#Nantucket Inn

[the-most-sublime-fool]

obsessed with the fact that ishmael and queequeg are looking for this particular inn in nantucket specifically bc they heard the chowder is good

...and then when they find it, and the landlady tries to get them to pick their chowder flavours, ishmael somehow has no idea what's going on

like he really thinks the landlady is going to serve both him and queequeg a single cold clam for dinner?

the "mystery" is explained when the chowder comes out. at the place they tracked down specifically for the chowder.

oh ishmael. you sweet simple soul.

in fact, given his self-description as "broad-shouldered",

...i am forced to conclude that ishmael is a himbo.

no wonder queequeg locked that shit down on the spot. wife material.

[saranilssonbooks]

Ishmael: *Spends about halft an hour at the Spouter Inn staring at and analyzing Bulkington*

Bulkington, to himself: That weird but cute sailor over there keeps making eyes at me. He's a total weirdo, but I guess it's still kinda flattering.

Bulkington: *Attempts to return gaze* Wait, why isn't he responing all of a sudden? Well have it your way then, tease! *Leaves in disappointment*

The following evening.

Bulkington: Fuck, I simply can't get that cute weirdo sailor off my mind. Guess I might as well head back just to have a peek if he's still there.

Bulkington: *Returns to the Spouter Inn and spots Ishmael and Queequeg* Noooooo!

Bulkington for the next couple of days, finally failing at denying his own sore heart* Ugh! Better not risk running into him again. Might as well head over to Nantucket, that should be just as good of a place to find a ship.

Bulkington: *Arrives in Nantucket and spots Ishmael and Queequeg* Noooooooooooo!!

Christmas Day

Bulkington, aboard the Pequod: Off to sea again, I guess. Everything back to usual. *Turns around and spots Ishmael and Queequeg* NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

And thus due to Bulkington's dedicated avoidance, this became the reason for him never being mentioned again.

[popculturelib]

Haunted States of America: Massachusetts

Haunted Island: True Ghost Stories from Martha's Vineyard (1994) by Holly Mascott Nadler

Martha's Vineyard is, truly, a haunted island, as many residents can attest. Haunted Island presents a fascinating selection of their firsthand encounters with the supernatural side of this fabled island. There are the ghostly entities of Chappaquiddick that just may have played a part in the notorious 1969 car accident that resulted in a tragic drowning and a firestorm of scandal. And the spirit of an empty house who incessantly murmured a prayer for the dead (in French) in the ear of a terrified young woman. The ghost of aristocratic Desire Coffin, called by from the Other Side by the power of music and the memory of lost love. Mysterious Room 8 at one haunted inn, accessibly only by way of a cramped hidden staircase, and the focus of many unexplained events...including the total disappearance of one guest. There stories are not fiction. They are intriguing, sometimes disturbing, accounts that always ring true--as colorful and fascinating as Martha's Vineyard itself.

For more books about haunted places along the coast of Massachusetts, check out

Ghosts & Legends of Lynn (1980s) by Alison Gifford

Nantucket Hauntings: Twenty-One Firsthand Encounters with the Supernatural (1990) by Blue Balliett

Haunted Cape Cod & The Islands (2002) by Mark Jasper

The Browne Popular Culture Library (BPCL), founded in 1969, is the most comprehensive archive of its kind in the United States.  Our focus and mission is to acquire and preserve research materials on American Popular Culture (post 1876) for curricular and research use. Visit our website at https://www.bgsu.edu/library/pcl.html.

[exactlydeepcuriosity]

Where to Stay in Cape Cod: 5 Luxury Hotels Worth the Hype 

Cape Cod is a destination that effortlessly blends seaside charm with upscale elegance. From breathtaking coastal views to world-class dining and spa experiences, it’s no surprise travelers are seeking the best luxury hotels to complete their escape. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a relaxing solo retreat, or a stylish summer vacation, Cape Cod has no shortage of stunning accommodations.  

