Visiting Nantucket: Unique Vacation Memento Ideas

Whether you are going to Nantucket for a summer vacation, on a romantic getaway, a history-inspired trip, or a family holiday, chances are that you will want to buy some souvenirs to take home with you.

Apart from being one of the best-preserved historical towns in the USA and an island with more than 40% of conserved natural wildlife, Nantucket is also known for its exclusive high-end boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and shops.

There are local artisans and galleries where you can buy traditional and nautical-inspired crafted goods, such as lightship baskets, jewelry, and more.

So even if you don’t want to break the bank and have rented an affordable local house for your budget-friendly trip there, you can go home with something which will remind you of your stay on this iconic New England Island.

Here are some of the best souvenirs and gifts to buy in Nantucket.

Murray’s Toggery Shop

Murray’s Toggery Shop, which is on Main Street in downtown Nantucket is the only place in the world where you can buy the so-called “Nantucket reds.”

They are faded brick red and almost salmon pink-colored sailcloth pants which were first introduced by the shop’s owner in 1945 and have since been trademarked.

They are so typical of Nantucket that the Nantucket reds are a must for all vacation goers. They will remind you of your trip to the island at all times.

If you decide to visit the Murray’s Toggery Shop, you will meet at least one of the Murray family members who still own and run the store.

Prior to being bought by Philip Murray, this iconic store used to be owned by the famous R.H. Macy before he proceeded to open the Macy Store Department.

Nantucket Pearl Company

Jewelry maker and owner Pam offers some unique and affordable Nantucket style jewelry at this store. The jewelry is made of top-quality pearls, crystal, and leather, as well as hand-picked beach glass and stones.

Each piece carries the signature of the owner and maker, Pam, which is a small red bead. All items are unique and handcrafted. You can pick among the hundreds of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and more at the Nantucket Pearl Company.

The store is located at 40 Straight Wharf.

Nantucket Looms

This is not just a shop. Nantucket Looms is also an actual weaving studio where the local artisans weave various items such as wraps, throws, carpets, and other home goods using the traditional Macomber loom. The woven goods are made of high-quality mohair, Japanese silk, merino wool, Scottish cashmere, and others,

The workshop is on the second floor, and on the first floor is the actual store where you can choose the woven item you want to buy. There are other products crafted by more than 80 local artisans offered at Nantucket Looms. So, you can purchase different jewelry, food, home decor items, and more there as well.

Some of the most famous clients of Nantucket Looms through the years include Jackie O, Princess Grace, Bill Gates, and Hillary Clinton. Their hand-woven items have adorned the showrooms of leading designers such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel and some of the leading museums and most luxurious living spaces in the country and around the world.

Paul McCarthy Wood Carving

This gallery is located on Orange Street and features the works of local wood carving artists Paul McCarthy and Jean Petty. The two are also the owners of this gallery.

There you can see and buy some absolutely unique wood carvings and masterpieces. The two artists have created many of the traditional wood-carved boards with the names of the houses on the island, which are so typical for just about any summer home in Nantucket.

You can pick among the different whale or bird carvings, vintage wood carved signs, nautical and Nantucket inspired paintings, and more.

Flowers on Chestnut

If you are attending a wedding or other event in Nantucket, or somebody you care about has a special occasion, and you want to buy flowers, then Flowers on Chestnut is the shop to go to.

The flower shop is located at 1 Chestnut Street and offers an impressive variety of stunning fresh flowers imported from all around the world. There are, of course, some of the stunning local flowers too.

The florists at the shop are professionals and will make you the best-looking flower arrangement suitable for just about any special occasion.

Mitchell’s Book Corner

This book store is the place to go if you want to buy either “normal” books or Nantucket-specific books. The book store has books about the history of the island of Nantucket, its genealogy, its whaling industry past, and more.

The owners organize various lectures and book signings and often invite well-known authors and cartoonists as guest speakers.

Mitchell’s Book Corner is located at 54 Main Street. 

Bartlett’s Farm

Bartlett’s Farm is a 100-acre farm that has its own grocery store known by the same name.

It is among the most popular grocery stores in Nantucket. The Farm and the store are owned and have been run by the same family for seven generations. You can buy all kinds of local organic produce, such as kale, potatoes, tomatoes, ornamental plants, and even some beautiful bouquets.

You can also choose from a wide selection of high-quality olive oils, organic snacks, handmade pasta, as well as craft beers, coffee, and organic wine.

At the Bartlett’s Farm store, you can even get a snack or have dinner. Some of the items on the menu include lobster rolls, steamed lobster with corn and potatoes, clam chowder, various sandwiches, prime rib dinner, and more.

The store is on Hummock Pond Street, which is about 2 miles from town.

Cold Noses

The island of Nantucket is a pet-friendly place, where dogs are allowed on the ferry, on a sailboard, on the beaches, and in different places and venues on the island.

If you are going on vacation with your pup, don’t forget to drop by at Cold Noses. 

This pet boutique offers beautiful locally crafted and nautically inspired dog leashes, harnesses, and collars. You can purchase different dog toys, accessories, clothes, gourmet treats, and other gifts.

There is a special section for beachwear and gear for pups in this store. You can buy your pup some fun goggles, life jackets, water bottles, beach bowls, or other Nantucket and nautical-inspired gifts.

The store is dog-friendly and is located at Straight Wharf.

 

The Artists’ Association of Nantucket

This gallery and shop at 24 Amelia Drive is a top-rated art store on the island. You can visit the gallery to see the works of some of the finest local artists and can buy affordable artwork to take home as a souvenir from Nantucket.

There is a permanent art collection and temporary exhibitions set up throughout the year.

The Artists Association also offers year-round art courses for people of all ages and of all levels. Some of the courses currently being offered include Figure and Portrait, Digital Art, In Studio Still Life, Landscape, Drawing from Observation, and more.

Aunt Leah’s Fudge

This confectioner store offers more than 30 kinds of delicious fudge. Aunt Leah, the store owner, makes all of the different types of fudge treats and offers a personalized service for all customers.

You can buy different fudge mixes and gift bags, and some unique chocolate-covered cranberries from this sweet shop.

Other delicious products include the chocolate-covered pretzel gift boxes, the chocolate-covered almonds, and the unique Salt Water Taffy boxes and gift sets.

While you are at this store, you can get a bottle of two of the delicate and fruity Zaazey extra virgin olive oil.

To learn more visit nantucket-ma.gov. 

 

Photos © 2014 Sherrie Wilkolaski.