Travel Guide

Artist and Nantucket native Meredith Hanson shares her insider's guide to the island she calls home. And if you're visiting—or a local—make sure to stop by our store on 11 South Water Street this Friday and Saturday, from 3-5 PM. Hanson will be our artist-in-residence hand-painting your VB, live.

What are your top must-see, must-visit places in Nantucket?
There are several historic treasures that are absolutely worth stopping by for a visit!
1. Jethro Coffin House on Sunset Hill: Great to visit if you are biking or walking around the Cliff area. This is the oldest house on Nantucket where I have taken several of my art students to paint over the years and is perfect for a picnic. A great book to pick up from Mitchell’s Book Corner to go with your experience is Nathaniel Philbrick’s Away Off Shore. This book will give context to the people and places of Nantucket from 1602-1890.
2. Brant Point Lighthouse: If you have been following my work, you might have picked up on how much I love to paint all of the lighthouses on Nantucket! Ferrying past Brant Point is always a highlight of my travel experience to the island. Did you know that Brant Point is the second-oldest lighthouse in the United States? Cool, right? For hundreds of years, that lighthouse has been a guiding light for so many sailors to and from the island, from the early whaling days to summer ferry trips today.
3. ‘Sconset: I have lived on Nantucket for nine years and the last two have been in ‘Sconset. Be sure to walk over to Front Street where the views overlooking the water are breathtaking and the beautiful rose-covered homes feel quite literally like a fairytale.

Recs on where to stay?
1. 21 Broad is a beautiful boutique hotel in town. I had a wonderful experience working alongside Lark Hotels on a project that introduced me to 21 Broad and several of their other New England hotels. I have always been drawn to 21 Broad’s coastal interior design and how warm and friendly their entire team is!
2. The Nantucket Hotel is also a family friendly place to stay! I enjoyed working with the owners on several painting projects last year—be sure to check out their antique bus and fire truck and sign up for a fun clambake night!

Best places to eat and what to order?
Coffee: Handlebar Cafe's dirty chai latte
Breakfast: Lemon Press' acai bowl all the way! This has been my favorite order for years!
Brunch: Island Kitchen's egg white omelette with a side of potatoes, Portuguese English muffin and a big cup of coffee! (MH mugs are available with all hot drink orders!)
Lunch: Claudette’s veggie sandwich—with secret sauce of course!
Dinner: Nautilus' shishito peppers, scallion pancakes, blue crab fried rice… mmm!
Dessert: Homemade ice cream from The ‘Sconset Market ice cream counter (cookie dough for this girl!)
Nightcap: I love the rustic ambiance of Proprietors in town. This is a great spot to catch up with a friend or enjoy a date at the bar!