Daffy Weekend on Nantucket

Stacie Flinner x Guide to Nantucket Daffy Weekend Daffodil Festival-15.jpg

Is there anything cheerier than seeing the first daffodils of spring emerge from the ground? After a gray couple months in New England seeing their sunny faces pop up is definitely cause for celebration, so much so that Nantucket has an entire weekend devoted to their enjoyment. Many friends have shared Daffy is their favorite weekend of the year on the island and we were thrilled to pop down to take it in ourselves for the first time last weekend.

As you approach the island you’re greeted by the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse at the mouth of the harbor, adorned with an oversized daffodil wreath created by talented local florist, Hafsa Lewis. From the antique car show on Main Street to the beautiful window boxes all around town everything is in bloom. Both cars and attendees come dressed in yellow and there’s even a hat competition for the best straw topper (again covered in flowers). The main event is the car show and subsequent parade that ends in ‘Sconset where everyone convenes for an epic tailgating party. We loved bumping into old friends including Meredith Hanson, Kim Thomas and Peter Beaton (of Peter Beaton Studio hats) before a quiet stroll along the 'Sconset Bluff Walk - heading home just in time to meet another couple for cocktails at their home.

While many restaurants and shops shutter for the winter months, they begin to reopen for Daffy. A few favorites from the trip include: Proprietor’s (always run into friend here!), The Corner Table, and Or, the Whale for meals, and coffee at Sister Ship (which is hidden inside our hotel). I always love popping by Antiques Depot and fell in love with a beautiful carved chair that sadly wasn’t for sale but did have success at BonTon (next to The Nautilus) where we found a vintage scallop door knocker for our house. Always love a keepsake to remember a wonderful weekend - we’ll definitely be back soon.