A Weekend in Nantucket

Taking the ferry from Hyannis

J and I just got back from a few nights in Nantucket and like always, it was magic. Originally booked for the Thursday morning ferry we ended up delaying until Friday because of a threatening hurricane that cancelled all the ferries. The ride was a little choppy but the sun in my face, wind in my hair, and excitement of being back on the island was enough to take my mind off of it. 

Friends of ours rented a house for the month of August so we were lucky to have our own little suite in the most quintessential Nantucket home walking distance to downtown and a few different beaches. Previously, we’ve stayed in Tom Nevers and Scionset, two neighborhoods that are a bit of a drive from downtown, quiet and sleepy. This trip was more lively since we were just a short walk from the bustling downtown. Nantucket in August is a vibe and we checked all our boxes like a martini at Cru, walk to Jetties beach, and sunset at Galley Beach. 

What we enjoyed: 

Saturday Farmers Market- this was my second time to the market, and it’s just the sweetest. It’s a nice mix of produce (where we did our Sunday dinner shopping) and local artists selling their goods. It’s tucked on a little cobble stone street by the Gaslight. 

The Ships Inn: 

This is the place where when you tell a local you’re going there they say something along the lines of “ahhh, that’s a classic local’s spot”. It was great. An Inn on the top few floors, we dined in the white washed and candle lit basement. The service was great and food and wine matched. I had the lobster bisque (perfect) and we had a bunch of dishes to share like the Caesar Salad (one of the best I’ve had) and polenta with hot buttery lobster. The restaurant is reminiscent of Tio Pepe in Baltimore (but New England, not Spanish)- old school, candle lit, white washed walls, basement dining, formal but familiar. As soon as I laid eyes on the small boat-shaped bar tucked away in the corner I shot a look to Jeff, who declared it “his spot to hide away” if we ever come back. 

Galley Beach: 

We reserved a table in the sand for sunset which was awesome. The views and vibes are immaculate. Be prepared that everyone from the restaurant will come out for their sunset photoshoot (and stand right in between you and the sunset) but it’s still worth it and once the sun goes down the views are still immaculate. We then went under the porch for dinner which was SO good. I had the filet mignon and shared the lobster fried rice with my friend. Big meals and a couple bottles of wine (and $1,000) later we were rolling out of there. It’s a bit pricey but worth it for a fun and beautiful night out. 

Or the Whale: 

A few years ago we came here and had a phenomenal dinner- tomahawk steak with potatoes and shaved brussels- equipped with the butter drenched rosemary bundle to rub all over it. We were excited to go back to see if it lived up to its hype in our minds- spoiler alert- it did! The menu starters stole the show. We had the fried calamari (so good we ordered a second), tuna tostadas (my favorite bite), and the korean chicken wings (extra crispy). The food was delicious- definitely a place to add to your list! 

Brotherhood of Thieves

We had lunch here on day one and it was a great casual place to kick off the weekend. We sat on their patio and I had sushi and a Spicy Watermelon Margarita. The food was solid, service was great and they have lots of seating to get a reservation. 

Straight Wharf Fish Market

This is on the main wharf but tucked back a bit and such a good find! There is a fish market up front but in the back is a small dining room and outdoor porch that sits right on the water. I had Tuna Tartar and Caviar Onion Rings (I mean, come onnnnn). We also got a lobster roll and a couple salads which were great. ProTip: It’s not on the menu but if you get the shaved brussel and kale salad you can add a big scoop of lobster salad.

Drinks

We had drinks at the newly opened Billies- a high end steak house that was gorgeous and the menu looked amazing. We also stopped in for Crucomber Martinis at Cru (a must) and a pre dinner drink to see our friend Johnny B at Ventuno. Another favorite is a class of rose or a cocktail on the lawn at The White Elephant. And last but not least, no trip to Nantucket is complete without a drink at The Club Car. 

If you have the chance to visit Nantucket- do it! I’d say spend at least 3 nights (but the longer the better!), visit the beaches and just relax and walk around town. 

We mostly stayed in town on this trip but other recommendations for things we’ve done in the past: 

• Head out to Sconset to walk around and drool over the architecture and hydrangeas. Get a sandwich at Claudettes, do the Bluff Walk, have dinner at Chanticleer. 

• Stop at Roastd for awesome coffee and Bartlett Farms to pick up some provisions. 

• Visit Sankaty Lighthouse

• If you want the sunset view but not at Galley Beach prices, Millies is a good place to eat!

• Cisco Brewery- fun, lively, day drink with a live band vibe. Can get crowded but it’s fun. 

• Eat at Toppers and have a drink on the lawn at the Wauwinet

• Take a boat ride or drive your car on the beach for a beach BBQ