PSA: Stop talking about fall! We do not want to hear a peep about pumpkin spice lattes or sweaters! Summer isn’t over until the first patron steps foot in a Spirit of Halloween. As of now, we’re still sipping on those last seconds of summer like a smooth Spanish wine. Speaking of Spain and delicious summertime destinations of the sort, this week we’re exploring a Johns family favorite.
Every summer in mid-July, Deb, Ben, and the kids head to their dreamy, sacred space, the island of Nantucket. Their departure in August is bittersweet, beautiful, and leaves them longing for the summer to follow. Join Deb as we digest her family’s secret spots, island front runners, and the local surroundings they’ve loved for decades.
For those of us who have never been to Nantucket, the best we can come up with are images of lighthouses, sand dunes, ferries, preppy clothing, hydrangeas, whales, and oysters. But, there’s much more to the island’s story lines and surroundings. Deb does a stellar job of capturing the atmosphere in her photography. Believe it or not, she’s just casually snapping all the shots on her iPhone during one of her many strolls around town. She sees well-loved Jeeps and Land Rovers preserved with the patina of salty air nestled among vibrant and new, sporty neon Mokes, and VWs tricked out specifically for beach runs.
FLORAL
Deb also views the island in florals and finds herself wandering through gardens, flower-covered archways, and shops like Flowers on Chestnut. This space in particular is a rare find with a fanciful outdoor nursery and bountiful indoor garden space arranged by color. Nantucket is known for its wealth of hydrangeas, roses, black-eyed susans, and wildflowers curated in gardens, window boxes, roadsides, and varying blooms adding natural and colorful decor to this special isle.
DELICIOUS
You’re probably wondering, “How have they not talked about food yet???” You know we the people of SCOUT Bags love our food. The Nantucket foodie scene ranges from a sweet array of doughy breakfast pastries and donuts (Morning Buns from Wicked Island Bakery are a must) to chocolate chip cookies “the size of a human head” to beach-ready sandwiches and wraps from Provisions & The Green. These are all baseline fabulous options to kick off the first half of your eating day.
Don’t be fooled by its looks as the island also has fast casual offerings, like NanTaco for tacos and bowls. The Johns are going to be eating some pizzas wherever the winds have taken them and Gemelle has perfect ones. Of course, there’s an abundance of fine dining options featuring gourmet fare with a chic AND casual appeal like Proprietors, Via Mare, Ventuno, The Chanticleer, Oran Mor, Straight Wharf, The Nautilus, and Sconset Cafe to mention just a couple of their faves! Big family dinners at home with farm fresh ingredients are always a hit with both the Johns' and our team as their photos are fabulous and look too fun. We’re dying to join.
FASHION
Treasure hunting for wardrobe pieces and gifts is ALWAYS on the agenda. The WHEAT Collection, Erica Wilson, The Skinny Dip, Atlantic, and Serenella offer curated fashions with a point of view. Meanwhile, Centre Pointe, Nantucket Looms, Bodega. and Nomad feature home and gift collections. SPACE is a very special spot for Deb as her friend, Elise, has filled her little storefront with treasures by mixing vintage and contemporary jewelry, fashion, and home finds.
ACTIVE
Of course, the national hits like walking, biking, and pickleball are super popular on the island. Mix in a little tennis, surfing, and fishing and you’ll find these serious pastimes come in the form of exercise for much of the population. Gotta move your body when you’re not cosplaying as a character from a Nancy Meyers movie or eating a lobster roll.
ANYWAY, we hope you’ve enjoyed this wicked lovely island digest from our beloved city goer and beachcomber. We hope you’ll continue summering in the ways you love most and resist that urge to start decorating your front porch with gourds and squashes. Endless summer, baby!!! (And if you do have the urge, shop our new Fall collection and put some prep in your step.)
