September is often overlooked as a month to vacation in Nantucket

Nantucket, a tiny isolated island south of Cape Cod and east of Martha’s Vineyard, is a picturesque New England summer destination with cobblestone streets, restaurants, and high-end boutiques. It is known for boating, beaches, bicycling, and as a place to relax.

Nantucket is crowded from Memorial Day to Labor Day. September is a good time to visit if you don’t have school-age children. The crowds dissipate; the prices begin to drop, and it’s easier to rent a home or secure a room in a quaint inn, bed and breakfast, or hotel. Although the temperature also begins to drop, the water is warmest in early September.

A popular way to see the entire island of Nantucket is to rent a bicycle. Either take a bike tour or leisurely tour the island on your own. The island is 3.5 miles wide x 14 miles long. Almost everything is accessible.

Although Nantucket is not known as a vacation destination to sight-see, it has a few charms that add to its New England appeal. Here are the top three.

Brant Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse, which is still operational so cannot be toured, is a short walk from town. The area is picturesque. The views of the lighthouse and harbor with boats are spectacular, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Nantucket Whaling Museum: Explore the 18th-century whaling trade of Nantucket. The highlight of this museum is the skeleton of a 46-foot bull sperm whale suspended from the ceiling.

Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum: The museum houses over 5,000 artifacts from shipwrecks in the surrounding waters of Nantucket. Museum guides add to the experience by weaving tales in with history.