Arthur may be out looking for the next best roller coaster, and this blog has been discontinued. Thanks for visiting and happy travels!

Passengers aboard Nantucket-bound ferries catch sight of a lovely white church steeple as the ships approach the island. While it could hardly qualify as a skyscraper, the church does rise above all of Nantucket's other buildings. In addition to providing a welcoming beacon to arriving ferry passengers, the church's leaders realized that the steeple's height and location could offer folks on the island a wonderful vantage point from which to view Nantucket. So, during the warmer months, the First Congregational Church allows guests to climb up its bell tower and take in a 360-degree overview of Nantucket.

The church charges a nominal $2.50 per-person donation to climb the tower. There are 94 steps to the apex of the tower, so guests should be in reasonably good health to attempt the trek. It is not handicapped accessible. On the way up, there is a room with a large viewing window and a couple of comfortable rocking chairs. Situated above the tree line, the view is great, but it only faces in one direction and doesn't afford the incredible views that the top of the bell tower allows. There are also some artifacts, photos, and information about Nantucket and the church on display in the room. Continuing up to the top, climbers pass the church's bell.

At the top of the tower, guests enter a small room with windows facing in all four directions. There are maps and other guides to help visitors identify landmarks. The church also provides binoculars at each window. The views are spectacular. Nantucket is a relatively small island, and the ocean can be seen in every direction. It's especially fun to view the bustling harbor and downtown area. A visit to the First Congregational Church's bell tower could be a great way for first-time visitors to get the lay of Nantucket's quaint and charming land.

First Congregational Church
62 Centre St., Nantucket (just around the corner from the Jared Coffin House)
The bell tower is open Mondays through Saturdays from mid-June to mid-October
$2.50 donation

Top photo: ©Arthur Levine, 2007. Licensed to Boston.com
Bottom photo: First Congregational Church of Nantucket