Travel

Travel Guide: A Local's Guide to Nantucket

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7 years ago

Hi Everyone,

To kick off our Beach Aerial 30% off Sale, I'm so excited to introduce you all to a very special and extra informed contributor today, Holly Finigan of Nantucket blACKbookfor today's Nantucket Travel GuideI had the great pleasure of meeting her during my trip last July and we totally hit it off! I knew that she had to contribute to the blog as soon as I was ready to release the new aerials. Needless to say, she did not disappoint, so without further delay...lets sail away withHolly!

Gray Malin On The Grey Lady? That made this island girl oh so happy!

Hi guys! Miss blACKbook here of Nantucket blACKbook and I’m going to give you the inside scoop on how to enjoy my favorite island! Nantucket (or ACK as it's known from its airport code) is a stunning little oasis, located thirty miles out to sea and consistently rated one of the best islands (with some of the best beaches!) in the world. So get ready to savor the “Grey Lady” like a blACKbook would with this Top Twenty List.

6 HOT SPOTS TO DINE

Nantucket is a foodie lovers paradise with more world class restaurants in a small town than you’ll know what to do with. My advice? Dine out often and book a trip back as soon as your vacay is finished. Here are six highlights when it comes to the culinary scene.

LOLA 41 ~ A global bistro with a sushi bar and the “best burger on the planet”? Yep, that’s what you’ll find at island favorite LoLa 41… Celebrating over 10 years AND open year round, LoLa is a chic staple in the dining scene with an awesome soundtrACK and sexy lighting. Take note… they only take reservations day of at 4PM at the door during summer, so be ready to wait in line.

PEARL ~ this beloved Nantucket restaurant is home to the most incredible wok fried lobster entree that you will ever experience. A fusion of Asian flavors will thrill your taste buds, and be sure to check out their three private dining areas. The Pink Room and Vintage Room are perfect for festive dinner parties and group events and the original “Chef's Table” in the Pearl garden is the ultimate private dining spot in my blACKbook.

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NAUTILUS ~ Getting a reservation at the Nautilus is no easy feat, but worth it… trust me. Mastering the mix of Latin and Asian small plates and large feasts, you’ll love to get Nauti with this island gem. My advice? Get to the bar early, try out some of their innovative cocktails and be sure to get the riblets, the tuna poke and the crab fried rice. Watching their bartenders is one of the best ways to get inspired about your next libation. The Nauti Dog can give you a good buzz AND help you ward off scurvy with all that fresh grapefruit.

CRU ~ There is no view like the one you get down at CRU while you sip your Whispering Angel and snack on the largest selection of oysters on the island. You’ll feel like you’re dining in an stunning yacht AND you will have front row seats to the most spectacular harbor gazing as well! This is one of the best lunch spots on island. The service is impeccable and the bar is always a hotspot for diners and drinkers alike.

VENTUNO ~ Farm To Fork Italian at its ACK Finest. I can’t say enough good things about this restaurant located in the iconic building at 21 Federal. Start your meal out with some of the Morsi’s (like the pork sausage stuffed olives that have been lightly fried! They give you five but I could eat fifty.) Be sure to get the meatballs, a Ventuno staple. All the primi pastas are made in house and the Secondi’s are second to none… order the chicken! Finally, finish off this stellar Italian meal with the bombolocini… semi sweet chocolate stuffed donuts that have been lightly fried served with house made coffee gelato… like breakfast for dessert!

SANDBAR ~ newly rebranded and a perfect spot for a frosé(ask Gray, he loved it!) This ideal location, Jettie's Beach, is the best place to have your toes in the sand as you sip on a cold Corona and nosh some fresh fish tacos! Got kids? This is the best place to take them for beachside lunch or a sunset in the sand.

5 SWEET SPOTS TO SHOP

In need of some retail therapy? Nantucket is stACKed with a plethora of fresh and unique boutiques that will have you shopping from noon to night! On Nantucket, you'll enjoy a selection of fab stores ladies will love, that are great for guys, and perfect to make your house beautiful! Here are five favorites.

MILLY & GRACE ~ fabulously feminine, this ivy covered store is a gorgeous spot for beautiful clothing, festive hostess gifts and stylish home decor…. BONUS: you can find Gray Malin’s signature Nantucket prints on the walls here!

