Happy Tuesday, friends!
Well, last week, the family loaded up and flew to our favorite place on Earth! I know I blogged about this last Tuesday, but I’ll say it again…Nantucket has a piece of the Shull family’s heart. It doesn’t matter how many times we go or where else we travel…our heart always wants to head back there. It’s almost silly for me to blog about this last trip as not much changes from visit to visit. We arrive, settle in and enjoy our favorite town. I certainly do not think Nantucket, Massachusetts is everyone’s jam, but I hope that you know where your special place is to visit or that you find it soon.
I went ahead and made things easier for you and added a Nantucket tag to the sidebar of my blog, so if you’re looking for ACK content from years past, you can find it easily there. In the meantime, this was trip one of many that we plan on taking to the island this year, so let’s all just brace ourselves for many more posts 😉 .
Here are pics from the first part of our trip along with the answers to your most frequently asked Nantucket questions at the bottom.
Happy Tuesday! xx
Our family was sooooooo excited to board our flight and head to Nantucket last Sunday morning. We talk about this town just about every single day, so to say we hopped out of bed happily and headed to the airport with a lot of enthusiasm would be an understatement. We were SO excited to get there!
What’s the first thing we did when we arrived???
Enjoyed lunch! A lobster roll at The Tavern outside in the beautiful weather was just what we needed! The weather was GOREGOUS!!
After lunch, we strolled around town.
Happy faces, happy place.
Later that night, we cleaned up and headed to one of our favorite spots…
…for dinner! Miss Madeley and Miss Ashby have been experimenting with makeup. Please check out her eye makeup 😉 .
Gosh, I love these people!
We love the Nantucket Lobster Trap! This season, they’re not taking reservations, but since we were there earlier this year before the summer season officially begins (end of June), we didn’t have to wait at all for a table.
Our table was full of my favorite people…
…this is their patio area which is perfect with their gorgeous weather…
…love this guy!
Lobster makes us happy!
After dinner, we headed straight over for ice cream at our favorite spot…we had missed you, Juice Bar!
The next morning, I was up and out early for a run…
…over the last 25ish years that I’ve been visiting Nantucket, I’ve stayed at a variety of places, but we are very loyal to The Nantucket and almost always stay here now when we visit. Last year, we stayed at their other property in Martha’s Vineyard and loved it too!
After my run, I grabbed this guy, and we walked to get coffee, breakfast sandwiches and the paper at The Hub.
I’m really not sure that I’ve EVER had a better breakfast sandwich!
After breakfast, we loaded up in our rental car and headed…
…to Bartlett’s Farm for snacks and groceries for the beach!
…and then we arrived…
…and settled in for the day 🙂 .
Seals are all over the beaches here in Nantucket, but this was the first time we saw one come out all the way…
…and take a two hour nap. Bahahaha! After about two hours, he waddled back in and swam off. So cool!
My happy place 🙂 .
How big is she?!
We all know that Andrew prides himself on being king of the beach snack 🙂 . It was delish!
It was a great day!
After our day at the beach, we came back, some of the kids rode bikes, we showered and…
…then headed to Brant Point Grill for a delicious dinner!
The next morning, it was…
…bikes…
…and…
…beach time in the morning.
Children’s Beach is in town and has a playground.
After our morning…
…we headed back to the beach to soak up one more day in the sun. All of my kids love the ocean, but Kensington Shull…it’s like a part of her soul. She will one day live at the beach. I just know it. She cannot not get in the water. She is an ocean girl.
I mean…I took a lot of pics the day before and basically, this day was rinse and repeat 😉 .
After spending all day at the beach, we came back to town…
…and all headed out for a family bike ride!
The beach and biking…the perfect combo 🙂 .
For dinner on this night…
…we drove into The Seagrille for a delicious dinner!
And that wraps up PART ONE of our trip last week to Nantucket! Later on, I’ll post PART TWO for you.
