Nantucket Island :

little north of Block Island and on this heading you'll get a good view the Elizabeth Islands, too. The aircraft is already descending to 5,000 feet by the time it reaches Chappaquiddick and Edgar Town on Martha's Vineyard.

Nantucket is now clearly visible on the horizon. The final approach into Nantucket takes you over Muskeget and Tuckernuck Islands, where a large colony of seals that have taken up year-round residence can be spotted. The aircraft banks to the left and softly touches down 35 minutes after takeoff. Not only are you relaxed and invigorated you'll be grinning ear to ear. YES! You're now on Nantucket and it's only 4:05pm. You'll have plenty of time to check into the Jared Coffin House and still make the 5pm Wauwinet Lady launch to the famous Topper's restaurant for dinner. Reliant Air, Tel: 203-743-5100.

THE WAUWINET LADY CRUISE TO TOPPER'S
Just behind the Straight Wharf restaurant is the launch area for the boat basin. It's here that the Wauwinet Lady departs for a delightful six-mile cruise to Topper's restaurant, which is located at the Wauwinet Inn. During the summer, the Wauwinet Lady offers one cruise daily for lunch and two cruises for dinner. The boat is set up like a yacht club-style launch that can comfortably seat 26 people on teak bench seating. We arrived promptly at 5pm and the boat was already boarded and ready to go. It's a good idea to get to the dock a little early so everybody doesn't get held up.

Without ado, we steam away from the dock into Nantucket Harbor. Here you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the mega yachts that are berthed at the boat basin. Some of them are over 200 feet and cost in excess of $100 million to build! The Wauwinet Lady is stocked with a cooler and a mate who will serve up a beverage of your choice. The trip takes about an hour at a cruising speed of ten knots. Bring warm clothing, as it can get chilly on the water, even on a balmy night. Steaming past the shoreline of Pocomo with your favorite beverage in hand will also afford you a panoramic view of some of the most expensive real estate on the island, if not the world. The billionaire Roger Penske's compound is spectacular. Many of the Fortune 100 CEOs have property on this part of the island as well. The skipper turns toward The Wauwinet and we are greeted by the maitre d' as we arrive at the dock. It's a short stroll to Topper's and we're ready for one of the best culinary experiences on the island.

Early Dinner Cruise (Complimentary, cocktails on consumption)
5pm departure from Straight Wharf; 6pm arrival at Topper's for dinner; 8:30pm departure back to town by van, boat or taxi.

Sunset Dinner Cruise ($25 per person, cocktails on consumption)
7:30pm departure from Straight Wharf; 8:30pm arrival at Topper's for dinner; Return to town by van or by taxi.

Sunday Brunch Cruise (Complimentary)
11am departure from Straight Wharf; 12pm arrival at Topper's for brunch; 1:30pm departure cruise back to town.

TOPPER'S RESTAURANT
Walking up the path to Topper's is an experience unto itself. The South American hardwood planking that leads you from the dock to the lawn suggests this is a very well cared for establishment. A modern sculpture Homage to Woman welcomes you to the grounds and beckons you towards Chef Daniels' very own herb garden. The Wauwinet has a sophisticated ambiance with a relaxed clientele. The Relais & Chateaux plaque is prominently displayed at the entrance of Topper's. It signifies that this establishment is one of the finest boutique hotels in the world.

The dining room at Topper's is elegant and is the best of what fine dining has to offer on Nantucket. It can be extremely difficult to get a reservation here on a moment's notice. If possible, make your reservation at least one week in advance during peak season. I've heard that the dress code has been somewhat relaxed recently. However, it's policy that gentlemen wear sports coats and a tie while in the dining room.

THE MEAL
We were seated at a lovely table near the main entrance, which is a strategic location from which to enjoy your meal, and covertly people ....