There’s the Nantucket of the Muffys and Chips of the world, resplendent in their Lily and Nantucket Red, and there’s the Nantucket for the rest of us. Escaping the city to spend a few lazy summer days with friends in a delightfully run down cottage is an experience we’ve earned after enduring another marathon Boston winter.

Just one hour from Hyannis (taking the Hy-Line high-speed ferry) lies a charming little island chock full of delicious food, fun shopping and a laid-back (yet decidedly upscale) vibe. It’s impossible to be in a hurry here - the most reliable modes of transportation are either a bike or your own two feet. So you end up taking the time to enjoy the beauty of the ocean and not doing much of anything. Eventually, however, you will find yourself exploring the bustling town center where the great variety of shopping and dining options will keep you entertained when you want a break from the simple beauty that surrounds you.

Of course, there are plenty of woven baskets and pink polos to be found, but there are also some unique shops that will inspire you. Parchment (11 Washington Street) is a cute little stationery store filled with pretty notebooks that will inspire you to get started on writing your memoirs. Grasshoppers (5 Washington Street) has the little things that you never knew you needed - I found myself buying a fabric cell phone cover, the kind of precious thing I would never purchase in the city. Ladybird Lingerie may be the most unexpected shop of all - their collection of classy lingerie includes decidedly non-conservative brands like Aubade and Princesse Tam Tam. Sexy!

The sky’s the limit when it comes to dining, but there are places that won’t bust your budget. The Lobster Trap has some of the freshest lobster I’ve ever tasted. We went to The Brotherhood of Thieves based on its name alone - and we weren’t dissapointed when we found a busy tavern and restaurant that serves absolutely delicious food. But my favorite Nantucket delicacy has to be the Iced Lemon cookies from the Nantucket Cookie Company - fresh from the oven and deliciously refreshing.

Give this island the opportunity to charm you. I bet you will love it, even if your name’s not Bunny.

Nantucket Visitors Information