To come to Nantucket is to visit a place still in touch with nature. The Trustees of Reservations have worked to protect Massachusetts land and wildlife since 1891, and they want to teach you the value of the earth. From mid-June to mid-October the Trustees run twice-daily, 3-hour tours of Great Point, Nantucket's longest barrier beach.

The motto of the United States Life-Saving Service and the United States Coast Guard is " "You have to go out, but you don't have to come back. In that spirit, the Nantucket Life Saving Museum displays artifacts from decades of live-saving efforts. Here, you can learn the stories of brave men and women who risked-and sometimes lost-their lives for others.

Maria Mitchell was the first female professor of astronomy in the United States. The association which bears her name works to bring the message of science to the people of Nantucket, including children. Summer children's classes include: Art & Marine Life, and Art & Astronomy for 4-6 yr olds. Call for dates and times. Membership in the MMA allows you access to many museums and sights, including the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum.

The Coffin family is one of the oldest on the island of Nantucket; you will notice the family name here and there as you find your way around. Their starting point is the Jethro Coffin House, the oldest house on Nantucket. It has stood since 1686, and stands still, waiting to reveal its secrets to you. As it is part of the Nantucket Historical Association, admission can be gained through the Association's History Ticket, which can be purchased at the Whaling Museum. Guided tours are available on the half hour. You can buy a separate ticket for the Coffin House or get a combination ticket for the Whaling Museum and the other historic sites around the island. Admission to the Jethro Coffin House: $6 adults, $3 under 18. Combination Ticket: $18 adults, $15 seniors, $8 under 18.

Keeping the island's history alive is the goal of the Nantucket Historical Association. Many of the museums and historical sites on Nantucket fall under the NHA's umbrella, which makes it an excellent place to start when taking a tour of the island. Purchase a membership to receive admission to all of the NHA's sites and immerse yourself in the island's past. Individual memberships provide far more benefits other than just museum entrance fees.

Here's a suggestions for those who long for a sail around Nantucket Sound, even if for a short time. The Christina takes her passengers on hour-long sails about the Sound seven times daily. Sailing times may vary, and it's best to call ahead, but generally speaking they are: 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm and 5:30pm with a special sunset sail at 7pm. Departs from the Straight Wharf in Nantucket Harbor.

Most Island visitors who pass the doors of the Nantucket Visitor Services office seem to come seeking one thing; a place to stay for the night. Indeed, the staff members, who work in conjunction with the staffers at the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and the Nantucket Lodging Association, can help locate accommodations (though this is not the sort of thing you want to leave until the last minute during the height of the season.) They can also provide a wealth of information on upcoming events, dining, transportation, tours, and much more.

Walk up the stairs of this island gallery, which are covered with photographs of island life, open the door, and step into the studio. Made on Nantucket is a gallery for Nantucket artists and Nantucket artists only. Check out the framed photos, the painted tables, the landscapes and the sculptures. Not only are they fascinating to look at, they are also very reasonably priced.

You didn't come to Nantucket to sit in the sun all day or to shop. No, you came because you want to catch one gigantic trophy fish for your wall. Monomoy Charters can help you achieve that dream. They offer the opportunity to fish from the deck of a 31 foot Bertram Sportfish, the perfect place to reel in that striper you've been dreaming of. E-mail Monomoy Charters for current rates.

This fine art gallery is named after the Nantucket folk tale of homesick (and lovesick) sailors placing a valentine for someone special back home in an eight-sided box with seashells arranged and attached to the top. A collection of these interesting boxes are on display, along with a variety of local artist artwork and an an open-air sculpture gallery of animals that the children will enjoy. No admission charge. Artwork on display is for sale.