The PlaneSense® Program Gets You Closer to Island Retreats in the Northeast
There is nothing quite like summer along the New England coast. The scent of salt air carried on the breeze, delectable seafood served up in imaginative ways, and endless opportunities to relax by the ocean are certain to make any visit special. Idyllic villages, with their historic fishing cottages and homes kissed by the sea mist, greet travelers at every turn. Families often return to the same beaches year after year to share treasured stories of times past and build new memories to be relived with future generations. New England provides a place of peaceful respite along its beautiful shores and exciting adventure on its waters. From Connecticut to Maine, the shoreline is dotted with beautiful islands sure to inspire summer vacation dreams for years to come. Here is a look at just a few of the coastal New England retreats enjoyed by PlaneSense® share owners:
Fishers Island, NY
Though technically in New York, Fishers Island still exudes the charm of a New England island due to its proximity to Connecticut, which is the location of the only ferry service to the island. The island has remained largely private and has successfully avoided becoming a crowded tourist destination. With only about 250 year-round residents and no hotels on the island, visitors must rent a home or be someone’s guest if they plan on staying longer than a day. There are very few eateries and shops catering to tourists. Large amounts of land remain in a preservation trust, adding to the serenity and peace one will find here. Visitors can experience the island’s natural beauty with a stroll along one of its beaches, birdwatching along the trails, or spend fishing along the coastline. The island also features two private golf courses and a yacht club, but not much else in the way of typical tourist recreation. It is truly a quiet destination for those looking to escape busy city life.
Getting there:
Fishers Island has often been called the “ultimate gated community” with the gate being the ferry in New London, Connecticut that brings guests to and from the mainland. Those with a share in the PlaneSense® PC-12 program can easily fly to Elizabeth Field Airport (0B8) from just about anywhere in the region. In fact, the PlaneSense® program is one of the only fractional operations able to access the airport’s shot 2,345’ runway. The unique landing capabilities of the Pilatus PC-12s are designed specifically for short runways, making it one of the most luxurious and efficient ways to get to Fishers Island.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Located just 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island are the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of Block Island. This quiet destination is filled with saltwater farms, walking trails through meadows, and old stone walls. The island hasn’t forgotten its rich Native American history, still evident on the island and featured in the Historical Society Museum. Two restored lighthouses stand guard over the island – North Light and Southeast Lighthouse – but tales of shipwrecks are still a vivid part of Block Island’s story. Sport divers are able to visit several wrecks located off the rocky coastline. Known for its tightknit community, the nearly 1,000 year-round residents invite visitors to take advantage of all the island has to offer. From family restaurants to fine dining, paddle boarding to quiet beaches, there is plenty for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Getting there:
Getting to this Block Island from New York City can take five to six hours by car and ferry. PlaneSense® share owners simply fly into Block Island State Airport (KBID) aboard a PC-12, the perfect solution for the airport’s short 2,502’ runway. The views of rolling hills and sailboats in the island’s quiet harbors are just another perk of the flight to this unique destination.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
This well-known island vacation spot just South of Cape Cod, Massachusetts has been an elite summer destination for generations. Known for its windswept beaches, seaside cliffs, and timeless charm, the island offers plenty for those who want to stay busy or relax away from it all. Six towns make up this small island of 100 square miles, each with its own charm and character. Spend an afternoon wandering your way through the upscale boutiques along the streets of Edgartown. Or visit Oak Bluffs to see the iconic bridge from the Jaws movie and its iconic gingerbread style cottages. Take in the island’s beauty on a leisurely bike ride along the scenic coastal trails, with breathtaking views around every turn. Enjoy the views at the cliffs of Aquinnah, stroll along the shores of South/Katama Beach, and indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbor. Whether you are staying at the Harbor View Hotel or renting a house for the week, Martha’s Vineyard truly offers a one-of-a-kind blend of adventure, relaxation, and coastal beauty.
