A Return to Nantucket
Madaket Magic & Summer Memories
The day after I found out I was pregnant with our daughter, my husband and I packed our bags for a getaway to ‘Sconset. It was a quiet moment of celebration before everything changed.
Nearly three and a half years later—how time flies!—we returned to the island, this time with our little girl in tow, and set up camp on the opposite end of Nantucket in beautiful, wild Madaket.
There’s something about Madaket that stays with you. It has a quiet, rugged charm—a natural, windswept beauty that’s completely transportive.
I love a New England summer, and Nantucket is the quintessential experience. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character, and together, they feel like a curated collection of coastal personalities.
We made time for old favorites:
• Lunch and ice cream at Millie’s
• Browsing the shelves at Mitchell’s Book Corner
• And of course, Walter’s lobster rolls—because some things should never change.
But what made this trip truly special were the new discoveries we got to share as a family. A few highlights:
• The kids section at Nantucket Book Works was incredible—thoughtfully curated and diverse books, imaginative toys, and some of the best art supplies I’ve seen.
• Our backyard bordered the Linda Loring Nature Foundation, with a mile-long trail that led us straight to 40th Pole Beach. It was breathtaking. (Pro tip: leave the wagon at home—the sandy trail is not wide!)
• For a sweet treat without the Juice Bar crowds, our host recommended Jack + Charlie’s. We were instant fans. The waffle cone cups are a must, and the wait was minimal.
• And yes, breakfast at Born & Bread is every bit as good as you’ve heard. The BB Egg Sandy is now a family favorite. My daughter and I spent our mornings window shopping while my husband played hero and stood in line—his chivalry rewarded with smiles and full bellies.
No vacation ever feels long enough. But there’s something profoundly fulfilling about introducing your child to a place where you and your partner (and family!) already share so much love and history. I hope this is the first of many Nantucket summers for her.
As for me, I’ve been pouring over my photos and sketchbook notes since we got home. The textures, colors, and light of Madaket are calling… It might just be time to break out a canvas and start painting.
As I unpack the memories of this special trip, I keep returning to a few pieces in my collection that feel like a love letter to the island:
"Nantucket Boats" – a quiet harbor moment, captured in brushstrokes
"Reflections on the Water" – a painting full of movement and sea breeze
"Sails" – now you can take that effortless coastal charm with you wherever you go
If Nantucket lives in your heart too—or if you're dreaming of your own peaceful escape—you can explore the pieces here.