Easy Street at Sunrise (Images courtesy of Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce)

The island of Nantucket, located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, proudly hosts the 4th Annual Nantucket Fall Restaurant Week, from September 28th until October 4th, 2009.

Nantucket is a popular destination for travelers in the off season months where the mood is relaxed but the world-renowned culinary scene is full of life! Nantucket is home to some of the most celebrated chefs and award-winning restaurants on the east coast (including Wine Spectator, Zagat's, Best of Boston, Fodor's, Frommer's and James Beard Award nominees.) This festive week-long event offers special menus at nearly 30 of the island's exquisite culinary establishments with a 3-course dinners offered from $25 - $45.

Kicking off this exciting week is the fabulous Taste Nantucket! Opening Event Sunday, September 27th, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at The Great Harbor Yacht Club, 96 Washington Street. Taste outstanding cuisine from Nantucket's finest restaurants and food purveyors, sip champagne and wine, savor samples of oysters and caviar, and enjoy live music all in a beautiful harbor front setting. Tickets are $100 (call 508-228-1515 to reserve) with all proceeds benefiting the Nantucket Culinary Arts Foundation, which provides scholarships and educational opportunities to island students.

The week will close with an equally exciting event, the 2nd Annual Nantucket Junior Chef Competition on October 4th, from Noon to 2:00 PM at Cisco Brewery, 5 Bartlett Farm Road. Watch as island culinary students (paired with Nantucket's own top chefs) battle to create three courses featuring local ingredients for a panel of judges that includes James Beard Great Chef Northeast Nominees, Michael LaScola of American Seasons and Gabriel Frasca of Straight Wharf Restaurant. Hosted by NECN's TV Diner co-host Jenny Johnson, tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students with again proceeds benefiting the Nantucket Culinary Arts Foundation.

Following Restaurant Week festivities is the ever popular Annual Chowder Contest, Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 2 - 3:30 PM. This delicious contest challenges island restaurants to compete for the title "Best Nantucket Chowder" as voted by the tasting public.

Some of the finest months on Nantucket are in off season, when the island's natural beauty takes center stage and its historic museums, shops, lodging and fine restaurants are open to accommodate visitors. Nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, history buffs and patrons of the arts will delight in the myriad activities available on Nantucket. Visitors can enjoy walking, bicycling, hiking, picnicking, nature study and scenic viewing. Birdwatchers will appreciate the number of rare and endangered species to be sighted.

Those who love architecture or history will be charmed by Nantucket Town, which recalls the illustrious past of a whaling empire with its cobblestone carriageways and narrow lanes. More than 800 houses built between 1740 and 1840 still grace the island's downtown core, and almost all are preserved in their original settings. Nantucket is the only community in America where the entire island is recognized as an historic district.

Visitors are encouraged to leave their cars behind, as all activities are accessible by walking, bicycle, or taxi. Now that's sustainablility!

To learn more about the week’s events and the Annual Chowder Contest that follows go to: Nantucket Fall Restaurant Week

For a full Calendar of Fall Events as well as Fall Travel Specials including discounted lodging packages, merchant sales and more go to: Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce

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