Siasconset is a post office-market-coffee shop village that has the distinction of being situated the furthest out into the Atlantic Ocean. The houses along its bluff high east bank had the modest beginning as one room fishing shacks. Over the years, bedrooms were added to one side of the house and a porch cum kitchen to the other.
A dear friend, who is also a HBS beginning-of-the-semester widow, suggested this weekday retreat. A 90 minute drive and 90 minute ferry ride later, found us on this island that we'd only explored when anchoring in Nantucket harbor on Blue Chip. The first day's chill made settling in guilt free. The next day's wind was an excuse to lounge and read.
By day three, with perfect weather, it was time to explore. Bicycling from one end of the island to the other, walking the cliff past homes of all description and more roses on trellises than one could possibly imagine, neatly trimmed hedgerows and windswept beach grasses combine to perfection. We ignored the "must visits" and instead chose our instincts. We found Bartlett's Farm and then there was Millie's in Madaket, with Baja inspired food worth driving from Boston for. (More modest Madaket offers endless beaches and may just be next on our list.)
We spent the last day in Nantucket Town, an entire 8-miles away. The galleries are enticing and cobble stone streets with whaling era shops enchanting. But neither of us are shoppers, even for these highly curated selections. When I found the West Elm orbs, which were now a decimal point more expensive for having added a felt spot to the base, I decided the offerings were a little to rich for bargain hunting me.
The freedom to plan little, eat sparingly and never have to consider the time was restorative and truly priceless. All in, this was the perfect retreat and the magic of a girls only time away. We'd consider brining the boys another time, but only if they play their cards right.
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