Author: Taryn McBryde

Sunset | Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Essays

The Sun Will Still Set

In an idle corner of Massachusetts, Route Two dips along the Connecticut River for a moment, rises to a point in Turner’s Falls, pauses at a flashing red light, than just as fast swoops past Greenfield and out into the the hills of the Berkshires. At the light, a gas station has spread across one corner, a snow mobile dealership goes out of business on another, and a Polish food truck opens on the weekend. On the last quarter, a growth of trees spreads along the high bank of a river forested until Route Two turns into Greenfield. I spent an afternoon amid all of those trees and rocks.

aphids
Island Science

A Very Different Type of Farming

Aphids may be the bane of existence for some gardeners. However, these tiny sap-sucking insects are a diverse group with some pretty interesting habits. Aphids are very common insects and are found on many plants in yards and gardens. In most cases they cause little or no damage to the health of plants. There are more than 1,200 species in North America. While some are generalists, most species of aphids are monophagous or feed on just a few species of closely related plants. If

Bartletts farm
Nantucket History & People

Transitioning to Organic

Over the last fifteen years, 6th generation farmer/owner, Dave Bartlett, has been transitioning every aspect of Bartlett’s Farm’s field-grown produce to Certified Organic. I t has been a long and arduous process, with endless lists of requirements, years of transitioning the fields away from conventional approaches, buffer zones, long inspections, […]

Current Vintage
Nantucket Style

Fun Vibes, Serious Wines

Color is everywhere in Current Vintage: entering this unique boutique on Easy Street is like walking into a celebration! Fine wines and craft beer, artisanal cheeses and provisions, home goods and party decor, and vintage clothing and accessories: Current Vintage is the place to shop for all your summer fun. 

Maria Mitchell Birthday Celebration
Nantucket Events, Nantucket History & People

Happy Birthday Maria

The night sky above Nantucket is not like most places. Celestial bodies seem to shine differently here, thirty miles out to sea and surrounded by the dark waters of the Atlantic. We are far enough away from big city light pollution, and the air is clearer. On a clear night, this island boasts some of the best stargazing human eyes can behold. 

Nantucket Fire Department
Nantucket Essays

The Next Fire

The Veranda House burned and nobody noticed. 
Oh, we saw the pictures. We saw the plumes of smoke extending over the town, riding up, washing through the windmill and then out over the south shore. And we saw the pictures on social media and TV. However, the fire was an isolated event, much like the fireworks, the Pops, and Christmas Stroll. We hosted a news event that got our name onto local and national news. Any advertising is good advertising: My AirBnB views went through the roof. 

Drought
Island Science

Drought Comes to Nantucket

All of Massachusetts is on some kind of drought status now as of this past weekend. Nantucket is still at a Level One which is considered a “mild drought.” We’re better off than much of the state, but it doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. Central and northeast regions of Massachusetts are in “Critical Drought” status. There is no meaningful rain in the forecast despite a few wet evenings. The hot temperatures continue and so will these conditions.