Here we are, leaving Nantucket Harbor . . .heading home to Martha’s Vineyard . . . MUSICA . . .
It was a short trip, but oh so sweet, we really needed a little summer break, all work and no play makes us dull boys. It’s just so amazing to me that this “other world” is only a one-hour-and-ten-minute boat ride away. Must do more of this! I promised you lots more pictures Girlfriends, and here they are . . .♥
This gate with the little pathway and trellis in Sconset . . .
reminded me of one of my favorite paintings by Beatrix Potter . . .
I showed you some photos of the tiny village of Sconset at the eastern end of Nantucket in my last post, but I’m from the school of “there can never be enough” when it comes to this charming village . . . so here we are again . . .
With small closely-packed cottages, picket fences and porches, and streets made from clam shells . . .
And lovely flower gardens wherever there is a patch of dirt . . .
You can see the rose trellises they put on the roofs here . . . lots of houses have them.
Another trellis on this house . . .The oldest house in Sconset is called “Auld Lang Syne” and was built around 1670.
Could you ever tire of this? No, me either.
We went to dinner one night here at the Chanticleer Restaurant, just up the street from those little clam shell streets. One of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen. If you ever get the chance to come here, I think you would love this.
There are several eating areas to choose from . . . this is one of the outdoor porches . . .
There is another outdoor porch on the left of this photo . . . the two porches go down both sides of this lawn . . . that’s the main dining room inside those windows, for those chilly nights when you need a crackling fire to have dinner by.
But not this perfectly mild evening . . . By the time we left, these tables were full of people eating outside under the stars.
We chose to have a table on the indoor porch overlooking the back garden . . . this is the table across from us. Do you see the roses? It was really just this beautiful . . . There’s also a bar where you can eat where they had live Jazz. But in this room (our room), they played French music.
We had Pink wine . . .
Our toast . . . Here’s to beauty! And Mas MUSICA . . .
The fresh island-grown tomatoes were so sweet, they tasted just like they look . . .
And what vacation would be complete without these?
The Chanticleer is almost covered in ivy . . .
And then, off we go the next morning to Nantucket Town . . . this is the main town on the island . . .
The crosswalks are brick, the original roads are still cobblestone . . . the island is very much protected by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. There are many rules about what can and cannot happen here. I’m not a person who loves rules, but I’m glad they have them on Nantucket.
Because it never changes. The cobblestone streets were built one stone at a time many years ago, not many towns in America have these! They aren’t that good for stiletto heels (if you thought you might be wearing them, I would suggest you think again . . . ) and they are bumpy to drive on, but they will be staying despite all of that.
There are lots of interesting one-of-a-kind shops too, it’s truly a browser’s paradise.
This three story brick building was built in 1772 complete with widow’s walk to get a good view of the ships coming back from sea . . . you can read about Historic Nantucket here ~ Nantucket was the home port for the ships that took part in the Boston Tea Party. How about that!
Downtown Nantucket just after alighting from the way-back machine. Of course I love color, but there is something about these wonderful old black and white photos.
All roads lead to Nantucket!
For lunch this day we went over to Galley Beach Restaurant . . . Could it get any better? No, really, this is just about as good as it gets. That is our table right there on the left, the first one. If I lived here I would bring my book and come here every day!
If we looked out to the right, we saw the beach, if we looked to the left, we saw this . . .
If we looked down, we saw the menu . . .
And then this . . . under all these crisp-cooked island vegetables is fresh melt-in-your-mouth codfish surrounded in Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce . . .
Then back to the house for a nap on the porch amongst a yard full of bunnies who seem to trust us (except the look in that eye says, “Yes, I trust you, but don’t try anything.”)
This is where we were staying . . . I think the original part of the house was built in around 1860.
This is just part of the reason I think that . . . the house is filled with photos like this . . .
You can just see the widow’s walk behind the white chimney in the photo of the house above, and here, we’ve climbed the attic stairs and gone through a door in the roof for a bird’s eye view of the bay. . .
More view from the top . . .
And I took a few more photos inside . . . this is one of the cozy guest bedrooms . . . Every room has books in it, good ones too.
It’s a house of memories . . .
Another peaceful bedroom . . .
This recipe was on the wall in the kitchen, Cousin Hattie’s Apple Pie, a family recipe I’m sure . . . It must be delicious! It has cinnamon, apples, nutmeg and bourbon in it! Worth framing!
A house with kitty feet on the stairs.
A house of history.
Old photos, paintings, quilts, pillows, books and rugs, nothing matching, everything old and homey and real . . .
A whole wall of family height measurements, initials and dates . . . you see 1928, 1957, 1971, and so many more . . . amazing . . .
And lots of paintings of the house . . .
I worked on my book in the early mornings, with this as my view as the sun rose. Oh Girls, I’m loving writing this book.
