Topic: Holidays

Nantucket's history is rich with the tales of whaling, shopkeepers and family heritage. Whether you've heard of the Brotherhood Riot of 1842 or just know the popular tale of Melville's Moby Dick, Nantucket's legacies would not exist had African-Americans not been a part of it all. One such woman, Mary Ellen Pleasant, lived in Nantucket for a dozen years. Pleasant was called the "Mother of Civil Rights" in California. She came to the island as an indentured servant and ran a shop in town, a large accomplishment at the time for not just an African-American but a woman as well.

There are many ways to discover the history of our Island, whether it's the Nantucket Whaling Museum on Broad Street downtown, or catching a tour at the African Meeting House on York Street. Stay tuned to Plum for all things present and past on Nantucket, on the web and on Channel 22.

Be sure to check out our video below as we step inside a piece of history at The African Meeting House and talk to locals about the structure and the importance of remembering our heritage.

February 14 might not be the most important day of the year, but for all of the lovebirds out there, it's pretty high up on their lists. For those who are flying solo this year, however, we know it's not all that bad. We've come up with two different takes on how to spend this year's Valenetine's Day, so take your pick, and let us know if there's anything we missed:

• Celebrating Singles Awareness Day
• Enjoying a Romantic Valentine's Day

So maybe you’re Valentine-less this February 14th, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on for you single folks out there. And no, we’re not referring to Match.com or Eharmony. We’re talking about right here on the island.

Start your day off right by eating a nice healthy breakfast and then maybe take a walk outside. At the office for the day? On the way in, get some of those kiddy Valentine’s cards and write some fun notes to your friends and co-workers, they’ll all get a kick out of it. Throw some candy into the mix and you're amped up for the 8-hour work day. Plus, it’s one more reason to eat chocolate.

Keep yourself motivated by planning a date with you and yourself later. Give one of the local salons or spas a call for a facial, haircut, or schedule a massage for yourself with a certified professional. Not in the mood for spending the dough? How about hanging out at the most comfortable place you know: at home. Our Style Guy Michael Molinar gives us some great “At Home Spa” ideas in one of our Style segments.

When you’re done relaxing, get dressed and ready for a night on the town. Call some of your other singles to mingle with and head on out to the Queen of Hearts Ball down at The Chicken Box, where you’re bound to enjoy a well-deserved night out. The proceeds from the event are for a good cause, helping out the Nantucket Lighthouse School.

If you're not in the mood to mingle, take in a show at the Methodist Church with Theatre Workshop's production of Cupid's Nightmare, which you can find out more about in our full coverage of the short plays.

We hoped this help you get some ideas for the day, check out our Valentine's Day coverage for more.

Nantucket in the winter time might not be your first choice for where to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart, but after the long list of ideas we’ve got for you, it will certainly be your final choice.

First of all, start the day with breakfast in bed. Epicurious.com is one of our favorites for recipes, such as the easy-peasy Eggs Benedict (poached eggs, English muffins, and a simple hollandaise sauce), or for a lighter fare, throw together some mixed berries in a cantaloupe or honeydew melon.

This year’s Valentine’s Day is during the work-week, so don’t forget to send them some flowers or leave a card at their workplace for them. Of course, our Style Guy Michael Molinar always has an amazing selection of flowers at Flowers on Chestnut, so stop in and tell him that Plum sent you.

If you haven’t made dinner reservations yet, we have a list of the places that are opened just for you this Valentine’s Day, plus we've bolded some spots that we think would make for a romantic setting:

• A.K Diamond's, 228.3154, $35 pre-fixe menu
• Alice's Restaurant, 228.6005
• The Atlantic Cafe, 228.0570
• The Bamboo Supper Club, 228-0200
• Centre Street Bistro, 228.8470, Special menu
• Even Keel Cafe, 228.1979
• Faregrounds, 228.4095
• Fifty-Six Union, 228.6135, Reg. menu seating times, 6-7 & 8-9pm
• Fooods For Here and There, 228.4291
• Kitty Murtagh's, 325.0781
• Lo/La 41º, 325.4001
• Meeting Place at Miacomet, 325.0335, Wing Night
• Old South Diner, 325.0100
• Pi Pizza, 228.1130
• Queequeg's, 325.0992, Romantic apps and entrees
• Seagrille, 325.5700, Romantic specials
• Sophie T's Pizza (perfect for the whole family), 325.6265
• Starlight Cafe, 228.4479
• Sushi By Yoshi, 228.1801

Once your reservations have been made, don’t forget to stop off at any of the pharmacies or grocery stores to grab a box of chocolates. If you’re in the market for something more than a box of chocolates, there's still plenty of shopping to be had around the island, i.e. jewelry, clothing.

Need a nice place out of the house to spend some time with your loved one? The beaches are empty in February; yes, they’re empty for obvious reasons (12-14 hours of darkness a day, colder temperatures, no swimming in 40-degree water) but all you need is a couple layers of clothing, your honey’s arm, and two legs to stroll down the beach with. Plus, there’s nothing like a sunset at Madaket to seal a kiss on Valentine’s Day. Then it’s off to a nice romantic dinner with your sweetheart, followed by a trip to the Loines Observatory for a night of stargazing. Hot chocolate is definitely in order at this event.

If cold weather isn’t your forte, then you can always join the party at The Queen of Hearts Ball, benefiting the Nantucket Lighthouse School at The Chicken Box. Plus, one of our favorite local bands The Shingles will be rocking out for you and your date to dance along to.

We hoped this help you get some ideas for the day, check out our Singles Awareness Day coverage for more.

The Nantucket Interfaith Council celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with song, dance, and prayer. The celebration at the Summer Street Church featured the Nantucket Interfaith Choir, New Life Ministries Youth Chalice Dancers, NES students, and Neville Richardson.

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The New Life Ministries Youth Chalice Dancers perform at the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the Summer Street Church.

"I have a dream that one day…the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood."

-Martin Luther King, jr., 1963

Forty years ago an historic figure's life was taken, and today, we honor his memory throughout the country on the third Monday of every January. Martin Luther King Day is an annual celebration and observation of a pivotal figure during the Civil Rights movement that began more than four decades ago.

Nantucket's had quite a year, and looking back on everything that has happened on the island, we couldn't think of anywhere else we'd rather be. Whether you were getting crazy with the yachtsmen on Figawi, or tasting the finer things in life at the 2007 Nantucket Wine Fest, or just enjoying a riveting Whalers Football game, we've got the year wrapped up in a nice package, just for you. Let's take a look back on some of the highlights from 2007.