HOME TOUR

10.25.2021

Nantucket in the Fall

The island is quieting, crowds disappearing and the colors are coming alive–this is Nantucket in the Fall and it couldn’t be more spectacular. So hop the ferry with us and come along on our quick weekend away.

Our sweet sweet babysitter is having her first baby in January. She’s been with us for years and years and with all our family on the west coast, our days of being able to take an overnight trip without kids is coming to a close. So Matt and I seized the opportunity to head to Nantucket for the weekend.

LIFE HOUSE NANTUCKET

We stayed at Life House on Nantucket. This self proclaimed “nonchalant innkeeper’s coastal cottage” is a eclectic, stylish boutique hotel with a whole ton of Nantucket charm. It’s a house turned inn and our room, a deluxe king, was the very first room to the right as you entered the front door. Which threw me off initially because I assumed it was going to be very noisy. Next time I’d ask to be on the second floor because I felt a bit exposed with guests milling around the porch right outside the windows. We kept the blinds closed for privacy but I didn’t want to because I love natural light. We loved the vibe of the hotel, the small cozy feel, included breakfast in the communal living room and afternoon cocktails in front of the fire pit.

We had booked two nights on the island but ended up having to cancel a night when we realized we had also booked a concert in downtown Boston that didn’t get out until 11p, far later than any ferry sails. We sang our hearts out, drove late to Hyannis, stayed at the Hyannis Harbor Hotel so we had easy parking and a quick walk across the street in the morning to catch an early ferry. I would have loved to have two true nights on the island. Next time!

After checking in early at our hotel we walked over to Black Eyed Susans and got in line for breakfast. This tiny cafe is so good but the wait is crazy. It took about 50 minutes to put our name in and finally get seated. Oh but the sour dough french toast with cinnamon pecans is out of this world. The waiter thought we ordered too much food but told us as we were leaving that he was very impressed. We were starving. And I’m taking that as a major eating accomplishment.

Then we strolled which was what I wanted to do most of all. Just soak it all in. Linger along the cobblestone streets, stop to admire beautiful houses and go where the wind takes us. We popped in stores, got some coffee and eventually headed back to the hotel to drop purchases off. We then headed back out to Youngs Bikes near the ferry terminal to rent bikes.

RENTING BIKES

Matt wanted to rent Mopeds so badly but I still have PTSD from the last time we did that–13 years ago in Thailand. Solid nope on doing that again. I get that Nantucket has traffic laws and the helmets aren’t beer advertisements but still, nope. We biked through town, stopping at every pumpkin display we could find and then out to Madaket road. We took the bike path to Cliff Road and then circled back toward town on cliff road to Steps Beach.

STEPS BEACH

This beach is famous for a reason. It’s scenic and lovely, surrounded by beautiful homes you can’t help but dream about. We walked down the steps and along the shore.

We hopped back on the bikes, peeked in as many back yards as we could as we headed back towards town to get ready for dinner. Columbus Day weekend is the last hurrah for many establishments on the island. That meant getting reservations, something we had forgotten all about prior to arriving, was a bit difficult. We asked our hotel to help and they made us reservations at Sister Ship. It was so so good. The ambiance was lovely and frankly, their White Whale cocktail was one of the best cocktails I have ever had.

First time in heels in a long long time and I walked barefoot all the way back to the hotel. I’m not a heels girl. I feel like a solid 4 years of living in them and I’m good for life.

We woke up late, lingered over breakfast in the living room and planned our day. Side note, they offered fresh pastries from Born and Bread, a local bakery and it was one of the best blueberry muffins I’ve ever had. So good. We’re definitely stopping their next time for more treats. We decided to bike to Sconset via Milestone Road. What we didn’t plan on was a 20 mph head wind the entire time which made it very slow going. It was also really boring. It’s a long bike ride and not a lot to look at. But Sconset was beautiful. I loved this area of the island. We grabbed ice tea and coffee at the ‘Sconset Market, parked the bikes and walked the Sconset Bluff Walk.

SCONSET BLUFF WALK

This was so much fun! Even in October with the wind blowing, a chill in the air and the flowers fading. Listening to the ocean sing and walking through amazing backyards is worth the hike out.

SANKATY LIGHT HOUSE

We went from the Bluff walk, back to our bikes and rode on to Sankaty Light House. So Nantucket and a quintessential New England light house.

Back on the bikes and back to town. It was a long 20+ mile round trip bike ride. We returned our bikes and caught the shuttle to Cisco Brewers.

Live music, yummy food trucks and being outdoors with people was wonderful.

Until next time Nantucket, we enjoyed every minute. Light houses, beaches, delicious food at every turn and time with just your spouse–Nantucket in the fall is a lovely time to visit this special island just get a trip in before everything closes up.