Julie Gerstenblatt and I often joke about which New England summer island is best: her loyalty is with Nantucket while mine is with the Vineyard. But it doesn’t mean we wouldn’t love to spend time on either island’s similar (and wholly different!!) shores. Since she knows Nantucket from years of summering and writing about the island, I asked her to explain what makes the summer island so special. In many ways, it’s been her muse.

Coming off a lovely debut, Daughters of Nantucket, Gerstenblatt’s second novel, The Stargazer of Nantucket, released this week and it’s an epic story of adventure and discovery, all originating in the former whaling island. I got to read an early copy of this novel and couldn’t put it down—I particularly enjoyed heroine Winifred Starbuck whose antics were as empowered as they were maddening.

Why does Julie always set her books on the island? Because it captured her heart as a child and its pull hasn’t let up. Welcome to the Nantucket author’s tour of her happy place.

Why She Keeps Going Back in Summer and On the Page:

I fell in love with Nantucket in the summer of 1978 and have been going back with my family in one form or another ever since. I love everything about it, except for the impossible economics of trying to live there. I love the beaches and the architecture and the history and the food and the nightlife. Where else can you drive your Jeep onto a beach by day and fish for stripers in your bathing suit and then put on a fun dress and sing at a piano bar at night? (Not that I actually go fishing!)

Nantucket is a place with such a sense of place, if that makes sense. It owns my heart, and some day I hope to own a little piece of it. But, until then, I can sit at my desk and imagine my characters living there for me.

Her Favorite Beach: Surfside

I love the view of the Atlantic from the top of the sandy path – and having truffle fries from the Shack for lunch!

(Note From Brooke: Surfside is also my favorite beach on Nantucket! I love the Shack!!!!)

Julie’s Best Nantucket Memory:

The summer of 1978 with my grandfather (who we called Pop-Pop) on Dionis beach. We went there a lot, but I have this memory of one day in particular when my brother and I raced each other as we rolled down the (then) huge dunes, flew kites with Pop-Pop, and walked out at low tide with him to collect hermit crabs in plastic buckets, staying on the beach until the sun set.

Most Over-the-top Nantucket Look She Adores:

I love a wedding party where all the guys are dressed in OG (original), real deal Murray’s Toggery Shop’s Nantucket reds. I also love seeing older women with beautiful antique Nantucket Lightship baskets on their arms and several gold baskets on chains around their necks, their wrists and ears dripping in giant pearls and gorgeous nautical, island-inspired statement jewelry from stores like Seaman Schepps.

Her Favorite Lunch Spot:

A Turkey Terrific from Provisions with Cape Cod chips and a Nantucket Nectars half-and-half eaten in a beach chair next to my rented Jeep with my family out at Great Point.

Where She Shops:

Boutique Erica Wilson for brands like Ulla Johnson, Saloni, and Alamais, plus soft pajama sets and their own private-label line of clothing. They are very good at helping you put together an upscale Nantucket-y outfit, and they also carry needlepoint and children’s clothing. I also love Cartolina and Gypsy.

I also shop at the island location of Veronica Beard. If you know me, then you know how obsessed I am with everything VB. I have several blazers and lots of their dresses and tops, and – a new discovery! – I love their winter boots.

Her Favorite Walk on the Island:

Okay, so by the afternoon, I am not walking anywhere. By then I like to be on the beach. The best morning walk, though, is on the ‘Sconset Bluff. Unfortunately, this serene lookout path behind homes along Baxter Road and out to the Sankaty Light has gotten too much attention via social media. Also, it’s not a place to go for a brisk walk because of the narrow footpath and constant right-of-way issues with people coming and going. But it’s gorgeous and you have to see it! Alternatives where you can actually get your heart rate up include the unpaved Altar Rock path (to the highest point on the island, which isn’t very high) or the paved Surfside bike path out to the beach, where a kid or two is almost always selling lemonade. If you are in town and want a short, pretty stroll through a Nantucket Land Bank area, I’d suggest Lily Pond Park.

Thank you, Julie! Sorry I’m a little late posting this week. It’s Knicks mania in New York (GO KNICKS!!!!) AND my kids end of year schedules are keeping me on the hop. See you all next week with an update about me! xo Have a great weekend everyone!