The Charm of Cape Cod: Why Location Matters 

When choosing a luxury hotel in Cape Cod, location is everything. Whether you're drawn to the quiet dunes of Provincetown or the lively harbors of Chatham, each area offers a unique experience. Staying at the right hotel can elevate your trip from ordinary to unforgettable. Let’s explore five top-tier options that combine five-star amenities with prime coastal access. 

1. Chatham Bars Inn – Chatham 

Historic Grandeur Meets Coastal Sophistication 

A Cape Cod classic, Chatham Bars Inn is the definition of timeless luxury. Originally built in 1914, this resort offers sweeping views of the Atlantic, private beach cabanas, and a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy ocean-to-table dining and curated wellness experiences, all while soaking in the rich history of this iconic property. 

2. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club – Harwich 

Award-Winning Elegance with a View 

As one of Cape Cod’s only Forbes Five-Star resorts, Wequassett is known for its immaculate grounds and waterfront luxury. It’s a favorite for weddings, romantic escapes, and golf getaways. With elegant suites, fine dining, and access to one of the region’s top golf courses, Wequassett is an indulgent experience from check-in to check-out. 

3. Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club – Brewster 

Coastal Luxury for Families and Couples 

Ocean Edge offers a unique blend of luxury and flexibility, making it ideal for both couples and families. The resort spans over 400 acres and features private villas, beach access, tennis courts, and an award-winning golf course. It's upscale, yet laid-back — a perfect balance for travelers who want it all. 

4. White Elephant Harborside Hotel – Nantucket (Accessible from Cape Cod) 

Island Luxury Just a Ferry Ride Away 

Though technically on Nantucket, White Elephant is easily accessible from Cape Cod and worth the short ferry ride. This harborside hotel offers luxury suites, top-rated dining, and a serene spa. It's a favorite among celebrities and seasoned travelers seeking elegance in a quaint island setting. 

5. The Mansion at Ocean Edge – Brewster 

Gilded-Age Glamour with Modern Comfort 

Located within the Ocean Edge estate, best hotels in cape cod offers a more exclusive experience with its historic architecture and personalized service. Guests staying here gain access to private beach areas and elevated room amenities. It’s perfect for those who want the best of Cape Cod charm with top-tier luxury. 

Conclusion: 

Whether you're seeking historic charm, oceanfront opulence, or a hidden gem tucked away from the crowds, Cape Cod delivers luxury with personality. These five hotels each offer something unique — but all share an uncompromising standard of comfort and class. 

[stacyalesi]

Audiobook Sunday: THE NANTUCKET INN by Pamela M. Kelley, read by @KarissaVacker. #NantucketBeachPlumCoveSeries, book 1. Loved the Nantucket setting & looking forward to the rest of the series! @pamelamkelley #audiobookreview #bookreview #womemsnfiction #mustread #beachread #bookstagram #booksky

[marjaystuff]

But I digress…  

I had a number of books to read for Net Galley this month.  I read them, but then I decided it was time to go rogue.  You might remember I did this last month too (Dune Island and Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart) 

I have (this month) inhaled another couple of series that I was able to get on Kindle (some unlimited, some not).  Since I am supposed to keep my leg up and take care of my wound.  I have to admit.  I have been reading way too much. (Well, not really too much.)  Interestingly enough, both sets of books take place in New England, and by the ocean.  

The first series I found on Kindle Unlimited.  Marigold Island was written by Fiona Baker.  The series focuses on an island near Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.  The series consists of 8 books with all the titles starting with Beachside (the name of the inn).  The stories are romances and each can be read as stand-alones because they focus on different couples, but reading them in order allows you to form longer term relationships with the various characters.  If you are a foodie, you will love the descriptions of food and the various dishes.  

The next series I read was the Whitley Brothers by Layla Hagen.  These books are seriously hot - so be prepared.  The series follows the 8 brothers as they find their happily ever after.  There are a few elements that help make the books fun, but the grandparents of the brothers are the best.  They make no bones about helping their grandsons find a mate because they want great grandchildren.  The books are a fast read with each of the grandsons (who are gorgeous and rich) falling in love.  

