Nantucket, MA
It’s been two years since I updated my Nantucket blog, so I wanted to share some updates from my summer trip to the Island known as “the Grey Lady.” I have a new hotel to review, 21 Broad, some bar and restaurant recommendations, and a few suggestions to explore the island from the water.
Nantucket is a quintessential New England summer destination - with cobblestone streets, a dynamic dining scene and a rich history as the center of whaling (and the global oil trade) from around 1800 to 1850. With historic preservation keeping the old charm intact, Nantucket has so much to offer during the season, including a comedy festival, a film festival (with local Ben Stiller) and one of the oldest wooden boat races in the world, the Opera House Cup Races. I went during Opera Cup and got out on the water a few times to see all the boats and to do some sailing. With its maritime history, it’s essential to get out on a boat during your stay…check out these beautiful boats in Nantucket Harbor!
Nantucket Harbor
Tall Ship Lynx
One of the most memorable experiences was a sail aboard a replica Baltimore Clipper - designed as a privateer during the War of 1812 - called the Tall Ship Lynx. The Lynx combines history with education in a really fun setting - you get a chance to hoist the sails and watch as they fire off a cannon as you ply the waters of Nantucket Sound. This is a family-friendly activity and an incredible way to see the island from the point of view of a legal pirate 200 years ago!
Capt. Axel and the Nantucket Mermaids
Another great way to see the harbor is to charter with Capt. Axel and the Nantucket Mermaids. We took out a really stunning 29’ Hinkley for a cocktail cruise around Nantucket Harbor, up to Polpis Harbors and along Coatue for a beautiful evening on the water. We brought some champagne and snacks and Capt. Axel took care of the rest - giving us a guided tour of the boats, houses and dropping anchor to just sit and enjoy nature. Highly recommend!!!
21 Broad
While I love the White Elephant - one of the most elegant hotels on island - this year, our group, my buddy Jon and my mom Susan, decided to check out a place within walking distance of town as we wanted to be in the center of the action. 21 Broad is an old Victorian house on Broad Street that has a few rooms and suites with a fresh and bright aesthetic. Pros of the hotel are its location - 2 blocks from Main Street and one block to Juice Bar for Ice Cream and next door to the Brotherhood of Thieves bar and restaurant. The front porch was also terrific people watching with really comfortable Adirondack chairs. The Cons were the continental breakfast and coffee situation - but with so many options nearby, the Corner Table for grab-n-go and Born and Bread for pastries and coffee - it wasn’t an issue. Here’s my suite, room 204, and some snaps of the hotel!
Brotherhood of Thieves
Housed in an 1840s whaling tavern, the Brotherhood of Thieves is a cozy bar downstairs -with precious real estate at the 10 or so seats and spots along the wall - and a whiskey bar upstairs with a more upscale vibe. Jon and I made several trips since it’s next door to the hotel. For every place I travel, I always have a ‘beer and a burger’ spot - this is mine on Nantucket.
Galley Beach
A perennial favorite place is Galley Beach - in fact, this was my grandfather Foxy’s favorite restaurant on island. Drinks in the sand, an amazing wine list and the best GM in the business (thanks Terry!!!) this is its own experience. During the day it’s breezy and casual but when the sun goes down it’s magic. Thanks to my dear friend Anne for drinks at the beach club and for arranging the most beautiful sunset. This is a 10 out of 10!
Tiffany Windows at St. Paul’s Church
Installed in 1900-01, the windows of St. Paul Episcopalian church are Tiffany scenes of fields, flowers and birds celebrating the founding families French and Williams, who commissioned the building. It’s getting rarer and rarer to find in-situ stained glass windows, especially of this beauty and quality. Stop in for a service or their famous fair every summer, but definitely check out these masterpieces of simplicity and American artistic heritage.
Parting Shot
Brant Point Lighthouse, est. 1746
