A Southerner's Guide to Nantucket

To welcome summer, I am re-publishing a post I wrote called “The Southerner’s Guide to Nantucket”. Since I moved to Alabama, I haven’t been able to visit as much but I think about it often and hope to make a trip with my family soon – we all have the best memories there thanks to friends who have been going their entire lives and showed us the ropes. It too me a minute to get used to the culture, weather and routines of Nantucket but once I did I really fell in love. I hope you enjoy my guide.

I grew up going to the hot, humid, laid back beaches on the panhandle of Florida.

Think 100 degrees in the shade, cold beer, sunburns, amberjack sandwiches and oysters on the half shell with saltine crackers and cocktail sauce.

Growing up in Alabama, my world was so flat that when I looked at clothing catalogues and saw the models wearing sweaters at the beach, I couldn’t imagine where they were — who wears sweaters at the beach?

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally visited Nantucket and while I love my childhood beaches and am a southerner through and through, Nantucket is a magical place. Not only are the beaches beautiful (and all public!), but the island does not allow chain stores or restaurants so the dining and shopping options are all charming and unique.

It is a great vacation – perfect for adults and kids alike. Here are a few things I’ve enjoyed on my trips there.

Go to the beach – Ladies Beach, Cisco Beach (See note below on beach prep.) I found the beaches to be very confusing the first time I visited. Find a patient friend, local, or concierge who can show you the way. We never would have known what to do or where to go without dear friends who are familiar with the best beaches.
Stay on the beach for the sunset + rose
Go on a Critter Cruise with your little ones
Rent bikes + ride across the island for lunch at The Summer House Beachside Bistro in Siasconset
Shop – so much to choose from; you can’t go wrong but here are a few: Gypsy, Erica Wilson, Olivela
Have dinner at Lola 41, Pearl, Millie’s, Galley Beach, Cru, Nautilus, Black Eyed Susan’s, American Seasons, Gaslight
Have lunch at Bartlett’s Farm, 167 Raw, Something Natural, Misogi Noodle Bar, The Lemon Press, Provisions (the caprese is the best sandwich I’ve ever tasted. My friend says the same about the Sicilian tuna.)
Get doughnuts for breakfast at Downyflake Doughnuts; pastries and coffee at Born and Bread Nantucket
Have drinks at Cisco Brewers (try the Gripah)
Host a lobster boil catered by Sayle’s at your rental house
Check out Nantucket Meat and Fish Market and stock up for cookouts
Take the kids to The Sunken Ship for a toy or souvenir and Force Five for the (cash only) candy store in the back

Hotels:

The White Elephant – we stayed here recently for the second time in a great little apartment. You cannot beat the location and having access to a pool is a big bonus. They’ve recently undergone a massive and much needed renovation – I would love to check it out.
76 Main – Friends of mine stayed at this adorable boutique hotel and loved it
No one could stop talking about the recently opened Faraway hotel – a great spot to stay or go for drinks.
We have also rented a house through Great Point Properties and had a great experience

Travel notes:

Attn Southern friends: No one is bringing you an Arnold Palmer to the beach chair set and umbrella that you rented — it is DIY in ACK. This was an adjustment for me but once you get used to it, it’s great. You must have the following supplies for a successful beach day: Cooler, towels, chairs, umbrella, trash bag, plastic cups, drinks, and pack a lunch.
Always rent a car. You will need one. And rent it early and pay in advance because they sell out quickly.
Pack a sweater – it can get chilly at night! (Just ask those catalogue models from the 80’s.)
Attire: Shorts, white jeans, top, flip flops and a beach bag. Save your trendy cover-ups for the Caribbean.