Milly & Grace
A girly boutique just off Main Street where you’ll find clothing, accessories, home decor, and quite possibly the friendliest sales associates on the island. The owner’s sister Caroline planned our Nantucket wedding – be sure to check out Milly & Grace Weddings if you’re a Nantucket bride-to-be!
Ralph Lauren
One of a small handful of brand names on the island and one that feels right at home on Main Street. I always stop to admire the elaborate window displays, which are always decked out for holiday weekends.
Skinny Dip
A collective concept store on Old South Wharf that features brands like ACK v. Hamps artwork, Harding Lane needlepoint accessories, and Solid & Striped swimwear.
Vineyard Vines
Named after nearby Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Vines has a large store at the start of Straight Wharf with preppy clothes and accessories for men, women, and children.
Barre Bus
Working out doesn’t get more fun than this. Start your day with a 45-minute class at Forme Barre’s barre bus on Nobadeer Beach — you’ll get a gorgeous view of the ocean while you get in a killer workout.
Brant Point Lighthouse
The closest lighthouse to town (the easiest one to tick off on your first visit to the island!) and a great spot to catch both sunrise and sunset. Grab an ice cream cone from Juice Bar and walk down to the lighthouse to dip your toes in the water and wave to passing ferries.
Cisco Brewers
A brewery, distillery, and winery with a separate bar for each. With several food trucks, live music, and puppies everywhere, it’s easy to spend the whole day.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH TOWER CLIMB
Climb 92 steps to the steeple of the First Congregational Church in town for phenomenal views of the harbor and beyond. Check the sign out front for open days/times at the beginning of your visit as they change frequently and make a $5 donation at the door.
GEORGIE MORLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
If you’re looking to take family photos on Nantucket Island, a portrait session with Georgie is your best bet! She grew up on Nantucket so she’s got a great feel for locations and lighting and she’s fantastic with little ones!
Great Point Lighthouse
Rent a Jeep with an oversand vehicle permit, stop to let air out of the tires, and make the nearly two-hour drive out to Great Point. Some years the area close to the lighthouse is roped off to protect native bird species, so you may have to walk the rest of the way. We drove out for the sunrise one summer and had the place to ourselves!
Juice Bar
The best ice cream on Nantucket and quite possibly anywhere. The line often stretches around the block, but the smell of homemade waffle cones is always enough to keep me waiting. I’ve ordered the cookie dough for at least twenty years now and it’s never once disappointed! If you take one thing from this Nantucket travel guide, this should be it!
Rent Bikes or Vespas
Head to Nantucket Bike Shop on Broad Street and rent a bike or Vespa for the day. The island has incredible bike paths leading out of town to Surfside Beach and all the way to ‘Sconset, but it’s also fun to rent a Vespa and cruise over the cobblestones more comfortably.