Nantucket: The Island That Makes You Want to Slow Down

Nantucket is one of my favorite places on the East Coast. The cobblestone streets, the grey-shingled houses

covered in climbing roses, my favorite flower - hydrangeas - everywhere, and the fact that the whole island operates on a slightly gentler clock than the rest of the world. I was in my coastal grandma era before I even arrived, and Nantucket welcomed me completely.

This is a four-day guide designed to let you see the best of the island without rushing through it.

Day 1: Arrive, Settle, Explore Downtown

Depending on when your ferry or flight lands, I'd give yourself time to take the first evening slowly. Check in, walk to the water, breathe. Downtown Nantucket will have you fall in love immediately — the cobblestone main street lined with boutiques, the independent bookshops (Nantucket Bookworks and Mitchell's Book Corner are both essential stops), pop into Erica Wilson to pick a new needlepoint canvas for your trip, treat yourself to a dress from Hill House Home and stroll into the art galleries with beautiful coastal paintings you'll want to take home.

For lunch, Bar Yoshi has my favorite sushi on the island - fresh rolls, poke bowls, and delicious small plates!

Dinner: There are so many good spots but I recommend starting the trip with Island Kitchen. Relaxed, warm, locally sourced. I had the seafood pasta and it was exactly right for a first-night meal — not trying to be fancy, just genuinely good. After dinner, they have a homemade ice cream shop you absolutely cannot skip. (Save room!!) And if you're feeling like a later evening, Chicken Box is right around the corner for drinks and live music. The grocery store is also right across the street if you need to grab a few things for your weekend!

Day 2: Siasconset (Sconset)

Sconset is a non-negotiable. This village on the eastern side of the island feels completely removed from everything — rose-covered cottages, bluff views, a quiet that seems almost intentional. The Sconset Bluff Walk takes you along a public path through the backyards of some of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen, all the way to Sankaty Lighthouse.

If you golf, Sconset Golf Course (founded 1899, one of the oldest in the US) offers a simple nine holes. I just rented clubs rather than travel with them and it was a perfect morning.

Lunch options: The Summer House Beachside Bistro for something casual (their lobster roll is genuinely one of the best I had the whole trip), or The Chanticleer if you want something more refined with a beautiful garden setting.

Evening: Head back to town, rest up and head to Cru. The lobster roll is everything people say it is, amazing cocktails and the oysters are exceptional. Get a table next to the water if you can!

Day 3: Beach Day

Grab a morning coffee at Lemon Press or a breakfast sandwich from Provisions, then rent bikes and ride to Jettie's Beach. Go in the morning — it fills up quickly. Pack sunscreen, and depending on the time of year, bring bug spray. (I am such a baby when it comes to bugs.)

Afternoon: Grab lunch at Sandbar right on the beach before cycling back into town.

Evening: Keep it easy. The Gazebo or Slip 14 for drinks, pizza from Pizzeria Gemelle, and then find somewhere to watch the sunset. I genuinely think one of the best things Nantucket offers is its slower pace — the option to do absolutely nothing and feel completely fine about it.

Day 4: Cisco Brewers & the Perfect Last Dinner

Spend the morning doing any last-minute shopping or revisiting a gallery you liked.

Around lunch time pop over to Cisco Brewers. This place is so fun and relaxed — great beer, wine, and cocktails, live music, food trucks including a Millie's location where you should absolutely get the lobster quesadilla. I recommend you indulge in multiple Blueberry Lemonade cocktails, and head back to town for shopping immediately after while your decision-making is pleasantly relaxed.

Final dinner: Galley Beach. Right on the sand, perfectly positioned for the sunset, prix-fixe menu with thoughtful add-ons. The food and service matched the setting. I've been looking for an occasion to go back ever since. Truly one of my favorites dinners I've had along the North East Coast.