Follow along as Country Home Creative Director Mary Emmerling visits the island of Nantucket for some end-of-summer fun.

Every summer, this casual New England island swells from 15,000 people to more than 50,000. Country Home Creative Director Mary Emmerling loves summers in Nantucket, but her favorite time to visit is after Labor Day when the weather is still balmy and the restaurants and shops are less busy. “If Nantucket is easygoing in the summer, it’s downright laid-back in the fall,” she says. Here are some of Mary’s favorite spots.

Nantucket Bookworks  
On rainy days, Mary heads to this book-filled haven, where it’s easy to get lost in the best sellers, mysteries, histories, and fun fiction set in Nantucket, plus a great newsstand.
25 Broad St., 508/228-4000; nantucketbookworks.com

Black-Eyed Susan’s  
This small, chic restaurant serves up ever-changing seasonal dinners and surprising breakfasts. Mary likes to sit at the counter and watch the chefs at work. “I love eating sourdough French toast under the funky chandeliers.”
10 India St., 508/325-0308

Nantucket Island House 
For a fun mix of antiques, from vintage jewelry to nautical finds, Mary heads to this consignment store located in a charming old house.
167 Orange St., 508/325-0095
 
Nantucket Country 
Cam Dutton fills her two-story shop with classic New England antiques, including American quilts, folk art, toys, paintings, and primitives.
38 Centre St., 508/228-8868; nantucketcountryantiques.com

Janis Aldridge Inc. 
Mary can’t visit Nantucket without stopping here for dressy New England finds, from upscale antiques and delicate engravings to fancy new furnishings and artwork. Janis also hosts art shows in her shop for local artists.
6 Coffin St., 508/228-6673

Legends 
Owner Azra Willmot-Smith fills her shop with eclectic, colorful clothing—from funky skirts and bright jackets to comfy jeans and T-shirts.
0 Washington St., 508/228-7818

Nantucket Looms  
Opened in 1968 as a weaving studio (check out the working looms on the second floor), this popular shop sells handcrafted folk art, textiles, and paintings from local artists in addition to the mohair, cashmere, and cotton throws and blankets.
16 Federal St., 508/228-1908; nantucketlooms.com

Vis-a-Vis 
Mary likes to update her wardrobe with trips to this colorful clothing store. Fun, unexpected jewelry as well as sandals, espadrilles, sun hats, beach bags, and sweaters (it gets chilly at night) fill this 25-year-old store.
34 Main St., 508/228-5527; visavisnantucket.com

Flowers On Chestnut  
For an instant pick-me-up, Mary stops by this flower shop whenever she needs a bouquet of fresh flowers or a sweet hostess gift.
1 Chestnut St., 508/228-6007; flowersonchestnut.com

Peter Beaton Hat Studio 
No one beats Peter Beaton for classic New England style. You’ll love this shop’s signature straw hats with ribbon trim, as well as hat boxes, totes, belts, and sailor shirts. 
16 1/2 Federal St., 508/228-8684; peterbeaton.com

Island Cashmere 
You’ll find more than just cashmere at this fun clothing store. They’ve expanded to include a vast array of fun bags and shoes.
32 Centre St., 508/228-7611

SHOPPING

The Chocolate…Lingerie
Lingerie in shades of chocolate and, of course, yummy chocolate you can eat.
34 Centre St., 508/228-2010; thechocolate-lingerie.com

Beauty By The Sea
The place for beauty basics. We love all the beachy scents.
29 Centre St., 508/228-1771, beautybythesea.com

Eye of the Needle
Unique clothing.
14 Federal St., 508/228-1923; eyeoftheneedleinc.com

Ceri
Great new shop with perfect casual weekend clothes.
25 Centre St., 508/325-7676; ceriboutique.com

Ralph Lauren
Classic clothing.
16 Main St., 508/228-9451; ralphlauren.com

Four Winds Craft Guild, Inc.
Nantucket lightship baskets and collector scrimshaw.
15 Main St., 508/228-9623; sylviaantiques.com

Sweet Inspirations
Sample delicious Nantucket Chocolatier sweets, including the original Cranberry Creations.
26 Centre St., 508/228-5814; nantucketchocolatier.com

Grasshoppers
Cute clothing and trendy accessories.
5 Washington St., 508/325-4200

ANTIQUES

Lynda Willauer Antiques
Come to this big yellow house for antique paintings and ceramics.
2 India St., 508/228-3631; lyndawillauerantiques.com
           
The J. Butler Collection
French, English, Swedish, and American antiques
36 Centre St., 508/228-8429

FOOD AND DINING

Boarding House
Great local spot—very cozy and known for local fare.
12 Federal St., 508/228-9622; boardinghouse-pearl.com
           
Nantucket Pharmacy
45 Main St., 508/228-0180

Congdon’s Pharmacy
When Mary needs her chocolate ice cream soda, she heads for the soda fountain at one of these Nantucket institutions, which have stood next door to each other for more than 80 years.
47 Main St. 508/228-0020

Lola 41
Great neighborhood spot billed as a global bistro and sushi bar. Dine with the locals and find out all the town happenings.
15 S. Beach St., 508/325-4001

21 Federal
Upscale dining in the heart of downtown.
21 Federal St., 508/228-2121; 21federal.com

LODGING

Jared Coffin House
This historic inn is Mary’s favorite place to stay.
29 Broad St., 800/248-2405; jaredcoffinhouse.com

OTHER FAVORITES

Nantucket Bike Shop
Rent a bike so you can pedal all around the island.
Steamboat Wharf or Straight Wharf, 800/770-3088; nantucketbikeshop.com

Horse Fountain
This flower-filled fountain on Main Street is a great meeting spot.
September 29–October 7, look for the Nantucket Arts Festival nearby, with trunk shows, author talks, artist demonstrations, and musical concerts.
508/325-8588; nantucketartscouncil.org