Now I am searching for another series to round out my reading.  I am sure it will be something unexpected as I digress from my normal reads into new worlds.  

Speaking of new books, Elise sent in a review of Not What We Expected by Lisa Black.  The interview this week is with Lori Foster and her book, The Two of Us. 

[paroliro]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Unisex Nautical 12 X 16 Carry Bag Boats Ships Ticking Vintage Fabrics Hand Made

[primabeecbd]

Paul Borde: CBD on Cape Cod with Primabee

Primabee Founder Lives Out Company’s Mission Of Wellness

CHATHAM – For many people on the Cape, the jury is still out on cannabis-based products. Paul Borde gets it.

“I was that guy,” he said.

He was, that is, until a golf injury in 2018 led him to Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD. The pain was excruciating, he recalled, and Tylenol, Advil and other pain relieving medicines weren’t working.

Borde eventually found that he had a slipped disc. By the time a chiropractor recommended that he try CBD, he was ready to try just about anything. The pain went away, and the experience has since led Borde, a Chatham resident, down a whole new path not only in business, but in life.

It’s been two years since Borde and his partner, Stephen Crane, launched Primabee, which sells CBD products including oils, creams, gummies and tinctures aimed at improving people’s wellness. The company even has an oil for dogs.

“CBD has so many wellness qualities to it,” Borde said. “It supports anxiety, pain, sleep. It supports a million things.”

Borde and his wife have had a home in Chatham for 25 years, where they now live full time. Before relocating permanently to the Cape, he worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry in Greenwich, Conn. But his experience with CBD encouraged him to get more active in what he sees as a significant movement in the field of health and wellness.

“I was really, super interested in what positive impact this was having on my body,” he said.

The passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill, opened the doors for the legalization of marijuana and hemp-based products nationally. But Massachusetts and other New England states have been slower adopters than others. By the time Borde reached out to Crane, who lives in Southern California, THC and CBD products had already long become the norm in other parts of the country.

“We just started chipping away,” he said. “Maybe there was an opportunity here in New England.”

Borde said he looked at purchasing a CBD company in Michigan, but that he and Crane opted instead to start their own business. Motivated by what he saw as less-than-honest companies selling dodgy products at stores such as CVS, Borde and Crane sought to use Primabee in part to serve as a platform for educating customers about CBD and its benefits, as well as what to look out for when shopping for CBD products.

The Primabee website includes a page for consumer education, including a blog that is updated weekly with the latest news on what’s happening in the industry. Borde also gives talks and presentations directly to people interested in learning more about the company and the wellness benefits of CBD. He’s spoken at senior centers, libraries, retirement communities and other venues across the Cape as well as on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Last week, Borde had two talks, in Osterville and Hyannis.

“We decided to lead with one word: Education,” he said. “Like I did in my previous life, earning trust one person at a time, we decided to take that same philosophy.”

That process of educating consumers has been slow but steady, but Borde said he regularly hears from people about how Primabee and other CBD products have helped them on their wellness journey. The most common uses of Primabee products are for pain, anxiety and sleep, he said.

Primabee’s top selling product is its topical sports cream, Borde said.

“The menthol, it dilates the blood vessel,” he said. “It opens it up and lets the CBD get right to the inflammation. That’s the big thing, the disruption of the inflammation.”

Unlike THC-based products derived from marijuana, which are restricted to being sold in dispensaries, Primabee’s hemp-based CBD products can be sold more broadly. Locally, they can be found at locations including the Chatham Bars Inn. Primabee products are also sold at some chiropractor offices in the region, Borde said.

The company’s newest product is its PrimaBuzz CBD gummies, which also include some THC (the product is comprised of five milligrams of THC and 25 milligrams of CBD). Borde said he initially anticipated that the gummies, also called “Buzzies,” would be most popular among younger people in their 20s. To his surprise, they’ve been most popular among seniors.

