Insider's Tips: Plan a Nantucket Getaway

Due to my incessant blabbering about my love of Nantucket, I have recently had several blog friends email me for suggestions about visiting the island.

Accommodations:
The White Elephant recently opened the hotel residences, (photos above), which offer luxurious accommodations consisting of 1, 2 or three bedrooms. Guests have access to the heated pool and cabanas. The best part they are in walking distance of town and only a stones throw away from award winning dining, shopping and galleries.

If you are going for a family beach vacation, I suggest searching Home Away for a beach rental. If you opt not to bring your car over via ferry, then you will want to rent a four wheel vehicle , which you can drive right onto the uncrowded beaches. Nantucket Island Rental Car is the most convenient place to rent especially if you are flying into the island since they are located at the airport.

Alternative accommodations include The Jared Coffin House which is very historical and colonial, kind of a throw back to old Nantucket. The Union Street Inn, also located downtown, has been voted the best boutique hotel on the island, as well as one of America's top 10 romantic inns.

photography: mine

Dining:
For a romantic dinner, Topper's at The Wauwinet, is your best choice. It's on the other end of the island and has the reputation as the island's premier dining spot. I like Brotherhood of the Thieves for their casual pub atmosphere, (great french onion soup). Lola 41 downtown has a fabulous Lola burger and great sushi. The Even Keel Cafe does a wonderful breakfast and has a lovely patio for alfresco dining. For a beach picnic Cowboys' Meat Market has amazing take-out sandwiches, (the Cowboy Club is a serious must). The Juice Bar has the best ice cream on the island and worth waiting in line.

Beaches:
Cisco Beach is my favorite beach. It's wonderful for surfers or older kids who like to boogie board, the waves are amazing. Madaket Beach is known for having the best sunsets on the island. Surfside Beach is very family oriented. There are restrooms and a snack bar to buy food. Jetties Beach is within walking distance of town.

photography: mine

Shops:
Nantucket Natural Oils is a fun place to create your own custom fragrance, if you can dream it... they can create it. In The Pink is the local Lilly Pultizer store filled with colorful preppy summer dresses to compliment suntanned skin. True preps will love the Ralph Lauren store downtown. Teens or college aged kids will flip for the very fun Jack Wills store. Vanessa Noel  has shoes for every fashionista who believes that a girl can never have enough shoes. Nantucket Chocolatier is the place to go satisfy your sweet tooth.

Must Sees:
Siasconset lovingly referred to 'Sconset by the locals is a separate village filled with rose-covered cottages, a general store, and crushed pebble pathways. It is a throw back to a better time, and is truly picturesque. Great Point Beach is a must if you rent or bring a four wheel drive. You can drive your vehicle right onto the beach and it's a popular spot for lobster bake picnics at sunset. Bartlett Farms should be visited if you are renting a house and planning on grilling or cooking at home. The farm offers a wide array of organic food, prepared meals, staples, and scrumptious desserts and snacks.

photography: mine

If you are planning a trip to Nantucket and have any further questions feel free to email me. Here is printable itinerary of my suggestions to make planning a bit easier. Did you already book a vacation this summer? Where are you headed?