And yes…we’ll be back 😉 .
Okay, I looked through all of my DMs and found a million questions about Nantucket, but these right here were the most frequently asked, so I thought I’d at least get those answered:
1: Where do you buy Smith’s swimsuits? Vineyard Vines and Under Armor
2: Where is your navy tank from on your bike ride? HERE!
3: Where do you stay? The Nantucket Hotel and Resort
4: Where did you rent your bikes? Young’s Bike Rentals
5: How do you travel with your Yeti backpack? We fill it with all of our beach gear (toys, Yeti cups, speaker, etc) and either Andrew carries it on the plane or we put it in one of our suitcases.
6: What are your favorite places to shop in Nantucket? This answer is vague but the truth…”town”. Literally when you step off the ferry on to the dock, you have arrived at the amazing shopping. There is Main Street and then many streets that run perpendicular to it all across this section of the island. It’s just street after street of great shopping.
Also don’t forget, last year, I did an entire post on my tips, tricks and thoughts on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket that you can read HERE along with all of my Nantucket content that you can now find HERE.
That wraps up my Tuesday! I hope you all have a wonderful day! I’ll see you tomorrow!! xx
Elspeth says
I always love reading about your trips! What great memories and adventures! Can’t wiat for part 2!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Taylor says
I still remember when I met you there last summer! I fan girled so hard haha
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! I hope you’re having a great summer, Taylor!
Laura says
Looks so amazing! Hoping to visit in the near future. When looking into The Nantucket, which suite do you stay in to be comfortable for a family of 6/7 people? Also, what other hotels have suites that hold larger families without getting multiple rooms? Thank you! Can wait to see more posts of this magical place.
Mix and Match Mama says
The Nantucket has suites that hold larger rooms as does The White Elephant. The island is made up of mostly inns and homes to rent though too.
Shannan says
Hi, this may be a stupid question, did you take your beach chairs or rent them?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a great question! Our hotel provides them!
Lauren says
Love this post! We are at the beach now with my two young kids, and while I am loving every minute of it, truly, I am also looking forward to the day when I can sit on the beach and read more than 2 pages of my book haha!
Have you done a post about workouts while on vacation? Does Andrew workout too? Do you alternate who watches the kids or are they old enough to be on their own now?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s on the docket for this summer!!! I literally just wrote that topic down yesterday!
Lauren says
Great minds think alike!! Looking forward to reading it
Erika Slaughter says
Awwww!!!! The BEST pics looks like the perfect week!
Carly says
Who cares if it’s rinse and repeat?! It’s ACK! Please always always always post about your trips!
Carol says
So enjoy reading about your travels and Nantucket each time you go. Looking forward to part 2. Absolutely Beautiful! and the lobster roll –looks sooo good. It is definitely on my list of places to visit.
Kristen says
Love these posts! Do you book all of your dinners in advance? Do you rent a car in Logan and drive straight to ferry? Are you every worried about delayed flights = not making the ferry schedule?
Mix and Match Mama says
We do book our dinners in advance before we head there. We rent our car there in ACK as well and fly directly into Nantucket (the majority of the time) versus taking the ferry over.
Jami says
So much fun! I always read about these places, but have never been! Definite on my bucket list.
Quick question – what kindle case do you use for the beach??
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s one from Amazon. It’s not special or waterproof, but it works well.
Martha Marino says
Thank you for sharing your great Nantucket trips!The photos are wonderful and your tips are the best. LOVE Nantucket too!!
Erin H says
So maybe this doesn’t matter since you’re kids are bigger, but do you all go to sleep at the same time? Or do you have a suite and the kids are in another room? I have a 3-yr old so we always rent houses bc she still goes to bed really early. I’m not sure how to share a hotel room with her. Ha!
Mix and Match Mama says
Since we’re a family of six, we often have a suite with two rooms…but when we are all piled in there together (like every Friday night at our house), the kids stay up later and Andrew and I pass out like the old people we are 😉 .
