I have a confession to make: I have never been to Nantucket. How is that even possible? I grew up in New Bedford, 54.9 miles as the crow flies from Nantucket, and I still have not found my way there.
Seastreak, the high-speed passenger ferry from New Bedford, could get me to Nantucket in a jiffy. The island is accessible by both air transportation and a drive-on ferry from the Cape.
I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard and Cuttyhunk. So why have I never been to Nantucket? Perhaps it’s time to make plans to go there.
But wait, Vogue.com tells me I should “Skip Nantucket and head to Northeast Harbor, a charming town on Maine’s Mount Desert Island” instead.
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The Insider’s Guide to Nantucket might disagree.
Believe it or not, I have been to Mount Desert Island. It’s fabulous.
Vogue Says, ‘Skip Nantucket’ And Go To Maine InsteadBarry Richard/Townsquare Media
My wife and I recently spent a week in Bar Harbor, Maine, one of four towns on Mount Desert Island. Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, and Tremont are the other three. Northeast Harbor is a village in Mount Desert.
According to Vogue, “While other East Coast summer destinations like Nantucket and the Hamptons can fall victim to seasonal overcrowding, Mount Desert Island remains an idyllic and unbothered getaway even in August, with only the main hub of Bar Harbor – known as the gateway to Acadia National Park – receiving notable foot traffic.”
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There is a small airport at Bar Harbor; otherwise, you’ll need to drive.
Driving to Bar Harbor takes about five and a half to six hours from the New Bedford area, depending on traffic, but most of it is easy driving.
I’ve never been to Nantucket, so it would be unfair for me to try to compare the two, but having spent time on Mount Desert Island, I can vouch for it as one of my favorite destinations in New England.
Where to Eat When in Nantucket
Exploring the island for the first time? Or just looking for a new spot to grab a bite. Either way there are so many amazing restaurant all over Nantucket. Check out a few with rave Google reviews sure to serve something your taste buds are craving.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
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Nantucket Mansion Sells to Barstool Media Founder
In a record-breaking sale, this Nantucket estate sold to Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports.
Gallery Credit: Jackson Scott
See Inside Bill Belichick’s New Nantucket Home
Former Patriots coach, Bill Belichick can’t seem to quit New England. The beloved football legend has just purchased a stunning Nantucket home in the heart of downtown with a backyard perfect for barbecues.
Max McClung scored 12 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and the Windy City Bulls went on a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 121-106 win over the Maine Celtics in an NBA G League game Friday night at the Portland Expo.
Kevin Knox II added 30 points, 21 in the second half.
Amari Williams led the Celtics with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Bridges made six 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, but the Celtics dropped to 2-8 in their last 10 games. Maine has lost four straight games at the Expo.
Press Herald sports writers nominate high school athletes from the prior week’s games.
Readers vote for their top choice and the winner will be announced in the newspapers the following Sunday all season long!
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A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought: Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
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Every week through Apr 01, 2026. Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
