Whew! Last night, we came home from Nantucket (again!), and I was going to take the day off from blogging to you know…catch up on crazy life…but, if I don’t start blogging our pics from the family’s trip to Nantucket soon, it’s never going to happen. I thought I’d just share some pics today about our first day over from Martha’s Vineyard.
Brace yourself…more posts to follow.
So many of you are telling me that you’re finding these posts so helpful for planning your own trips, so I’m trying to be as detailed as possible. For those of you who don’t love a travel post…I’m sorrrrrrrry!
Enough of that 😉 .
If you missed my first four recap posts, you can see them here:
Cape Cod Vacation: Chatham
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 1
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 2
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 3
On Saturday, July 17th, we woke up, returned our rental car (the one we originally picked up in Boston) and headed to Oak Bluffs to catch the Hy-Line Ferry over to our favorite place on earth…Nantucket.
Let’s check out that map one more time…
We flew to Boston and then drove to Chatham. After that, we drove to Falmouth where we took the ferry over (with our rental car) to Martha’s Vineyard. On this day, we took the Hy-Line (it’s a passenger ferry only, no cars) from Oak Bluffs over to Nantucket where we would spend the next 10 days.
As much as we had loved our week in Chatham and Martha’s Vineyard, we were beside ourselves to get back to Nantucket. I don’t know what it is…but that island has the Shulls’ hearts. It’s not better than the other two places, it’s just more sentimental to us. My kids were super pumped to take the ferry over, but this time, as a passenger and not in our car.
Here we are in line and ready to board! We took the 9:05 ferry over and would arrive by 10:00!
Our ferry was really empty, so it was nice to have a bit of space. We had a table where we all hung out for the duration.
All smiles! Well, all smiles and then all “focusing on not getting sick”. My family knows…don’t talk to her, give her space, make sure she has air, provide her with a cracker…and then, it’s an easy ferry ride for everyone. Ha!
We arrived in Nantucket and headed straight to our hotel…
…we love staying at The Nantucket.
We quickly dropped off our bags, grabbed giant whale suckers…
…and headed out to explore before lunch.
Our first stop was Bookworks, of course!
There is a small farmer’s market in town on Saturday mornings, so we went here too! I’ve purchased so many great jams, granola, candy, jewelry and even art here before.
McKinney is our home…but we might borrow Nantucket as our second home.
While we were in Bookworks, Ashby discovered the most adorable series!! She bought this book first (just wait until you read the back, below), but before the week was out, she read this one, so we bought her two more and she read those too!
Adorable little series!!
We stopped for lunch at The Tavern right by the water where they have the best clam chowder!
After lunch, we took and explored some more.
It was a great day in town!
Later that night, we cleaned up and got ready for a delicious dinner!
How sweet is her dress?! I bought it in a boutique there in Nantucket.
We walked down to our very favorite dinner spot…Brant Point Grill.
Kensington took these two photos (and edited them). Love.
Not a great pic, but Ashby and I split the lobster mac and cheese for dinner…and well, I had portioned hers onto a plate before I remembered to snap a pic!
We finished off the night with, of course, The Juice Bar.
And that was our first day in Nantucket!
I’m going to share another post tomorrow, so come on back! In the meantime, I need to go get my life together…we only have one more week until school!!!!!
Laura Fuller says
I absolutely LOVE these travel posts. I married into a beach family so that’s the only place we ever go…Although I told my husband I want to spend our 30th anniversary (9 years away) hopping all over Europe for about a month.
I also love that you brought so many different handbags for this trip. That’s hilarious to me!
Elspeth says
What a fun trip!! Thanks so much for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Nicole says
I just want to know how you do it!! How do you travel, eat and drink all the fun food, and always look so great, and on top of your game?! We need to know your secrets!! ??
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! You’re so sweet!!! I don’t know that I have all the answers, but I do everything in moderation and stay really active. For me, that works!
Erika Slaughter says
Now I’m REALLy gonna enjoy these pictures even more!!
Shannon says
I am loving these posts! I’ve never been to Nantucket, but I’m seriously considering it for a little getaway for me and my husband!! It looks so adorable. You and your family definitely look like you’re in your element there. Is it strange that one of my favorite parts of these posts is the food? LOL 🙂
Oh, and… GIRL!! Not to be weird, but your legs look super toned. What exercises do you do for them? I need to get back on the exercise train!
Shannon in PA
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhh! You’re so sweet! I do run almost daily plus, as part of my weight training, I work my legs once a week…but nice legs run in my dad’s side of the family, I can say genetics plays the biggest key!
Jane says
What a fun first day in Nantucket! Ashby carrying around a book everywhere just fills my heart so so much!!
Brenda says
I know you’ve probably said 100x…does your travel agency help coordinate trips here? It’s on my “Places I want to go list”! Thanks for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
It does not. Other than Walt Disney World, we do not offer our services within the continental US!
