Let’s Take a Hike is a fun, family friendly hiking book for anyone planning an adventure to Nantucket (one of my favorite places to visit year round, but especially in the summer)
Let’s Take a Hike
I recently got a copy of Let’s Take a Hike by Leslie Bains. With COVID19 lockdowns and Shelter in Place, there hasn’t been much to do other than picnic, read, and more recently spending time in the outdoors. This book was a great inspiration and got me daydreaming of heading back to the east coast soon.
The book covers 7 family-friendly trails in Nantucket and is complemented with fun illustrations by Danny Moore. Each hike goes over the hike’s location, a brief history, and directions on how to get there. The author also includes some fun trivia questions for kids (answers are in the back of the book).
- Hike 1: Sconset Bluff
- Hike 2: Nantucket Field Station
- Hike 3: Stump Pond Trail
- Hike 4: Mill Hill
- Hike 5: Tupancy Links
- Hike 6: Gardner Farm & Cisco Brewery
- Hike 7: Sanford Farm
My favorite hike of the bunch is Hike 6 (Gardner Farm & Cisco Brewery), which starts at Hummock Pond Road. The hike goes around an open grassy field and Hummock Pond before ending at the famous Cisco Brewery. Although it’s a brewery, it is completely kid-friendly. The venue has live music, food trucks, and is an incredibly fun and lively scene in the summer. While you are in the area, you can even stop by Barlett’s Farm. Make sure you get a copy of the book for more specific directions and insight into the hike.
Let’s Take a Hike 
Author Leslie Bains
Logistics
When I lived in Boston, I used to come to Nantucket every summer – I like it a little more than Martha’s! The easiest way to get to Nantucket from Boston is to drive to Hyannis and then take a ferry. The high speed ferry takes 1 hour and costs $77 RT for adults, $51 RT for children.
Once you get to Nantucket, the possibilities are endless. The best ways to get around are by renting a car, a bike, or utilizing their bus system. A car of course will give you the most freedom.
When I go to Nantucket, I get on the first ferry out and grab coffee at Island Coffee Roasters right when I dock (they open at 5:30am!). From there, I’ll stroll around the downtown area before deciding on my transportation method for the day.
Then, I’ll head to the east of the island to do some exploring. This would be a great opportunity for Hike 1 (Sconset Bluff) as mentioned in the book. You can even take a little pre-lunch nap at Sconset Beach nearby.
From there, I like to head closer to the downtown area again so I can be ready to take a night time ferry back. This is a good opportunity for Hike 6 to Cisco Brewery! You can take the quick hike and then eat a late lunch at the delicious food trucks at the brewery. They also provide a shuttle back if needed.
Overall I thought Let’s Take a Hike was a fun, approachable hiking guide of Nantucket. Each trail mentioned in the book is definitely family-friendly and would add to any Nantucket vacation or weekend getaway. You can get your own copy here from Amazon.com.
