camped out from Tuesday in Paris to ensure they got a prime spot.

"I didn't plan to, but I came to check it out and I saw the first tents and I panicked a little," said Chris, 30.

Noah, 20, is seeing all four Paris concerts — he used 22 email addresses to get through the lottery system and secure the tickets.

After wrapping up her run in Paris, Swift will head for dates in Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Poland and Austria.

The Eras Tour has worked its way across North and South America and Asia since starting in March 2023.

By the end of the year, it had already become the first to sell more than $1 billion in tickets and is on track to more than double that by the time it concludes in Vancouver this December.

Swift's popularity shows no sign of dimming — the new album sold 1.4 million copies on its first day and broke every streaming record , reaching a billion streams on Spotify within five days.

Swift's tell-all dissections of her love stories have been the fuel powering her global domination, and fans have been poring over "The Tortured Poets Department" for cryptic clues about ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, her short-but-dramatic fling with Matty Healy (lead singer of The 1975), and her current partner, American football star Travis Kelce.

"Taylor talks about toxic relationships, impossible love, politics, mental health, and so much more," said Chris as she waited by her tent for the big moment. "I think we can all find a song that resonates with our experiences." 

• Taylor Swift
• European Union

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