The Nantucket Travel Guide | Tuckernuck
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The Nantucket Travel Guide

By Tuckernuck on

Nantucket is an island off of Cape Cod, MA and epitomizes the idyllic summer New England town. While known to many for an amazing restaurant scene, unique boutique shopping and perfect shingled houses surrounded by blooming hydrangeas and manicured hedges, we love the fog-covered "Grey Lady" for her natural beauty and all of the activities she has to offer. Here is our bucket list and guide from 30+ years of summer, fall and holiday seasons on island. - Maddy & Jocelyn, Co-Founders & Sisters.

The Nantucket Bucket List

Where to Eat: Breakfast

The Downyflake

18 Sparks Avenue

An institution, The Downyflake has a diner vibe and "to-die-for" doughnuts. We love the simple plain flavor.

Black-Eyed Susan's

10 India Street

A charming cafe in town with great omelettes, pancakes and classic breakfast options.

Born & Bread

35 N Centre Street

This is our go-to for freshly baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

Lemon Press

41 Main St.

Starting your day off here means starting your day right with healthy eats and a yummy cup of coffee or matcha. We especially love the energizing smoothies. Get the TB12!

Where to Eat: Lunch

Provisions

3 Harbor Square

A mainstay since 1973, this is the spot for delicious sandwiches reminiscent of seaside summers. Bonus: they have gluten free bread!

Bartlett's

33 Bartlett Farm Rd

Bartlett's Farm is Nantucket's oldest and largest family-owned farm offering fresh locally grown vegetables, groceries, flowers & plants. We love their chicken and lobster salads.

The Green Market

4 India St

This is your one-stop store for a wide range of easy and healthy takeout options.

The Soda Fountain

45 Main St

This old-school 1929 soda fountain serves the best grilled cheeses, bringing you right back to your favorite childhood days.

Cru Oyster Bar

1 Straight Wharf

Located in an iconic spot on the water where many boats dock, Cru has great oysters, seafood towers, drinks and ambiance. Spend a day shopping and end up here, and also come back for a great nightlife scene.

Bar Yoshi

21 Old South Wharf

For great sushi and poke bowls, put your name down here and shop around while you wait for your table or your takeout.

Something Natural

50 Cliff Road

A bakery and sandwich shop, this is our favorite place to pick up sandwiches made on the must-have herb bread baked daily in house.

Claudette's Sandwich Shop

10 Main Street Siasconset, MA

In the town of Sconset, this sandwich shop makes a special sauce we can't resist. Stop for lunch and walk the bluff after biking out via the Polpis bike path.

Where to Eat: Dinner

American Seasons

80 Centre Street

Island favorite, chef Neil Ferguson brings 25 years of Paris, London and New York City experience to Nantucket. Focusing on seasonal, local and thoughtfully prepared ingredients, the menu is always changing and incredibly tasty. Enjoy dinner in a charming yet rustic, farm decor setting.

Galley Beach

54 Jefferson Ave

Quintessential Nantucket, Galley Beach restaurant offers an exceptional (although very expensive!) American menu surrounded by walls of windows and views of the ocean. Watch the sunset with a cocktail in the sand at their beach bar, whether you’re dining there afterwards or not.

Chanticleer

9 New Street, Siasconset, MA

Originally opened as a small tea house at the turn of the century, The Chanticleer is now one of the premier restaurants on Nantucket. One of the most romantic destinations on the island, you may linger over an intimate lunch in the rose garden or come together with family and friends for a convivial dinner in one of the personal dining rooms. Eat al fresco on warm evenings!

Oran Mor

2 South Beach StreetA Nantucket restaurant on the second floor of a historic, charming house, Oran Mor celebrates the island's finest seasonal dishes, handcrafted cocktails and select wines.

Topper's At The Wauwinet

120 Wauwinet Road

This is one of our favorite elegant spots with upscale East Coast fare and lots of wine options.

Straight Wharf

6 Harbor Square

We love coming here for classic coastal dishes with a water view.

Le Languedoc Bistro

24 Broad St

Always inviting anytime of year, this French-influenced spot has both a changing menu and classic staples. Get a delicious burger at a good price!

Dune

24 Broad St

Modern chic meets casual comfort. Classic, fresh, and charming, Dune is in the heart of historic Nantucket. You'll feel like you can eat there every night! We love the swordfish dish.

The food in Nantucket really is unbelievable. Menus often feature New England lobster, fish tacos, cod, halibut and fresh salads. The Nantucket Bay scallops are uniquely found in the Nantucket waters, so we highly recommend you order those and anything else local.