“In a million years, I never would have thought that older people would be using it for sleep.”

The materials used in Primabee products are all harvested and manufactured in Colorado, where the company also works with a lab that tests all products before they are shipped to Chatham. The company, which has 10 employees, fills online orders locally.

The extra steps involved with ensuring his products’ efficacy are worth it, Borde said, especially in a region of the country where CBD and THC products are still relatively new. In the end, Borde said he wants to build a brand that people can trust so that his products can help others the same way they’ve helped him.

Now 57, Borde said it’s been two years since he’s last reached for a Tylenol or Advil bottle, medications he used to take daily. These days, he takes about 100 milligrams of CBD a day as a substitute.

“It’s changing lives,” he said. “I don’t want to sound dramatic, but it profoundly changed my life.”

To learn more about Primabee or to shop the company's products, visit www.primabee.com

[michaeljfoy]

I, Introvert

The week before Memorial Day, before the island got too crazy with holiday-weekend crowds, my wife and I stayed at an inn on Nantucket. We pretty much had the island to ourselves. For an introvert that was great.

Having been there many times before, we hit up our favorite walking-tour sites. I was also prepared to do the picturesque bike ride out to Madaket, but if the temperature is below 60 degrees, I don’t bike. That’s my Brrr Rule.  So more walking, dining, and – gasp! – shopping, as I tagged along with my wife. The only saving grace for that activity was the bookstores.

We stayed at an inn that’s supposed to be haunted. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a dwelling that isn’t haunted in town. Those old whaling captains don’t give up their old accommodations easily.

The innkeeper, a girl in her early 20s, was incredibly adept at making one feel welcome. I was impressed with her manner at so young an age. I’m many, many years her senior, and I am still trying to master the art of dealing with people. In my defense, I studied engineering in school, so I got off to a slow start socially.

In my second career, as a recruiter, I had to draw on people skills that had long been lying dormant. No more sitting in a corner, solving equations and designing things, for me. A whole new world opened, and it was kind of exciting, meeting new people and learning about them.

However, I’m still a natural introvert. Oddly, I don’t fear public speaking, and I can make small talk with strangers; but after a few hours, I crave the comfort of my own thoughts, or being with familiar people.

A friend and I were talking about this recently. I cited a documentary I’d seen, where certain people are buoyed by those parties with lots of glad-handing strangers. An introvert, on the other hand, might be fine with that for a while, but then will crave quiet time to recharge their social batteries.

Now, that’s me for sure, I thought.

I admire and envy people like the young innkeeper, because of her extroverted personality. That trait seems like a superpower to me. (That, and dancing).

So far in 2023, I’ve survived two weddings, where I acquitted myself fairly well as a living, breathing, social being. There are three more events on my 2023 calendar, with some Canadian in-laws, my Irish cousins, and longtime local friends — in that order.

Healthy, restorative quiet time for this introvert in Canada could be scarce, if history is any guide. But helpfully, Canadian beer has a higher alcohol content than its American counterparts.

Irish cousins will be fine, because … well … they’re my relatives.

And last, but not least, our local friends’ son is getting married on Cape Cod. We’ve known them forever, and we’ll be comfortable, even with other strangers there.

So maybe after this exciting year, I’ll finally be over my shyness.

Or hopefully not if you can believe the article in the shyness link.

The End

Live the amazement of astonishing plot twists with a sneak peek at https://michaeljfoy.com/books/

And unlock the world of FREE fiction at https://michaeljfoy.com/ – Get your FREE story now!

