Nantucket, MA

Let’s start with how to get to Nantucket – is it better to fly or take the ferry? Both options are very unique and it truly depends on preference, how much time you have, and what you are planning on taking on your trip. If you fly, you will take a very small plane from a close-by city such as Boston or New York City and land directly on the island. It is a very unique experience due to the incredible view you have heading onto the island. But, if there is fog (which happens quite often) then the planes cannot land due to how small it is. If you take the ferry you likely are driving to Massachusetts or you are flying into a nearby coastal town which the ferry leaves from. It is a longer trip but you should not be affected by the weather. Also, you have the possibility of taking more – including your car. For our honeymoon to Nantucket, we opted to fly and rent bikes when we arrived!

Upon landing at Nantucket Memorial Airport, Matthew’s golf clubs in tow (check out his tips on flying with your clubs), we hopped in a cab and headed downtown to check into our hotel and begin an unforgettable week!

Where to Eat, keep in mind a lot of places close for the season so check to ensure they are open when booking your trip!

Born and Bread Bakery: This sweet little bakery and sandwich shop was right next door to where we stayed downtown. They specialize in artisan breads which the locals would come get, as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches which were wonderful. They also have coffee which was delicious and made for the perfect way to start our mornings in Nantucket.

Handlebar Coffee Café: This coffee shop is very close to the bus station in downtown Nantucket. They appeared to stay crowded, which is always a positive sign! Their coffee was delicious but we did not have an opportunity to try their food.

167 Fish Market and Food Truck: The 167 concept started out of the fish market on Nantucket. However, being a Charleston native, I was introduced to it through their restaurant downtown Charleston. Of course this meant we had to venture out to the market while on Nantucket. At the market you can buy anything you need for a delicious homecooked seafood meal or you can grab snacks to take out to the brewery with you! On the property is also a food truck and raw bar. Most incredible lunch we had while we were there!

Or, The Whale: Right on main street, this was the perfect place for us to grab lunch. The restaurant is based on Moby Dick and the menu consisted of incredible wings, rice bowls, and delicious cocktails!

Cru: This is definitely a spot to see and be seen. We got lucky without a reservation and went for some appetizers, oysters, and drinks but normally this is quite difficult to get into. Being waterfront and right on the marina provides for an incredible atmosphere. Pair it with a great cocktail and a dozen oysters and you’re set!

Dune: Our hotel recommended this restaurant and it was great for our first dinner on Nantucket! The main dining room is lower than street level and as such has a very intimate feel to it. There also is a porch and patio area you can dine in. Thei

Ventuno: My personal favorite meal we had on the trip was the pasta at Ventuno. But I also think pasta is a main food group… this restaurant was wonderful from the atmosphere to the service to the food and wine list.  

American Seasons: Our favorite waitress was here at American Seasons. She realized it was our honeymoon and brought complimentary champagne and ensured we had the best time while dining. We both selected seafood options which were classic and delicious.

Oran Mor: Here was Matthew’s favorite meal of the trip. Oran Mor, much like many other Nantucket restaurants, is located in an old house. This allowed us to sit upstairs with a beautiful view at sunset. The food was amazing and it made for a very special last dinner for our trip!

Club Car: While we only were able to grab a nightcap at Club Car, we heard from many others that it is a long time Nantucket favorite. This sits right on the walk from Main Street down to the Warf and made for a great way to end the night.

These next few places we did not get to personally try, but we have heard great things and will be stopping in on our next trip!

-       Nautaulis

-       Slip 14

-       Galley Beach

-       Straight Warf

-       Toppers at Wauwinet Hotel, which you arrive at (if staying downtown) by a complimentary ferry. Everyone said to make a reservation to go via the ferry at sunset for dinner or a drink. We will definitely fit this in on the next trip!

Activities:

-       Brandt Point Lighthouse

-       Great Point Lighthouse

-       Sunset at Steps Beach

-       Sconset for the afternoon. If you are staying downtown you will take the bus, which only takes cash and does not deposit change so stop at an ATM before hopping on. You can bring a bike on your bus trip, which we recommend doing!

-       Bluff Walk from Sconset to Sankaty Lighthouse

-       Shopping Downtown Nantucket, including the original Hill House store!

-       Ice Cream at Jack and Charlies (our personal favorite)

-       Ice Cream at Juice Bar

-       Cisco Brewery, Nantucket Winery, and the Distillery are all on the same property which makes for a fun filled afternoon

-       Barlett Farms

-       Golfing at Miacomet

-       Sailing Cruise with Embark Sailing

-       Ferry to Wauwinet Hotel

-       Drinks at Chickenbox

If I am not joining Matthew for 18 holes, I find activities to pursue my own hobbies in the towns we are staying in. For me in Nantucket, this consisted of feeding my love of reading and shopping. While Matthew golfed at Miacomet, which you can read about on his post here, I was able to attend a book signing for Elin Hilderbrand’s book, Hotel Nantucket. It was an amazing experience to meet an author and hear about her inspiration for the book while being in the town that the book is set in. The trip truly brought the characters and setting to life when I was able to read Hotel Nantucket upon returning home.

If you need advice on where to stay, feel free to email us! On our visit we stayed at Hotel Pippa and had the most incredible experience. We can certainly share the other places we researched and help you find the perfect place for your visit.