Summer weekends are sadly drawing to a close. It is essential to treasure them while you can and a perfect way to do this is a trip to Nantucket - an island off of the Cape. Drive down to Hyannis, hop on the ferry or a teeny tiny plane, or fly directly from Logan on Cape Air and you can be there in no time.

I went for the first time last weekend, and what a weekend it was. Beautiful weather, wonderful hosts and well, Nantucket in the summer time is simply unparalleled.

Upon our arrival we went to a friend's birthday party where freshly caught clams were being prepared to be baked with bacon, cheese and bread crumbs...not bad for an introductory note.  A similar thing happened the next day at the beach when one of the local oyster farmers showed up with his daily catch and started shucking them right in front of us.

On Saturday evening we had a reservation at one of the newest spots on the Island - Nautilus.  Despite the Island's relatively small size (it is exactly the same size as Manhattan) it has some of the very best restaurants in the country, with some of the best chefs in the world. Nautilus, opened by a young and dynamic group who formerly worked at Pearl restaurant, is an interesting hybrid of Asian/South American food. Must-orders are their tuna poke, softshell crab bao and the Uncle Ben's ribeye for two. Oh - and they were named best new cocktail bar on the island as well..only three months after opening. #NBD

Of course, a trip to Nantucket would not be true if you didn't enjoy a raw bar tower.  The best spot for this is Cru, located right by the docks where you can lounge outside to the view of billionaire yachts...

Any island in the summer time requires ice cream and again, Nantucket's downtown area has perhaps the best ice cream I have had in years...maybe ever. The Juice Bar may be packed, but it is worth every second of anticipation.  Order any of the flavors but make sure you get it snuggled into a house made waffle cone which you can smell a few blocks away. (this establishment is cash only)

In between all the eating, Nantucket is full of secret scenic spots to discover and experience. Head to the beach for the day or take a drive to S'conset and find yourself at the edge of a cliff with beautiful homes sitting perilously on top.

Whatever you decide to do, Nantucket is a very special place, with a group of locals with such a deep love for the island that you can very positively feel the magnetism yourself. Luckily, a delicious boulangerie cafe is waiting for you in Hyannis once you manage to tear yourself away...think of it as a consolation prize for leaving and treat yourself to freshly baked goodies, or a full on French meal at Pain D'Avignon.

 Whatever your itinerary involves, Nantucket is a place like no other, filled with interesting nooks and crannies that only multiple visits can begin to do justice.