[bargainsleuthbooks]

Sunday Audio & Kindle Deals

Sunday Audio & Kindle Deals

Once again, I’ve scrounged up some audio book deals; generally speaking, the Kindle price is also really good if you don’t have Audible, so you can get those books either way for a great price. And take a look at the awesome Kindle deals on three books that I’ve already reviewed:

Churchill: Walking with Destiny Kindle Edition $1.99 Read my review here. NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER One of The Wall…

[carolearlycooney]

The Nantucket Beachfront Inn by Ainsley Keaton

The Nantucket Beachfront Inn by Ainsley Keaton

I wish I was on a beach reading! Dear Fellow Reader, It is only mid-January, and I am ready for winter to LEAVE. I am just over it. There is something about the cold and the dark days that are bothering me this year. Okay, let’s be honest, it bothers me almost every year. I suppose with Covid, it is just worse. I want to be back in the yard. Back digging up the garden. But there is something…

[5thand59th]

Martin House Inn, Nantucket

The first half of the week we stayed at the most charming bed and breakfast called Martin House Inn. I absolutely loved this place and would return here in a heartbeat. The innkeeper, Claire, made us feel like we were at a home away from home. Plenty of outdoor seating areas to relax with a cup of coffee, fresh baked scones in the morning and cookies in the afternoon, and the central location walkable from both town and the beach were all perks. There are only a few rooms and we got to know some of the other guests which was also great.

On the top floor is a very narrow/steep, somewhat anxiety inducing set of stairs leading to the widow's walk. The view is great from up here and I came up a few times to relax before dinner and enjoy the afternoon breeze.

[imsorryimlate]

when do you think ishmael and queequeg had sex for the first time? i think it was their second night at the spouter inn, which might seem a bit hasty, but keep in mind that they had already “gotten married” at this point so it was technically their wedding night, and the whole “he throws his thigh over mine and we roll around for a bit” would suggest such activities. but it’s entirely possible that they waited until they were on nantucket and waiting to be called onboard

[penig]

I first read Moby Dick in the late 80s or early 90s, and the only part I remembered clearly was when Ishmael and Queequeg checked into an inn and the landlady asked them “clam or cod?” But what I remembered was that the newlyweds looked at each other in mutual incomprehension, but the landlady made impatient noises, showing no inclination to explain, so Ish said: “Clam?” And Queequeg said “Cod?” So she bustled into the kitchen and came out again with two bowls to slap down in front of them, and they were both delicious.

Which just goes to show that just because your memory is clear doesn’t mean it’s accurate. The spirit of the scene as written and as remembered is pretty close , but the details are all wrong. How could I possibly have forgotten her fish bone necklace?

Today would be a great day to gorge myself with some never ending New England chowder.

Anyway, getting with Queequeg has done wonders for Ishmael’s depression. He’s surrounded by the same ghastly portents of death as before, he’s still cold, and the people he meets are still dour and grotesque and many of them not very nice, but he’s not alone anymore and moreover his new husband is so clearly superior to all the jerks on the packet to Nantucket that they are not worth being intimidated by. (His husband is a Prince, you know. )

Now, I no more believe Queequeg is a prince than I believe Ishmael is a Rockefeller. I think the story Queequeg tells is a yarn, developed over time and travel, that he knows will tickle Ishmael’s fancy, and go over well in the mess. Nineteenth century sailing was an anonymous occupation, in which you could change ships and identities in every port until you settled in to one that suited. Anyone who wants a romantic backstory can have one, and white folks love knowing exotic “royalty. “ It’s not so much lying as it is mythologizing, the flip side of Ishmael’s anonymity.

(The book doesn’t begin “my name is.” It begins “call me.”)

Nor do I believe that Queequeg believes that his idol told him anything. One whaler, after all, is very like another, and Ishmael’s served on merchant vessels before. He won’t pick something that’s going to sink in the first gale or has an obviously alcoholic captain. It will do him good to be entrusted with a job like finding them a berth and give him the confidence that he needs in order to act as the pair’s face when dealing with whites. Which has already been necessary.

It’s nobody’s fault, not even the idol’s, that the ship they wind up on is the damned doomed Pequod.

[focsle]

My mum, looking @ inns in Nantucket: This one was an old whaling captain’s house and the rooms are named after ships he commanded.

Me: Oh very good.

Mum: There’s the Huntress—

Me: Oh, I know the Huntress, there was a mutiny on the Huntress in July 1857 I read about it in the papers.

