Let's be clear: I live on Nantucket because I love the summertime.ย I have
launched a career where I actually go to the beach to work, since my work is
writing about the beach, and since I'm old-school and still write longhand in
legal pads.ย Now, that said, my life has the demands that every other life has:
deadlines, meetings, children (3 children, two of whom play all-star little
league baseball, which puts me on hot metal bleachers instead of on my towel for
more hours than I might perhaps choose) and housework.ย So although I have
perfected every possible way to enjoy the summertime, I rarely get to enjoy a
string of days in the relaxing fashion which I'd like.ย However, I have a
blueprint for the best 18-hour day on Nantucket, and I'd like to share it with
you.
Rise early.ย Nantucket is the far east of the United States, and today for
example, June 14, the sun rose at 5:18.ย Let's get out of bed at 6 a.m. and have
a cup of coffee on the deck.ย My house overlooks the 18th hole of the Miacomet
Golf Course and the ocean beyond.ย And for our purposes, my house is your
house.ย At 6:15, the sprinklers come on.ย Sip your coffee, start a new novel (I
hear
SILVER GIRL is
pretty good) and enjoy the mellow sunshine.ย At 7:00, go for an hour's walk on
one of Nantucket's many connecting bike paths.ย The Cliff Road bike path is my
favorite as part of it overlooks Tupancy Links and Nantucket Sound.ย Go home,
eat a bowl of berries and a scone that you've picked up from Mark-Et, and take
an outdoor shower. Around ten, meander in to town.ย Nantucket's downtown has
cobblestone streets and unique shopping and restaurants, old whaling captains
homes and steepled churches.ย My favorite stores for women's clothes are
Erica Wilson, Hepburn,
and
Ladybird
Lingerie.ย The
Bartlett Farm truck is on the corner of Main and India.ย
Stop and buy an armful of gladiolas, just because.
At noon, pick up a sandwich from
Something Natural (my favorite is the avocado, cheddar and
chutney on herb bread) and go to
Steps
Beach.ย This is a harbor facing beach with gentle waves and beautiful dunes
covered in Rosa rugosa.ย Swim, read, sleep, repeat.ย Around four-thirty, take a
walk to the right and stop in for a cocktail at the
Galley Beach restaurant.ย
Or, if you have your kids, keep going down to the Jetties and buy them a
popsicle.
That night, get a babysitter.ย After all, you're on vacation!ย Book the back
table at the
Company of the Cauldron.ย There's a different set menu every
night, and there's a harp player, and the back garden is tented and extremely
private.ย Afterwards, pop down to the
Boarding House
for a nightcap, and ask the bartender, Tom, to play "
Daydream
Believer
."ย Sing along.ย You've had the perfect day.
Elin Hilderbrand
Living in Nantucket sounds beautiful. I always loved the roar of the ocean. Living out in the country, I can appreciate the same beauty from a different perspective. I see the sun rise from over the trees in the morning when I have my coffee, and watch it set over the barn in the evening. The town is 4 miles away, although not cobblestone, but quaint just the same. I'm one mile away from Lake Huron, and 4 miles from the public beach access, so I can go sunbathing or fishing off the pier, or just take in the activities that are always going on at the park. I wouldn't give up my life here now, considering I lived in the city for most of my life. You'd have to pull me out of here, kicking and screaming!! I love the cover on Silver Girl, and am anxiously waiting to read it!
(Peggy Roberson 1:20pm June 21, 2011)
I agree, Nantucket is a step away from the ordinary. Being near the water and the shake shingled homes with vistas overlooking the ocean is my kind of vacation. I have fond memories of the beaches, walks, a bird which somehow flew down the chimney of our rented place and the picnics. A walk by moonlight was the highlight of our trip. I can still taste the fresh catch and we took mussels from the rocks and steamed them. Jellyfish were out in force and that was creepy around the legs worrying about what would happen if one really connected. The breeze and the sound of waves were comforting and helped us have a relaxing family time. I wish to go back soon to this different way of living in Falmouth and learn the Indian lore again and peek in the shops for bargains and eyefuls.
(Alyson Widen 1:40pm June 21, 2011)
It sounds so lovely! I have always loved being near the ocean! It also sounds like there are some very wonderful places to explore and some fabulous places to eat!
(Marguerite Guinn 4:06pm June 21, 2011)
Nantucket sounds like a place i need to be !! I love the beach we have a vacation home in Surf City,N.C. (Topsail) when we cross over the swing bridge it's like crossing over into another life and it's where i love the most. I love your books and started reading your books for the location, you are awesome and i always look forward to your next book I have a shelf on my bookcase dedicated to your books : )
(Lori Barnes 8:11pm June 21, 2011)
© 2003-2026