Copy My Trip: A long weekend in Nantucket, Massachusetts

25.05.2024 - 10:59 / lonelyplanet.com

Lonely Planet's Brekke Fletcher recently traveled to Nantucket, Massachusetts for a long weekend with her niece. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a visit to this east coast island escape.

Sun. Surf. Seafood. Seafaring. These were all on the menu for a recent weekend jaunt to Nantucket, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, lauded for its whaling history, architecture, beaches and preppy, summery vibe. What was not on the docket was near-constant drizzle, icy cold wind and chilly temperatures. But things don't always go the way you hoped they would.
 

My niece Ashley flew in from California to join me on this wee holiday (nonstop flights from Boston, New York City and Washington, DC, as well as a ferry from Woods Hole, Massachusetts), and we messaged in advance regarding the doom-and-gloom forecast. We agreed not to let the weather dampen our spirits – we would double up on sweaters, cover up with waterproof jackets and enjoy our planned itinerary, just without the sunscreen and swimsuits. 

Read more: Don't let bad weather ruin your vacation

The airy, nautical design of our weekend home, the newly refurbished Cottages at the Boat Basin, immediately put us in vacation mode. The cottage we stayed in, Pawana, was located nearer the street, so it wasn't exactly private (close those shades when you're getting dressed), but the comforts were ample.

The bathroom was gleaming white with a huge shower, a strong heater and L'Occitane bath products. Also the place was appointed with white fluffy towels, robes and slippers, and a seriously comfortable bed. As we were special guests, they pre-stocked our kitchen with morning essentials like eggs, sliced sourdough from Born & Bread Nantucket, granola from Something Natural, along with yogurt, milk and coffee (thank you, Aoife!).

Read more: The best places to go on a summer vacation in the USA 

Our first morning, we made coffee and had the tiniest bite to eat in our snuggly robes. (We needed to keep it light since we had a big lunch scheduled at TOPPER'S at The Wauwinet, which, like the Cottages, is part of family-owned White Elephant Resorts.) Since the cottages are so centrally located, all of downtown's landmarks, shops and restaurants are only a short walk away.

We made our way along the brick-lined sidewalks to Lemon Press (where we would have a proper breakfast on Saturday) for cappuccinos. This was a chilly Friday around 11am, and let me tell you, the place was jammed. I couldn't imagine how insanely crowded it must be on a warm summer day. 

Also worth visiting if you're wandering around downtown is the Whaling Museum, Hospital Thrift Shop, current vintage, Erica Wilson and the Quidley & Company art gallery.

The oysters