Last week I had the opportunity to take a day trip to Nantucket with Shop Nantucket. I’ve been absolutely dying to go to Nantucket for years, but for one reason or another, it’s never seemed to work out. For those who may not be familiar, Nantucket is an island just off the coast of Massachusetts. It’s pretty expensive to stay there, especially during the summer which is considered “in season.”
For those looking to spend the day on Nantucket, but not wanting to drop three to four hundred dollars per night (and that’s MINIMUM) on a hotel, a day trip is a nice option if you live in Massachusetts. Keep in mind, it’s still a pretty long day even from Boston for a day trip, but in my opinion, worth it. We took the Hy-Line from Hyannis to Nantucket and got there in just an hour. For my fellow Bostonians or others in Massachusetts, your best option is to take the Hy-Line Cruises ferry from Hyannis (about an hour and a half drive from Boston when there’s no traffic). I was surprised with how inexpensive parking is – just $20 a day. if you find yourself on the Cape for vacation this summer, then I would say taking a trip to Nantucket is definitely a must!
Nantucket is unlike any place I’ve ever been. I was surprised with just how friendly the people were and the slow pace of the island. It’s become a popular summer vacation spot for people from all over the world, and for good reason. It’s insanely beautiful – lush flowers, including purple and white hydrangeas cover just about every corner you look. There are gorgeous beaches, top notch restaurants, and the best part of all – finding true relaxation.
Danielle of A Sequined Life, Gabby of First and Warren, and Kristy of Style-Blueprint and I made the trip to Nantucket together, and had the best time. We all already knew each other before this trip, but it’s always nice to get together with other girls who “get” you and get the blogging world. We had a ton of laughs and it definitely brought us closer together. I’ve rounded up my photos and have listed the places we shopped, ate, and sipped. Continue reading below!
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FIRST STOP: deWolfe Leather Goods
DeWolfe Leather Goods is a Boston based leather brand that launched in 2015 by owner, Gina DeWolfe. DeWolfe’s leather goods can be best described as timeless, classic, stylish, and tough. Luckily for everyone visiting Nantucket this summer, DeWolfe has a pop up on Straight Wharf on Nantucket. We popped into Gina’s shop just after arriving to Nantucket (it’s not even a one minute walk from where you get off the ferry). Since creating the blog, I’ve found such an interest in understanding where others get their inspiration from and how their path led them to what they’re doing now. It was so interesting talking to Gina and hearing how she got started. She always made her own clothing and was eventually handed down leathersmith tools from her grandfather. Gina still uses many of those same tools today to create her leather goods. I have my eye on this backpack which has incredible craftsmanship and will last forever.
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SECOND STOP: D. Dream
D. Dream was our second stop on Nantucket. D. Dream has such beautiful, colorful statement pieces for the sophisticated and glamorous woman. You could tell that every single piece in the boutique was made of the finest materials. If you love a good statement earring or scarf, this is the place on Nantucket that you need to go to. I loved all of the pops of color in the shop and I was seriously eyeing these loafers and the scarf in the photo above. Also, I can’t say enough amazing things about the owners. They were incredibly sweet and made our shopping experience so enjoyable.
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THIRD STOP: Sara Campbell
What immediately jumped out to me as amazing about Sara Campbell is that every single item is made here in the USA (and designed in Boston). Not only this, but Sara Campbell is heavily involved in philanthropy and believes in “helping your neighbor.” I mean, how do you not feel all warm and fuzzy after hearing about that? Sara Campbell’s clothing screams New England nautical and I was blown away at the quality of the pieces. I tried on the dress above and I couldn’t get over how cool the material felt on a hot summer day. If you love scalloped edges and preppy New England clothing that’s perfect for a weekend on the Cape or Nantucket, you will love this store. Side note: There’s a shop in Boston if you can’t make it all the way to Nantucket this summer.
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FOURTH STOP: Lunch at Oath Craft Pizza
By this time (and since being up at 5 AM), we were so ready for a yummy lunch. We went to Oath Craft Pizza which I’ve been dying to try for a while now (there’s a location close to my apartment in Boston). Oath Craft Pizza has locations all over Boston. This was probably the most unique pizza I’ve ever tried, and unlike any pizza I’ve ever had before. The pizza crust is grilled and then brushed with avocado oil for perfect crispiness and texture. It’s truly unlike any other pizza I’ve had before. One of the girls on the trip described the pizza crust as almost having a fried dough feel to it, and after trying, I felt the same. However, it’s not fried! The best part (other than the taste), is that all of the ingredients used are sustainable and ethically sourced. Oath Craft Pizza is also the first pizza chain to be granted “Certified Humane Approval.” No big deal. We were able to try all of their classic pizzas on the Nantucket menu and also their new ice cream cones using their pizza crust as the cone. One word – unreal. My favorite pizza? The David.
