There’s so much to see and do on Nantucket Island that it’s all too easy to miss artists and shops that offer things you’ll not find anywhere else. Here is a list of ten places you don’t want to miss during your island visit:
GS Hill Gallery & Nantucket Pearl Company: you get two-in-one at 40 Straight Wharf. Gorgeous paintings by island artist Greg S. Hill adorn the walls, surrounded by handcrafted baskets, gifts, and gleaming freshwater pearls. This is where you’ll find the Nantucket Pearl Company’s “Must Have” bracelets, as well as their 3-in-1 pearl wrap and many other styles.
Toy Boat: owner Loren Brock is known for offering the best toys on the island. In her small store at the end of Straight Wharf (across from where the Hy-Line docks), you’ll find the perfect gift for your children and grandchildren. These are toys that will entertain, educate, and give a lifetime of joy.
Ireland Galleries: artist Lorene Ireland is about to head to Australia again for the World of Wearable Art Show, where she has won awards for her art multiple years in a row. Make sure you visit her at 13 Old South Wharf (the wharf with the white shell path) to see her astounding and unique mosaics, beautiful paintings, and handcrafted jewelry.
Island Weaves: There are just a few shops on Nantucket where you can see the craftsperson creating what he or she sells. This is one of them. Also located on Old South Wharf, at #20, Island Weaves owner and weaver Karin Sheppard learned from master weavers here on Nantucket. Her shawls and scarves and throws are perfect for this cool Autumn weather.
Made on Nantucket artist/owner Kathleen Duncombe’s selection of art, jewelry, and more – all made on the island – is that good. Her collectible Nantucket holiday ornaments make perfect stocking stuffers. You’ll find her at 18 Old South Wharf.
Artists Association of Nantucket has 2 galleries in town this season, one at 19 Washington Street and a new location at 28B Easy Street, near Steamboat Wharf. Visit both to see some of the best Nantucket artists, acclaimed and emerging.
Sosebee Studio & Fine Art Gallery is just a short stroll from Main Street at 8 Washington Street, across from the Artists Association gallery. Here you’ll see paintings by talented artist/owners Doug and Deb Sosebee, as well as more than a dozen other award-winning local and regional artists. Check when their next demonstration is being held in their Art Loft.
Sweet Inspirations: You’ll take home a sweet memory of Nantucket when you buy the devastatingly good artisan truffles & chocolates made fresh in their shop at 26 Centre Street. Try the Cranberry Cheesecake Truffle and their Dark’n Stormy. We also we adore their Coco the Whale™ Truffles. And you can bring your truffles home in a limited edition container.
Nantucket Carving & Folk Art is a little off the beaten path at 167 Orange Street, but well worth the little bit of effort it takes to get there! Master Carver Paul McCarthy carves the gorgeous signs, quarterboards, and home adornments that has made him the island’s most sought-after woodcarver. Folk Artist Jean Petty shows her exquisite work in the adjoining gallery. Here you’ll find a one-of-a-kind memento of your visit that combines traditional craftsmanship and island art.
The Museum Shop: Nestled next to the Nantucket Whaling Museum, at 11 Broad Street, is the museum’s shop, where you’ll find a variety of items to remember your visit to Nantucket. Historic prints & photos, lightship baskets, ornaments, candles, jams & jellies, there’s a gift for every price range.