Notes from Nantucket
Nantucket was a place I had heard about often over the years but never had the right opportunity to go – in a cadence that proved to be true, it seemed like the best way to go was with a group, large or small, and to stay at a house as opposed to a hotel. One summer, I travelled with a group of new friends and got to stay for a week, which was truly a treat. The days were long and leisurely, perfectly temperate in both weather and cadence. It is a place that many fall in love with, and though I’d argue I enjoy other parts of coastal New England just as much, I understand and respect the magic of this place, and would happily return if the opportunity presented itself. Below, some memories from my first visit to a island out at sea with a rich and robust history.
Town
Our airbnb was close to “Town",” the downtown of Nantucket full of a charming, manageable collection of shops and restaurants. Every day included a little lap through Town for a coffee or a shop, along with a few detours on the stroll back home to wander through the neighborhoods. I adored looking at all of the houses, many lined with both hydrangeas and very cool vintage cars.
Some favorites memories:
Breakfast from Born & Bread, sandwiches from Provisions, lobster rolls at Brant Point Grill and Cru, dinner at Sister Ship, Nautilus, and Proprietors. The Brant Point lighthouse is also worth a walk to!
Siasconset
This corner of the island (often called “Sconset”) was perhaps a scenic 30 minute drive or so from where we were staying, and we went twice over the course of the week. It’s delightfully picturesque, and in many ways the quaint, quiet retreat from the main part of the island.
Favorite memories:
Sitting at Sconset beach, the bluff walk to Sankaty Head Lighthouse, grabbing ice cream at Sconset Market and sitting at the picnic tables, and picking up some stationery from a cute shop called Parchment.
Other memories
Cisco Beach after picking up lunch at 167 Raw, grabbing a beer and listing to live music at Cisco Brewers, picking up provisions for dinner at home from Barlett’s Farm (they had great sandwiches, too), and ice cream from Island Kitchen – a bit off of the beaten path! I also really enjoyed the view from Steps Beach.