Nantucket Getaway

We were lucky to spend a weekend with a group of friends on Nantucket.  Nantucket is a small New England island off the coast of Massachusetts. Its beautiful beaches, cobblestoned streets, charming shops and excellent restaurants have made Nantucket a fun summer destination for many people.  You can get to Nantucket by ferries from Hyannis, New Bedford, or Harwich Port, MA. There are also ferries from New York City, but they operate in the summer only and are less frequent.  In addition, you can fly from Hyannis or Boston and other major cities such as New York City and Washington D.C.   Whether you are in Nantucket for a day trip (from Cape Cod), a weekend getaway, a week or even the entire summer, there is plenty to do.  Because of its popularity with well-heeled and jet set types, Nantucket can be quite costly to visit.  With the help of our very own Nantucket summer resident, we compiled the below list of things to do and where to eat.

While Nantucket is well known as a summer getaway, we visited Nantucket in mid-September.  We found the Island to be less crowded and therefore much easier to get a table at restaurants.  (Note that September is peak wedding season there).  The weather is gorgeous and refreshing, though evenings can be nippy.  We were also delighted to discover that boutique shops were having their end-of-season sales.  A great time to shop!

Fun Things to Do:

1.      For beaches, check out Surfside, Miacommet, and Cisco. Wauwinet requires a 4 wheel drive sticker.

2.      Rent a jeep and drive on the beach to a light house at Great Point. 

3.      Cookout on Coatue or Great Point.

4.      Paddle board and kayak at Monomoy beach.

5.      Eat oysters (Buck a chuck) at Jetties Beach.

6.      Taste local beers at dog-friendly Cisco Brewery while listening to live music and sampling delicious food from various food trucks.

7.      Watch sunset at Madaket Beach – bring drinks and snacks to beach.

Where to Eat: 

Breakfast:

1.     Downy Flake – local favorite for those in the know; cash only; homemade doughnuts (great for take away)

2.     Island Kitchen – ranked #1 and more upscale breakfast

3.     Fog Island – best huevos rancheros; extensive menu options (something for everyone)

4.     Wicked Island Bakery – get the morning buns (some people wait an hour for them!)

Cheap Eats:

1.     Crosswinds – at the airport, great food at a bargain

2.     Surfside shack – best burgers on the island

3.     Lola Burger – classic and specialty burgers

4.     Slip 14 – dockside, casual dining

5.     Brotherhood – great chowder and seafood, rustic ambience, but you want to sit downstairs

6.     Center Street Bistro – BYOB for dinner and great lunch

7.     Something Natural – great sandwiches, picnic tables outside, homemade breads

8.     Provisions – gourmet sandwiches and delicious scones; located in town  

9.     Henry Jr – grinders, homemade Portuguese rolls

10.   Kitty Murtagh – Irish pub

Mid-priced Eats:

1.     Town – outdoor tree bar, Asian cuisine and sushi

2.     Fusaro’s – Italian and family dining

3.     Black-Eyed Susan’s – BYOB, cash only

4.     Madaket Millie’s - good place to eat after watching sunset at Madaket beach

Fancy Eats:

1.     The Gallery – on the beach very expensive.  We like to go and get a drink and watch the sunset.

2.     Cru – quintessential Nantucket spot (we saw Martha Stewart had lunch here!)

3.     Dune – rustic and elegant ambience, best chef on the Island

4.     The White Elephant – fancy hotel restaurant

5.     The Nautilus – Asian inspired fares

6.     Sea Grille – rated #1 for seafood

7.     Company of the Cauldron – romantic setting, prix fixe menu

Drinks:

1.     Slip 14 – dockside, casual

2.     Town - tree bar

3.     Greydon House – upscale drinks

4.     Club Car – piano bar

5.     Chicken Box – dive bar with great bands; a ‘must’

6.     Cisco Brewery – local brewery with live music