A Family-Friendly Trip to Nantucket

(is this house not TO DIE FOR?)

As you may have seen on Instagram, we went to Nantucket for a little family getaway Sun-Tues and had a blast. We try to get over to Nantucket every year, and this time it was a little challenging, but way more fun to bring Henry along. The little guy really took to the island, which isn’t suprising. It’s a wonderful place that is totally geared towards family time and kids.

We stayed in a cottage at the famed White Elephant, which is SUPER kid friendly (they have beach toys and wagons you can borrow to pop over to Children’s Beach directly across from it). And sitting on the chaise lounges on the lawn by the harbor drinking a glass of wine is just SO relaxing for when you need a break.

The smell of the wild rosa rugosa at the beach is beyond enchanting and a total memory maker.

The White Elephant is super close to Brant Point lighthouse and beach as well as a short bike ride to Jetties Beach where you can get frosé at the Sandbar and watch the kids build sandcastles.

Beyond the beach there is a lot to do with kids. The Whaling Museum is a great spot for kids and adults- they have a great playroom for the kids and some great rotating exhibits.

We went ALL IN.

There is also the Critter Cruises which take the kids out to see sea life and the touch tank at the Aquarium. But for Mom & Dad, there is also GREAT shopping. :)

The little shops on the Boat Basin are so cute and a must for any visitor.

The Skinny Dip has a great selection of clothes for men, women and kids with cool brands like Ellsworth & Ivey, Artemis, lemlem, Lake Pajamas and more.

And how GREAT are these framed matchbook pieces from @matchbookdiaries???

One of my most favorite home stores on the island is Bodega– it’s just COOL.

it’s very California meets New England and chock full of great gifts but also furniture too.

And an awesome selection of affordable jewelry.

Lemon & Line is a new brand that has this modern take on those classic summer rope bracelets ( I love the new Limited Edition collection in gold). I love them and they make a great gift. I got this one and it looks so cute with my gold jewelry and watch.

Every summer Henry gets new Natives, and they have a tiny shop on the wharf that we went into.  Henry picked out these sandals, which Henry refused to take off all weekend, and these adorable woven sneakers.

Perch is full of great designers (like Veronica Beard, whom they did a special collab with).

GOOP has a pop up shop until end of September and it’s pretty adorable and chock full of Gwyneth approved products- I bought this scalp scrub shampoo that I have heard AMAZINg things about.

Nantucket Looms is one of the best curated shops for home, and their incredible blankets are heirloom quality (you can see them weave them upstairs!)

I am also really obsessed with their dinnerware. The perfect casual set that is high quality yet dishwasher safe. On my wishlist for years.

I had never heard of Olivela before, but their concept is amazing (check out their website too). They sell your fave design goods (from FRAME jeans to Dior sandals) and 20% of your purchase goes back to charity (usually girls education, but where they have brick & mortar shops they choose something local like on Nantucket its the Cottage Hospital.)

Milly & Grace is the most ADORABLE shop inside and out:

It’s For Now, Monelle, Blue Beetle, Erica Wilson, John Rugge Antiques and Atlantic are other favorites of mine.

For eating, there are SO many fun places to try, and most are kid friendly with SOME exceptions.  We stopped into Or, the Whale for brunch and it was not only delicious and a delightful experience, but my friend Marla Mullen designed it and it’s BONKERS GOOD.

We went to Lola41 (everyone who spends time on the island raves about it)- and it did not disappoint. We sat Henry in front of our phone as he chowed on fries (you gotta do what you gotta do soemtimes) and Andrew got some seriously special sushi while I had a nice roast chicken. Something for everyone.

You CANNOT miss ice cream at Juice Bar. It really is worth waiting in line for. Look at that smile!

Also try Cru, Galley Beach, Dune, Brant Point Grill, Black Eyed Susans (breakfast) and for a quick lunch with a view The Gazebo or Oath Pizza.

And don’t miss renting a bike (many options- including kid seats and trailers) and pedaling around town or the island and staring at all the gorgeous homes and architecture.

it’s always sad to leave (Henry cried), but we’ll be back! I hope this helps you plan your own visit to one of America’s most magical spots!