Plan a weekend visit to Nantucket, Mass. three ways: On a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
BUDGET
Getting there: Take an 80-mile drive from Boston to Harwich Port for ferry service to the island (under 80 minutes); $74 round-trip adults; $51 under age 11; www.nantucketislandferry.com. Frequent one-way sale rates start from $84 to Boston; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay: Guest rooms at the charming Periwinkle Bed & Breakfast have harbor, garden or historic neighborhood views. Twin room rates of $95 and Queen and King rooms of $125-$145 are valid on stays through mid-October. Included is continental breakfast buffet, WiFi. The inn is two doors down from the Whaling Museum (see a complete skeleton of a 46-foot bull Sperm whale) and a two-minute walk into town; 9 N. Water St., 508-228-9267, www.theperiwinkle.com.
Eat: Stop in for a snack or sandwich (or To Go) at Something Natural, inside a Cape Cod-style house. The bakery creates award-winning cookies and breads. Sit outside at picnic tables under the trees. Sandwiches from $6.75-$9.75; 50 Cliff Rd., 508-228-0504; www.somethingnatural.com.
Experience: The Nantucket Historical Association sponsors guided and self-guided walking tours of downtown, the oldest house, the Old Mill, the Old Gaol and more -- rain or shine -- through Oct. 10. The online calendar details times, costs ($6-$20); www.nha.org.
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MODERATE
Getting there: Frequent sale rates start from $218 round-trip to Providence, R.I., 95 miles from Harwich Port and to the ferry to the island; nonstop Delta.
Stay: The historic White Elephant has been a harbor side landmark since the 1920s. Many of the elegant guest rooms and suites feature working fireplaces and water views. "Hot Dates, Cool Rates" start from $465 Sept. 5-8, 13-15, 22,25, 27-29; $375 Sept. 26 and from $195 on Oct. 10, 13, 16-19, 23-27 and Nov. 4-5, 11-12, 18-20, 23-27. Included is a $25 dinner credit on $100 spend, or a $50 dinner credit on $150 spend (Brant Point Grill) and two $25 spa treatment credits at the Spa; 50 Easton St., 508-228-2500.
Eat: Nantucket Restaurant Week will be held Sept. 26-Oct. 2. Three-course dinners priced from $25-$45 will be offered at renowned eateries such as the new Brick Bistro, award-winning Topper's and Brant Point Grill and other top spots across the island; www.nantucketrestaurantweek.com.
Experience: Take a two-hour island bike adventure along town highlights and ending with a tour of the Cisco Brewery, Distillery and Winery. There is no restaurant at the brewery so bring along snacks or a picnic. The taxi ride home is an additional expense. Adults $65 including bike, helmet; 33B Washington St., 508-367-1976, www.nantucketbybike.com.
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SPLURGE
Getting there: Round-trip weekend airfare rates from Boston average $270; nonstop, www.flycapeair.com.
Stay: The romantic and luxurious Wauwinet Inn spells romance (children under 12 not allowed) with individually decorated accommodations in the Main Inn or in a cottage (average nightly rates to $758). This waterfront country inn offers numerous guest amenities from continental breakfast to evening port and cheese hour, WiFi, to popcorn with a movie from the library. Rates on Sept. 25-29 are $375; $225 October 23-29. Included in the "Hot Rates, Cool Dates" rates is a $25 dinner credit on $100 spend, or a $50 dinner credit on $150 spend, at the inn's Topper's Restaurant and a two $25 spa treatment credits at the Spa by the Sea. Open through Oct. 30; 120 Wauwinet Rd., 508-228-0145; www.wauwinet.com.
Eat: Pearl was awarded the "Best Seafood Restaurant" in all of New England by New England Travel & Life. The main all-white dining room with aquariums and hip music sets the scene for an evening of coastal cuisine and cocktails. The signature Salt & Pepper Wok Fried Lobster (averages $58) was given a "World's Best Award" by Travel & Leisure magazine. Other entrees $18-$44; 12 Federal St., 508-228-9701, www.thepearlnantucket.com.
Experience: Cruise to the remote island of Muskeget with its grand stretches of beach to get "up close and personal" with a nearly 3,000 Grey Seals. The Shearwater Excursions trip is guided by ornithologists and naturalists that also help to identify flora, fauna, and numerous seabirds and shorebirds. The 2.5 hour, year-round tour is $95 adults, $75 children 12 and under; Town Pier, 508-228-7037, www.explorenantucket.com.
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Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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