August 01, 2020
It's hard to believe we are already at the height of summer’s long late afternoon. When reflecting on all we’ve experienced this year, from a global pandemic to widespread social uprising and uncertain times all around — we hope you have settled into making time to enjoy these special summer moments. Soak up the sun, spend meaningful time with those you love, and be grateful for wellness, peaceful moments, and time to rejuvenate.
What summer activities make you feel most inspired and in tune with the outdoors and the ones you love?
List your personal top ten — or use our idea of a perfect bucket list as a template!
This month, make it all about enjoying your outdoor oasis. Be creative and spontaneous not only with how you set your table — mix and match linens, cotton dishcloth napkins, and woven dinnerware — but where you set your table: under a beautiful tree lit with tiny white lights, or on a picnic table lit by lanterns on each side in the center of the lawn. And no matter where you make your venue, remember — it’s all about making precious memories by sharing special moments and the joys of the summer season with the ones you love.
Looking for some go-to late summer recipes? Think peaches, tomatoes, and corn — three of August’s tasty gems. Our latest menu collection features these superstars in ways that are all about showcasing the bright qualities of seasonal produce. We’ve focused on fresh flavors and included both zesty showstoppers (gazpacho!) and the kind of traditional comforts that can’t be improved on (peach pie).
High summer sunbursts come in the form of cosmos, dahlias, lilies, — and of course those beautiful hydrangeas. What else do you have growing in your garden or available at the local farm market? Think outside the vase and include arugula flowers, broccoli flowers, corn leaves, and wildflowers and wild grasses for texture. Pick and arrange summer’s beautiful blooms for any occasion in mason jars or assorted small containers or vases.
This month we’ve gone gaga for summer-inspired table linens, fouta towels, woven market baskets, and raffia dinnerware. Slip into a summer beach dress or an adorable ruffled and eyelet top paired with your favorite white jeans and our sandals and slides — before summer’s warmth fades away.
Upon arrival by ferry or plane to this charming, quintessential New England island, you are immediately invigorated by the refreshing sea breeze. Soak up that bracing, salty sea air, enjoy the many sandy beaches, stroll down idyllic, cobblestoned Main Street, and while away a few hours browsing the many picturesque shops and boutiques.
Spend the afternoon expanding your horizons at the Whaling Museum or the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, then visit Cisco Brewers for a refreshing craft beer, a glass of Nantucket Vineyard wine, or a seasonal cocktail.
Enjoy a sailing outing or kayaking in the harbor. Take a bike ride along the many well-manicured bike paths or a bike tour through the island to learn more about historic sites.
Refuel with a café au lait or a nitro from Handlebar Cafe and indulge in a waffle cone ice cream at the Juice Bar (pro tip: it’s well worth waiting in the long line that often forms).
Pick up your perfect beach read at Nantucket Bookworks. (On our list this month is American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.) Get ideas for the best beach reads. Stay centered and keep up with your exercise program at the Yoga Room or The Studio Nantucket in town for a barre or Pilates session. For a higher-intensity experience, sign up for The Studio’s boot camp class, which is hosted on the picturesque lawn at Harborview Nantucket.
Wind down by taking in a movie at Dreamland in town or their even dreamier outdoor summer venue — a drive-in at Bartlett Farms!
And you didn’t plan an island getaway without an eye toward the bounty of the sea, right?
Nantucket’s fabulous dining scene is renowned for fresh, local seafood offerings. Check out the daily catch at Straight Wharf, or go to 167 Raw for an impromptu raw bar meal or to stock up on picnic provisions at Bartlett Farms. Make reservations for an elegant dining experience at Dune, or dine outdoors under the lights at Ventuno’s newly created outside venue. Looking for something a little eclectic, with a menu to please everyone in the family? Lola 41 offers sushi and classic bistro burgers, all under the same roof. Watch the sunset over a cocktail and a delicious meal at Galley Beach, or enjoy decadent sharing plates with friends at Nautilus or Proprietors. Not in the mood to organize your own clam bake? Enlist Sayle’s Seafood for delivery to your location!
For more information on Nantucket, download the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce app or visit Nantucket's website.
Take advantage of outdoor dining weather to host a casual beach dinner with everyone barefoot in the sand — and maybe a fire-pit for roasting marshmallows to conclude a joyful summer night. Or keep it closer to home with a garden party or pool barbecue. August is the perfect time to organize a New England clam bake!
The goal is to enjoy this golden summer month by gathering together, whether it’s an alfresco apéro (which is how the French wind the day down, with convivial drinks and nibbles — sometimes substantial enough to stand in for dinner) a traditional cookout, a garden luncheon in the shade, or a festive party in the sand. Just pick your ideal outdoor venue, and if you are in need of inspiration to personalize an event that is just you — at partager la joie it would be our great pleasure to assist you!
You may have noticed the days shortening again, almost imperceptibly — or that particular slant of light that lets you know fall is just around the corner. With it comes a change of pace and a return to routine. This year in particular, we’re not sure what that might hold for us, which is all the more reason to savor the languid days of late summer and carry a bit of their spontaneity and carefree, adventurous spirit with you, moving forward into autumn. Make sure to carve out time now for journaling, meditation, and other forms of self-care that can help you stay centered and remind you of your joyous raison d’être during the upcoming changing of the seasons.
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