This little island isn’t exactly the largest destination yet it has certainly become a top draw of the jet setting crowd. When you think of a visit to the perennially preppy Nantucket, images of sand and sun and evening bonfires on the beach come to mind. There are 80 miles of some of the worlds most beautiful beaches. Nantucket is a very special place, a world class destination ideal for kicking back.
For more than a century, the mid-1700s to the late 1830s, Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world. As Melville wrote in Moby-Dick: “Thus have these . . . Nantucketers overrun and conquered the watery world like so many Alexanders.” The dangerous but incredibly lucrative industry made it one of the wealthiest communities in America. Of which every captain’s house, lighthouse, and harbor were left with a tale worth telling.
You can be just about anywhere and step out in your favorite faded red-to-pink trousers, and immediately everyone will know where you’ve been. Nantucket red is the islands signature clothing color. In the 1960s Philip C. Murray (of Murray’s Toggery shop on Main St. ) introduced the now iconic Nantucket Reds to the island. They were pants made of a red canvas fabric meant to fade over time. They were to resemble the color of the sails that dotted the coast of Brittany, France. In 1980, he decided it was time to trademark the line, as its popularity had grown so much and it was quickly becoming a symbol of island life.
Easily accessible via plane from most northeast airports, we also like to arrive on the more relaxed ferry from Cape Cod (or for those who don’t mind a longer boat ride, the six-hour ferry from New York) where drinks are served and you’ll land comfortably on this chunk of coastal New England. Private plans arrive daily from all over the world. So much more than just a summer town, Nantucket is a beauty in winter, fall, and spring.
The best way to tour Nantucket is on a bicycle. There are miles and miles of paved, wide flat bike paths that make it easy to explore. From town to the beaches, harbor, dunes, wetlands, and wildlife (just about half of the island is protected and preserved land by the Nantucket Land Bank). A popular ride journeys from the historic downtown to Madaket, which has the most beautiful sunsets. The ride is relatively easy and bike rentals are available from Young’s Bicycle Shop—in business for 87 years.
Nantucket’s proximity to the water makes the island quite popular for anglers as well as those who enjoy spending time on boats. Take a boat ride on over to Wauwinet and you will enjoy some truly gorgeous scenery and a delicious dinner. The 5 p.m. Wauwinet Lady launches on time, transporting tourists and even some locals to the insanely popular Topper’s restaurant within the Wauwinet Inn where dinner is served. The boat trip covers about six miles.
What could be better than cruising on the Nantucket Bay, a warm sunny day or tranquil evening as you sip a drink, meet friends, and take in the island's most breathtaking scenery. This is the place to be.
Be sure to take some snapshots while boating to dinner, capturing pictures of mega yachts, the sun’s reflection on the water, the surrounding green spaces and the boat itself. In fact, Topper’s maître d’ will meet you when your boat arrives at the dock, setting the stage for one of the best dining experiences.
Nantucket does not have sizable commercial hotels. Rather, there are inns as well as bed and breakfast sites throughout the island. All in all, Nantucket has slightly fewer than 900 beds. Some choose to rent a private home for a week. Check out the reviews of Harborview Nantucket and you will find its cottages are perfectly positioned by the water. If you want to rent a house by the water, consider Siasconset beach where you will find some of the island’s oldest homes, each of which provides a lovely ocean view and direct beach access.
The Nantucket Hotel & Resort consistently grades out as one of the island’s top hotels. Constructed way back in 1891, this hotel features a modern interior along with a grandiose seaside exterior. Whether you are looking for a comfy one bedroom or all the way up to a four-bedroom suite, you will find those options and everything in between at The Nantucket Hotel & Resort.
The Greydon House is another popular Nantucket lodging option. Originally built to serve as the home of a sea captain back in the mid-19th century, this luxurious 20-room facility has been renovated into an upscale inn. With a perfect location within Nantucket’s historic district, the Greydon House is chock-full of amenities including eye-grabbing furnishings and delicious food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.
Nantucket has some of the best shopping opportunities on the entire East Coast. In particular, Nantucket stores have truly amazing summer selections between May and October. Stroll through the local shops and you will find a plethora of options including stores that sell fabulous beachwear, artful jewelry, and flowing dresses. Just about everyone agrees Salt and Milly & Grace are two of Nantucket’s prime boutiques.
Aside from taking a boat to eat lunch or dinner at the Wauwinet, Nantucket has all sorts of additional options for hot eats and cool treats. The Boarding House is one of the island’s most popular restaurants. This Nantucket icon is perfect for those who want top-notch food. The restaurant’s highlights include lemon lobster spaghetti and spicy jalapeno martinis.
Those who favor seafood will gravitate to Cru. Sip some of the restaurant’s tasty rosé, affectionately referred to as “summer water” by Nantucket locals, take in the beautiful view of the water and enjoy the evening. Cru’s lobster rolls are particularly popular.
If you love homemade ice cream, check out The Juice Bar. In particular, The Juice Bar’s waffle cones are especially tasty. Down some homemade ice cream after a delicious dinner at this popular Nantucket sweet spot and you will agree it is worthy of the hype and then some. In fact, the Juice Bar has more than a dozen homemade ice cream flavors to choose from.
There was at one point in the not so distant past a defined high season for visiting destinations like Nantucket. Namely, the strict Memorial Day to Labor Day with escapists, who's bags were filled with rosé and white denim. Today our offices have become more flexible and we are not longer tethered to a home base, the rules have changed. Daffodil festival in April to Christmas stroll in December are all wonderful times to spend on the most charming town you may ever visit.
