A first timers guide to Nantucket...

Nantucket is such a special place, so special that it can be easy to get cynical about this often crowded and always over priced vacation destination 30 miles out to sea. But if you know where to go and are willing to endure the crowds, you will absolutely feel like you are in your own Elin Hilderbrand movie.

Stay: Speaking of Elin…she has brought the island into the mainstream with her wildly successful romance novels often set on island. (I know… its obnoxious the first few times you hear it but then its just how people talk and you find yourself saying it too without rolling your eyes—-I am just giving you some practice getting used to it.) If you are a fan, you can stay in the hotel she writes about, The Nantucket Hotel!! I stay there because it’s central and the rooms feel like someone's guest house on the beach. It’s nice and new feeling and clean, but not pretentious at all, which is the Nantucket energy I am drawn to. It’s so close to town, has 2 pools, a spa, a restaurant, and the service is very warm and welcoming. They will drive you around the island and they’ll send you to the beach with beach chairs, towels, etc. They really go above and beyond. If you are going to rent a house, bring a car and get out of town. Go stay somewhere more quiet and be prepared to have a hard time finding parking when you go anywhere, but I think that a lot of Nantucket's magic is not in town so make sure you explore.

Coffee: While I wish it weren’t the case, Nantucket has the same problem as New York, nowhere opens early enough for me. Handlebar Cafe is the earliest at 7am, so that’s where I get my first cup or I head to the Hub on Main Street because it feels like a place you could have gone 25 years ago and they have actual iced coffee, not cold brew. Important! Yes, The Nantucket Hotel has lobby coffee but its not out very early so it’s a great second cup option.

Breakfast: Born & Bread has my favorite breakfast sandwich. There’s always a line out the door, every single morning and through the afternoon but IT. IS WORTH. IT. An egg and cheese sandwich on the butteriest grilled homemade sourdough is the key to my heart and apparently everyone else’s who’s on Island and in line. I went 30 min before it opened so I could be one of the first inside, worth it. You know I am already up and about!

Lunch: Provisions makes such a solid sandwich. It’s right by the ferry which makes it so easy, but honestly I’d go out of my way for it anyway. Their egg salad is so delicious, and the bread is impossibly soft. People also love Something Natural and Lemon Press.

Dinner: For a fancier night, Galley Beach is so lovely, you’re eating dinner with your toes literally in the sand. It feels like such a treat every time. The food is F. I. N. E. but the surroundings are 10/10. Toes in the sand!

Ice cream: Juice Bar always has a line, but it moves quickly, so don’t let that stop you. I get the peppermint stick flavor every single day I’m there(some times twice), it’s become a sweet little ritual of the trip. People will try and tell you it’s the same ice cream at other places, don’t listen.

Beaches: The hotel will shuttle you to Jetties Beach, which is easy and lively. You can’t lose with a beach on the island, they are all so beautiful and special. Last year we explored Stone’s Beach which was way out of town but SO nice. Pools are not the move here, even though it can be harder to navigate, force yourself to go to the beach.

Shopping: Honestly, every shop on this island is exciting and insanely chic. For Now is my favorite, they carry the cutest brands and gifts, and their own clothing line goes up to 2X. Megababe is stocked there too, so if you find yourself chafing while you’re on island, you’re covered. There’s also a new spot called The Makery where you can build your own hat and customize things like sweatshirts, bracelets, and vanity cases. I always stop into Lilly Pulitzer because we all know I’m a sucker for their prints and colors and they usually have pieces in an XXL in store. I love seeing the Nantucket pop up versions of so many of my favorite New York brands like Veronica Beard and Doen.

Dress Code: I realize that energy around how to dress on Nantucket feels like you need to arrive wearing an American flag sweater flanked over a gingham set, but I find that this look feels very touristy or costume-y. The locals are much more dressed down. Not sloppy, not unstyled, just more relaxed in the approach to island dressing. If you want to dress like a local, here are some things I would recommend:

This tee by Ayr only goes to XL but it fits us and it looks so good with a long skirt like this (which is on sale for only $51!) Pair with a cardigan around your shoulders or waist if it is breezy and a giant hat. No heels, no crazy fancy foot wear! The cobblestones will kill you. At night try a set like this with some big jewels like this and a wrap. An unfussy clutch like this as well.

Have the best time!!!