When it comes to New England resort towns, Natkit is often considered the pinnacle of East Coast summer resorts (or, we dare say, the Big White Whale). This is a suitable reputation considering Nantucket was originally the capital of whaling in the world (and its role in the center) Moby-Dick). However, as whaling began to decline in the late 19th century, the island became a popular resort. Today, Nantucket is known as the preparatory playground on the Atlantic Ocean – the coastal grandmother aesthetics flourished on the island and became popular on Tiktok.
Nantucket is nearly impossible to reach, but its relative inaccessibility can only further emphasize its exclusiveness. As of 1969, Newport could be reached via the bridge (Cape of Cod) (though there is Route 6 traffic), while the nearest rival Martha’s Vineyard is just 7 miles from the Massachusetts coast. By comparison, Nantucket is 30 miles from the sea, or about two hours of traditional ferries. Although direct flights to the island have expanded in recent years, this constant fog has often hindered air travelers by the nickname “Grey Lady”. (This has not stopped the growing fleet of private jets at the Nantucket Memorial.)
However, on nantucket you accept the chaos of the elements (fog, rain, Atlantic wind), which is part of the experience. You will truly feel yourself when you land on the island Arrivedenter a veritable paradise surrounded by miles of ocean and an acre of Golden Beach. Most of the beauty of Nantucket comes from its simplicity: purple hydrangea-lined gray shingle cottages, sandy bushes, beach grasses passing through the sea-green beach grass. Uniform charming architecture is designed – as a national historic landmark, every home is subject to building regulations. As a result, Nantucket-style cedar shingles and pitched roofs dominate, and the quaint cobbled streets draw East Coast elites from Washington, D.C. to Boston for yearly pilgrimage.
Many seasonal residents avoided the crowded summer season and chose other peak (non-peak) times of the year, including scallop season, which brought scallop balls in early October, as well as Christmas walks in December and Daffodil Festival in April. However, there is still a wild magic that is waiting to be discovered in the summer, and its wind-blowing beauty can best appreciate the annoying crowd. (This is not the Hamptons, so try not to wrap social climbing on the South Fork of Long Island in social climbing.)
My journey to Nantucket has evolved over the years, from high school sailing trips to college party weekends to Slumming in the house sharing to the guest cabins of family and friends. I visited twelve times in all seasons and settings and compiled the best dining spots on Nantucket. The island may be only 14 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, but it’s enough for weekend explorers to spend much more time than Thursday to Monday. After one visit, you already want to come back.
