I’m a huge fan of the phrase “it’s all about the journey.” I love a good adventure as much as the next guy (or gal as it were). However, every now and then it really is much more about the destination than the journey. Traveling to Nantucket tends to consume our thoughts with visions of that Kodak moment when we round Brant Point and get our first wide angle glimpse of the harbor…and know we’ve come home. Getting here is no easy feat – and some days, when Mother Nature is showing off, it can seem almost impossible.  But, that’s just part of the charm and intrigue that makes this little body of sand so desirable isn’t it?

For years, as friends have journeyed miles to come vacation with us in the summer, they have joked that it takes “planes, trains and automobiles” (not to mention boats!) to get here.  But once here, travels are instantly forgotten as the romance with this faraway gem begins. Nantucket is one of those unique places where visitors and residents alike share a common affection.  We love this island.  Just look around as you walk down the street.  Visitors proudly display the name Nantucket on t-shirts and baseball caps, bumper stickers and shopping bags.  The island airport code – ACK – is often used as a term of endearment.  You can find it stitched on throw pillows and beach towels and splashed on store windows, taxi cabs and stationary.

What is it about this destination that is so seductive? Perhaps it is the fact that there are so many captivating destinations within the destination.  We go “out” to Madaket to watch the sunset and “over” to Madequecham to fish.  We stop “by” Brant Point to watch the boats come and go and we head “across” the island to Cisco to marvel at the surfers braving the crashing waves.  The possibilities for wow moments are endless and the opportunity for daily adventures infinite.

My family and I have owned a home here for 18 years, but just last fall became year round residents.  As a new year-rounder, I’ve been thinking a lot about all the amazing attributes of Nantucket and recently asked my colleagues if they ever lose the wonder of the island in their daily routines.  Do they ever tune out the ferry blast announcing its departure or grow numb to the sense of awe as the fog crawls up Main Street?  They all agreed – it is always there…the magic of this place. They assured me the romance won’t end anytime soon.

So whether you are from Nantucket and planning a trip away or enthusiastically planning your first trip to the island, just remember that whatever the journey holds to get you here, there is a spectacular destination waiting to greet you when you arrive.

Welcome home!

Shellie Dunlap