Getting there:
Like most of the islands in the region, Martha’s Vineyard is accessible by ferry and travelers can depart from several locations along Cape Cod, New Bedford, MA, Rhode Island, and New York City.
The easiest and fastest way to get to the island is by air. PlaneSense® share owners can spend more time on their vacation by flying either the Pilatus PC-12 or PC-24 jet to Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY). Whether flying in from Teterboro, NJ, White Plains, NY, Bedford, MA or beyond, the relaxing flights are an efficient way to get to the island and enjoy all that it offers.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Located 26 nautical miles southeast of Martha’s vineyard is the picturesque summer haven of Nantucket. Like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket is a well-known affluent community with scenic beaches, unique shops, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Just 14 miles long, the island is about half the size of its neighbor, making Nantucket easy to explore by bike.
Nantucket’s timeless charm leads visitors down cobblestone streets to iconic lighthouses, harbors, and stunning beaches. Downtown shops feature unique boutiques of locally crafted goods and high-end fashion. Visitors rave about the dining options, including Cru, which overlooks the docks filled with yachts, seaside dining at Galley Beach, and delicious tacos at Millies at Madaket Beach. Luxurious accommodations like The Wauwinet and The White Elephant and the relaxing island days leaves visitors eager to return.
Getting there:
Nantucket is also accessible by ferry, but it is often booked months in advance, making air travel the easiest and most convenient way to reach Nantucket. The small island is the top destination for PlaneSense® share owners during the summer months, with nearly 500 trips made to Nantucket during the short season.
Islesboro, Maine
Nestled in Penobscot Bay is the picturesque and tranquil community of Islesboro, Maine. Less than 700 year-round residents call this small island home, but it has been a luxury destination for many generations. Made up of Isleboro Island and several smaller islands, it has remained largely untouched and promises a simpler way of life for visitors. While not commercialized like other tourist areas in the state, there is still plenty to do in Islesboro. History buffs will enjoy the local museums, including a look at the island’s maritime history at Grindle Point Sailor’s Museum and Lighthouse. Tours of the lighthouse offer panoramic views of the bay throughout the summer. The island is dotted with stately, historic homes that offer another glimpse of the island’s long history as a summer colony. Miles of hiking trails, beaches, and rocky coastline provide plenty of respite from crowds.
Getting there:
Islesboro is roughly a five-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts and is accessible by ferry or water taxi from Lincolnville, Maine. But this small island also boasts Isleboro Airport (57B), a seasonal airfield that makes reaching the island much easier for PlaneSense® share owners. The Pilatus PC-12 is able to access the airport’s short runway.
Bar Harbor, Maine
A little further up the coast is Bar Harbor, a beautiful town on Mount Desert Island. Its coastal appeal and proximity to Acadia National Park make it an ideal summer destination. The combination of its stunning scenery, dramatic shoreline, walkable downtown, and mountain vistas, help this coastal community live up to its original name – Eden. Yachts and cruise ships now visit the harbor where majestic schooners once anchored, but the town still maintains that classic New England character. Whether boating, hiking the extensive trails, spending the day in Acadia National Park, embarking on a whale-watching trip, sampling the creative restaurants, or visiting the island’s shops, there are many reasons to unwind and enjoy all that Bar Harbor has to offer.
Getting there:
The island is accessible from the mainland by car or ferry. PlaneSense® share owners, however, typically avoid the tourist traffic jams by flying into Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), a small airfield offering spectacular views of the shoreline and Cadillac Mountain. Both the PC-12 and the PC-24 jet in the PlaneSense® fleet are able to access the airport, making it one of the most convenient ways to get to Bar Harbor.
The New England coast offers endless opportunities for memorable getaways, including islands, coastal retreats, mountain resorts, and lakeside havens. The PlaneSense® program has been flying families to their vacation homes throughout the region since 1995. Whether visiting the coast, or any of the remarkable inland destinations, the PlaneSense® program and its growing fleet of Pilatus PC-12 turboprops and PC-24 jets make it easier than ever to enjoy New England year round.
