Destination: Nantucket
Heading to the Grey Lady this summer? Here are our top recommendations.
Photograph Courtesy of White Elephant Resorts
White Elephant Nantucket
Be among the first to stay at the newly redesigned White Elephant. Elkus Manfredi Architects—the same team behind White Elephant’s Palm Beach property—refreshed 54 rooms and suites at the harborside hotel and 11 garden cottages. The Brant Point Lighthouse is a five-minute walk from the hotel. While the property is walking-distance to town, the White Elephant will make sure you are always traveling in style. There are Priority Bicycles at your disposal and courtesy BMWs for those who flew or walked-on the ferry. Or, make a reservation at TOPPER’S (pro tip: make sure you’re there during sunset), and you can arrange to arrive on the Wauwinet Lady, a 20-passenger boat.
View of the sunset at the Wauwinet. Photograph Courtesy of White Elephant Resorts
Cisco Brewers
The Nantucket-founded brewery is a great afternoon hangout spot. Live music typically starts at 4 p.m., as listed on its website. Grab a beverage at the beer, wine, or spirits bars and some light bites from a food truck. The brewery has complimentary shuttle service from Nantucket’s Visitor Center to the brewery Wednesdays through Sundays, and yes—taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts are also available on the island.
Nantucket’s Main Street. Photograph Courtesy of White Elephant Resorts
Bike Path
For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, the island boasts more than 35 miles of bike paths. The paved pathway offers a welcome break from downtown’s charming cobblestone streets. The island shares some safety tips and maps here. There are plenty of bicycle rental companies on island—Young’s Bicycle Shop, Nantucket Bike Shop, and Wheels of Delight are conveniently located near the ferry.
The lawn at the White Elephant Nantucket. Photograph Courtesy of White Elephant Resorts
Nantucket by Design
CTC&G is a proud media sponsor of this year’s event, which benefits the Nantucket Historical Association. Highlights include a cocktail party at a private residence, a luncheon at the White Elephant with keynote speakers Ashley Hicks and Martina Mondadori, a preview of the Nantucket Summer Antiques Show, a design panel, and a closing celebration on the Whaling Museum’s rooftop. Nantucket by Design will take place on Wednesday, August 2, through Saturday, August 5.
The newly redesigned lobby at White Elephant Nantucket. Photograph by Connie Zhou
Whaling Museum
Learn about Nantucket’s rich history as a whaling town. The museum features a 46-foot skeleton of a male sperm whale. When the whaling industry declined in the late 19th century, the island turned into a tourism town. Be on the lookout for the museum’s latest exhibit, Summer on Nantucket: A History of the Island Resort.
The 46-foot skeleton of a male sperm whale. Photograph Courtesy of White Elephant Resorts
Tap Room at Jared Coffin House
Tucked under Jared Coffin House—a circa-1845 mansion built by one of Nantucket’s original shipping merchants—the Tap Room is a delicious in-town dining option. The restaurant was a hotspot among locals and tourists for 40 years and reopened in 2020. The menu offers fresh takes on classic dishes, like New England clam chowder and the Big M-ACK.
Nantucket Boat Basin. Photograph Courtesy of White Elephant Resorts
Aunt Leah’s Fudge
If you need a chocolate fix and the Juice Bar has a line around the corner, head to the wharf. Aunt Leah’s Fudge has an array of flavors from s’mores to raspberry and salted caramel. Guests at the White Elephant will find a box of chocolate-covered cranberries (sourced from Aunt Leah’s neighbors’ cranberry bog) on their pillows. Stop by before you depart, as it will make leaving the island a little sweeter.
