Rose strewn shorelines ... tropical breeze ... sun-drenched, salt-bleached shingles all bespeak a day on-island. From the first foot fall to the final fare-thee-well, you and your family have been transported to the Far-Away-Isle.

An excellent place to start your day is at the Nantucket Visitors Services and Information Bureau, 508-228-0925, located at 25 Federal Street (around the corner from Town and County Building and the Police Station). Visitor Services has a plethora of brochures, and the staff can inform you what B&B might still have vacancies on any given day. They also house the only public restrooms downtown. The Chamber of Commerce, 508-228-1700, is on the second floor at 48 Main Street, which, by the way, hasn't changed much since 1850.

Try to navigate the cobblestone streets and you can just imagine the clip clop of horses and their carriages.

For a panoramic view, go to the First Congregational Church at 62 Centre Street. Take a right at top of Broad Street and Jared Coffin House. A tour is included with this awe-inspiring climb to the top.

The shops on the waterfront are a mix of galleries and eclectic, cozy cottages. Old South Wharf, along with Boat Basin Moorings, contains art galleries and fun shops to browse. Straight Wharf has numerous restaurants, shops, Island-wide bus tours, and a toy store which features handcrafted, island-inspired toys. Walk down Easy Street for a picturesque harbor scene or up to the top of Main. A stroll in any direction will take you to galleries, restaurants galore, and shops 'til you drop!

If nature is your quest, a great way to see Nantucket is by bike. The entire island is connected east to west and 'roundabouts with well planned and maintained bike paths. Bring your own or rent from any of the bike shops in town, especially along steamboat wharf. Every kind and size bike can be found, even child carriers are available; all rentals include helmets, locks, and a map.

The Island is also connected by a well-orchestrated and comfortable shuttle bus system (they can also carry bikes!). Catch the bus to Surfside on Washington Street, or to Madaket or Jetties Beaches in front of Peter Folger Museum on Broad Street. Out to Siasconset, the bus leaves from the foot of Main at corner of Washington, in front of Looms 'Compass Rose'. The shuttle runs all summer. The exact schedule can be picked up once on-island, or call 508-228-7025.

Dining on Nantucket can be an experience in and of itself. Varied cuisines and fine chefs abound here. Relax and dine in just about any restaurant that strikes your fancy; most have menus listed outside.

Just a short walk out-of-town down Union Street you'll come to Consue Spring and the duck pond. Everyone loves to visit our feathered friends, and don't forget to bring some quackers!

How about a picnic? Try one of the great take-out eateries along Steamboat Wharf or South Water Street (right at Whaling Museum Store). Also Espresso Cafe or either pharmacy (Main St) Provisions (Straight Wharf) all pack lunches to go.

Beaches are Nantucket, and all are public- if you can get there. The interior harbor is seven miles long. At its head, there is a narrow barrier beach called 'the haulover,' and you will find yourself staring out at the briny, deep Atlantic. Jetties and Children's Beach are in town. Calm on the northside and nice shallows for the tiny tots. At Jetties, walk down a bit to Cliffside Beach Club or venture further to smell the honeysuckle and roses blooming on the bluff. There is a set of steps which lead up the cliff, or keep meandering down the beach to frolic on the sandbar at low tides. Surfside, all south shore beaches, Madaket, and 'Sconset all have terrific waves, but are not for the younger brood. Most of the life-guarded beaches do have a food shack and bath house.

Go fly a kite! Buy one or bring your own ... catch the wind in your sails and enjoy the salt air. Commune with the natural, unspoiled environs on this "little elbow of sand." In your travels, note the sea-honored tradition that islanders use to name their houses. Quarterboards with fantasized names like 'Fogged Inn,' 'Hedged About,' 'Auld Lang Syne,' 'Gone Native,' and of course 'Stumble Inn.'

How about a lighthouse tour for the really fit and adventurous? Brant Point and Sankaty are easily accessible by bicycle, but Great Point is for 4-wheeling only. Jeep rentals are best made in advance, and driving on the beach can be a challenge.

Have fun! Slather yourself and loved ones in sunblock, and be tick wise. If you venture to any of the plentiful conservation areas (Lily Pond in town, Sandford Farm off Madaket Road, Tuppency Linx on Cliff Road, or just off any beaten path) do a mandatory tick check to avoid tick bites. All the boats have literature on identification.

As the sun sets and you leave the harbor, remember to throw a penny as you 'round the Point to ensure your safe return. Take a final glimpse of the far-away magic you've just enjoyed on the isle.