Nantucket is known as the 'faraway land', so called by the Wampanoag people who first inhabited the island. In the 1600's, English settlers came to the island and began turning it into a community of farmers,sheep herders and fishermen (Cape Cod, where you will catch the ferry to the island, is named after the prized cod fish). Early settlers included the Macys, the Folgers and the Starbucks.

In the late 1600's, the settlers decided to take small boats to sea to attempt to catch the migrating right whales - so called because their slow speed of travel made them the 'right' whales to catch. Their success led them to attempt an even greater challenge - to go after the biggest prize of all, sperm whales.

Around 1715, Nantucketers began heading to sea in search of those goliaths whose oil was a prized commodity as it provided smokeless fires, perfect for lighting homes. Within a short time, larger, factory ships were being built, which allowed the whalers to head out to sea for three or four years at a time, to eventually even reach deep into the Pacific.

Whaling first brought fame to the island. Herman Melville, he of 'Moby Dick' fame, even visited the island and based his epic on the true story of the ill-fated whale-ship Essex.

For 150 years, Nantucket ruled the oceans and much of the world's economy, but by the mid-1800's, a series of events brought its glory days to a close. Kerosene, cheaper and easier to produce, took over as the oil of choice. The Great Fire of 1846 destroyed more than 300 buildings on the island, many involved in the whale oil industry, the Gold Rush attracted many of the whalers away from the island, and the Civil War claimed the lives of more than 300 islanders.

(for more on the early years of English settlement and the whaling years, read award-winning local resident Nathaniel Philbrick's books, 'In the Heart of the Sea' and 'Away Off Shore').

For the next thirty years, Nantucket faded into the fog, but by the 1870's, it began to re-create itself as a tourist destination.

Today's Nantucket is a special place. In the summer months, known as 'the Season,' it's population more than doubles. Still, the island retains an air of quiet and calm. Days are filled with sunshine, surf and sand and the nights invite star-gazing or a special meal at one of the island's famed restaurants.

Madaket, just five miles from town, is a place removed. The beaches are some of the best on the island, inviting long walks and surf-casting. The nearby harbor offers boating and fishing and Millie's restaurant is a draw for all.

Madaket is also famous for its sunsets. Being out at sea, the island air is fresh and clean and the setting sun casts the sky in brilliant reds, oranges and purples.

Getting to Town is easy. There are buses that regularly stop one minute from the house, but many prefer the short bike ride along wide, winding bike paths.

Younger visitors always enjoy crabbing in the local ponds and a visit to Children's Beach, a quiet cove where even the youngest can wade into calm waters.

In Town, the Whaling Museum is a must for any visitor to the island. A 45-minute video introduces viewers to the rich history of the island, while artifacts from the Wampanoag days on the island, take visitors back in time.

The island is very protective of its place in history and of its reputation as a retreat from the frantic pace of the mainland. For those reasons, chain restaurants and stores are not allowed. The majority of the buildings on the island are still gray-shingled and height-restricted. This careful planning keeps the island from being over-developed and spoiled.

Even with these restrictions, there is always something happening on Nantucket. In August the Boston Pops give an outdoor concert, complete with fireworks over the water. Additionally, there are wine festivals, regattas, ghost tours, art festivals and more to keep you busy should you decide to leave sleepy Madaket and head into Town.

Cisco Brewery is a must to-do. While the older visitors can enjoy a flight of Cisco beers, there is plenty to keep the younger set occupied as well. Most days, live music is played and, either before or after your visit, you can stop by Bartlett Farm to stock up on a wide variety of artisinal vegetables.

For a very special treat, visit Great Point on the far eastern tip of the island. You will need a four-wheel drive car to get there (you can rent one on the island) as you will need to let the air out of the tires and drive on the beach. Once there, however, you will experience the best surf-fishing on the island, will meet a large family of seals, and can take a tour of the Great Point lighthouse.

Madaket offers the best of all that Nantucket offers. It is quiet and removed, but just a short drive or bike ride away from Town.

Note to groups: A second 3 BR, 2 BA (sleeps 10) cottage, a 3 minute walk away, available Aug. & Oct.