Lola41

15 S Beach Street

A chic hot spot with a global menu featuring sushi, cocktails & gourmet burgers. We recommend the tuna burger and truffle fries if you aren't in to sushi.

The Nautilus

12 Cambridge Street

A rustic local hot spot, The Nautilus serves inventive cocktails and global seafood-centric dishes.

Sister Ship

29 Centre Street

Inspired by travels around the Mediterranean, Sister Ship has a lively bar, private dining rooms, and great seafood dishes. We love sitting outside for cocktails or dinner in the coastal-inspired courtyard.

Sconset Cafe

8 Main St

This quaint shingle restaurant is available for dining in and taking out, and is a great casual option for classic summer dishes.

Where to Eat: Family-Friendly

Millie's

326 Madaket Road

Located in Madaket, Millie's is a great spot to watch the sunset on the second floor while sipping on margaritas and eating fish tacos, steak quesadillas or blackened salmon salad. We go here often, as it's a delicious and laid-back spot for families and ideal for spotting Tuckernuck Island.

Sandbar Jetties Beach

4 Bathing Beach Road

Sandbar at Jetties Beach offers the quintessential beachfront Nantucket experience — with a spacious, open-air restaurant and bar and plentiful seating in the surrounding sand. Enjoy a fresh raw bar, delicious burgers, sandwiches, and seafood.

167 Raw

167 Hummock Pond Road

A great post-beach spot to sit outside with fish tacos, fried oysters, or lobster rolls. You can also buy wine and fresh fish to grill at home!

Steamboat Pizza

10 Broad Street

This is takeout only, so grab pizza pies here and have a picnic on the beach. We recommend Children's Beach, which often has concerts!

Where to Go Out: Nightlife

The Gaslight

3 N Union Street

This spot has a great atmosphere with live music. This is also a great dinner spot, so go on the earlier side for a great menu.

The Chicken Box

16 Dave Street

This is a classic, unfussy go-to spot with regular live music and games in the back.

Club Car

1 Main Street

Stop by this retrofitted railway car with a lively bar.

Back Bar At Ventuno

21 Federal Street

This is the hip little sister of Ventuno restaurant, and the best spot to sip Italian wines.

Post-dinner fun can be found at the piano bars at the Club Car or The Gaslight in town. For a more rowdy nightcap, we recommend the famous dance spot the Chicken Box, where you will often find a live band and a long line. For a more elevated experience, Back Bar at Ventuno offers an intimate setting with authentic wines.

Where to Shop

Milly & Grace

2 Washington Street

A quaint, upscale boutique selling womens clothing from brands like Rebecca Taylor and Joie, Milly & Grace is owned by two sisters who are absolutely lovely. From cashmere ruanas, to jewelry, home decor & gifts, you'll be sure to find something you love.

The Skinny Dip

23 Old South Wharf

The Skinny Dip on Nantucket is a collective concept store housing a well-­curated mix of mens, womens and lifestyle brands, with a focus on introducing fresh and new designers from around the country.

Erica Wilson

25 Main Street

Her famed needlework and fashion collections for women of all ages make Erica Wilson Nantucket an important destination for islanders and visitors alike. Featuring contemporary apparel brands and unique accessories, her style is laid back chic with an eclectic twist.

The Lovely

11 Washington Street

We love this boutique for unique womens brands that offer current clothing and accessories, especially from brands similar to ours like Banjanan, Pink City Prints, and Natalie Martin.

Serenella 44

Serenella 44 is the owners concept store and second location. It is a shopping destination for its modern, on-trend, and always high-quality styles.

Gypsy

This boutique curates high-end brands and luxury finds.

Clorinda Antinori

Treat yourself to any of these pairs of beautifully handmade Italian shoes. You won’t regret it! 

Monelle

A womens and childrens lifestyle boutique, Monelle is exclusive to Nantucket and Newport and feels totally right for the island.

Eye Of The Needle

14 Federal St # 3

This boutique has been around for more than 40 years, and remains a go-to for fun and seasonal clothing.

Current Vintage

4 Easy Street

This is a hidden gem for one-of-a-kind wine, cheese, gifts, and even vintage clothing.

Murray's Toggery

62 Main Street

The most iconic shop on the island, Murray's is a family owned clothing store that has been open since 1945. Home of the original Nantucket Reds and many exclusive designs with Nantucket icons, this is where we recommend you buy something to remember your stay on the Grey Lady.

