Discover Nantucket: An Idyllic Island Escape & The Ultimate Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe

Nantucket, an exquisite coastal gem, inspires culinary delights as luxurious as its charming streets. This ultimate Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe is a testament to that elegance, perfect for sharing with those you cherish.

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The mere mention of “Nantucket” conjures visions of idyllic beauty and coastal serenity. This small island, nestled off the coast of Massachusetts, has held a special place in my imagination for as long as I can remember. Its allure has been a constant, unexplained fascination since my teenage years, making it a wonder that my first visit took so long to materialize.

Incorporating a stop in Nantucket into our road trip from Rhode Island to Cape Cod proved to be the most inspired decision of the entire journey. Our only regret was the brevity of our stay. Yet, despite its compact size and the ease with which one can explore its beauty by bicycle, we departed with a profound sense of having truly connected with the island, fueling a deep desire to return for at least a full week.

The moment we stepped ashore at Nantucket’s quaint harbor, situated at the foot of Main Street, we were immediately struck by the impression of having walked onto a meticulously curated film set. The recent rain left the cobblestone streets gleaming, reflecting the overcast sky, while everyone we saw seemed effortlessly stylish – sporting perfect tans, elegantly embroidered shirts, designer raincoats, seersucker bermudas, sophisticated bags, and luxury SUVs.

This polished, picture-perfect aesthetic was evident throughout our Nantucket visit. However, beneath this beautiful exterior, we were fortunate to discover a remarkable depth of substance. A genuine commitment to conservation defines the island; many historic buildings are impeccably preserved, maintaining Nantucket’s timeless charm. The architectural style epitomizes classic East Coast elegance: homes adorned with muted, neutral colors, weathered cedar shingles, charming shutters, and inviting wrap-around galleries exude warmth and welcome. While it’s clear that these residences cater to a discerning clientele, their understated style lends them an approachable, almost modest air.

Equally admirable is Nantucket’s visible and conscious effort to resist the proliferation of chain restaurants and stores. There are no Starbucks, McDonald’s, or The Gap outlets dominating the landscape. Instead, each coffee shop boasts its own distinct personality, proudly owned by locals. Fashion boutiques showcase the creations of local designers (with the notable exception of a single, ubiquitous Ralph Lauren store). Even the souvenir shops exude a unique, local charm. While I haven’t found explicit regulations online prohibiting chain establishments, it’s evident that given the island’s immense touristic appeal and the affluent demographic of its typical visitors, numerous corporate entities would readily seize the commercial opportunity if given a chance. This deliberate preservation of local character is a defining feature of Nantucket’s appeal.

While I hold no aversion to chain establishments in general, there’s an undeniable freshness in exploring a town where every brand, logo, and sign is new and intriguing. Delving into Nantucket’s local restaurant scene revealed that each eatery tells its own unique story. Due to the island’s somewhat isolated nature, many embrace a locavore philosophy, expertly utilizing the freshest seasonal ingredients. Predictably, fish and seafood feature prominently on menus. Surprisingly, for such a compact destination, a diverse range of international cuisines is also well represented, offering exciting culinary adventures.

Our days were filled with unforgettable meals, invigorating bicycle rides across the island, tranquil hours spent on the beach, and cozy relaxation in our beautiful B&B when the rain graced us. If it sounds like we experienced a perfect escape, it’s because we truly did. In fact, I believe a part of me remains on that Nantucket cloud, still enchanted. If you harbor any doubts about the island being solely about superficial glamour, I urge you to give it a chance. Nantucket possesses a subtle, powerful magic that can captivate even the most skeptical heart.

Planning Your Nantucket Adventure: Essential Logistics

For a comprehensive address book, please refer to the end of this post.

When to Visit: While Nantucket shines brilliantly during the summer months, many consider its true magic to emerge in the haunting beauty of autumn and the blossoming charm of spring. During these shoulder seasons, the summer crowds dissipate, allowing you to wander the picturesque streets and feel as though you have the entire island to yourself. This quieter period also offers the significant advantage of lower, off-season accommodation rates, leaving more room in your budget to indulge in Nantucket’s many fabulous culinary offerings.

How to Get There: I strongly advise against bringing your car to Nantucket. The cost is considerable – a round-trip can be up to $400 per car in summer and around $250 off-season. Furthermore, the island’s narrow, historic streets are not designed for heavy vehicle traffic and can easily become congested. The most pleasant and efficient approach is to leave your car in Harwich (parking is free for day trips or $17/night for overnight stays) and take the passenger-only ferry from there. A round-trip ticket for an adult costs $74. The Harwich ferry conveniently docks directly in the town center, making it likely you can walk to your accommodation or easily catch a taxi. An added benefit of departing from Harwich is avoiding the often chaotic scene at Hyannis, whose harbor can experience lengthy wait times during peak summer season. Remember, you’re on vacation to relax!

Getting Around the Island: Nantucket’s charming town center is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, and I highly recommend allowing yourself to wander aimlessly. You’ll discover countless beautiful alleys and hidden side streets. To explore the wider island, which measures a modest 3.5 miles wide by 14 miles long, renting a bicycle is the ideal choice, offering freedom and immersion in the scenic surroundings. Should you require a car, several rental options are available on the island, both in the town center and near the airport, though it’s rarely necessary for a typical visit.

