What to do on a rainy day on Nantucket?
It’s hard when you get stuck with a gray day on the Grey Lady but we always try to make the most of it! If you’re traveling with kids, an art class at Barnaby’s is a fun rain day activity, while a movie at the Dreamland or a visit to the Whaling Museum are great choices for all ages. And of course you can still grab an umbrella and do some shopping in town!
Any idea what’s new on Nantucket for 2025?
I can’t wait to check out all the new restaurants and shopping on Nantucket for summer 2025! I’m excited to pop into the new Asha boutique, a new home store called Birdie, and new locations for Ellsworth & Ivey and Roller Rabbit. We still need to try Straight Wharf Fish which opened in 2024 and I want to try the new Easy Street Restaurant that opened this spring. Last but not least I definitely want to squeeze in a heated pilates class at the new Hothaus on Main Street!
NANTUCKET CLOTHING COMPANY
There are tons of t-shirt shops in town if you want to pick up a Nantucket sweatshirt or baseball cap, but there tends to be a good amount of inventory overlap among them. I make it a point to stop in for Nantucket Clothing Company’s more unique assortment of appliqué sweatshirts and tees in playful color combinations for men, women, and kids.
MITCHELL’S BOOK CORNER
At the corner of Main Street and Orange Street sits this dreamy independent book store. We love bringing our kids in to pick out new books from their adorable children’s section!
PEACHTREE KIDS
Located at the base of Main Street is this children’s shop with classic clothing from brands like Piping Prints, Petit Peony, and Sammy + Nat. I love their assortment of children’s Nantucket sweaters and their sweet embroidered seersucker shorts and pants!
BARNABY’S TOY & ART SHACK
Looking for a souvenir for a little one in your life? Barnaby’s is the place to go for a wide range of toys and activities for kids of all ages. They also offer daily arts and crafts classes like make-your-own slime, seashell painting, bracelet making, and more (sign up in advance, especially if there’s rain in the forecast!).
HILL HOUSE HOME
Located right on Main Street, the Hill House boutique is home to the brand’s best-selling nap dresses, current silhouettes for women and children, and the cutest dressing rooms you ever did see.
ALICE WALK
I am thrilled this clothing brand chose Nantucket to be the location of their first boutique. The line carries elevated basics like cashmere sweaters, super soft striped tees, and the most perfect cotton gauze beach pants you will ever wear. The store design matches the brand’s clean, classic sensibility and is a must-visit for a stylish wearable souvenir.
ERICA WILSON
If you’re looking to pick up a needlepoint canvas, this Main Street boutique is the perfect place. This was one of my Grandy’s favorite places on the island and a must-see for needlepoint fans of all ages! They also offer needlepoint finishing and have expanded to include an assortment of women’s and children’s clothing as well.
BAR YOSHI
A former takeout favorite turned pretty date night spot nestled right on Old South Wharf in town with fantastic sushi, noodles, and dumplings. It’s a great place to sit outside for people watching or inside at the bar for a view of the boats.
LIFE HOUSE HOTEL
An eclectic boutique hotel in a Federal-style mansion on Cliff Road, a five minute walk from the heart of downtown.
FARAWAY HOTEL
A collection of six buildings with a classic exterior and more eclectic interiors, this downtown hotel shares a beautiful central courtyard with the Sister Ship restaurant.