Shellie Dunlap

A Nantucket Experience: A Year in the Life of a Wash Ashore Shellie Dunlap

22 Miles out to sea, off the coast of Cape Cod Massachusetts, lies a little sliver of paradise called Nantucket Island. The magical experience begins the moment the ferry carrying bright-eyed visitors glides around the Brant Point Lighthouse and into Nantucket Harbor. Church steeples dot the horizon, gray shingled cottages line the wharf and sailboats bob on their moorings. As guests descend the boat ramp and step onto the brick-paved wharf there are so many quaint details it's impossible to take them all in at once. One new island visitor was overheard saying, "It's like Disneyland for grown-ups." Tourists and summer residents get the opportunity to experience the island "in season" when all the shops and restaurants are in full swing and the population can swell to over 50,000. But those who call Nantucket home know the best kept secrets of the island are revealed all year long. Shellie Dunlap and her family had owned a house on Nantucket for over 17 years before deciding to make the island their permanent home. During her first year as a new full time resident of the island (affectionately referred to as a "wash ashore" by long time Nantucketers) Shellie learns there is more to the island than she ever dreamed possible and much she has yet to discover. Come join her as she ushers you through one year of island life and inspires you to create your own Nantucket Experience.