Steamship Authority October e-News

The Steamship Authority has released its e-News for Nantucket Travelers. Check out upcoming events and special ferry travel offers below.

BIRDING ON NANTUCKET
Nantucket has become a popular New England birding destination, due primarily to its location and varied ecosystems. The ocean location assures that it will see more than its share of unusual species. A wide variety of bird species call Nantucket home due to its varied ecology including beaches, salt and fresh water marshes and moors. Nantucket is basically the last stop before the birds fly out over the Atlantic.

Bird lovers will find an array of species, including robins, finches and chickadees and more exotic species like Snowy Owls, Gold and Bald Eagles and hummingbirds. A highlight of the birding year is the Annual Christmas Bird Count, where upwards of 140 different species are identified and 250,000 to 450,000 birds are counted. 

Avid bird enthusiasts will find some great viewing spots at the UMass Field Station property, Eel Point and Great Point, and the middle moors property owned by the Conservation Foundation. For those who wish to go on a guided tour, the Maria Mitchell Association offers weekly bird walks that focus both on shore and inshore birds.

STUDENT GROUPS
Did you know that ten or more individuals traveling together as a group for student-related travel in connection with an island school or recognized island youth group enjoy a discounted rate? Group fares for spectators are also available. Reservations are required. Please call the Group Sales Office at (508) 548-5011, ext. 244 or 344, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. You may also e-mail groups@steamshipauthority.com for additional details.


UPCOMING NANTUCKET EVENTS

October 16 – 19: Annual Nantucket Birding Festival
The Nantucket Birding Festival is the perfect venue for both novice and experienced birders to learn and hone their skills in the intimate setting of Nantucket Island. You will enjoy some of the finest birding on the eastern seaboard in the company of great teachers and leaders.
http://www.llnf.org


October 18: Harvest Fair at the Old Mill
Families gather at the Old Mill for an afternoon of activities celebrating the history of Nantucket harvests. Highlights of the event include tours of the Old Mill, old-fashioned games, and autumn crafts. Seasonal refreshments of apple cider, apples, and corn bread will be served. In the event of rain, Harvest Fair will move to the Whaling Museum.
http://www.nha.org


October 31: Annual Halloween Parade
Join the fun at the Annual Halloween Parade and Costume Pageant! A prize for Best Themed Costume will be awarded at 4:30 pm on the Methodist Church steps. The parade begins at 5 pm, and every child will receive a ribbon and goodie bag.
http://www.nantucketchamber.org


November 25: Festival of Wreaths at the Nantucket Whaling Museum
Take a chance to win one of the eighty beautifully crafted wreaths on display in the Peter Foulger Gallery, 15 Broad Street. Admission to this silent auction is free, and the festival is handicapped accessible. 
http://www.nha.org


November 28: Annual Tree Lighting & Community Caroling
The holiday festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Caroling. Everyone gathers at the top of Main Street to watch over 100 Christmas trees come alive with color and light. Caroling fills the air with sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas. School children, youth groups and non-profit organizations join with island businesses to decorate the trees in time for Christmas Stroll the following weekend.
http://www.nantucketchamber.org


December 6 – 7: Nantucket Christmas Stroll
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and are escorted up Straight Wharf by the Town Crier to a waiting horse and carriage. They parade up Main Street and across Centre Street to the historic Jared Coffin House where they meet with eagerly awaiting children. Children of all ages are entertained by the Magical Talking Tree at the top of Main Street, while carolers in period costume, student choirs and more on Main Street. Holiday craft shows, exhibitions and performances – including the popular annual Christmas House tour on Friday evening – add to the joyful festivities.
http://www.nantucketchamber.org


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Travel Notice from the Steamship Authority

The Steamship Authority has added extra service for Friday morning (10/10) departing Nantucket at midnight with the freight vessel, M/V Gay Head.  Customers may make reservations to ship their vehicles on this trip and all driver services charges will be waived.  Customers with reservations for this trip may drop their car off at the Nantucket Terminal starting at 5:30pm on Thursday.  For more information or to make a reservation please see a ticket seller at the Nantucket Terminal or call (508)477-8600 between 7:30am and 4:00pm.

For current ferry schedules between Hyannis and Nantucket, go to HyannistoNantucket.com.