We first timers were ready for the 5 am ferry booking this morning. Though we had 3 devices on hand, we still only could get wacky times. (But grateful we got times at all!) for our august vacation arrival, we got the 6:30 am ferry. But our house isn’t availAble until 4pm. This must be a common problem? Can we feasibly drive to a beach and leave our car parked there all day? Is there another trick that people do in these situations?
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28 helpful votes Do you mean that you want to be at the beach until 4?
If I were you I'd start driving around and becoming familiar with Nantucket. Stop for breakfast and for lunch. Maybe use this time for your visit to the Whaling Museum and lastly hit the grocery (an/or liquor) store for supplies.
When I was renting our house a few regulars knew they could call me to see if they could get in early. If you are not renting direct then plan to call the realtor who may agree to take the time to check as to whether the cleaners have completed the house or not. Usually the realtor has a key staff member who arranges and oversees the cleaning. Talk to that person if possible.
After all, while some houses are cleaned at the end of the turn over time, others are cleaned at the start. Maybe call and chat with them now or any weekday just never call on a summer Saturday unless urgent.
Enjoy your holiday Amanda.
Thanks, great idea!
CCC gave you good advice. This happens all the time during the busy summer season. Good news is that this is the first boat to leave Hyannis so the ferry will be in Hyannis already for you to drive on. Definitely check with the realtor and see if the rental will be ready before 4 PM. You can grab sandwiches for lunch at Something Natural outside of town on Cliff Road and drive to Surfside Beach near your rental and enjoy some beach time until the house is ready. You could also drive out to Sconset, have lunch at Claudette’s and go to the beach there. Unlike the Cape the parking at the beaches on Nantucket is free!
FYI, this is interesting for me to hear as a seasonal resident. Looks like this is going to be another busy summer on island!
Contributor
18,649 posts
31 reviews
28 helpful votes Amanda, just want to add to what I said so that you have your best chance to be successful with the realtor.
Sometime call them and ask if they wouldn't mind you calling on the day of your rental. Then try calling around noon or about 2 hrs after check out time. You might also ask if they would prefer a phone call or a text. You are not a repeater so they don't know you (might not go out of their way) therefore be sure to say that you are excited about your very first visit to Nantucket and appreciate all their help so far....etc etc.
You got some good advice from Concord and, really, there's enough for you to do to keep busy until 4. Just arrive and start your vacation then.
Concord, is there a facility at Surfside where Amanda's family can change into bathing suits ?
There are bathrooms at Surfside which could be used for changing. There are larger facilities at Jetties Beach (another popular beach close to town) which is another option for the OP. Jetties also has a casual restaurant for lunch. Hopefully the weather will be nice that day for some beach time. If not, the Whaling Museum and lunch inside in town, with a trip to the market (Bartlett Farm or Stop & Shop) to stock up on food for the week would kill some time. And there is always Cisco Brewery!
Reach out to where you’re staying.
Many places allow tenants to drop their luggage off early. Then of course go for brunch, shop a little, drive out to Sconset, or head to the beach till your check in.
All great advice, thanks! The realtor is very nice and we have chatted a few times so I think she will be accommodating!
I am an island resident and if you have a car there are plenty of things for you to do until your rental is available. There are public bathrooms in town, at the end of Straight Wharf, at some of the beaches, and at most restaurants. Looks like you are working it out with your realtor.
Enjoy your stay!
