Downtown Nantucket's Meridian Galleries presents contemporary marine-theme artistry exhibits and showcases works by some of the finest painters. They gallery also attempts to showcase the creations of new and upcoming talented artists. The space at Washington Street is right across the Commercial Wharf and Aquarium and is conveniently located minutes away from the city's shopping area and restaurants. They specialize in paintings that capture Nantucket's beautiful landscape and traditions and have managed to attract several private collectors and associations.

This small museum, named for local naturalist Maria Mitchel, always features engaging and informative exhibits on the island's abundant wildlife and the natural world of Nantucket. In addition to permanent exhibitions, there are temporary displays, presentations, classes, and events held here. The atmosphere is very family-oriented, and most exhibitions are geared toward getting young minds engaged in the sciences as much as they are designed towards educating adults. Check the website for the current exhibition schedule.

The Cellar brings you an extensive selection of more than 100 types of wines from around the globe. In fact, they go that extra mile and take the effort to feature some of the best small time producers. The wine cellar doors and cooling units ensure that the fine spirits are stored at the right temperature. The Cellar also offers an excellent variety of cheese, baked goodies and other accomplishments. Check out their range of wine accessories and gift baskets.

Steps Beach is the unexplored beach of Nantucket. Set right in the middle of Nantucket's two famous beaches, Jetties and Dionis Beach, it is about 4 miles away from the town. As you walk through Cliff Road, a long and steep set of stairs are the entering points of the beach. The ocean waves brushing against the sand dunes offer a breath-taking view, and the serene environment and pristine waters will make you never want to leave! The beach front is remote and offers no lifeguards or facilities...so come prepared.

Located on the north shore of Nantucket, Dionis Beach, like Jetties Beach, is a great place to sit back and enjoy some peaceful time. The serene beach-front is loaded with sand dunes and sea-shells and is a hot spot for family outings and picnics. The best way to reach here is by cycle, since it is only 3 miles away from town and on your way you can explore the beautiful routes. Once here, find beach huts to sit and relax, or venture into the waters for swimming, or enjoy building sand castles with your tiny-tots.

The buildings in the Historic District of Nantucket reflect all the charm of an old New England town. Over 800 of the houses here were built before the Civil War. Pristine shops, bed and breakfast inns, and restaurants line the cobblestone streets. Once you get off the ferry, make your way toward Main Street, one of the main thoroughfares on the island. Some Main Street shops include Mitchell's Book Corner, Diana Kim England Goldsmiths, and Golden Basket. There are no chain stores on the island, but there is a local department store called Murray's Toggery Shop, also on Main Street. Federal Street and Centre Street branch off of Main and also have unique shops worth exploring. Nantucket is extremely walkable--this is because cars are discouraged on the island. Most people walk, bike, or ride a motorcycle or moped.

Keeping with true Nantucket charm, the Aquarium is housed in a quaint, small cottage complete with inviting windowboxes and wainscotted walls. Don't let the casual appearance fool you; inside you'll find serious information about the aquatic life found in Nantucket's saltwater marshes. Interns are on-hand to answer questions on the many varieties of crustaceans and fish found on (and around) the island. Children's activities include hands-on workshops and outdoor excursions.

Special guided tours are offered through the months of May June at the Vestal Street Observatory. In addition to taking a tour of the outdoor solar system, guides tell you all there is to know about the planets, the solar system and other natural science topics. Nantucket's unusual scientific facts are also included-the six types of snakes that can be found on the island is important information to know! Tours last about an hour; tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors. Call for tour times.

The observatory invites all amateur astronomers and stargazers to see the Nantucket night sky as it sparkles with thousands of visible stars. Weather permitting, the event starts out on the deck where observatory staff will give you a brief lecture on the night sky. The staff will help guide you through nature's abundant beauty in the broad, expansive sky visible only in remote locations, like Nantucket, away from city lights. Then it's your turn to peek through the telescopes.

What's popular in Nantucket in June? Weddings, weddings, weddings and the Film Festival. If you want to know where the Islanders go in June, take advantage of Swain's Wharf; the off-the-beaten-path downtown waterfront area that boasts funky art galleries and artists studios, eclectic shopping and other seafaring attractions that locals like to keep to themselves.