Nantucket Wine and Food Festival

Campgrounds are non-existent on Nantucket Island. Buy a multi-pass ferry ticket and commute from this quaint island to the terminal each day and then drive to your campsite of choice. An option is to take the vehicle ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and camp there. Then, ferry each day to the festival, which is about an hour’s trip, depending on which ferry you take and the terminal location.

If you have a pop-up camper or smaller setup, you can stay at Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, close to the ocean and its beautiful beaches near Cape Cod. If you are looking for accommodation accessible to those with a large RV, consider Massasoit State Park, with its sizeable forested sites. Myles Standish State Forest is another excellent option about two and a half hours away. Gather the family around to discuss whether a state park or privately owned campground is the preference and then make your reservation as this is a popular area to visit.

The venues are varied, but each one offers an individual charm. Held at locations like private homes, picturesque restaurants, and charming oceanside resorts, the events may require comfortable but classic footwear. Make it stylish but walkable at the same time, as no doubt, you will be on your feet much of the time. The tent seminars are on the grass but should be wheelchair friendly as far as navigation goes.

Chic casual to dressy is the style anticipated; pack daytime and evening wear, and you will have whatever you need. If you have an Airstream or Class A, the closet space will allow for plenty of clothing. The ferries are easy to board, but you may want to carry your evening footwear when you commute. Always have a sweater on hand as the ocean air can be cool.

Warm blankets are an essential part of the gear package. Nights along the coast of Massachusetts can be cold, even in May. Verify your battery and propane levels in case heat is required. Add a flashlight, radio, toiletries, and kitchen essentials to the list. Bring along boots if cool weather is anticipated, for walks along the ocean as the mist rises in the morning.

A rule for a healthy camping experience is to practice food safety at all times. Store food in the RV refrigerator or ice-filled cooler at all times as opposed to letting it sit on the picnic table for any length of time. Have bug spray and sunscreen on hand in large quantities for days at the beach and treks in the forest.

Scale down your shopping list and keep to essentials like milk, flour, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. A meal of pancakes for breakfast is an excellent way to start the day before heading over to Nantucket Island. Upon your return, heat up the barbecue for fish and vegetable packets, an easy one-dish meal. Stock up on charcoal briquets and top up the propane tanks before leaving home.

Seafood is the name of the game while on the island of Nantucket. Dine at a lobster shack on the harborfront or visit a nouveau bistro for light fare. Look for a beachy setting and pull up a chair for a cocktail and a plate of oysters or scallops. Crab fried rice or pasta with clam Bolognese are delicious choices for a taste of New England.

Exhibitors show their wares at the Great Tastings and Culinary Tent events. Trendy shops that sell spices, Chilean salmon, knitted goods, jewelry, and more are yours for the perusal. Take your time and be sure to see as much as you can. These are unique items encouraging sustainability the world over, with American made goods, as well as island originals.