And, what city guides do you want to see us do here on LaurenConrad.com next?
Xx
Allison
What to Do…
Berry and cherry flavored frozen Sangria at Cisco Brewery
Bike ride from city to ‘Sconset then walk the ‘Sconset Bluff
If you would like to burn a few hours in the day or have a gorgeous morning run, I highly recommend renting bikes in town and riding the bike trail on Milestone Road all the way to ‘Sconset. The 8-mile trek will take you about 40 minutes, but it’s a great way to get active and moving. Then, pop into Claudette’s in the center of ‘Sconset’s little city for a bowl of their chowder, and keep the action going by taking a walk on the ‘Sconset Bluff trail. It will take you all the way to the Sankaty Head Lighthouse, which is a picturesque spot to relax for a while… Before starting the journey back!
Cruise the harbor with Endeavor Sailing
In my opinion, this is a Nantucket must. Grab a group of friends and call Endeavor Sailing to book an afternoon ride on the water. Captain Jim will fill you in on the history and geography of the island as you coast along, and I highly recommend you get on board with a chilled bottle of rosé if you’re sailing at happy hour.
White Elephant
In mid-July, White Elephant will make your jaw drop with their lawn of hundreds of blooming hydrangeas in every possible color. Aside from their landscaping, this hotel has much to offer–from their harbor views, to their convenient location close to town, to their restaurants and spa.
I hope you enjoyed reading a bit about my newest favorite vacation destination! As you can see, there’s a lot to be done on Nantucket, and it is just a starting point. Let me know if you have any Nantucket places you’d add to this list.
The seafood is fresh, the lobster roll is divine, and the live bluegrass music on Sunday and Tuesday nights makes for an all-around great time. Casual attire and good vibes are all you need.
Where is your favourite summer destination?
You truly can’t go wrong visiting one or more one of these gorgeous Nantucket beaches. With twisting wood paths and their tall seagrass, every one of them will provide you the quintessential New England beach experience.
Harborview Hotel
Just a few blocks from the center of town, but tucked away on its very own private Harbor Beach, Harborview Hotel perfectly blends being in the action, yet also being relaxing.
Lola Burger
Lola serves up one of the best burgers in town, and a mean batch of truffle fries. With its outdoor picnic tables and relaxed vibe, this restaurant is a great spot for a casual bite, and perfect for bringing the kiddos along too.
Juice Bar
The best spot for ice cream on the island. The flavors are good and the homemade waffle cones are even better. Be ready to wait in the line that wraps all the way around the corner during the summer months. It’s worth it.
Drive to Great Point Light
Within minutes of being on Nantucket, you’ll notice that the signature vehicle of the island is an older, charming Jeep (usually a roofless one in a fun, bright color). Make like a local and rent a Jeep for the day (they’re usually $20 a day from several rental places in town) and take a drive to Great Point Lighthouse. You’ll want to rent one with 4-wheel drive because part of the drive is on the sand. This lighthouse is harder to get to than others on the island, which makes it a special bucket list excursion to add to your itinerary. Don’t forget to pack a picnic with rosé and have lunch by the lifeguard tower.
Published at Wed, 06 Sep 2017 13:51:13 +0000
Summer House
One of few hotels located in ‘Sconset, the quieter west end of the island, Summer House places their guests directly on the beach with a fabulous restaurant and pool on the property to boot. Nightly entertainment is provided by the piano bar on the shore with the sound of waves crashing in the background. Under one of the umbrellas at the beach, camp out throughout the day or have a neighborhood walk through the area that is charming. Just don’t forget your camera–chances are you will want to capture.
