Mid-Island
While Nantucket has a central downtown, just a mile away lies the fast-growing “mid-island” area. A short walk, bike ride or bus trip from town brings you to a vibrant mix of fine dining, takeout spots, specialty shops, a popular entertainment venue and charming pocket parks. You can get there via several scenic routes, from quaint streets lined with historic architecture to paths along the island’s iconic harbor creeks.
Walking:
From downtown, take a stroll along Orange, Pleasant or Fair Streets—each lined with historic architecture, notable landmarks and charming cottages adorned with clever quarterboards. For a scenic alternative, follow the path through “The Creeks,” accessible at the end of the Washington Street Extension.
Nantucket’s two rotaries—Milestone and Sparks Avenue—are each located exactly one mile from downtown and are often decorated with seasonal flowers or sculptures by some of the island’s leading artists. Nearby, you’ll also find the well-known “Five Corners” intersection, where five streets converge, connecting routes from all directions across the island.
Get more: At Five Corners, stop by the African Meeting House at 29 York Street. Built in 1827, this small one-room building is the last remaining public structure central to Nantucket’s African American community in the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a powerful glimpse into the island’s rich Black history.
Biking:
The newest addition to Nantucket’s bike path system is the Washington Street Extension—a paved, off-road path that offers a safer and more scenic ride from downtown, with beautiful views of the Creeks and Nantucket Harbor. From there, it’s just a quick three-minute bike ride along Orange Street to the Milestone Rotary, where you can connect to the Surfside or Sconset bike paths. Rent a bike from any of the following providers:
Get More: Want to see more of the Creeks up close? Just before the Milestone Rotary, pull into the lot to the left marked by a Land Bank post. There you will find the newest walking path, with expansive, breath-taking views of the harbor.
The Seconds Shop, located near the Sparks Rotary across from the Stop & Shop, is one of the island’s leading thrift stores, providing gently-used designer apparel, shoes, art, housewares and more. All proceeds benefit Fairwinds, Nantucket’s Counseling Center which focuses on the mental health of the Nantucket Community.
Public Transit:
The WAVE bus departs frequently from the Greenhound Building, with two free loop routes—Miacomet and Mid-Island—offering convenient access to the mid-island area.
Helpful Links:
Miacomet
Mid-Island
Get more: Track your bus and get estimated arrival times on your cell phone nrta.transloc