Opening the Beach House
A Recap of Our First Week Back on Nantucket
We made it! After what felt like the longest school year, extended even further by what I can only describe as a historic number of snow days in Connecticut, we finally packed up and headed to the island. School got out, and two days later, we were on our way.
The departure was a little chaotic. Our girls came down with the flu right at the end of the school year and missed the last few days, which was such a disappointment for them. They weren’t able to say their goodbyes to friends before we left. Not ideal. But we got here, and the moment we did, everything felt better!
A Full Summer on Island
This is our first time committing to a real stretch of summer on island. Last year we were back and forth constantly - never quite settling in, never quite sure how long to stay. This year we plan to stay a full month here, then back to Connecticut for a couple of weeks (I run Cailini Coastal, and while so much can be done remotely, it’s nearly impossible to be away all summer... though it’s absolutely something to work toward!), and then back for a few more weeks to close out the season. I’m hoping these longer stretches will allow us to really settle in. I’m already grateful we are able to do this!
Opening the House
There’s a ritual to opening a beach house that I am learning and I genuinely love. The very first thing I do is open the windows and doors and let the house breathe. We’re close enough to the water that on most days you can actually smell the salt air drifting through, and that makes me so happy.
Since we just bought the house last year, we’re still in that phase of realizing what we need as we spend more time here. Opening weekend also involves a full room refresh - restocking soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, checking on linens and bedding, and running every shower for a few minutes to flush out anything that’s been sitting in the pipes over the off-season.
One of my favorite firsts is the first outdoor shower of the season. I have loved outdoor showers since I was a little girl. There is nothing like rinsing off after a beach day outside, under the blue sky on a warm day. Nothing!
This year, the pool and pool house were still unopened when we arrived — it had been too cold in the spring to use — so getting those up and running was part of the first weekend’s work too. We have a loft in our pool house, a small kitchen and full bath. It’s the perfect space for guests in the summer months!
Fresh Florals & New Finds
One of the first things I do every single time I arrive on island is fill the house with fresh flowers. Right next to 167 Raw (my go-to for fresh seafood, guacamole & lobster rolls) there’s an incredible spot called Harvest Garden — they sell the most beautiful fresh bouquets and run completely on the honor system. You Venmo them and take your flowers. I love that so much. It’s such a Nantucket thing, that sense of community and trust.
This week, I also discovered a brand new gourmet market called Eat.Fire.Farm, and I am completely obsessed. They just opened, I’ve already been three times and spent way too much! Gorgeous fresh produce, delicious premade healthy meals, smoothies, and the most exquisite florals. I picked up the most stunning snapdragons and sweet peas in the softest pastel colors. I’ve genuinely never seen them so pretty! They ended up on the table for our photoshoot on Thursday with Zofia Crosby for our Cartolina / Centre Pointe partnership, and they were absolutely perfect.
Speaking of, if you’re on island this week come say hi at Centre Pointe ! We’ll be doing a two-day Cailini Coastal Trunk Show Wednesday and Thursday and I’ll be there Thursday, July 2nd from 2 - 4pm.
I also grabbed sunflowers from Bartlett’s Farm, which is always a first stop for fresh produce and groceries. There’s something I love about sourcing florals that are actually native to Nantucket — it keeps things feeling true to the island, and it helps that so many of the flowers that grow here naturally happen to be some of my favorites.
The Rhythms of the First Week
One place I always need to go upon arriving on island (no matter the time of year) is Roastd, for a latte. Hot or iced, always with cinnamon on top and their homemade almond milk. Their coffee is so good and if you know, you know it’s the best on island by far! Do not skip this if you haven’t been.
The first night we were tired, so we kept it simple — takeout from Millie’s, which is always our go-to for casual nights in. Both evenings that first weekend, we walked down to the beach after dinner for the sunset and ice cream, which is one of our favorite family traditions. We’re about a mile from the beach and right off a bike path, and we love family bike rides to the beach!
Early evening is one of my favorite times at the beach. I love the calm, I love the openness and I love the light. Early mornings are a close second for exactly the same reason.
Sunday was Father’s Day, and we had a beautiful family dinner at Galley Beach at sunset. Galley Beach is tied for my absolute favorite restaurant on the island. We were lucky enough to visit my other top favorite during our first week here, too—more on that below! The atmosphere simply cannot be beat. You are dining right in the sand, and the open-air dining room is gorgeous. Between the beautiful decor and the breathtaking views of the ocean, it would be top of list no matter what for me…but the food is also incredible!
Once Monday arrived, our girls headed off to camp, and the week settled into something that looked like a normal work week — except it was anything but, because we were doing it from Nantucket. That makes everything feel a little magical, honestly. We weren’t perfect about it, but most nights we made it down to the water, because if you’re going to be working from this island, you should at least see the ocean every day. I tried to take any call that did not require me to be in front of a screen, walking to the beach.
Thursday night, my husband and I had a proper date night at Straight Wharf - the other restaurant that is tied for #1 spot. It’s on the wharf, so you can see the boats coming in and out. The food is (in my opinion) hands down the best on island!
June is the best time to book the restaurants you love most here. Still quiet, still easy to get a reservation, still so lovely before the crowds really arrive. I try to soak that in as much as possible. I actually try to avoid town once things get too busy, and with Fourth of July this week, that moment is coming fast!
A New Family Member
I almost forgot to mention the most important new addition to our Nantucket summers, meet Freddy, our goldendoodle puppy, who is a first timer on island. He spent his first few days running around the yard, chasing bunnies, exploring every inch of the property, and digging himself very enthusiastic little holes in the sand. It’s quite adorable!
The Perfect Saturday
Our first Saturday was genuinely my favorite kind of day. It started with a workout at Nantucket Fitness — if you like HIIT or lifting, this is your spot on island. The classes are packed but the energy is so welcoming, not intimidating at all (though they are seriously hard!). I love Lisa’s classes in particular (she’s also the owner) and getting a workout in first thing sets me up for the whole day.
From there, beach with the whole family (including the dogs), post beach late afternoon by the pool, then into town where we ducked into the Dreamland for a Toy Story 5 viewing when the rain rolled in. It was my perfect kind of day. Low key family time in our favorite place.
We have a whole crew of family arriving today for the week of the Fourth. The house is about to get a lot louder and even more fun! My 9 pm bedtimes and 5 am wake-ups may be a little out of whack this week - but well worth it for this crew!
Wishing you all the most wonderful Fourth of July week wherever you’re celebrating. I’ll be back soon with more from the island soon.
Warmly from the coast,
Meg
A few Nantucket favorites mentioned this week: Bartlett’s Farm, 167 Raw, Millie’s, Roastd (get the latte with cinnamon & their homemade almond milk), Harvest Garden, Eat.Fire.Farm, Centre Pointe, Galley Beach, Straight Wharf, Nantucket Fitness
How fabulous. I am in my beach house in Brittany, and just love our summers here on the French coast. (my daughter is in Maine working as a Camp Counsellor at a summer camp, during her holiday from university.) have a wonderful summer.
Loving this post Meg - feel like I’m there with you!