The Hotel Nantucket (121)
What Is There to Do If I Don’t Like the Beach?
Yes, I do realize there are people who don’t like the beach. (I am merely grateful you like beach novels!)
Do you like to shop?
If the answer is yes, you’re in luck! Unlike Martha’s Vineyard, which has seven towns, Nantucket has only one town, called “town.” (Locals say, “I’m going to town” or “I saw Elin in town.”) Nantucket’s central business district is four square blocks, chock-full of great shopping, all of it adjacent to the ferry docks. It’s therefore possible to get off the ferry, shop, get something to eat, and get back on the ferry—and although you will not have seen nearly enough of the island, you also won’t be disappointed. Town is just that great.
There are too many shops for me to mention, so I’m giving you only my very favorites.
Mitchell’s Book Corner and Nantucket Bookworks: Hmm…why did I start with these? Well, because I believe independent bookstores are the cornerstones of civilization. Nantucket is lucky enough to have not one independent bookstore but two, and they’re owned by the same person, my cherished friend Wendy Hudson. The good news about Wendy owning both stores is that instead of being competitors, they complement each other. Mitchell’s is located at 54 Main Street and has two floors of books, including an outstanding selection of Nantucket-based books. From mid-June until mid-September I do a book signing outside Mitchell’s every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. for one hour. Mitchell’s hosts signings all year round, including frequent signings with my fellow local authors Nancy Thayer and Nathaniel Philbrick. Website: Nantucketbookpartners.com; Instagram: @nantucketbooks.
Nantucket Bookworks can be found at 25 Broad Street. It’s small and cozy and has an outstanding children’s book section, a huge selection of toys, games, gifts, and chocolate!
The biggest celebrity at these bookstores is the events and marketing director, Tim Ehrenberg, who has a Bookstagram account @timtalksbooks where he gives outstanding recommendations. If Tim tells me to read it, I read it.
Flowers on Chestnut: If there is one store other than the bookstores that I would say you shouldn’t miss, it’s Flowers on Chestnut. Most visitors aren’t in need of a florist, but you should stop into Flowers anyway just for the aesthetics. There’s a sumptuous floral display in the middle of the first floor and a charming side garden. Beef up your Instagram—take pictures. Flowers on Chestnut also has a divine selection of candles, gifts, antiques, greeting cards, wrapping paper, cocktail napkins, and home furnishings. Website: Flowersonchestnut.com; Instagram: @flowersonchestnut.
Jessica Hicks Jewelry: I bought my first pair of Jessica Hicks earrings in 2008 and now, almost fifteen years later, I have well over a hundred pieces, including the silver thumb ring featured in The Perfect Couple. Jessica’s shop is tucked just off Main on Union Street—it’s a must-visit for any Elin Hilderbrand reader. Her pieces have a wide price range, with something for every budget. Website: Jessicahicks.com; Instagram: @jessicahicksjewelry.
Hub of Nantucket: As the name suggests (just call it “the Hub”), this newsstand, which also has books, magazines, candy, souvenirs, gifts, coffee, and smoothies, is right smack in the middle of town, on the corner of Main Street and Federal. Website: Thehubofnantucket.com; Instagram: @thehubofnantucket.
Nantucket Looms: Oh, how I love the Looms. The hydrangea-blue cashmere blanket in The Hotel Nantucket is fictional, though Nantucket Looms does have an impressive selection of woven goods as well as furniture and art. They also sell two kinds of wildflower soap, which is a go-to gift of mine. Website: Nantucketlooms.com; Instagram: @nantucketlooms.
Blue Beetle: My favorite place for cashmere: ponchos, wraps, and sweaters, especially Nantucket sweaters. Possibly my favorite purchase of 2021 was the heather-gray sweater with a rainbow-striped ACK on the front. (ACK is the airport designation for Nantucket.) They also have sweaters with the island on the front (I have this in four colors!). Website: Bluebeetlenantucket.com; Instagram: @bluebeetlenantucket.
Erica Wilson: Erica Wilson was a pioneer in the world of needlepoint. This shop on Main Street is still partially dedicated to the art, but the other half is women’s fashion. I nearly always find something wonderful here, and it features the jewelry of Heidi Weddendorf (Instagram: @heidiweddendorf). Website: Ericawilson.com; Instagram: @ericawilsonnantucket.
Milly and Grace: Perhaps my favorite women’s clothing boutique on the island, this shop, named for owner Emily Ott’s grandmothers, also has home goods. This is where I first found the round towels by Beach People and bought my very first S’Well bottle. Website: Millyandgrace.com; Instagram: @shopmillyandgrace.
Hepburn: Another must when you’re looking for women’s fashion. Many of the dresses you see me wearing on Instagram came from Hepburn and this was where I bought my very first pair of Mystique sandals! Website: Hepburnnantucket.com; Instagram: @hepburnnantucket.
The Lovely: Owned by longtime Nantucketer Julie Biondi, this women’s clothing boutique, which is located just past the Lobster Trap on Washington Street, shouldn’t be missed. You’re definitely going home with shopping bags! Website: Thelovelynantucket.com; Instagram: @thelovelynantucket.
28 Centre Pointe: Located at 28 Centre Street, this boutique is filled with unique kitchen, home, and table goods, as well as fashion. Owner Margaret Anne Nolen founded her own line, called Cartolina—and for those paying close attention, Lizbet is wearing a Cartolina dress when Xavier arrives! Website: 28centrepointe.com; Instagram: @28centrepointe.