Like Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket has been on the bucket list for a while, especially after reading so many Elin Hilderbrand books. It was worth the hassle of getting there and a beautiful island with so many fun experiences.
Travel & Overview:
Smaller than Martha's Vineyard with one main town, the streets in town are a little more spread out which makes things like pushing a stroller easier! You know you're on Main Street when you see the cobblestone and if staying close to the heart of town, you can walk to most things.
Definitely on an island here - it was breezy and windy (I wore a headband a lot!) and could get much cooler at nights.
Stay:
Nantucket Hotel & Resort: This is where we stayed and it was a great spot. Walking distance into town, great for families with two pools, shuttle service to the beach and shuttle service to pickup your luggage at the ferry as well as cottages and hotel rooms.
White Elephant: Another great spot for families with hotels and cottages (and other locations around the island - lofts, inn) and right across from Children's Beach, walking distance into town.
Eat:
Millie's: Delicious Mexican food and worth the wait - our wait was about an hour but during normal summers they said 2-3 hour waits can be normal. You can walk to Madaket Beach to play or watch the sunset so it goes fast.
Brant Point Grille: Probably our favorite meal on Nantucket, the fresh tomato and burrata from Bartlett's Farm is amazing and the lobster mac and cheese is hard to pass up. Lots of open grass for kids to play (usually lawn games are out) and boats in the distance.
Something Natural: The best sandwiches - they are huge, we got whole sandwiches when we could barely eat half but very tasty. Lemonade/ice tea, chips, fresh cookies - great for a picnic - usually there are picnic tables outside there but we ate on our cottage porch.
Provisions: Great spot on the wharf for coffee, breakfast items and sandwiches.
Juice Bar: Always a wait and for good reason - the best ice cream on the island and tons of flavors to choose from.
To Do:
Beaches: Brandt Point was my personal favorite - great for kids and you can watch the boats come and go. Children's Beach was another great spot for families as it's walkable from the hotels. Jettie's is bigger but not many waves so again good for kids - many people were complaining about jelly fish stings thought. Steps Beach has the most gorgeous entry, definitely instagram worthy. Madaket is a great spot with plenty of beach, lots of waves and the best sunsets on the island.
Shopping in Town: Favorite shops listed below, I've even place an online order since being home.
Endeavor Sailing: This was a first time sailing for each of us and such a fun way to spend an afternoon. I was a little nervous for the minutes we were out on the Nantucket Sound and water was really splashing but the calmer sailing in the harbor was great.
Sconset Bluff Walk: A mile or so long walk behind the gorgeous homes of Sconset.
Sunset in Madaket: The best spot on the island for a sunset and one not to miss - it was gorgeous.
Shop:
Nantucket Peddler: Right near the Hyline and our favorite spot for Nantucket gear - they have all you need
Kidding Around Nantucket: The cutest kids store - I've even placed an online order for the boys since we've been home.
Peach Tree Kids: Another cute kids shop, preppy/summery outfits and toys.
Nantucket Surf Shop: Good spot for classic Nantucket items.
Vineyard Vines: Martha's Vineyard might have the original but Nantucket has the nicer store in my opinion - there was more options for both Derek and Tatum here.
Four Winds Gifts: Christmas ornaments, souvenirs, gifts to take home, etc. this is your spot for it all
It's a Shore Thing: home items and nicer gifts.
Nantucket Book Works: Adorable old fashioned book store with books, a special Nantucket section and a great kids area with toys/books in the back.