CJ LAING ~ A Nantucket and Palm Beach staple, CJ Laing is a beautiful mix of resort-wear that flows from the cobblestone streets to city chic. Currently we are obsessing over the fact that they have Joey Wolffer bags in their stores and on their online shop!

BODEGA ~ Travel inspired meets coastal living with this well curated home and lifestyle boutique. This is always my favorite for soft bedding, textured living spaces and a super cool selection of jewelry and bags from around the globe!

MURRAY’S TOGGERY SHOP ~ ever heard of the Nantucket Red? That infamous color is found in real life in pants, shorts and more at the one and only Murray’s Toggery Shop on 62 Main Street! The mens selection of clothing and accessories is second to none and I love how this shop is celebrating over 70 years of business out here… family owned and operated and an island institution!

CURRENT VINTAGE ~ vintage clothes meets vintage wine! This boutique, toasting to its 10th year on ACK is the perfect mix of Lilly & Pucci, and one of the most original shops I’ve ever been to. (It’s no wonder why it was Drew Barrymore’s fav place when she came to the island!) Owner Beth English spends her winters finding vintage clothing and tasting at cool vineyards so she can bring bACK her new favorites to our little island.

5 SPECTACULAR SPACES TO STAY

I always tell people, you never want to just come over to Nantucket for a day trip... the full Nantucket experience is best when you have the nights to soak in the feeling of island time and savor that fresh island air. Here in my STAY section, I’ve got 5 spots, perfect for you, whether you're coming out here on a romantic weekend for two, looking for a vacation rental for family and friends, or searching for a place to rent out to have a reunion or wedding.

76 MAIN ~ This Lark property is the ultimate B&B in my blACKbook. Located right at the top of Main Street, this spot boasts both rooms and one bedroom cottages on site and offers a delicious homemade breakfast as well as an evening BYOB bar in the courtyard where they set up the chasers, you just bring the booze!

COTTAGES AT THE BOAT BASIN ~ Want to bring your dog with you to explore Nantucket? Good thing we’ve got the Cottages at the Boat Basin. These pet friendly “Woof” Cottages come with unique setups and feel like you’re genuinely sleeping in a boat as you fall asleep to the sound of the ocean below. BONUS: each cottage comes with a full kitchen for those that want to make their own meals!

WAUWINET ~ the only Relaix & Chateaux Property on the island, The Wauwinet is a true island retreat. If you’re really looking to get away from it all, this stunning inn has five star service in a setting that cannot be beat. Honeymooners? This is the ultimate R&R hideaway if you ask me.

HARBORVIEW NANTUCKET ~ Located just on the outskirts of town, these one, two and three bedroom luxury cottages offer stunning views of the island in an oh so convenient address. I love how they have their own private beach with paddleboards and kayaks as well as lounge chairs … it’s like your own mini Nantucket resort!

THE COPLEY GROUP NANTUCKET~ Searching for that ideal weeklong home rental? The Copley Group Nantucket has a charming collection of properties on the island with homes throughout some of the most sought after locations. From four bedroom homes along Surfside to poolside paradises on Pleasant Street, these please are awesome for couples, families and Nantucket reunions.

4 NANTUCKET NAMES TO NOTE

CISCO BREWERY: Aptly located very close to Cisco Beach, the islands only Brewery, Distillary and Vineyard. A must for afternoon libations, live music, food trucks, and sweet swag. Kid and dog friendly.

THE BOX: the most infamous live music spot on the island. This summer alone we saw Ziggy Marley, Blues Traveler, Citizen Cope and The Revivalists play on stage. Place is legendary.

SIASCONSET: The only other “town” on Nantucket. Like something out of a storybook. Rose covered cottages, seaside mansions, two golf courses and one stunning lighthouse make the 02564 a seriously special spot.

HAPPY PLACE: My new shop and events space located mid island next to Island Kitchen. Come visit for the Happy Place swag and stay for the ever evolving rotation of new pop-ups and trunk shows that come in! It’s the island’s modern travel agency meets the new retail experience!

Thank you so much Holly!! I want to go back literally RIGHT NOW so that I can try everything I missed last time.As always, thank YOU ALL for following along, and I truly hope you enjoyed this insiders guide to Nantucket. Be sure keep up with Holly here as well as stop into HAPPY PLACE and say hello to Holly when you're in Nantucket! No matter where you are in Nantucket, though be sure toshare a few sips of rosé & a joyful cheers for all thebeauty around you.

xx

GM