Ahh Nantucket: A small island with a big impact. It’s a destination recognized worldwide, drawing huge crowds all summer long. It’s at once a movie backdrop and celebrity escape, and yet holds tight to it’s quaint ambiance.
A recent visit there, before Memorial Day but after the cold passed, helped me realize that it’s the little things that make Nantucket a big adventure.
And while you may find these suggestions busier in the summer months, seeking them out will still make your visit extra special.
A friend had told me I simply had to grab breakfast at The Downyflake on Sparks Avenue (https://www.thedownyflake.com) a family-owned diner that’s been a local fave for nearly 90 years.
It’s lovely and comfy, and the service and menu are great – but oh, those doughnuts.
Cooked fresh all day, they’re crusty and buttery on the outside, flaky on the inside and come in amazing flavors. You can choose to have one instead of toast, or add one (we proclaimed them breakfast appetizers and scarfed one down while waiting on our food. We also proclaimed them breakfast dessert because you cannot have just one). You can also grab a bunch to go.
I’m always drawn to independent book stores, so it’s no surprise I meandered into Mitchell’s Book Corner (https://www.mitchellsbookcorner.com) right on Main Street. In business since 1968, it’s a true book store, where the staff can give you recommendations and you just feel invited to browse.
I headed – as I often do – to the “local” section, where I like to find books that give me insight on wherever I’m visiting. Of course I’d read “In the Heart of the Sea,” perhaps Nathaniel Philbrick’s most famous title. So when I came across “Away Off Shore,” his very first book that digs into the long history of the island, I knew I’d found the right one.
I brought it back to our rental property (a quick walk from town), settled outside in the warm sun and cracked it open to find that it was signed. What a treat!
Galley Beach (https://galleybeach.net/home) on Jefferson Avenue does demand a bit from your wallet, but it’s gorgeous beachside dining that isn’t just about the view.
We savored amazing cocktails and meals (my Duck, Duck, Goose appetizer rates as perhaps the best first course I’ve ever had), all while watching the sun set into the ocean across the beautiful sand. You’ll need to reserve ahead of time as it’s super popular, but it’s so special, you’ll want to make the plans, set aside the time and carve out your budget for it.
On the more budget friendly side (Nantucket-wise), check out B-ACK Yard BBQ on Straight Wharf (https://ackbackyard.com) for amazing BBQ and more. We ordered out our first night and were amazed at not just the portion size (We chose “The Feedbag,” which serves three to five but provided us with leftovers for quite some time) and price (under $100 is pretty great for island prices), but also the quality.
We headed to their bar one night for an after dinner drink or two. Their cocktail menu is creative and delicious, and their bartenders attentive and enthusiastic.
Try not to use your car, not just because of traffic, but because of what you’ll miss by driving. The lovely flowers, the obvious pride homeowners take in their property, the cool side alleys and best of all, the clever home names make walking places a delight. If we were heading anywhere a mile or so or less, we always walked. And we’re glad of it.
Permission to wander through the beachside yards of amazing Nantucket homes? Yes, please. The ‘Sconset Bluff Foot Path is like no other. A narrow, simple unpaved path takes you along the high bluff and so close to front porches you almost want to ask for a coffee. I saw seals frolicking, beautiful blooms, amazing homes and – the big bonus at the walks end – the Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
There were little touches too, like the “shell joke garden” one homeowner set out. Read the joke and flip the shell for the punch line. My day, pre busy season, was quiet. I’m sure it’s busier in the summer and yet, it’s a must do.
Advice? Don’t drive there – parking is at a premium. Rather, rent a bike for a nice ride or take the well-run island bus (trust me; it’s convenient and clean).
