Nantucket, Mass
December 2-4

Brant Point Dressed up for Christmas
This past weekend was the highlight of Nantucket Noel, the month-long period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the annual, three-day weekend known as the Christmas Stroll.The Stroll has a curious, though still evident according to recent goers, mercantile history. In1974, the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and a few local residents organized the first stroll in response to the opening of the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, MA. The hope was to encourage people to stay and shop locally. Now 38 years later, the island has just finished up its latest Stroll, last weekend.

Carolers on Main Street
Cherished events such as the Christmas House Tour on Friday evening and the Annual Craft Show on Friday and Saturday appeals to the adults, while Saturday’s Stroll Day delights children with window, doorway and tree decorating contests. The weekend’s biggest affair though is the highly anticipated arrival semenax ultimate male of Santa and Mrs. Claus by Coast Guard boat.

Main Street Decorated
At noon, the jolly couple arrives at Straight Wharf (where the Hy-Line ferry comes in) and then boards a horse-drawn carriage (sleigh, if you will), which carries them up Main Street, past a line of patient and eager, young fans up to a stage in front of the Pacific National Bank. Children have the opportunity to sit with Santa Claus, take a photo and, of course, relay their wish! Throughout the day Main Street is filled with costumed entertainers, characters such as the Magical Talking Tree, periodgarbed carolers and bell ringers who create aspirited environment. Older children and adults will also enjoy the tremendous creative effort displayed by the town’s shopkeepers who participate in the annual holiday contests.

The annual tree in the boat by North Wharf
Look for similar writeups on Nantucket Events on my upcoming App: NANTUCKET HIDEAWAYS
out this March!
August 2011
Nantucket, Mass

This past month I have been up on Nantucket working on my first, formal publishing attempt in the digital sphere (this blog being rather, ehem, informal). I have been asked to write a mobile application, what’s known as an App on Nantucket. In keeping with my brand and penchant for discovering things off-the-beaten-path, I have decided to name it:
NANTUCKET HIDEAWAYS

a cover idea
Given that it is an app, designed for the iphone/ipad and thus must be rather service-oriented, the app will include information on everything from what to do and where to eat to my usual inclusion of where to Viagra 100mg stay and what not to miss. The app promises to deliver the best of the island’s many gems and secrets.

One of Nantucket Hideaways many Top Views
Right now I am busy filing entries at night and taking photos and meeting some of the island’s saltiest characters by day. I’m also introducing my 1-year old son to one of my favorite spots. As you can imagine, its a bit of a juggling act. But, all in all, a plum assignment, if there ever was one. Here are some of my favorite shots that will be included in the app.

Brant Point
August 16, 2009
NANTUCKET, MASS
The Opera House Cup is hands down one of my favorite events of the entire year. Due to the generosity of my best mate, Hayden Curtin Sundin and her father, Jack Curtin, I have been a lucky sailor on the lauded two-time America’s Cup winner, the 12-meter yacht, INTREPID for the past five years. I must say I love my position (I break the back stays during tacks and jibes. It’s crucial, I swear) because it keeps me in the back of the boat with the captain enjoying a bird’s eye view of the boat (the sweaty grinders working way harder than me) and all the action on the water.

The Mothership
Last Sunday our crew of fifteen had a gorgeous day of sailing with a consistent mid-range breeze and nice long course that beat back past Nantucket’s famed Great Point. After a not so stellar start we caught boat after boat, finishing second in our fleet. Not only was it one of the best days of the summer it was a privilege to be on a boat with such talented sailors most of all, Captain Mike Patterson. Can’t wait for next year! Thanks Hayden, Jack and Mike!

Please forgive the lame hand sign...too much sun and wind can affect anyone

Artistic shot courtesy of Reps Sundin

The light blue deck is signature of the boat. The guy driving is none other than Mike Patterson

The Motley Crew coming in after the Race