Nantucket: The Anchor Inn

by Jim Hayes on July 31, 2009

The Anchor Inn is a historical Bed and Breakfast on the island of Nantucket about thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  It sits quietly on Center Street amidst the old grey and white wooden homes that give Nantucket its character.  The Inn is a short and pleasant walk (about 5 minutes) from where you disembark from the Steamship Authority ferry.

When arriving at the Anchor Inn the friendship steps, soft lights in the windows, and the sound of classical music playing in the background immediately greet you.  We felt like we were stepping into a part of whaling history.  There are old wooden floors, antique furniture, nautical decorations, and a garden porch for breakfast and tea.  Our room, named Cyrus, was on the third floor of the house up the charming staircases and through the perfect hallways.  Each room has its own name, in honor of the nautical tradition of naming your home on a quarter board posted above the doorway.  It had a colorful rug on the wooden floor, a soft canopy bed, little lights throughout the room, and a feeling of being transported back in time.

The Anchor Inn is in the perfect location for spending time on Nantucket.  It is across the street from Benjamin Franklin grandmother’s home and next door to a beautiful white church surrounded by the bright blue and purple hydrangeas.  The Inn is literally two to five minutes walking distance from the main part of town including bike rentals, restaurants, specialty shops, the Jetties beach (about 10 minutes) and the local bus station (for getting anywhere on the island).

We had the privilege of staying at the Anchor Inn for two nights.  Ann and Charles Balas, are two of the few owner residents still on Nantucket and meeting them alone is worth a stay at their Bed and Breakfast.  They have owned the Anchor Inn for over 27 years and are two of the kindest people you will meet.  Their knowledge and passion for Nantucket is infectious and every visitor should spend time chatting with them.  If you want to know where to eat a romantic dinner or which beach to watch the sun set they will know.  One highlight of our stay was spending each morning leisurely eating delicious home made muffins (specialty of Charles), fresh fruit, and sipping coffee in the kitchen patio area while talking with Ann, Charles, and other guests.  If you are considering a trip to the Nantucket we highly recommend staying at the Anchor Inn.

To make a reservation contact:
Charles and Ann Balas

Phone: 508-228-0072
E-mail: anchorin@nantucket.net
www.anchor-inn.net

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