What We're Thinking About On Nantucket....

Sweet Inspirations!

Forrest Gump was on my mind this past week as I spent some time in Sweet Inspirations, the chocolatier on Center Street. If Forrest had been there with me he likely would have modified his famous line. "Life is like a box... or bag...or Sailors Valentine filled tin - of light or dark chocolates. " Sweet Inspirations is like life in this way - you just never know what sweet surprises await you.

I love stopping by Sweet Inspirations any time of year, but it's particularly festive as a holiday approaches. With Cupid's arrow aimed toward Valentine's Day, the shop is decked out in red and pink décor showcasing plush heart shaped containers brimming with a wide variety of succulent items. Shoppers are invited to purchase the pre-filled containers or customize a special red velvet heart with their favorite confections.

With so much to choose from, I'm glad I set aside significant time to linger in this sensory wonderland. The world-class ingredients used in the chocolates are paired perfectly with the extraordinary customer service provided to visitors. As I peruse the glass case and considered my options, a friendly sales person approaches toting a Nantucket basket filled with plump cranberries expertly dipped in the renowned chocolate. She scoops a few onto a spoon and asks with a warm smile, "light or dark?" I savor the little light chocolate ones while I shop.

Nantucket, in all its glory, is on display throughout the store. Island shaped "lollipops," chocolate Nantucket bay scallop shells, sea-mist almonds and Coco the Whale truffles (with a red heart shaped "spout" in honor of Valentine's Day!) fill the glass cases. Local artist, Barbara Cappizo, was commissioned to design the beautiful gift tins, the most recent a Sailor's Valentine creation featuring seashells she collected along the Nantucket beaches.

The Sweet Inspirations' artisians hand-create most of the tasty morsels in-house every morning. Pecan turtles, mini cranberry cheesecakes, butter-crunch delights and sea-salt roasted almonds beckon me to add them to my little tin. One of my all-time favorite delicacies are the malted milk balls. Light, crunchy and delicious, these bad boys have no problem standing alone as a post dinner treat...but chase them down with a nice red wine and it's a party in your mouth. Always a favorite with a crowd, they've become a mainstay at our dinner parties and large events - given as favors at our second son's engagement party and door prizes at a friend's baby shower.  I add a few to my collection. 

In honor of Valentine's Day, I veer off course momentarily and consider the thoughtfully wrapped gift bags brimming with red hots or little candy hearts embossed with sweet nothings. I smile and recall memories of third grade Valentine's exchanges as I read "Be Mine!" and "U&Me4Ever" on some of the little hearts. There's nothing like a candy store to bring out the kid in all of us.

If you're lucky enough to be on Nantucket this Valentine's Day, be sure to stop by Sweet Inspirations for a box or bag of your favorite confections. If not, be sure to make plans now for your next visit to the island and pencil in a stop or two at the chocolate paradise where you too can tap into your inner child and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Shellie Dunlap  

       Dinner and a Movie          

 
The pace has slowed and the "events" calendar is a bit light right now, but there is no shortage of things to do on any given night on Nantucket. Many of the restaurants are still open showcasing winter specials. The Atheneum offers weekly lectures, documentaries and specialty classes. Listen to Blues, try your hand at island trivia or step up to the Karaoke microphone at one of the local pubs. For those who love to spend a cold winter night with a piping hot bucket of popcorn viewing a newly released Hollywood flick, the Starlight Theater is the place to be.

This Nantucket mainstay has long been famous for its "old school" charm and cozy accommodations. With only 90 seats and a 35mm projector, guests are invited to step back in time and embrace days gone by - even as they view newly released films. The charm is enhanced as patrons enjoy a favorite libation (or 2!) and a nice dinner on the quaint enclosed patio prior to entering the theater. The local ownership's commitment to excellence is evident in everything from the menu (which features a little something for everyone) to the wait-staff (who are relaxed, attentive and knowledgeable).

