Nantucket, a tiny island off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a magical summer destination with untouched dune backed beaches, cedar-shingled buildings, manicured lawns and fragrant blooms of hydrangeas. The cobblestoned streets in town are lined with upscale boutiques, ( Goop recently moved in ) steepled churches and a rising food scene that has been generating much buzz and certainly peeked our curiosity. We packed our bags and headed north and ate and drank our way through the Grey Lady for days. We are happy to report back that it delivered on every level. We rounded up our favorites that we feel are must-worthy stops below — Elisa
Bartlett’s Farm: Family owned farm with 40 greenhouses filled with organic greens, hothouse tomatoes, flowering plants and fragrant herbs. On your way out, pick up food from their farm to go menu and make an epic picnic basket for the beach.
Boarding House: American fare served on either their scenic patio, chic bar or cozy cellar dining room. We are big fans of their weekend brunch.
Cisco Brewers: Island staple for great local beers, creative cocktails, live music and delicious food trucks. It was love at first sight for us when we tried their raspberry frose with estate grown mint and the truck from 167 Raw.
Cru: Stylish hot spot, right on the water, offering a sophisticated raw bar and a very happening cocktail scene.
Dune: A fabulous date night spot with an exotic quartzite bar, charming patio, an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines and a farm to table menu of seasonal goodness. We will take the Caeser salad and grey lady oysters please.
Galley Beach: an awesome spot to end the day, toes in sand with cocktails and shared plates.
Jack and Charlie’s: While everyone will tell you to go to Juice for ice cream, we are telling you to go to Jack and Charlie’s… trust us!
Lemon Press: Grab an go smoothies and fresh pressed juices.
Lola 41: Chic hot spot that draws crowds craving their sushi and bistro menu. They recently unveiled their latest outpost in Palm Beach, Florida. Do not skip their rolls or truffle fries. Sounds weird , we know… but it works!
Pearl: Seafood with an innovative asian fusion twist. Sichuan Pork Dumplings, Lobster Wok, Tuna Tartare… yum!
Pizzeria Gemelle: Playful brick oven pizzeria serving up classics and creatives as well as salads & house-made gelatos. Order the Annabella: mozz, sliced guanciale, black truffle and cracked egg. You are most welcome.
Provisions: Hands down the best sandwich shop on island. We could seriously eat their tomato mozzarella with balsamic sandwich for lunch everyday.
Seasons: New American seasonal foods & over 500 American-made wines, served by candlelight. Reserve a table in the patio garden well in advance to up the romance game.
Straight Wharf: Summer seafood classics paired with wine on a waterfront porch.
The Beet: Best chopped salads for lunch on the go.
The Chicken Box: Unpretentious roadhouse with regular concerts (jazz, blues, rock) billard tables, ping pong & darts.
The Gas Light: Live music destination featuring local, regional and national acts, seven nights a week in the summer.
Ventuno: Under their trellis of vines, locals mingle with the summer crowd over delicious red wines, Italian-inspired fare and cured meats. We love their Spaghetti alle Vongole and Roast Half Chicken.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING HERE: 1.5 hours south of Boston and 3.5 hours north of NYC by car.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: June-September and in December for Christmas Stroll.
IDEAL TRAVELER: Families, couples, groups of friends or ladies weekend.
P.S. Nantucket offers miles of scenic bike trails and paved paths that take you to every corner of the island, from beautiful beaches to lighthouses and historic sites. The 15-mile Triple Crown path follows along Nantucket Harbor, Nantucket Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. Starting in town, the 28-mile East Side Trail takes you to the best beaches and lighthouses, past Surfside Beach, Sconset Beach, and Sankaty Head lighthouse and up to Altar Rock with a sweeping view of the island.
Email info@mapps.com to start planning your next trip to Nantucket.