My wife and I are going to Nantucket on Thursday for a four days of R & R. Wea re staying at the Wauwinet. We've never been on Nantucket before. We are taking the fast ferry to and from.

Any recommendations on things to do, beaches to go to, restaurants to eat in, etc., would be greatly appreciated.

Lucky you! i'm not getting to ACK until the end of August but am already counting the days... The Wauwinet will be very relaxing and romantic. I think they have bikes for their guests to use, so take them and ride all around the island. My favorite beaches are out in 'Sconset - fewer people than at Surfside. Beautiful. Watch the sunset at Madaket. Go sea kayaking in the harbor. Dinner at the Wauwinet is spectacular - also try 21 Federal, The Pearl, or Chanticleer. I believe the Wauwinet has a shuttle for guests to use going to and from town, so take advantage of this when you go in shopping, etc.

Have fun!!

Steve,
I've only been back from ACK for a few days and my husband and I are already talking about going back in August without the kids. You'll love it.
The Wauwinet is a beautiful place, although its a little quiet for my taste. They do provide bikes so I would suggest biking to Sconset via the Polpis Rd. Make sure you detour onto Baxter Rd. just before you reach Sconset. You can ride up to Sankaty lighthouse and see some incredible houses with glorious views. Park your bikes by the Market then walk down Front Street and check out the views and the old fishermen's cottages. Make sure you buy a Sconset cookie from the Market. You'll know why once you taste it. Bike to Ocean Dr. and have lunch or drinks at the Summerhouse by the pool. It's a truly beautiful spot.
You are also within riding distance to Quidnet. Check out Sesachacha pond while there. My favorite beaches are Cisco and Miacomet. The concierge can help you locate them.
One of my favortite things to do is to walk the streets off of Main Street in town at night when all the beautiful old homes and gaslights are lit up. Also walk down by the docks at night and check out the incredible yachts! You might even get invited to a party on one as we have in the past!
We ate at American Seasons last week and the food was absolutely delicous. Dinner for 2 with tip was $ 165 - a bargain on Nantucket. It really was an excellent meal.
Walk or ride down to Brant lighthouse and Jetties beach.
Get an ice cream at the Juice Bar in town.
See a movie at the Dreamland Theatre.
Have drinks at the Boarding house patio or the Ropewalk on Straight Wharf.
Watch the Sufers at Cisco Beach.
Taste wine and beer at Cisco Brewery. (Fun Experience, not great wine!)
Collect shells at the end of Pocomo Rd. near the Harbor.
Find Altar Rock.
Have Lunch at The Brotherhood.
Wave to the ferries from Brant Point.
Climb up the Tower at the Unitarian Church in Town for a great view.
Visit the Whaling Museum in Town. It is interesting.
If you are young or feel like you are, check out the "Box" for dancing. Its a dive that will bring back the old college days in a hurry!
HAVE FUN!

Steve,
nantucket is one of the greatest places there is. we just got back yesterday. my husband's family has a house in town there. i have been going for the past 5 years. ever year it gets harder to leave at the end of the week, and this comes from someone that vacations regularly in the caribbean. the island has an incredible friendly, sleepy quality to it. take it all in, a quick tour around to find "your spot" should do. town and the docks are great, old fashioned. you could spend the day walking around and come home relaxed just from the people and the atmosphere. have a wonderful time!!!

Thank you Lizzie, Curious, and Amy for your helpful responses. This is the first vacation my wife and I are taking without our twin daughters. We plan to catch up on alot of sleep and enjoy the hopefully slow pace of the island. We are looking forward to checking out some of the places you recommended.