White Elephant Nantucket
Salty air and sandy shores are calling you back for one last summer retreat. Only 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts lies the ever-charming and picturesque Nantucket, lined with cobblestone streets, historic homes and unbeatable dining experiences. Explore our favorite spots below.
Where To Eat
Influenced by French and Mediterranean culinary traditions, Cru has every seaside delight one could desire—the raw bar’s Tsar Imperial Ossetra caviar with crème fraîche, minced chives and blinis is a must. Conclude your harborside evening with the Lobster Fra Diavolo, featuring decadent squid ink spaghetti, fresh tomato and basil. 1 Straight Wharf, 508.228.9278, crunantucket.com
Mafaldi pasta with wild mushrooms and black truffle
La dolce vita is closer than you think, thanks to this Federal Street favorite. Bites like Capesante e Gamberi, dressed with grilled shrimp and Nantucket sea scallops, are the perfect coastal-inspired treat. Just be sure to save room for Ventuno’s authentic pasta. The Mafaldi will captivate your tastebuds with winter black truffles, oyster, maitake, king trumpet and button mushroom ragu, Parmigiano and fried rosemary. Housemade assorted gelati rounds out the evening in Italy. 21 Federal St., 508.228.4242, ventunorestaurant.com
Infused with influences from Asian, Mediterranean and Latin cuisines, you’ll experience an abundance of vibrant flavors at Nautilus. Just be sure to book in advance, as the 50-seat restaurant is one of the hottest tickets in town. For those lucky enough to secure a table, bites like the Asian-inspired blue crab fried rice, featuring jumbo lump crab, garlic, scallion, crispy farm egg and Thai lime nam jim sauce, are an unforgettable treat. 12 Cambridge St., 508.228.0301, thenautilus.com
Get your cameras ready for this Instagram-worthy restaurant, cafe and cocktail club. Sister Ship caters to all, even night owls, featuring the Midnight in Tokyo menu from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Indulge in exquisite offers like Manilla clams and roasted branzino, embellished with washashore mustard greens, cilantro emulsion and charred onion ponzu. For sweet tooths, the dark chocolate semifreddo is a decadent delight amid the art-adorned ambiance. 29 Centre St., 508.203.6889, farawayhotels.com
Where To Stay
Spa days, complimentary beach cruisers, pool cabanas, poolside dining and more make this historic property a Nantucket favorite. Although built in the 1920s, the hotel recently underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration of its 54-room and -suite hotel and 11 cottages. The newly-refreshed bright and airy property also celebrated 100 years with an Arhaus partnership that filled their lawn, cottage courtyard, balconies and private decks with all-weather wicker furniture. 50 Easton St., 800.445.6574, whiteelephantnantucket.com
Seeped in history since 1875, The Wauwinet stands as one of the island’s most cherished historic gems. Before summer is over, book “The Great Escape”—two nights of opulence, including breakfast and an exclusive voyage aboard their water taxi, The Wauwinet Lady. Guests can delight in an unforgettable dining experience at TOPPER’S, renowned for panoramic bay views and native seafood. As the sun dips below the horizon, venture to the secluded private beach. 120 Wauwinet Rd., 800.426.8718, wauwinet.com
Nearly 200 years ago, Captain Robert Calder turned his Federal-style mansion into an inn, opening its doors to Nantucket’s wayward travelers. The guest rooms boast treasures like Le Labo bath products, Revival New York linens and a Marshall speaker, all amid the embrace of indigenous flora and fauna. Discover the newly revitalized Century House, perfectly created for a longer stay with friends and family. 10 Cliff Rd., 855.226.4125,lifehousehotels.com
Where To Relax
No vacation is complete without a spa day. Whether your body craves a swift pre-beach wax, rejuvenating facial or voluminous night-out blowout, Darya Salon + Spa has you covered. Don’t forget to check out their sister spa at the White Elephant: Spa by Darya. 7 S Beach St., 508.228.0550, daryasalonspa.com
