Even in the context of New England summer destinations—of which there are many—Nantucket stands apart. It’s a little smaller, a little further out at sea, a little quieter, and a little saltier. This tiny, fourteen mile–long island can feel like a universe in itself. And something about stepping foot on Nantucket is like stepping back in time, or into an Elin Hilderbrand romance novel. The island’s building codes have done a stellar job of maintaining the island’s unique and historic charm, and year-round residents have done an even more stellar job of keeping ACK’s character alive. Like many destinations, Nantucket has been through a lot in recent years between the pandemic, a real estate bubble that has sent property prices (especially) sky-high, and a swell in both tourists and year-rounder residents; but rest assured that the Grey Lady has never felt more quintessentially herself. If you’re planning a visit this summer, here’s the scuttlebutt on everything new to keep an eye out for.
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Where to eat on Nantucket this summer
It was a tough pill to swallow when local favorite brunch spot Black Eyed Susan’s never reopened for the 2022 season, having mysteriously shuttered in October 2021. But luckily, a group of new owners (including Michael and Orla LaScola, who also own other local favorite, Proprietor’s) just reopened the downtown dining spot for dinner service, and breakfast come 2024. An international-inflected menu includes mouth-watering monkfish tonkatsu and a lamb barbacoa with masa gnocchi; reservations open a week in advance.
In other takeover news, downtown café Corner Table will reopen this summer under new management: the same team behind Pip & Anchor market, and Italian eateries Via Mare and Ventuno. And with some new café furniture and a new espresso machine, The Green Market on quiet India Street is poised to become the best place to linger over a cortado and a breakfast sandwich in town this summer.
And if you haven’t been following it already, we suggest you familiarize yourself with some of the the only-on-Nantucket drama that’s been unfolding in recent months, between two neighboring billionaires at odds about whether a nearby clam shack should be allowed to reopen this summer with its liquor license. One argues that the clam shack will bring too much noise and congestion to the area (located on a crowded, historic pier, his house is just 18 inches from the clam shack), and other says that these are the types of places that make this island special. No matter which side of the bivalve you fall on—it’s a delicious drama that could only unfold on an island like Nantucket.
Hotel happenings on Nantucket this summer
The most significant hotel news this summer is that the iconic White Elephant Nantucket is celebrating 100 years in business by revealing a complete renovation of its 54-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 garden cottages. The renovation, in partnership with furniture brand Arhaus, includes a bright, airy design with nods to the island’s rich history of basket weaving and seafaring traditions—coastal grandmas, eat your heart out. And from July 9-27, Grill 23, an institution of Boston’s restaurant scene, will pop up at the resort to offer all the big-flavor, high-quality (and high-ticket) menu items its known for, including Grill 23’s privately branded caviar, tater tots with freshly shaved black truffles, a catch of the day from local waters, and specialties like A5 wagyu and dry-aged steaks. Speaking of pop-ups—a few blocks away from the White Elephant, Saks Fifth Avenue will be taking over the Federal Suite at Faraway Nantucket for the month of August with personalized shopping appointments.