Don't Forget the Islands

By Erin Byers

As if the mainline coast doesn't boast enough — there's even more to be had on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket , where you can make a great escape without leaving behind anything in the way of comfort. A five-minute walk from the Vineyard's Steamship Ferry landing, the Crocker House Inn steeps guests in casual seaside elegance. The eight-room bed-and-breakfast occupies a lavishly restored shingle house in a flower-filled residential neighborhood that inspires many returns. The inn lies within a stone's throw of Vineyard Haven's restaurants and shops, but off-season guests can be forgiven if all they want to do is curl up by the fireplace in the parlor and nibble on the inn's sumptuous Crocker Chip Cookies.

In the heart of Nantucket 's cobbled historic district, the Brass Lantern Inn lets guests choose between the antiques-filled Greek Revival main house and a newer, more casual garden wing. In all there are 17 rooms to choose from — and well-behaved four-legged guests are welcome in each of them. The inn began allowing pets several years ago and has found that a friendly dog curled up in the parlor helps to create a nice, homey feel.