Some friends and I met for "dinner and a movie" at the Starlight a few weeks ago. The experience reminded me of winter evenings as a kid growing up in small town Iowa. Our theater there was smaller (only 50 seats) and we weren't lucky enough to have an adjoining restaurant for pre-movie dining...but the overall feel was the same. Stepping out for a night of entertainment in a small town is always a bit like old home week. You are almost guaranteed to run into friends and neighbors - turning the evening into an impromptu social event. Our night out was no exception. We dined alongside other locals, chatting with most everyone in the little restaurant. As we made our way into the theater prior to show-time, we stopped to chuckle at the sign posted just outside the curtained entrance. "No Gum Allowed." Guests are welcome to bring their favorite beverage and even the doggy bag with dinner leftovers inside the theater - but leave that chewing gum at home. I love small town life.

In a few short months, the much anticipated opening of the new Dreamland Theater will take place. Nantucket will be one lucky little town to have two theaters where residents and visitors will have the opportunity to step out for a night at the movies. The theaters will compliment each other; each offering their own brand of charm and entertainment. If your travel itinerary is bringing you to Nantucket this summer, make plans to visit both of the island movie houses. If you are lucky enough to be here during the quiet season, be sure to check out what's playing and what's on the dinner menu at the Starlight Theater. Come prepared to enjoy a nice meal, view the current feature and stick around after the show to stage your own Siskel and Ebert "At The Movies" review with fellow Nantucketers.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Shellie Dunlap  

        A Little Bit Country          

It's hard to believe we are in the dead of winter here on Nantucket when the temps continue to be mild and precipitation light. People island-wide clamor to find activities they can enjoy outdoors. In recent weeks, the bike paths have been busy with cycling enthusiasts, joggers and the occasional roller-blader. Side streets outside downtown are a popular spot for power walkers. But some of the most desired destinations during these beautiful winter days are out of the way places where winding dirt paths and obscure trails lead to some of the islands best kept secrets. Although downtown is quiet during the off season, locals and visitors enjoy an opportunity to break from their weekly work routines and "go to the country" on the weekends in search of peace and solitude.

Even on this tiny body of sand, there are plenty of options for those seeking a little dose of country life. Last weekend my husband Dan and I, with Coco the white dog in tow, headed to Sanford Farm for a long walk, some quiet reflection and the opportunity to breath in giant gulps of oxygen. I love the topography and winding paths at the farm during every season, but there's something special about experiencing it in the dead of winter. Stripped of its multi-colored hues and lush foliage, it beckons visitors to "come as you are" and celebrate the simplicity of the island in the off season.

As we navigated the trails, we spotted a variety of birds in the trees and bushes, an osprey nest perched high on a post and a couple of deer in the distance. We ran into friends, neighbors and a couple of colleagues at various junctures. But even with the few random encounters, it felt like we had the wide-open space mostly to ourselves. We stopped along the way to sit on a bench near the barn in Ram Pasture. My husband's ears enjoyed a quiet sabbatical as we embraced a few golden moments of pure silence. No reason to rudely interrupt Mother Nature's majestic display of beauty with casual conversation.

Nantucket sparkles in the summertime when everything is in full bloom, the stores and restaurants open and the streets bustling with enthusiastic visitors. But the Grey Lady is perhaps her most beautiful in the dead of winter. Stripped down to her bare bones, residents and visitors are able to glimpse the very soul of the island. Why not plan a trip now to come enjoy Nantucket in the off-season? Bring along some good books or a journal, rent a home with a fireplace and pencil in plenty of time to head to the "countryside" for long walks and quiet reflection.

Take a hike.

Shellie Dunlap  

The Sky's The Limit!         

Hang around a group of college kids for a few days and you can't help but get excited about the future. We spent the holidays with family and good friends who have kids similar in age to our 19 year old daughter Ashlie. Listening to them talk about their current college studies, short-term goals and future plans was inspiring. They obviously don't spend their days tuning in to the economic gloom and doom predictions or the job market forecasts. From their perspective, the future is bright and failure is not an option.

Our daughter is an Acting Major at Elon University. Her big brothers continually ask her what "Plan B" is should this "acting thing" not work out for her. She repeatedly dismisses their skepticism and is quick to retort that in her mind entertaining a Plan B is admitting in advance that Plan A is flawed. That's unacceptable to her. One of her acting instructors directs the students prior to each audition to "Go Big or Go Home." She's "going big" with her Plan A. Similarly, one of her friends awaiting word on his college acceptance, was asked if he'd chosen any "safe schools" in addition to his top picks. "Not a one," he reported, "I'm aiming high and refusing to settle." These kids are focused and determined to manage their own destinies. Perhaps they are naïve...but maybe, just maybe...they're on to something. I, for one, have decided to spend 2012 taking a page from their playbook.