Mum: …

[nogoodninny]

I want a Gilmore Girls reboot that follows Rory and her baby. Here are 64 points on my predictions for what is to come for the next generation of Stars Hollow…

Rory will have a baby boy

The baby will be part wookie

She will name him after her grandfather, they will call him Ricky Gilmore

Rory will get her book published and come back to run the Stars Hollow Gazette

Ricky will love spending time with his Grandpa Luke and hanging out at his Diner

Kirk and Lulu will have a kid who is surprisingly well adjusted

Ricky wants to go to Chilton

Ricky wants to go to Yale

Great Grandma will spoil the crap out of little Ricky

Ricky will NOT like coffee

Rory will eventually have a daughter that she names Lorelai

Ricky and Baby Kirk will be best friends

Ricky will LOVE the snow, and can smell it coming, just like his Grandma

Ricky will often wear a backwards baseball cap, just like grandpa

Davey will work at the inn and Martha will work with her daddy

Rory is going to write a biography for Patty, and it’s going to be a best seller

Rory is going to settle down and become an actual decent person. Think more Chilton Rory than Yale Rory

As Ricky gets older Luke and Lorelai move out of the house and back into the space above the diner, so Rory and Ricky can live there

Either that or they all move into the Twikem House like Luke wanted

Ricky will be a lot like Luke, personality wise

Taylor will absolutely adore Ricky, and is the only person in town who doesn’t realize that he’s basically a mini Luke

Naomi Shropshire will actually write that book about the whale and the rabbit/mouse

It’s one of Ricky’s favorite books

It wins a Pulitzer

GG has a baby and wants her big sister in their lives

Ricky loves his baby cousin

When Ricky gets his first phone, Luke thinks it’s too soon

Ricky is the only person who finds it weird that their town still has a troubadour

Ricky is indifferent to town events, he participates, but it’s not like he counts down the days

He loves town meetings though, he thinks they are hilarious

Patty gets a pet monkey

Emily still employs Berta and her family

Ricky gives out the WiFi password at Luke’s once, as a joke, which results in the router being ripped out, and Ricky losing all WiFi privileges

Lorelai found this hilarious and was very proud

Ricky can understand Berta

Every time someone asks Baby Kirk what he wants to be when he grow up, he gives a different answer

Christopher loves Ricky, but hates the idea that he’s a grandpa now, it makes him feel old

Guy Fieri gets a cameo where he comes to Luke’s for his show Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives

Luke is grumpy about the camera crew, but Lorelai and Sookie are so excited that he puts up with it

Both Patty and Babette flirt with Guy

Kirk asks him how to have a career on Food Network

Liz and TJ have multiple kids, just as weird as they are

Rory hasn’t been in contact with Mr. Wookie since that night, until she randomly runs into him at that collectibles store in NY while shopping for a birthday gift for Ricky

She doesn’t recognise him at first, but he does immediately

She tells him that she’s shopping for her son’s birthday, then tells him all about Ricky

She explains everything and brings him home to Stars Hollow to meet her family

Luke doesn’t like him

Neither does Christopher

Ricky isn’t quite sure what to think, because he’s still pretty young, but he can sense how tense everyone is

Mr. Wookie asks if he can visit occasionally, on birthdays and around the holidays

He takes Ricky to Comic Con each year

I don’t know who or how, but somebody in Stars Hollow is going to be involved in a murder somehow

The kids love hearing stories about the Life and Death Brigade

Ricky even tried to start his own kiddie version of it in Stars Hollow

Luke and Lorelai like visiting Nantucket every year and actually look forward to it

April will have a baby at some point

a third film by Kirk

another beloved pet will die and the entire town will gather for the funeral

Emily Gilmore will sadly pass away

At leash one flashback episode

TJ and Liz get lost while camping or something and Luke has to go find them

Lorelai meets Taylor Swift

At some point during the final season she decides to write a sequel to her book, this one is about raising Ricky

The last scene of the entire series will be Rory revealing that they are thinking about making her book into a tv series.