Herbal remedies like flower essences, tinctures, tea blends, signature aromatherapy blends and essential oils are at the heart of Monarch Face and Body’s treatments. The facials focus on recovery and rejuvenation, like The Zen Oxygen Facial, which works to deeply unwind and rebalance your energies while brightening your face with antioxidants, aromatherapy, reiki and more. The infrared sauna is also a must-try, improving circulation, heart function, detoxification from heavy metals and more. 37 Old South Rd., 508.680.1416, monarchnantucket.com
Where To Shop
If you’ve ever attended a summer soirée on Nantucket, chances are you’ve seen a few Carolina looks. The Nantucket-born womenswear brand has an adventurous, travel-focused spirit that is present in each vibrantly colored and patterned dress, top and bottom. In need of a last-minute dinner fit? We’re in love with the Juliet dress. Pair the maxi-length piece, which is embroidered with a scalloped eyelet hem, with the eye-catching Neely & Chloe Mini Lady Bag. 22 Centre St., cartolinanantucket.com
Forgot to pack a cover-up? Stop by The Lovely. The boutique offers all things beachwear, such as the Nimo With Love Malachite kaftan and Trinado Crochet Lampshade hat. Complete your look with the Anna Cate Brielle Earrings—stunning 14-karat gold plated seashells. 1 Washington St., 508.228.4788, thelovelynantucket.com
A shopping day that benefits more than your closet is always a win. At Olivela, 20% of the proceeds from your purchase will go to a cause partner aligned to gender equality, health and wellness or climate action. Peruse their vacation collection with pieces like the Andrea Lyamah Lani string bikini and Jimmy Choo Beaded Bon Bon Bucket Bag. 25 Centre St., 508.825.5789, olivela.com
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
The strawberry pisco sour
This bar pays homage to the rich history of sailors bringing treasures from their sea voyages with every cocktail. The “Wake Me Up,” which pays a delectable homage to coffee beans, is a nitro cold brew espresso martini with tequila, espresso, chicory, Borghetti and dry curacao. For something really unique, try the Notorious with barrel-aged Buffalo Trace bourbon, Apologue persimmon and Azaline saffron vermouth. 9 India St., 508.228.7477, proprietorsnantucket.com
On your way back from the sand dunes, make a pit stop at Dune. Their exotic quartzite bar and patio entice guests to settle in and relax with specialty cocktails, wines and liquor. Enjoy every last drop of the tropical-inspired Dart Frog, complete with coconut rum, banana, Midori, pandan, lime and soda. 20 Broad St., 508.228.5550, dunenantucket.com
The Galley Beach Painkiller
Dip your toes in the sand while sipping cocktails at this seaside favorite. The Galley Sunset is the perfect golden hour tipple, made with No. 3 gin, chartreuse, rhubarb, strawberry and lemon. For something more tropical, try the Blooming Pataya, made both sweet and cool by Flor de Cana rum, dragonfruit, lime and mint. 54 Jefferson Ave., 508.228.9641, galleybeach.net
Where To Hit The Town:
No visit to Nantucket is complete without a day at Cisco Brewers. Food trucks, live music and Whale’s Tale Pale Ale make this spot an island favorite. While bites for The Lobster Trap will bless you daily, Lemon Press’ weekend offerings of steak kabobs, acai bowls and gyros are worth the visit. 5 Bartlett Farm Rd., 508.325.5929, ciscobrewers.com
Calling all music enthusiasts—Nantucket’s only piano bar, The Club Car, is calling. Specialty drinks like the “Good Times Roll,” with rye whiskey, bourbon, elderflower, apple brandy, lemon, vanilla and cherry, perfectly accompany the bar’s melodious atmosphere. 1 Main St., 508.228.1101, theclubcar.com
Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in Nantucket’s rich maritime history at the Whaling Museum, filled with artifacts, a scrimshaw collection and interactive exhibits. Local tip—climb to the top of the Whaling Museum—Tucker’s Rooftop—to find panoramic views of the harbor. 13 Broad St., 508.228.1894, nha.org
Hidden Gem
Every Nantucket local knows Epernay Wine & Spirits is truly a hidden treasure. Husband and wife duo Jenny Benzie and Kirk Baker honed their skills to create the Island’s leading wine retailer, offering an array of artisanal spirits from premium liquors to unique craft distillations. Whether you’re seeking a perfect bottle, cigar, caviar or a block of cheese, this quaint shop has it all. 1 N Beach St., 508.228.2755, epernaywines.com
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