Nicole says
Gosh, I want to go here SO bad!!!! #oneday
Kim N. says
SAME!!!
Kellianne says
This is a genuine question, I hope you don’t find it disrespectful. Does Andrew wear sunscreen?? He is just so tan!
Mix and Match Mama says
He does! He wears the same Coola SPF 30 that I wear. He’s just naturally really tan…just like his Mades 😉 .
Lauren Belschner says
Nantucket is one of my favorite places. I love when you post blogs after going there because I feel like I’m there too! I feel lucky to live in MA and be so close by! Thanks for sharing!
Jacquelyn Jenkins says
I just finished that book and LOVED it!!!! Can’t wait to read your review at the end of the month!
Jen says
Can I ask what book it is? Will be finishing up a book tonight and will be ready for my next one!
Mix and Match Mama says
I need to go back and look at the kindle page but I believe that’s Jennifer Weiner’s new one!
Jacquelyn Jenkins says
It was actually Meant to Be … Emily Giffin’s new book!
Mix and Match Mama says
There you go! Thank you!
Jen says
Seals on the beach?? We are heading there this summer – please share all the tips you have on where/when/how to spot them!
Mix and Match Mama says
You just need to look! I’ve never been and not seen seals. They’re very close to the shore and pop up constantly.
Kristine says
Just keep an eye out for sharks…when you see seals always remember sharks are close by as well. Lots of shark activity on Cape Cod and the Islands.
Jen says
Thank you! I’m even MORE excited now!
JoAnne L says
Have you started investing in property on Nantucket? I am curious what the process to own property out there is like… (not $ but just how they zone and control development, vacationers vs residents, that kind of stuff)? Would you build a home or buy something and rent it out when you are not on the island? Interesting to me because how does one invest (not $ but time, effort, etc) in that process
Mix and Match Mama says
All things we’re considering over here…
Hannah says
How is Nantucket for gluten free options for Kensington? I haven’t been since before my Celiac diagnosis!
Mix and Match Mama says
Very accommodating!
Shannon says
Shay! Heading to Nantucket for the first time for our Honeymoon in July! Overwhelmed by the restaurants and where to make reservations (even though we’re from NYC, the land of a millon restaurants ha!). Any reco’s on a restaurant we just can’t miss for a special honeymoon dinner? Love you and your fam!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Congratulations! They’re all amazing…Cru, Brant Point Grill, Dune, Or, the Whale…you can’t go wrong!
Jenna says
Perfect beach addition is the Wingman silicone frisbee! My husband and I got one a couple summers ago and are obsessed! It’s easy to pack, and a soft material that doesn’t hurt your hand when you try playing with it. Definitely a need!
Cyndie says
A bucket it’s destination for me! What are you using for your nails lately? I love that they are short and they always look great.
Mix and Match Mama says
I get them “dipped” at my salon. They use the brand Nexgen on them. Thank you so much!
Ashley says
Have you ever gone for Christmas?
Mix and Match Mama says
Not yet, but it’s on my bucket list!
Ani Martinez says
Its clear why this is your happy place! Gorgeous pictures… and I need to get myself some lobster soon 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Michele says
Looks like it was a great time to be there as the beach doesn’t look crowded at all! Like your own private beach, with not many around, how nice.
Traci says
Which beach does your family enjoy the most? We are headed there this weekend – first timers!
Mix and Match Mama says
Jetties is great if you’re staying close to town, Madaket is great for big waves, Sconset is great for a little more quiet. Have so much fun!
Meredith says
I sent you a FB message (not sure if you read those) but going to NE in august and are doing a day trip to Nantucket. What would you do if you were there only for a day?
Mix and Match Mama says
I would explore town! There is great food, shopping, a beach, a museum…I would hop off the ferry and just stay right there.
