I’m prettyyy positive that when most people, or at least millennials, think “shopping on Nantucket,” visions of pastel pants and popped collars and $300 loafers come to mind… maybe with some J.McLaughlin and Lilly Pulitzer snuck in. But visiting ACK in the quiet season gave us the opportunity to do much more exploring, and the shopping really ended up being a highlight of the trip (the mister even agrees!!). I so easily could give each one of these stores their own post, but for the sake of leaving you with a single comprehensive guide for your next trip, I’m dividing it into just two parts.
First up, the real hidden gems of the island, which lie on Old South Wharf– a strip that lies behind the cottages at the Boat Basin, and one that many of you who have visited have probably walked by without noticing a hundred times…
Made on Nantucket // 18 Old South Wharf
This shop practices exactly what it preaches:: Tons of jewelry, art, photography, and other unique pieces made right on island. Despite its teeny tiny size, this is one of those stores that you could visit every day, always finding something new. Owner Kathy Duncombe carries the largest selection of Bakelite on the East Coast, along with vintage kitchenware, barware, endless prints and jewelry, including the famous Nantucket cut-out necklaces and bracelets. Even in the dead of the off-season [weather permitting!], you can find them open 11-4 on Saturdays.
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Island Weaves // 20 Old South Wharf
Those beautiful handwoven blankets you’ll find in just about every B&B on the island? I’d bet you a lot that they were made by Karin at Island Weaves. Nantucket brides wear her “Island Wedding Shawl.” Nantucket babies are christened in her blankets. She’s created rugs out of everything from silk ties to Nantucket Reds. The shop is overflowing with cozy pieces already, but give her a request and she’ll make it. The bigger, and of course custom, pieces come at a pretty penny, but her hand towels would make the nicest wedding or housewarming gift.
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Cromartie Gallery & Studio // 23 Old South Wharf
Few things recently have made me feel as ignorant as not realizing the serious celebrity status of James Cromartie when I stumbled upon [ok, Kathy took me there] his gallery on Old South Wharf. If “leading hard-edge realist” doesn’t mean anything to you, look at this. His paintings of the White House and the Capitol have been featured in textbooks, and his patrons have included Princess Diana and Nelson Rockefeller. [Princess Di came into this store!! In a baseball cap!!]
Whether you plan on dishing out the bucks to purchase one of his prints or not, don’t leave Nantucket without stopping in this gallery. Jim is one of THE more entertaining and talented individuals I’ve had the pleasure of encountering– and you can watch this trailer for his upcoming documentary if you don’t believe me.
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Pete’s Fresh Fish Prints // 17 Old South Wharf
I’d also like to formally apologize for not knowing was gyotaku was prior to this trip? You don’t either? Whew. I’m actually going to let you google the specifics on your own for the sake of keeping things alive around here, but end story, it’s a Japanese practice that generates some awesome art. Peter VanDingstee’s prints are exactly what I plan on filling my future ‘Sconset mansion with, but until then, I’ll continue paying Pete visits on the wharf.
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Ellie Kai // 5 Old South Wharf
I was lucky enough to have already been introduced to Ellie Kai this past summer at a trunk show, but this was my first time getting to visit an EK showroom! If you’re unfamiliar with Ellie Kai, picture your favorite day-to-night dress. Now picture having it in every other color and print you could want, at a length custom made for you, and under $200. You can read more about the company and how it works in my post here, but visiting a showroom? So worth it. There’s something about this brand that makes you fall in love with pieces even more when you try them on, and getting to flip through all the prints in person? There’s no way you’ll be walking out of here with less than two things.
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So next time you walk past Old South Wharf Nantucket, stop and turn the corner– there are way more hidden treasures down there than you would ever think.
I’ll be back tomorrow with guide no. II!
Looking for where to stay and eat on island? You can find my recommendations here.
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Full Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Nantucket Island Resorts.
All opinions expressed are my own.