Now that we’ve got the history of Nantucket behind us, let’s dive into the fun part: What to do, see, eat and more! After seeing Nantucket double this summer (I’m telling you, the romance is actual… Even our editor-in-chief Lauren was obscured by the ACK bug!) , I decided to put together a comprehensive guide that will help you plan your trip to this charming East Coast island. In the streets of ‘Sconset, to the shingled homes on Cliff Road, to the buzzing restaurants and bars in town, this guide covers all the basics and then some. If you’re looking to visit a place you will want to return to again and again, then be sure to bookmark this post (or Pin the photos below to your Pinterest travel board) and revisit it when you’re planning your next summer vacation…
Cru
This waterfront hot spot in town sits directly on the dock overlooking the boat basin and boasts one of the best lobster rolls in town (which is saying something in Nantucket). Come here for chilled oysters from the raw bar or on date with friends for a weekend brunch that is rosé.
- Ladies Beach — Surf’s up! Head to this shore when there’s swell, if you’re traveling with surfers. And dogs are welcome too–just make sure you bring a leash.
- Jetties Beach — When you’ve had enough salt and sun, visit the restaurant and pub Sandbar on top of the shore and order their fried lobster and summer frosé.
- ‘Sconset Beach — Located just below Summer House, you can take a nap under one of their white umbrellas on this peaceful stretch of sand.
- Steps Beach — The picturesque view of wooden staircases that leads you down to the ocean is not to be missed.
Pristine white sand and umbrellas out front at Summer House
Where to Shop…
Candy-colored clothing on display at CJ Laing’s ‘Sconset boutique
- Milly & Grace — This adorable boutique carries everything from Rebecca Taylor into Joie to hard-to-find Dragon Diffusion Bags.
- Salt Boutique — Run with a girl who grew up on Nantucket, Salt Boutique has a boho vibe and a assortment of must-have bits that appeal to all age ranges.
- CJ Laing — This beautifully curated boutique will have you adding their straw bags and embroidered caftans for your wish list ASAP. They have places in town and in ‘Sconset, so you can shop on both sides of the island.
- Peter Beaton Hat Studio — Pop into this special Nantucket store for a Peter Beaton straw hat with a ribbon color of your choice. It will surely become your favorite summer accessory.
Rose-covered archway in ‘Sconset
Don’t miss the blue and white tiled showers, the fabulously cozy-yet-chic bar or Chef Marcus Gleadow-Ware’s restaurant within the hotel (order the beef carpaccio to start, the diver scallops as your main, and the lemon meringue for dessert).
Sankaty Head Lighthouse at the end of the ‘Sconset Bluff trail
Where to Beach…
Lifeguards on watch at ‘Sconset Beach
Galley Beach
Heading to the island to celebrate a special occasion? You will want to call ahead to make a reservation at Galley Beach, such as ASAP. This breathtaking restaurant originally started on Cliffside Beach, and has now evolved into one of the restaurants in New England. Here you can sip on champagne and eat butter filet mignon with your feet in the sand at your table that is beachside.
Have a frozen sangria at Cisco Brewery
One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday or Sunday is by hopping on the free Cisco Brewery shuttle in town and heading out to the brewery. Enjoy beer, wine and whiskey tastings from local distilleries and vineyards while a live band plays music next to picnic tables. And it’s a good idea to come hungry… Local restaurants Millie’s and Lobster Trap have food trucks that serve up delicious fare. P.S. Don’t pass up the frozen sangria Nantucket Vineyard on a hot summer day here.
When I first read this sentence that begins Peter Gott’s photography book Summer Windows of ‘Sconset, I felt that it couldn’t describe Nantucket any better. The island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, which is just a 30-minute flight (or a 1.5-hour ferry ride) from the coast of Boston has charm on every corner, almost 400 years’ worth of rich American history, and so much to offer as a summer vacation destination. This New England treasure was founded in 1641 as a transport and whaling city, and it attracts flocks of travelers from all over the world to appreciate quaint city attractions and its harbors, beaches in the summer season.
Millie’s
Take a 180-degree turn out of ‘Sconset and head out to the east side of Nantucket that’s known for its booming fishing scene, and you’ll eventually find yourself at a favorite spot of the island locals called Millie’s. Come on a weekend night to enjoy the live music.
Photos: Instagram through @allison_norton
Where to Dine…
Double scoops in Juice Bar’s famous waffle cone
Cottages across the Nantucket Harbor
Source: CelebrityChefs
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