It's a brand new year. The opportunities before us are limitless. I recognize I might not be able to control the stock market, the job market or my own personal health...but I can manage my perspective on what surprises life has in store in 2012. Our Principal, Jeff Lee, has a "keep it positive" directive in our firm. He insists that once a deal is underway each of us literally visualize a successful outcome...and maintain steadfast optimism. The analogy he uses to remind us is this: He asks us which attending physician we'd prefer should we find ourselves flat-lined on the operating room table - the one who stops to analyze and talk about the situation, the one who (God forbid) throws up his hands and says "that's it, Plan A is out the window"....or, the one who refuses to be deterred by the alarming beep of the heart monitor...the guy (or gal) who grabs those defibrillator paddles and jolts for all he (or she) is worth. I know which doc I would want. Jeff's story reminds us to keep our attitude positive, to persevere against all odds and to give little thought to "Plan B."

Nantucket is an easy place to practice optimism.   From the friendly people, to the quaint architecture, to the regular "wow" moments Mother Nature serves up. This faraway island constantly compels its residents and visitors to consider the bigger picture. As you welcome 2012, may you enjoy countless opportunities to express optimism. Visualize your successes, hold tight to your Plan A and arrange to spend a few weeks or more under the expansive Nantucket sky.

Go Big!

Shellie Dunlap  

 All in the Family

Folger Family Reunion - Circa 1950's    

Remember the opening scene from the 70's sitcom All in the Family? Archie and Edith Bunker sitting side by side at the family piano singing "Those Were The Days" at the top of their voices. The show was crass, politically incorrect and mostly inappropriate...but we tuned in each week because it made us laugh and we found something charming - and a little familiar - about this somewhat dysfunctional family living under one roof, doing life together. Even when Archie was mocking Edith or tossing insults at "Meathead" there was a sense of how much the family loved each other.

It's that time of year when many of us pause to reflect on those things that really matter. For most of us, family tops the list. We gather our relatives together to reconnect and celebrate the season. If we're lucky, we get some quality one-on-one time with each of them to toast their successes, share some laughs, shed a tear or two and let each one know they are loved.

Nantucket has been gathering families together for generations. Relatives celebrate their annual reunion with a clambake on the lawn. A bride walks down a rose strewn path to the beach where families and groom await the Nantucket nuptials. Grandparents rent a large summer home (or several!) so the whole family can share their vacation together. Frequent island visitors decide to make a permanent investment in Nantucket and purchase their first island home. Current homeowners look to the future and make a "generational investment" in property abutting theirs. Virtually every home purchase we help facilitate has one common priority; how will this property work for the family - now and in the future?

I love hearing stories from Nantucket residents and visitors about how they got here and what their family history is. For some, they can track their lineage back to the first settlers on the island. For others, their parents or grandparents purchased a summer home here years ago and they grew up vacationing on the island since infancy. Some are lucky and inherit the family home. Others desire to start their own family legacy and make a purchase they can pass along to their kids. Still others have a history visiting the island but are just now becoming proud homeowners themselves. I was in one of our rental homes recently admiring all the new updates the owners had done. I was particularly intrigued by some beautiful "vintage" black and white photos that appeared to be shots taken on the island. The owner smiled and informed me the photos were of her parents who had honeymooned on the island in the 40's. Their family legacy of enjoying the island continues as this couple begins their own Nantucket adventure.

What's your family's Nantucket story? Did your ancestors help create some of the very fiber of the island? Perhaps you're a new homeowner and delighted to begin creating a lifetime of memories for your family members. Or maybe you've vacationed here once or twice and can't wait to bring your family back next year. Whatever your story, make plans now to gather your loved ones together on the island. Future generations will someday reminisce about your family's Nantucket experience and may even sing from the tops of their voices...

..."those were the days."

 Shellie Dunlap  

'Twas The Night Before

Christmas 

I'm not sure whether it's the beautiful decorations lining the streets of downtown Nantucket, the dropping temps outside or the thinning crowds as the quiet season sets in, but when I step on to Main Street after a long work day, I feel like I've walked into a private winter wonderland. The setting looks like it came right off a Currier and Ives Christmas card. The atmosphere is festive, but quiet. Some nights there are no cars on the street and not a creature is stirring.

