Nantucket, MA
Im sure you have heard of Nantucket by now, between Megan Trainer and basically every blogger known to man kind who now go on vacation there. I am one of the lucky ones who get to claim that I vacationed on Nantucket before Nantucket became famous! Growing up in Jersey you would have thought I would’ve spent my summers down the shore, but our family headed north to an island 30 miles out to sea. Nantucket, New England charm, consisting of manicured hedges, cobble-stone streets, ship lapped rooms, shingled houses, and of course nautical themed house names. Right before the summer season kicks off, sailors make their way to the island to participate in the much anticipated, Figawai Race. Sailors will participate in the regatta racing from Hyannis to Nantucket. After that race, summer has officially started. Finding a parking space in town will basically become impossible, unless you time it right with the ferry schedule.
Getting to Nantucket isn’t the easiest, especially if you are bringing over a car. The reservations open up in January, and within hours every ferry is booked! The fast ferry is pretty easy to get onto and usually you dont have to purchase a ticket prior. The hassle is 100% worth it, I promise you.
Where to eat… I may have to do an entire post just about where to eat on Nantucket. We all have our favorites, and we all have our favorites at each restaurant. My husband would get off the ferry, head straight to the Tavern to get fried shrimp before anything, and then would hit the Juice Bar for ice cream before he got to the house. My breakfast favorite is obviously The Downyflake for warm delicious donuts, pastries and fluffy blueberry pancakes. You have to get there early so you dont miss out on your favorites, they will sell out. If you’re heading to the beach for the day stop by Something Natural to grab some sandwiches. Turkey BLT on potegeas bread is a favorite in our house. If you’re doing some shopping in town head to the wharf and go to the Tavern for the best claim Chowder (and fried shrimp). The Tavern is great for kids too! Want to day drink? Head to Cisco for Wine, Beer, Cocktails & the food trucks. Kids are also welcome, on certain days they have a puppet show! If its a date night type of dinner, you have a ton of great options, Slip 14, The Galley, Cru and Dun have incredible food. If its more of a cocktail night, The Proprietors, The Rose and Crown, The Gazebo, The Jetties and Carlie Noble are a must go to. Now, If you want dinner with a view, you have the “fancy” Galley Beach where you can sip cocktails and watch the sunset, or you can head to Millies for some incredible tacos and watch the sunset while sipping on a Madaket Mystery. Madaket has the best sunsets, and who doesn’t love tacos and a cocktail where you have no idea what’s in it! Whatever type of night you choose, you will end up at the Juice Bar in a line that wraps around the corner and get the best Ice Cream on Island. You wont mind standing in line either because the smell of the waffle cones being made will make it all worth it.
There are tons of beaches on Nantucket, depending on your age and interests, there is a spot for everyone to enjoy. Jetties Beach, Children Beach and Surf Side are family friendly options. Brant Point is great for watching boats combining in and our of the harbor. Madaket and Cisco are quiet and great for counting seals. There is plenty of “hidden” beaches as well, which is our favorite! Its perfect for the kids to fly kites, play lacrosse and fish without bothering anyone.