Andrea Morris says
I’m loving these posts! We are spending a week in Cape Neddick and Nantucket in September for my birthday. Thank you for sharing so many great places, I can’t wait to see the beauty for myself!
Where did you get your gold coin necklace? ?
Mix and Match Mama says
That is a Nordstrom find!
Jen says
It is Gorjana from Nordstrom. I think the full name is Mosaic Coin necklace. I have it as well and I love it!
Mary Verville says
I share your love for Nantucket-will be referencing your posts for our next trip there! My husband and I are leaving tomorrow on our first trip to Maine – staying in Kennebunkport. Have you been there? Any tips would be appreciated!
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t been!!! It’s on my list though!!! I hope you have an amazing time!!!
Tasha Yarris says
I love when you include food pictures! That to me is the best part of any travel post
Alison says
Kensington’s pics are great! Your family photos are simply my favorite. 🙂
Lolly says
Hey Shay! I have a quick logistical question. We are considering staying at one of the downtown hotels. Did the Nantucket have a bellhop meet you at the ferry to transport all your luggage over to the hotel or were you on their own for that? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
They did!!
Sheaffer Sims says
I mean, everything looks dreamy. And that lobster mac is at the top of the list.
Laura says
Hi Shay! I get motion sick too, especially on boats and Sea Bands work wonders for me. Have you tried them? They’re wristbands with a little plastic piece that presses against a pressure point on the inside of your wrist and keeps that yucky I’ll feeling at bay. They’re reusable and super small and just look like bracelets when you’re wearing them. Meds always make me feel groggy and sleepy but theses, obviously, don’t! I can’t speak for any imposter versions, so I would try the name brand ones first!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s been at least three years. Maybe I should try them again??
kellie says
Ohmygoodness — ALLL the best spots, in ONE DAY! 😉
We love Nantucket too — but feel that MV has our hearts — so funny. It truly IS a feeling!
We’re day tripping to ACK next week so bring on the must-dos for 2021…the book shop, Juice Bar are always on our list.
Love your travel posts, especially New England!
Kristen Hardison says
Now that we have returned from our own Nantucket trip, it is SO FUN to see these places because I can picture them all! ❤️❤️❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
I am SO HAPPY that I ran into you!!!!!!! It made my day, Kristen!!!
C says
My daughter and I both suffer from motion sickness and we’ve had great success with bands. I searched for cute options (because I didn’t like the Richard Simmons sweatband look) and found a great small business online started by a mom who suffered from morning sickness. They’re called Blisslets…if you end up deciding to try bands, these are WAY cuter than others I’ve seen and they’re highly rated 😉
Claris Yoder says
I agree with using bands. I have only ever used SeaBands which are cheap but not cute. They work really well, though. I can read in the car with them which is pretty amazing.
Lisa D says
The photos are all so wonderful! (And your girl K is a beauty.) The whole trip seems amazing!
Dianne Whiteman says
what is the best way to get from boston to nantucket?
Mix and Match Mama says
Hmmmm…you could take a Cape Air flight or you could drive to Hyannis and take the Hy-Line ferry over!
Forest black says
The flights don’t seem too bad if booked in advance. It will be cheaper to park in Hyannis. Slow boat ride is $11 dollars. It was $10 20yrs. ago when I left! There’s something about coming around Brant Point Lighthouse. I’ve seen many marriage proposals. One guy teamed up with the steamship authority to do it over the pa system as we came in. It was so funny. He got a yes !
Marisa says
Need to add Nantucket to my bucket list! Love your gold necklace and pearl hoop earrings. Where are they from
Mix and Match Mama says
Lily Pulitzer!!
Marie Wyatt says
Do they make Kensington’s dress in adult sizes? Because it is so cute!!!! 🙂
Gail says
I’m 100% with you on motion sickness…do not talk to me, I need air flow & sometimes a soda. My husband recently got his pilot’s license & I tried one short flight before determining Dramamine is my best friend!! Haha.
Kerri says
I love that your love ACK! Born and raised in Massachusetts the Cape and Islands are our special summer getaways! I know it doesn’t sound appealing in Winter, but you should see the Christmas Stroll! Also, just got a Lilly Pullitzer Nantucket beach towel and thought my favorite blogger would love this! LOL
H says
Wish you were there today, 8-4. My daughter’s steel band, Steel Rhythm, is playing at Ciscos Brewers…great vibe and fun spot. Lots of families. Hopefully next time!
Diana says
I have a question. Since you were gone around 2 weeks… Did you pack enough clothes for that amount of time or do laundry while you were there? When we take long trips, we always rent a house so I have access to a washer/dryer. Just curious.
Mix and Match Mama says
We did laundry! In Martha’s Vineyard, our room had a washer and dryer and then in Nantucket, we did laundry there again at the hotel.
