Nantucket looked exactly as I expected: white cedar shingles, charming independent shops, beautiful beaches, and plenty of classic coastal style. This was my first return to the East Coast in a long time; I’ve mostly visited big cities like Washington, D.C. and New York City, so experiencing a small island with a relaxed pace felt refreshingly different.
One of my favorite brand partners, Lorissa’s Kitchen, invited me and three of my blogging friends to join a special event they sponsored with Real Simple: Boston Pops on Nantucket, a benefit for Nantucket Cottage Hospital. The evening combined exceptional food—starting with Lorissa’s Kitchen pairings of wine and cheese—with a beachside dinner and a performance by the Boston Pops, featuring a very special guest: Kenny Loggins.
A big thank-you to Real Simple Magazine and Lorissa’s Kitchen for hosting us and making the trip possible. Not only am I a fan of their products, but they helped make a Kenny Loggins moment come true.
The trip was short and a little eventful: delayed flights and lost bags made travel bumpy, but the hiccups didn’t ruin the weekend. We stayed in a lovely Airbnb, though most of our time was spent at events hosted by Lorissa’s Kitchen and Real Simple. The schedule was packed with dinners, a beachside brunch, and an afternoon to stroll downtown Nantucket. One surprise: the island humidity—hot and very humid—was more intense than I had expected.
— What We Did and Ate —
Dinner & Drinks at Brant Point Grill / The White Elephant
Rosé for the win. On a warm Nantucket evening, rosé felt like the perfect choice. Real Simple hosted drinks and dinner at the Brant Point Grill at The White Elephant Hotel. I started with rosé, enjoyed a light poached fish entrée, and finished with cheesecake. The setting and service were classic Nantucket—relaxed and polished.
Brunch at Galley Beach
Saturday morning began with a short workout in the already steamy air, followed by a much-needed brunch at Galley Beach. An iced coffee and a hearty omelet hit the spot. The restaurant sits right by the sand, offering a simple, sunny brunch experience—perfect for a slow seaside morning.
I’ll admit I have a soft spot for carbs and potatoes, so the menu was a treat. We enjoyed our time chatting with the Real Simple and Lorissa’s Kitchen teams while taking in beach views just a few feet away.
Ice Cream at The Juice Bar
With a few free hours on Saturday afternoon, our group explored downtown Nantucket. Locals and readers kept recommending The Juice Bar, a charming spot that doubles as a juice counter and ice cream shop. I’m a dessert person, and pistachio ice cream—my favorite—was on the menu. My cone melted fast in the heat (as island cones often do), but it tasted amazing and the shop’s vibe was delightfully quaint.
Drinks at Slip 14
After ice cream, we stopped at Slip 14 to cool off and hydrate. The drink menu was well curated; I chose a mojito without simple syrup—my preferred way. Between water and cocktails, staying hydrated was essential in that humidity.
The Event: Boston Pops on Nantucket
Boston Pops on Nantucket celebrated its 20th year as the island’s biggest fundraiser for Nantucket Cottage Hospital. The evening felt like an elegant beach party: hundreds of attendees gathered on the sand, and we were grateful to be guests of Lorissa’s Kitchen in the VIP tent where they offered wine-and-cheese pairings along with a variety of small plates. The seafood bites were excellent and creatively prepared, and the VIP hospitality made the night even more memorable.
The performance was spectacular. The Boston Pops delivered beautiful orchestration, and when Kenny Loggins joined the stage it felt like a dream. One of my friends and I shared a nostalgic moment when a song from our childhood—one our fathers used to play—came on. We ended up standing close to the stage, fully enjoying the music, and the night closed with stunning fireworks over the ocean. It was the perfect finale to an unforgettable evening.
All in all, Nantucket was a delightful escape. The island’s friendly atmosphere, great food, and memorable events made for a successful weekend getaway—despite forgetting a polo at home. Until next time, Nantucket.
This post is sponsored by Lorissa’s Kitchen, my favorite high-protein snack. I was compensated and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Fit Foodie Finds!