Nantucket Bookworks

25 Broad Street

This charming and quaint bookstore has been an island institution since 1972.

The boutiques on Nantucket feature many unique designers and are fabulous for clothing, gifts and home decor shopping. There is also a fantastic artist community on island. Head over to Osana's Auction house or the Nantucket Artist's association for antiques and original artwork.

Centre Pointe

28 Centre Street

Centre Point offers a fresh perspective on coastal chic living, with a collection of home goods, jewelry, gifts, and artwork. This is the perfect destination to find a little piece of Nantucket to bring home.

Nomad

17 Centre Street

This curated collection of textiles and home goods was born out of a love of travel and is sourced from around the world. If you're looking for something truly unique, this is the place to go.

Force 5 Water Sports

6 N Union Street

This is a one-stop shop for all of your beach needs, from surfboards to bathing suits and flip flops.

Sunken Ship

12 Broad Street

Go here for your yearly beach toy run!

Pinwheels

A charming childrens store on the island, Pinwheels offers clothing, toys and accessories.

The Atlantic

The Atlantic offers an assortment of art, antiques, accessories, apparel and jewelry. With an attention to artistry and craftsmanship, the owner Colleen is an exceptional curator.

Nantucket Looms

Since 1968, Nantucket Looms has offered handmade throws, handwoven gifts, artisanal goods, home decor, and artwork.

Bodega

Blending timeless and trendy, Bodega is a frequent destination for the design savvy, searching for rare items that are both new and vintage.

Where to Stay

White Elephant Nantucket

50 Easton Street

An island landmark, the iconic White Elephant has been named among the finest luxury hotels on Nantucket Island for decades. Edging the harbor, White Elephant is steps from Children's Beach, the Brant Point Lighthouse, and Nantucket Town.

Wauwinet

120 Wauwinet Road

A blend of charm and sophistication, The Wauwinet is a seaside refuge with breathtaking views, historic architecture, and luxury amenities for the perfect hotel stay on Nantucket Island. As Nantucket's only member of Relais & Châteaux hotels, this historic inn is known worldwide for its outstanding cuisine, and accommodations.

Greydon House

17 Broad Street

Come experience this exquisite boutique hotel in Nantucket’s downtown historic district with 20 uniquely appointed luxurious rooms and suites and an internationally inspired and very lively bar and restaurant. Greydon House weaves the warmth and comfort of a village inn with the many eclectic and worldly touches for today’s generation of sophisticated travelers.

Faraway

29 Centre Street

Inspired by the maritime adventures of an exotic captain, Faraway offers a guest room experience with light, airy, and coastal details. Complete with objets d'art, unique textiles, and cherished treasures, a whole Grey Lady-esque story unfolds within the walls of the hotels classic 200-year-old New England architecture.

There are so many affordable boutique inns on the island, but these are just some of our favorites. The Wauwinet and The White Elephant are two classic options.

What to Do

Get Ice Cream At The Juice Bar

Get the green monster, trust us.

Beach Day At Southside Beaches

Spend a day in the sand and swimming in the salty waves at one of the southside beaches. We love Ladies Beach.

Drive To Great Point

Take a drive to the northernmost edge of Nantucket, and one of the first visible signs of the island when traveling by ferry. First built in 1784, Great Point Lighthouse has been destroyed and restored twice. It is said to be the most powerful light in New England, as it still aids mariners' navigation as it flashes every five seconds!

Bike To Sconset Village

Take the bike path to end up at Sankaty Lighthouse, grab lunch at Claudette's and then do the famous Bluff Walk. You'll love the extra charming fisherman's vibe of historic Sconset Village.

Do the Iconic Sconset Bluff Walk

End up at Sankaty Lighthouse and explore the surrounding charming fisherman's village.

Take a Boat Ride

We recommend Shearwater Excursions for a cocktail cruise, or a morning Critter Cruise with kids.

Stop at Cisco Brewers

This is everyone's top spot for casual drinks, food, and music post-beach!

Explore Nantucket’s Nature Preserves

We love walking or jogging through Tupancy Links and Sanford Farms.

Cisco Brewers is a brewery, distillery, and winery. Our happy place on island, we often wind down after a beach day with a Whale's Tale or Blue Haired Lady cocktail to low key music. Biking the island via the Polpis bike path and exploring the charming town of Sconset is equally as fun for a more active day. Park your bikes by the market, grab a sandwich at Claudette's and walk to Sankaty Lighthouse (1 of 3 lighthouses on island) via the famous Bluff Walk.”

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