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FIFTH STOP: The Skinny Dip
The Skinny Dip is a collective concept store that carries women’s, men’s, and lifestyle brands and has a focus on introducing new brands from around the country. I don’t know how to describe this place other than just – FUN. The Skinny Dip has such a fun vibe and with a name like The Skinny Dip, how can you not love it? I was extra excited to visit because their second and only location in Charleston, South Carolina opened just a couple weeks after I visited (see my Charleston post here). A few of my favorites from the store? Their wall of clutches by Beau & Ro, their classic Skinny Dip crew neck sweatshirts that you’ve probably seen everywhere (I scooped one up in the Nantucket red color), their hanging chair (I mean, how fun is that… see above), and all of the clothing. If you’re on Nantucket at all this summer, they have so many fun events including trunk shows and yoga classes. You can check out their events here.
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SIXTH STOP: Serenella
Serenella…. Ahhh, Serenella. This boutique was true luxury, and while I couldn’t afford it (cheers to someday!), it was so fun looking around the store and “oooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” over everything. Every single piece was so carefully chosen and of the highest quality. Think high end couture meets ready to wear. Serenella has locations in Boston, on Natucket, and in Palm Beach. It’s also been named as one of Elle Magazine’s Top 50 Boutiques in America. The girls and I had fun picking out what we would wear to New York Fashion Week (if money was no object). If you’re looking for a luxury present for yourself, (or a woman in your life), I highly recommend stopping by Serenella.
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SEVENTH STOP: Ice
Ice was such a fun stop and is such a great addition to Nantucket (I wish there was one in my neighborhood in Boston). They specialize in authentic Italian ice (with no artificial flavors). I was blown away with how yummy this spot was, and it was a nice change to the syrup-heavy Italian ice I’ve always had. When they were scooping our Italian ice you could see into the freezers and there were actual pieces of fruit in there. So delicious. I opted for the blueberry and lemon and also the pineapple. My favorite of the flavors – pineapple. SO good. Definitely a must when on Nantucket.
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EIGHTH STOP: Aunt Leah’s Fudge
Aunt Leah’s Fudge is another cute stop on Nantucket for sweets. I loved the hometown feel of this shop and how everyone that came in would call the owner, “Aunt Leah.” It felt a lot like my hometown where everyone knows everybody and people drop in to say “hi” all the time. We got plenty of samples and then I decided on getting the rocky road and the s’mores fudge. I couldn’t get over the “Belichick No BSer” flavor. Any Patriots fans in the house?! Best fudge name ever.
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MORE SNAPS FROM ACK
We had such a great time on Nantucket that we changed our ferry tickets for the return trip to a later ferry so that we could soak in more of Nantucket!
The frosé at Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant Hotel is an absolute must! How cute are those elephants?!
Brant Point Light
On the way home on the Hy-Line, we each enjoyed a grey lady with a blueberry floater on top. SO good.
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Hope to see you soon, Nantucket! Have you been? Know of any places that are a “can’t miss?!” I would love to know!
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Great post, and your photos are absolutely gorgeous. Everything about this screams “new england” in the best ways. Love!
Thank you so much Chelsea!! It was such a pretty place, I think it’s hard to take a bad picture on Nantucket. 🙂 Thank you so much for your sweet compliments and for reading! Have a great weekend.
Visiting Boston for the first time next August with Disney. Have a few tag on days to the trip. Have always wanted to visit either Nantucket or MV. I am not into shopping. Would you still recommend? Will be with my husband and 20 year old daughter. Do they offer island tours do you or anything else to do than just walk around and shop? thanks!
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for reading 🙂 I haven’t been to Martha’s Vineyard, but I can speak for Nantucket. If doing it as a day trip, it’s a pretty long day (for both options), so staying overnight would be ideal if possible. If you want to do a day trip somewhere that’s easier, Provincetown (at the tip of Cape Cod) is a great option because you can actually take the ferry from Boston to Provincetown – you can’t do that for Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. You either have to fly from Boston or drive to Hyannis and then take the ferry from Hyannis. But yes, you would definitely be able to find things to do with your husband and 20 year old daughter. There’s the Whaling Museum on Nantucket, a few different lighthouses, beaches, you can take surfing lessons, do sailing trips, go whale watching, etc!!! 🙂