Just imagine yourself living there, even for a fleeting moment…

Nantucket’s Culinary Delights: What to Eat and Where to Indulge

Ah, the quintessential question for any food lover visiting Nantucket! The excellent news is that the island boasts an incredibly diverse and high-quality culinary scene with an abundance of options to suit every palate.

For guaranteed exceptional dining, I highly recommend any of the establishments by the acclaimed chef duo, Amanda Lydon and Gabriel Frasca: Provisions, perfect for a casual yet delicious lunch or gathering picnic essentials; Ventuno, offering sophisticated modern Italian fare in an elegant setting; or Straight Wharf, renowned for its innovative New American dishes that exquisitely highlight the freshest seafood and fish the island provides. Our most memorable Nantucket dinner was at Straight Wharf, where we enjoyed an über-romantic evening on the patio overlooking the marina (a special note: the SWR Clam Bake is an utterly unforgettable experience).

A glimpse inside Straight Wharf Restaurant, showcasing its inviting ambiance.

Another of Nantucket’s powerhouse restaurateur couples, Seth and Angela Raynor, own three highly regarded establishments. There’s Boarding House, a celebrated farm-to-table restaurant focusing on seasonal, local ingredients; The Pearl, which presents exquisite coastal cuisine with a unique Asian twist; and Corazon del Mar, a vibrant Latin-themed restaurant boasting an impressive selection of over 50 varieties of Tequila. Corazon del Mar was a delightful surprise during our visit: we savored a variety of richly flavored dishes that bravely ventured beyond traditional coastal fare, offering a refreshing change of pace and an explosion of unexpected tastes.

Our vibrant culinary journey at Corazon del Mar: Featured on the left, an artful Nantucket striped bass crudo and savory chicken mole lettuce cups; on the right, a trio of Tecate-battered Baja fish tacos served with avocado salsa, rich midnight beans, and aromatic red rice. We also indulged in the Chilaquiles Verdes, affectionately known as “Drunken Tacos,” which were absolutely AMAZING.

Additional Culinary Recommendations:

• Brunch Bliss: For an authentic local experience, head to the always popular Black-Eyed Susan’s, where you’ll rub shoulders with island residents. Fuel your day with their creative and hearty dishes, such as the innovative “Spicy Thai scramble w/ Thai Curry, broccoli, potatoes, and cilantro,” or the decadent “Sourdough French Toast with Orange Jack Daniels Butter and Cinnamon Pecans.” Be sure to arrive early, as a wait is often part of the charm.
• Elegant Lakeside Lunch: For a delightful excursion outside Nantucket’s bustling center, bicycle towards the serene Eastern Point to the distinguished Wauwinet Inn, a proud member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group. The Inn’s acclaimed restaurant, Topper’s, offers an exquisitely prepared yet surprisingly affordable lunch. The menu gracefully interprets New England classics, like succulent lobster rolls and delicate crab cakes, with a refined Relais & Château touch. After your meal, continue your journey to Siasconset (or ‘Sconset, as the locals fondly call it) and its stunning beach to discover a different facet of the island: quieter, more laid-back, and equally captivating.

The grand and inviting Wauwinet Inn.

A delightful and perfectly executed soft-shell crab sandwich from Topper’s at The Wauwinet Inn.

The serene and picturesque ‘Sconset beach.

• Modern Lunch: Dune is housed within a classic Nantucket two-story building that has undergone a complete, stunning interior renovation. Its decor is minimalist yet warm and modern, perfectly complementing a menu that offers creative and refined New England cuisine. Don’t miss their impressive cocktails list.

Dune’s iconic Chatham lobster roll, generously filled with sweet lobster meat, zesty lemon chive aioli, and served alongside crispy garlic fries.

• Sweet Indulgences: For an array of irresistible pastries, fluffy donuts, delectable cookies, moist muffins, charming cupcakes, and luscious cakes & pies, look no further than Petticoat Row Bakery. This delightful shop boasts a charming, classic aesthetic, and its staff consistently greets patrons with warm smiles, adding to the overall sweet experience.
• Where to Enjoy Drinks:
  • Unique Ambiance: Club Car, an exceptionally narrow vintage train car meticulously transformed into a small, classic, and wonderfully unique bar.
  • Prime People-Watching: The Tavern at Harbor Square, with its slightly more boisterous and less polished atmosphere, offers a gazebo that serves as an ideal vantage point to enjoy a refreshing local Cisco beer while observing the elegant procession of passersby.
  • Fantastic Happy Hour: Immerse yourself in the extensive Tequila and cocktail menu at Corazon del Mar. These libations are perfect for complementing the restaurant’s delicious appetizers, fresh ceviche, and raw bar selections.
  • Local Brewery Experience: While Cisco Brewery’s beers are widely available across the island, there’s nothing quite like savoring them directly where they are crafted, in the heart of Nantucket. The brewery features a lively patio that becomes a popular hub during the summer months.
  • Sophisticated After-Dinner Drinks: The Straight Wharf Bar attracts an elegant crowd, offers excellent music, and serves a selection of unique and expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for concluding your evening.

Doesn’t this simply make you wish you were there, basking in Nantucket’s exquisite charm?

Nantucket Essential Address Book

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