Nantucket 2025
This was our fifth time visiting Nantucket, and since we’ve been a handful of times before, I really wanted to slow down and pretend—just a little—that I actually live there. No rushing, no packed schedule, just soaking up the charm of the island in a really relaxed way. The only thing I planned in advance was our stay and flights—everything else, we left wide open on purpose.
We stayed for seven nights and only booked one dinner reservation… which we ended up canceling ahead of time so we could catch the sunset instead. That pretty much sums up the vibe of the week—completely laid back and exactly what we needed.
I even managed to squeeze in some exercise while we were there (long walks with ocean views definitely count), and we spent our days doing what makes us happiest: biking, beach lounging, reading, shopping a little, and enjoying good food without a single plan in place.
Here’s everything I wore there this year!
I Went to Nantucket With No Plans—Here’s What Happened
We Stayed at The Brant
This was our first time staying at The Brant and we absolutely loved it. The breakfast and coffee every morning? So good. The complimentary bikes? A total game changer. We used them every single day—riding into town, to Steps Beach, and even to Brant Point Light to catch the sunset. The location was perfect too: town was on our right, the beaches were on our left, and it was all just a short ride away or walk away.
Beach Days Were the Best Days
We went to the beach almost every day, usually Steps Beach, which always feels like a hidden gem. One day, we had lunch at Millie’s (we loved the chips and dips) and then walked to Madaket Beach—such a peaceful spot with the prettiest views.
And let me tell you, we both came home with a suntan. I brought a book, my husband took a quick nap… and the next thing I know, we both woke up sunkissed. Totally worth it.
No Dinner Reservations, No Problem
We wanted this trip to feel as easy and unscheduled as possible, so we skipped the dinner reservations completely. Each night we picked a new place to try. No pressure, no plan, just good food and a walk or bike ride to get there. And no matter where we ended up, we always made time for ice cream—every single night. It became our favorite little tradition. Walking back with a cone in hand felt like the perfect way to wrap up each day. It ended up being one of our favorite things about the whole week.
Where We Ate This Summer
While we didn’t book any dinner reservations in advance, we still enjoyed so many delicious meals throughout the week. Some places we even went back to more than once!
We grabbed sandwiches and snacks from Provisions, enjoyed delicious salads and good vibes at Brotherhood of Thieves, and made our way to Millie’s for lunch and dinner with that incredible ocean view. We also loved our meals at Town and The Tavern, which were both easy and delicious options for a relaxed night out.
As for sweet treats? The Juice Bar and Aunt Leah’s Fudge were on repeat. And two nights, we picked up pizza from Pizzeria Gemelle, which totally hit the spot.
It was the perfect mix of casual eats, quick bites, and little indulgences—just the way we like it on Nantucket.
One Very Dreamy Highlight
One of the absolute highlights of this trip was being invited to the Nantucket Film Festival. I was so excited to attend, and even more thrilled to meet and chat with Elin Hilderbrand herself. I’ve read a few of her books over the years, and getting to hear her speak alongside Hollywood screenwriters was a total pinch-me moment. The event was a beautiful garden party overlooking the coast—rosé, lobster rolls, and storytelling magic included.
A Little Shopping, of Course
And of course, I couldn’t leave without doing a little shopping. I stopped by Mitchell’s Book Corner, popped into some of my favorite boutiques in town, and finally brought home a few shell pieces from a charming little antique shop I’ve had my eye on for a while. Love finding treasures that remind me of this island.
This was one of those trips where we didn’t try to do it all—and somehow ended up doing exactly what we needed. Easy mornings, beach afternoons, sunset bike rides, and the kind of surprises that make you smile all the way home. This island has our hearts—we can’t wait to return.
