Originally, our wedding was supposed to be an international one. I actually had no part in planning it as Caleb took full control. I was excited for the trip he planned (wherever it may be) and looking forwards to exploring a new country. So when we realized we wouldn't be able to have our honeymoon as planned, that it was going to have to be a local in-state trip, I couldn't imagine how we could possibly find anything that would be as great.
Thank goodness I was wrong!
For a long time I had wanted to go to Nantucket, but as is so often the case, I explored things all over the world, but never what was in my own backyard. So when Caleb suggested we go to Nantucket, I was excited to have the opportunity to finally visit. The views from the ferry were beautiful, and when we climbed down from the ferry we were greeted by a shuttle driver from the Wauwinet (where we were staying). He was extremely friendly, loaded our suitcases into the shuttle and gave us so many tips on things to do and see. By the time we got to our hotel I was so ready to go adventuring!
Our hotel: The Wauwinet is to die for, there is nothing about it that I did not absolutely fall in love with. Our cottage had perfect little shutters, wild roses, and a stone fireplace. The front desk could set up dinner reservations for you anywhere, lend you the most adorable Serena and Lily bicycles, kayaks, or paddle boards, and upon departure gave us snack bags! The restaurant on the resort served complementary port and cheese to guest every evening, and the sunsets on the lawn... oh.my.word... I cannot describe them! The staff there was so friendly, by the end of the week it felt like saying goodbye to friends and they always went above and beyond to make our experience amazing.
What we did: One of the first day we were there, we decided to bike to Sconset and see the lighthouse. This was one of my favorite parts of our trip! The bike path to get there was long but flat and plenty wide enough for bikes going both directions. It was a never ending tour of views! In Sconset, we went to a local sandwich shop Claudettes, we took our sandwiches down to the beach and enjoyed the sunshine while observing the seals swimming in the water. After our fill of the beach we biked down the bluff walk to the lighthouse. Once again, the views were amazing and even though it was warm the breeze took the heat away. Another fun activity was exploring the downtown, I could have spent days just exploring the shops! Unfortunately, the whaling museum was closed, but we cheered ourselves up with amazing ice cream cones from The Juice Bar and mudslides from The Gazebo. There were so many great restaurants. However, one of my most memorable dinners was at Straight Wharf Tavern. Because of COVID all dinging was outside, which in this case meant it was on the wharf overlooking the water. We came at dusk and as the sunset the only light were the table candles which you could see reflect and flicker on the water below. It was truly magical! Steps Beach is also a place we spent quite a bit of time at. This beautiful, white sand beach is only accessible by walking down a rosebush lined dirt road to long wooden set of stairs. From the top of the stairs you can overlook the beach and look down the island's edge at the beautiful estates that line it. For lunch, Something Natural was nearby and we would there before the beach to get the tastiest sandwiches ever (truly out of this world!) and the highly recommended Matt Fee Tea.
What I wore: In another post, I'm going to talk more about my experience with Nuuly, because most the outfits I wore, were indeed items from Nuuly. However, I think my favorite may have been a Show Me Your MUMU romper from Rent the Runway. This romper may be the most versatile, easy, and flattering outfit I've ever had. I could dress it up or down. Wear it as a beach cover up, or to dinner downtown. On the days we spent biking around it was perfect, cute for pictures but still easy to bike in! If I had one recommendation, I would say definitely bring cute outfits that you are comfortable biking in, because if you're like me you'll spend a lot of time biking! My favorite dress though was a pink and white checked dress Caleb bought me from Target. I love this dress! It's loose and airy, but still cinched at the waist with the bow, it had pockets, and was easy to wear shorts under for biking. It also looked incredibly 'Nantucket' and matched well with my "Just Married" hat. If I were to give packing advice I'd say bring clothes that's easy to move in but also cute because every spot in Nantucket is a perfect photo op location. Additionally, don't be afraid to wear fun, flowy, dresses, downtown Nantucket is filled with well styled and creatively dress individuals and if you've ever felt the call to embrace your inner Lilly Pulitzer here's the place!
Overall, I didn't have incredibly high expectations coming into Nantucket. I assumed it would be the type of place I'd be glad to have gone to, but wouldn't necessarily feel a strong desire to go back. I was so wrong! Nantucket blew me away with its cheerfulness, beauty, and incredible food. Caleb and I were so captivated by it that we were already planning our next trip there on the ferry ride home! I loved the experience and look forwards to returning, hopefully sometime in the near future.