Lee Carter says
Love the pictures. Im dying to visit there. Its on my bucket list. We live in Ontario, Canada and Im one of many readers and fan of Erin Hilderbrand. She made me fall in love with Nantucket. Please keep us posted…where to stay, eat and things to do.
Mel T says
Hi Shay! So excited you are posting this today. My family is heading to Boston/Nantucket/RI tomorrow. Have you ever eaten at the Breeze at the Nantucket Hotel? We have reservations there for lunch. It looks beautiful!
Mix and Match Mama says
So many times!! It’s delish! Get the ceviche and truffle fries!
Molly says
I know that a lot of restaurants are getting better offering gluten free options but most of them still do not offer a wide variety. Usually, it is salads, chicken, burger with no bun, and eggs/omelettes. How does Kensington feel about the limited choices that she has available when she is away from home? Often, I look forward to returning home from vacation, so that I can cook a wide variety of foods for myself.
Mix and Match Mama says
I would say that if I had to pick a kid to have an allergy/Celiac, I would have picked Kensington. She is my pickiest eater and has always preferred the more basic foods (grilled proteins, eggs, salads, fruit). She does, however, have the biggest sweet-tooth, so that part is really hard for her. I think she loves to travel but is always happy to be home with her “normal” foods and a kitchen that’s g-free.
Shelley Luce says
Oh my! First I must say your Family is Beautiful! I opened my phone and your story popped up! I needed to see that! I just came back from. Martha’s Vineyard! It has been a life long dream to visit the Island. My Farther was born there. My Mom and Dad were married on the Island. Had a big house on 7 acres in West Tisbury. That was in 1945, when it was just wilderness. My Mama recently passed, and I took her ashes to the Island, and spread them on the Sound. My Father, my Sister and my Brother’s ashes are spread there also. It was bittersweet, but Blessed to have been able to visit, “The Island”. All my life, I have been wanting to go, and I cannot wait to go back, I am already planning. When I got off the Ferry, I felt like I was home. The first corner , I saw a Monument in Honor of the Men and Women from Edgartown who served in WWll. I automatically stared searching for my Father’s name. And there it was…Sylvester P. Luce. I did not even know it existed! I was so Happy and proud. I cannot tell my story enough! So glad I saw your pictures and I will definitely follow you. Thank you so much. Enjoy you adventures with your Family. Thank you very much.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! Shelley, I love everything about this!! I am so happy for YOU that you got to go this summer too! It’s so nice to “meet” you!! Sending you much love!
Arlene says
Always so fun to read your posts and see your beautiful family enjoying amazing places! Your colorblock dress (green/white/navy) is so, so cute! Where is it from?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh thank you! It’s Ramy Brooke from ShopBop!
Arlene says
Thanks so much! I’m sure it’s no easy task replying to all our questions!!
Michael Rapposelli says
I’m so glad you love the island. I used to summer in Nantucket back in 82-85 when I worked as a Skipper Singer! We are looking to buy a second home there soon. Lovely report!!
Miss the juice bar. I’m guessing it’s still owned by the Fee family.
Alison says
I just adore Nantucket! Thank you so much for sharing!
Catherine says
I loved getting to meet you that morning in Nantucket! Thank you for chatting with my mom and me!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was so nice meeting YOU!!!!
Ashley says
Since you returned your rental car I assume most everything is in walking distance. Does the hotel have a shuttle to the beach or is it in walking distance too?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhhh! I forgot that detail! We returned it (per Hertz, they wanted it left in MV), but got another one in Nantucket. You totally don’t need one, but we like having one to explore. I’ll add that to my post! Thank you!
Becca says
Well starting to trip plan now for next year lol! One of our bucket list places with our girls! Do you prefer this time of year or another? Also where is the little girls matching outfits from ??
Mix and Match Mama says
I love the fall too!! My parents almost always go every fall. And they’re from Vineyard Vines!
Andrea K Pilotti says
Love all your wonderful trip tips! My girlfriends and I have been talking about a girls trip here so this couldn’t have come at a better time!! Could you share where your turquoise earrings and cute blue and strip top are from? Thanks bunches!!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re from Kendra Scott! I love them so much, but just dropped one of them on my bathroom tile and it shattered. I wanted to cry. They’re so light and super cute!
Janet says
Looks like you had a fabulous time! I’m looking forward to seeing more of your trip.
Kelly says
I love the trip pics, thanks so much for sharing!! We are just back from a fun few days in Newport, RI. Nantucket is on the list for a “big” birthday next year so taking copious notes:).
Rachel says
While that hotel looks wonderful $900 and up a night just is not doable. Do you have any other suggestions that may be a bit lower in price?
Mix and Match Mama says
There are a variety of inns and bed and breakfasts on the island. I would try to find one in town or within walking distance so you don’t need a car!