Nantucket in the Fall

We’ve done it in 90 degrees. We’ve done it in a blizzard. And now, on a slightly more normal scale, we can say we’ve done Nantucket in the fall.

Yeah. While you all packed your bags and drove toward Western Mass foliage or the New Hampshire mountains, we hopped on a Hy-Line ferry for an autumn jaunt to ACK. And I kind-of-really-highly suggest you do too.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Nantucket in the Fall::

1 // Everything is on sale. Everything.
2 // The hotel rates are unbeatable– this is your chance to book where you may not necessarily be able to afford in high season. We stayed at the Jared Coffin House, but The White Elephant also comes highly recommended.
3 // NO. CROWDS. And the island really feels more like a community than a standing-room-only tourist destination. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that at least 70 percent of our fellow ferry passengers knew each other.
4 // But, things are still open, at least downtown. Not every restaurant, not every store, but a good chunk of them– I didn’t pass one business that I felt like I was missing out on, and we had no shortage of options. Just be aware that as the fall goes on, less and less stay open 7 days a week; your best bet is visiting Friday-Sunday.
5 // Cisco Brewer’s Pumple Drunkin.
6 // The chilly temperatures outside mean there’s no reason to feel guilty about cozying up for a flick in the Starlight Theatre instead of making it a beach day.
7 // Christmas Stroll! The first full weekend of December marks this Nantucket tradition, when most of the seasonal stores and restaurants reopen for business.
8 // The red wine list at Nantucket Prime. I reserve reds for October through February only.
9 // To support a small seasonal community.
10 // You can take photos of all the bourgeois’ immaculate summer homes and not feel like a total creep since they all left the island on Labor Day.

As far as I’m concerned, the only negative was no hydrangeas in bloom. But I guess it’s not fair to consider that a deal breaker.

Click each photo for links to their respective restaurants and lodging!

[ destination:: nantucket, massachusetts ]

who:: Hubs + I, and we also met up with my sweet friend Lindsay— an ACK resident and total expert. Hit her up for anything I haven’t answered!
what:: Wander the cobblestone streets and take advantage of how–for once–quiet they are. Shop the sales. Meet the store owners and chat with the locals– I can’t tell you what fun conversations we had all weekend. Stroll Old South Wharf. Get your history fix [and warm up from the fall chill] at the Whaling Museum. Take a trip out to Barlett’s Farm [open all year ’round!]
when:: This is for FALL y’all. Specifically, consider coming for Columbus Day Weekend and Holiday Stroll in December.
where:: Stay at Jared Coffin House (cozy, romantic, historical) or The White Elephant (elegant resort atmosphere) | Brunch at Brant Point Grill (the French toast, please and thank you); lunch at Starlight Theatre & Cafe (catch a matinee here too!); dinner at Nantucket Prime (take advantage of their heated outdoor patio) | Shop at [CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MY COMPLETE ACK SHOPPING GUIDE!]
wear:: GAP Navy Cable Knit Sweater | Jack Wills Eyelet Dress [similar] | Longchamp Le Pliage Tote | ALDO Brogues [similar]
click here for my Milly & Grace outfit!

You wouldn’t believe how easily you can get on island from Boston– just a quick ride over on the HyLine Fast Ferry. Trust me– it’s wonders what a day out of the city can do for you, especially as the cold sets in and the days turn dreary!

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Full Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Nantucket Island Resorts.
All opinions expressed are my own.