Some destinations linger in your imagination long before you ever set foot on them, and for me, Nantucket has always been one of those places. The island has a timeless allure—a little windswept, a little mysterious, and entirely enchanting. I’ve long romanticized the soft-gray shingled houses draped in blooming hydrangeas, the narrow cobblestone streets, and the way the air itself seems steeped in nostalgia. When it came time to choose where to celebrate our seven-year anniversary, the choice felt inevitable. Nantucket was calling.
And let me just say: the reality didn’t just meet my expectations—it surpassed them.
Getting There in Style
Traveling to the island couldn’t have been easier. We flew with Tradewind, a private carrier that operates out of White Plains, just an hour outside New York City. In less than 45 minutes, we were stepping onto Nantucket soil. The ease of it all—no long lines, no stressful layovers—made the journey feel like part of the experience rather than a chore. It set the tone perfectly for the days ahead.
Checking Into Blue Iris
For our stay, we chose Blue Iris, a boutique gem tucked into the heart of downtown. Newly opened and brimming with character, the property is a love letter to both coastal living and old-world design. Think: colonial-inspired architecture, Mediterranean touches, Portuguese pattern work, and a thoughtful layering of antiques and fine art. It felt at once rooted in the history of the island yet fresh in its perspective.
Our mornings began on the hotel’s lush garden patio, where complimentary coffee and breakfast were served each day. Surrounded by greenery, the space radiated a quiet charm, and I couldn’t help but imagine it hosting an intimate outdoor gathering or even a summer soirée. The best part? Blue Iris sits just steps from shops, restaurants, and the beach—so we could wander out the door and be anywhere we wanted to be in minutes. If Blue Iris is booked, their sister property, Life House Nantucket, offers the same thoughtful design and charm just down the street.
Island Eats That Surprised Us
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Nantucket’s dining scene. Traditional seaside towns can sometimes lean too heavily on the “tourist-friendly” menu, but the island’s culinary offerings blew us away.
From the elevated yet unfussy plates at Dune, to the flaky breakfast sandwiches at Born & Bread Nantucket, to the quintessential lobster roll at Cru, every meal became an event worth savoring. Even coffee stops felt special, and I’ve gathered all of my finds into a Yelp collection (28 recommendations strong!) for anyone planning their own island getaway. Trust me—you won’t go hungry here.
Slow Days and Sweet Moments
The best way to enjoy Nantucket is to let the island dictate your pace. Our days unfolded easily: mornings of antique shopping, afternoons lounging on the beach, and sometimes, unapologetically, a nap in between. There’s a kind of drowsy magic to the island that insists you slow down, listen to the waves, and just be.
And while this trip was a romantic escape for two, it quickly became clear that Nantucket is just as welcoming for families. We’re already dreaming about returning next summer with Lucy in tow. Something tells me this will become our annual family tradition—a week carved out just for us, tucked into this little slice of New England paradise.
Capturing Memories
To mark the trip, we booked a shoot with Ali Eigo, who not only shot our campaign with Banana Republic but also happens to be a wedding photographer. Her eye for light and atmosphere captured the island—and us—so beautifully. If you’re considering professional photos on the island, Ali is a must.
Why Nantucket Stays With You
There’s a phrase often used to describe Nantucket: “faraway island.” While it may only be a short hop from New York, it truly feels worlds apart. It’s cinematic and storied, rustic yet refined, sleepy yet alive with energy. For me, it was everything I had imagined and more—the perfect setting for celebrating love, creating memories, and embracing the joy of slowing down.
Nantucket wasn’t just a check off the bucket list; it was a beginning. A place we’ll return to again and again, hydrangeas blooming in our memories long after summer fades.
