June 2012
farm. There are two tasting rooms you can choose from. One is for the vodkas and the other is for the micro brewed ales. Between the two buildings is a courtyard set up with tables. If you'd like to have a lunch, head up the road to the famous Bartlett Farms and pick up a sandwich or a gourmet offering and bring it with you. The ales are out of this world and are brewed right on the premises from hops that are homegrown too. Some of the operation's distilling equipment came from another famous New England micro brewery: Samuel Adams. There are over seven different offerings on the ale side. With names like Whale's Tail Pale Ale and Sankaty Light, you'll have fun sampling them all. The vodkas are great too and are sold under the Triple 888 brand. The name is coined from the Cisco Brewery's lucky well, which is numbered with the designation 888. Sampling the new single malt whiskey Notch was a real treat. It was buttery and went down smooth with a long warm finish, which lasted pleasantly longer than expected. Many restaurants such as Topper's, The Galley and 21 Federal bought futures in Notch. They will start taking delivery in 2009, which means you'll be able to taste it, too! It's a good idea not to overdo it at the brewery because there is more fun scheduled for later on. We'll be checking into the Wauwinet Inn and heading into town for an early seating for dinner. Cisco Brewers, 5 Bartlett Farm Road, Nantucket MA, 02584, Tel: 508-325-5929.
THE WAUWINET Real estate mogul Steve Karp and his wife bought the property in 1984. Everyone on the island thought he overpaid and would never turn a profit. The property was in disrepair and the location was perceived to be to far out of town. As Nantucket grew over the last 15 years, property values have soared. Mr. Karp spared no expense and renovated the entire property. The Wauwinet is now the only designated Relais & Chateaux property on Nantucket. We checked in and were surprised to learn that we were staying in one of the luxury cottages named Haulover. It's a charming two-bedroom, two-bath cottage that's everything a cottage should be. Cozy. Cheerful. Compact. The queen size beds were piled high with decorative pillows just waiting to fall into. The decor was very refined, warm and cozy with antique pine furniture. The small patio off the front door had a patio table and chairs perfect for a private outdoor meal.
THE SPA BY THE SEA The various body treatment selections reflect the native environment of Nantucket and include the Cranberry Crush Body Treatment, the Garden Facial, and the Atlantic Seaweed Wrap. The spa's garden produces many of the seasonal flowers and herbs used in the various massages and treatments. One little secret that many people aren't aware of is that the spa can't advertise its services. It was a condition of getting the zoning approvals. However, it's open to the public and there are not that many places where you can get manicures and facials on the island. If you're in a bind and need help, why not call the Wauwinet and give The Spa By The Sea a try? Rates start at $380 per night for a guest bedroom in the inn. Cottages start at $1,020 for a one-bedroom and $1,250 to $1,450 per night for a two-bedroom. The Wauwinet, 120 Wauwinet Road, Nantucket, MA 02584, Tel: 508-228-0145.
THE BEACH BUS AT THE COTTAGES |