Vacation rentals are up about 30% over last year at this time. This is due, in part, to a renewed interest in the shoulder season. While July and August have always been in high demand, people are discovering that June and September have their own special draw.
June brings beautiful blossoms and spring like temperatures to the island. One can spend the day shopping on Main Street or take a bike ride to the Nantucket Life Saving Museum on the Polpis bike path without the crowds of summer. Evenings can be enjoyed at one of our world class restaurants, getting ice cream at The Juice Bar or experiencing a stunning sunset from the deck of your Madaket rental home. The Nantucket Film Festival will be held this year from June 22nd – 26th. With a focus on screenwriting, the Nantucket Film Festival has become one of the premiere destination film festivals in the world.
With the frenzy of the summer fading, September gives us an opportunity to enjoy all the island has to offer in August without the crowds. It is arguably the best time to be on the island. The weather is warm and dry, and the ocean is still warm enough for beach and boating activities. The traditional Nantucket County Fair can also be enjoyed during the month of September.
Because there is less of a demand for rental homes during the shoulder seasons, there are many great deals to be had. A renovated, 5 bedroom, 6.5 bath home on Cliff Road rents for $14,200 in August and $6,500 in September. A 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in Madaket that rents for $2,400 in August starts at just $1,600 for June. A 4 bedroom, 3 bath home located ½ mile to the beach in Tom Nevers asks $4,500 in August and just $1,800 in June and $1,500 in September!
Whether you have visited the island before or not, the shoulder season can be a great time to get to know or rediscover the island that touches anyone who is fortunate enough to spend time here.