These nights remind me of our family's first Christmas celebration on the island. It was almost 18 years ago, soon after we'd purchased our Nantucket home. We decided it would be fun to experience the island in the off season and the kids were excited to hang their stockings by a new chimney with care...and definitely hoping St. Nick could find his way there. We celebrated the holiday in true Nantucket style. We joined a few hundred enthusiastic locals on Main Street late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve for the annual Red Ticket Drawing. After a candlelit Christmas Eve service, we dined on the famed beef wellington at The Woodbox. Once the kids were nestled all snug in their beds, the cookies and milk strategically placed were Santa could find them and grandparents comfortably settled in front of the crackling fire, my husband and I decided to take a walk downtown.

It was a Nantucket night to remember. As we walked the 6 blocks to downtown, the fog began to slowly roll in and a chill filled the air. During our stroll, we didn't see another human being. As we rounded the corner from Liberty to Main, the scene before us was magical. Dozens of trees adorned with twinkling lights lined both sides of Main Street. We stood on the steps of the Pacific National Bank and took in the wonder of it all. The foghorn moaned in the distance as the thick white blanket crawled up Main Street and added to the mystique of the evening. When we finally spoke, we whispered. There wasn't a soul around to hear us, but it seemed sacrilegious to interrupt the moment with noise. Sometimes, words just get in the way.

Wherever you find yourself this time of year, I hope you'll have an opportunity to take a quiet stroll with someone you love. If you're lucky enough to be on Nantucket this weekend or any time during the holidays, I highly recommend a late night trip to the top of Main Street. Admire the thoughtful and festive décor, send up some good wishes for your friends, family and neighbors and embrace the silent beauty of your surroundings. From all of us at Lee Real Estate to you and your families - we wish you the happiest of everything this holiday season and throughout the New Year.

And to all a good night.

 Shellie Dunlap  

            Make A Wish            

There's a giant Christmas Tree perched at the top of Nantucket's Main Street beckoning visitors to gather 'round and embrace the holiday season. The theme of this year's tree is "Dear Santa." Topped off with a Santa hat, it is aptly decorated with "ornaments" which are real-life letters to Santa written by Nantucket school kids. This is not your average holiday sapling...this tree is magical. At scheduled times, the tree actually "talks" to curious boys and girls anxious to make their holiday wishes known. I envy the volunteer hidden away behind the walls of the Pacific National Bank who gets to participate in this sense of wonder that defines the holiday season.

I chuckle as I peruse the various "ornaments" hanging from the tree. There is something awe-inspiring about viewing this time of year through the eyes of a child. Their wish list to Santa reveals a lot about their personalities. Lindsay is an animal lover - she wants a kitty and a new horse. Becky, the humanitarian wants Santa to bring food for all the hungry people. Scott is practical...he's wishing for socks - that's all just socks. Crime-fighting must be on Ron's agenda - he wants UGG's, a cape and a magic wand. Steven, Kelly and Amanda are all about fun and games - their lists include board-games, a new bike and a hula-hoop respectively. Shelby dreams big - she's wishing for a private jet. Victoria is a girl after my own heart. Her list includes love, health, happiness...and a diamond ring. Why not? It's Christmas after all.

I think it's true (or it should be) that Christmas isn't just for kids. I love seeing grown men and women walking up the street in their Santa hats or driving around town with reindeer ears on the hood of their cars. I'm not sure at what age we begin modifying our wish lists. While "grown up" issues are very real...and most times not very pleasant...this is the season when we're given permission to tap into our "inner child."  We can hope for the best, wish for the seemingly impossible and believe in a miracle or two.

So how about you? What's on your list this holiday season? Maybe you're a big dreamer like Shelby and you're wishing for a Nantucket vacation or your very own Nantucket summer home. Perhaps you're like Scott and you'll be happy as a Nantucket clam with warm new socks under your tree. If you're like me, there's no question a little love, health and happiness are in order. But like Victoria, there's no harm in wishing that something sparkly might appear under the tree as well. Whatever is on your list this year, be sure to write it down and put it where the jolly bearded fellow will find it.

Dear Santa...

Shellie Dunlap