Jaren says
Love love love Nantucket posts! Love them so much, we are Nantucket bound mid-July for our 20 year anniversary!! I just keep adding ideas to my Google doc! Where did you guys get beach chairs? Which beach do you guys prefer?
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! I’m so happy you’re going, Jaren! Our hotel provided the chairs.
Kim N. says
Oh my gosh – that seal – so cool!
Sheaffer says
I need a lobster roll. Like I NEED A LOBSTER ROLL.
Arika says
I want to go to Nantucket, but only if I can fly Sandpiper Air and hang out at the airport! I used to love that show. I need to find it on a streaming service and rewatch it. So good.
Mix and Match Mama says
With Joe and Brian 🙂 .
Julie says
Heading there on Monday! We couldn’t get a car ferry reservation though! Did you rent a car for the whole time or just a day? What rental place did you use?!
Mix and Match Mama says
We had a car the whole time and rented it from ACK.
Laurie says
What are you eating with your popcorn 🍿?
Looks like a beautiful vacation!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hummus, cheese, crackers, pepperoni and almonds
Lori Moore says
Do you all fly into Boston first when you go? We are headed there for the first time in September!
Mix and Match Mama says
We fly into Nantucket Airport (ACK)
Amy Heinl says
I am so glad you found your place. I am originally from a small town outside of Pittsburgh PA. We stumbled upon a small place called Carolina Beach in NC almost 20 years ago and stayed 1 week for vacation and like you started coming back year after year for multiple visits each year. We kept saying when we retired this is where we were going to retire one day. Covid hit and we all ended up working remote. When it became optional and we each had the opportunity to stay remote we took it and knew it was God opening the door for us to get here sooner. We moved here 18 months ago and haven’t looked back. We all live in the same development so my mom and sister have their place, my son and daughter in law have theirs and I have mine. We finally feel we are home. It’s so funny how we lived in Western PA all of our lives but only know fill we are where we are meant to be. It funny how a place can speak to your soul. Hope you can do the Winter Stroll one time up there.
MB says
Link to your outfit that you wore to dinner to Brant Grill? The dress, necklace, and bag.
Kristine says
In my next life I want to be Shay Shull! Haha Nantucket is definitely on my bucket list. So is Montauk (after watching The Affair)! Lol Have you guys been or plan to go? Also you need to watch The Affair if you haven’t!
Mix and Match Mama says
We have been there! It’s GORGEOUS!!
Lisa says
Are you able to stick to gluten free eating easily there?
Mix and Match Mama says
We are!
Alison says
I enjoy these posts so much! Thank you for making a Nantucket tag! I hope to go visit someday.
Kelly says
Please never stop the Nantucket posts! Lord willing, I WILL get there one day. It is necessary to rent a car? Or can you get to most places by walking?
Shawna says
Can’t wait to visit Nantucket! Question: are Andrew’s sunglasses both the Oakley Holbrooks? thanks 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I believe they are!
Becky says
Love love love these post! ❤️We’re looking at renting a house there next summer. Is sconset, in your opinion too far from town? Would it be bikable? 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s bikeable but not for “running into town” or going to dinner. It’s a hike.
Gayle says
I was born and raised outside of Boston and currently live in a small coastal beach town on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts, just across the bay from the Cape. We have easy access to the ferry’s in either in Falmouth or New Bedford, but I haven’t been to Nantucket in many years. Your post has inspired me to take a day trip over there – thank you! We’ve had absolutely beautiful weather here lately so it’s really the perfect time to explore the islands. I have never rented bikes over in Nantucket but will give it a try for sure, and I will also visit some of the restaurants you mentioned. The lobster rolls look amazing!!
One note is that I find it’s very easy to get around The Vineyard (as we call MV locally) without a car because they have convenient a public bus service that will take you from town to town in minutes. Also, Lighthouse Beach is very scenic and pretty and easy walking distance from downtown Edgartown, which is also my favorite town over there…not to be missed!