Time marches on, our last sunset, so quiet and peaceful, and time to go home . . .
Here we are, in Nantucket Harbor, on board the Hyline, getting ready to depart . . .
This is what it looks like on the inside of our boat . . . quite comfy, there’s a snack bar, and we have a table.
Here’s the view out the front of the boat . . .
And, we’re off! The view from my window . . .
Leaving the harbor, past the lighthouse, and this big boat just coming in . . .lucky them!
I took this from the window, that’s the same big boat curling around the harbor . . .
And off we go . . . Our little getaway is over. But we learned one thing for sure . . . we should not wait ten years before we do this again! Deep breath, ocean air, sparkling day, cry of seagulls overhead, good memories . . . so lucky. ♥ Now back to reality . . .
Love you♥ Hope you liked that! See you soon! XOXO
Absolutely breath-taking Susan! Thank you for sharing your trip with us! I love history and this island certainly is history! Very inspiring! Breathe in–breathe out! Beautiful! Hope you have a lovely day back home!
Smiles, Deborah :o)
Thank you Deborah!
I love Hyline. I used to work in the ticket office in Hyannis during college. Lots of fun.
What a fun job!
Nantucket looks so very beautiful! It is good that it is protected from over-zealous development, so many old buildings have been destroyed in UK in the past, to make way for some rather grim replacements, though I think that there is more awareness now of preserving historic buildings, thankfully. I have never heard of a ‘Widow’s Walk’ before, but I can understand the origin of the phrase, seeing those little roof-top balconies. What a lovely little holiday you must have had! Thanks so much for sharing it with us X
I hear that much has been destroyed in the UK, and the war certainly did not help, but I was amazed at how much was still there. Such a treasure trove.
I myself have never really heard about a widow’s walk, what were they for???
It’s a small fenced platform on the top of houses near the sea for wives who were waiting for their men to come home from whaling or fishing to get a birds eye view and see if he’s coming back . . . some would and some just wouldn’t.
Wow. I want to visit so much after seeing these. It looks so peaceful. Then I see the antique photos and I think wow how much more peaceful it was then with less traffic, less electronic gadgetry to distract us. I bet it was amazing. Oh to have a time machine to spend a week back then on that porch…
I think the same thing!
…wow !..and this is exactly why I come here so often…to fill my cup with faith, hope and love, again and again..what a difficult week, listening to all the global news.. and I’d rather just come here !!.. my two daughters are taking me to see my mom and dad in California for my father’s big 90th birthday party ..all my siblings will be there..and then my daughters are taking me to where my oldest daughter lives..in R.I. just a few minutes from the beach..they also promise to take me to Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard…my daughter texted me the other night to ask if I saw your newest posts !!…so full of beauty and charm !!..thank you, dear Susan..for always giving us faith, hope, and love in our daily lives !!…as always…
Thank you Mary — you will love Block Island! So small and sweet. Have fun!
Okay….please tell me why that basket was hanging from the ceiling……
LOL, I don’t know!!! I asked the same thing. It must be a game . . . probably been there forever, put there by someone’s grandmother when she was a little girl and no one has the heart to take it down.
I think the ledge used to be a tad bigger and was a little girl’s reading place. She made her little brother send books up to her in the basket!
I was going to ask the same thing. Thought my eyes were playing a trick on me at first. 🙂
Nantucket looks so charming. I’m glad you had the chance for a little get away.
Thank you Karen…I had the exact same question! So funny!
Good catch Karen! I had to go back and look for it! Too funny! Such a beautiful place. Thanks for the little virtual trip and tour Susan. I am so glad that you Joe got to have such a nice little vacation . . . and in Nantucket. I have several picture books of Nantucket. I love the cedar shake homes, cottage gardens and the cobblestone streets. Oh, to be able to visit there . . . maybe some day. <3 <3 <3
Karen…you read my mind! I had to go back and look again! Lol!
maybe the basket was for snacks to be sent up to whoever was reading upstairs.
The trip to Nantucket has been absolutely refreshing. Water, beaches, sand dunes, sunset, great food with beautiful views, what could be better? So I wonder, if you lived and worked there would you feel like you were on an eternal vacation? I think I would!
Thanks for taking us along Susan. Linda, Pat and I had the best time! Let’s go again next year…….please!?
Chris
We should definitely put that on our To Do list!
its already on mine. that was a fun trip, I wouldn’t mind spending a summer there, maybe stay until the autumn leaves come tumbling down. 🙂
Oh my, yes, Chris and Pat!! I had such a nice and relaxing time with you guys–and Susan is so obliging! I’m glad you never get tired of us tagging along, Susan!
I never will.
Susan, What a bit of heaven that was. I would find it hard to leave. I love the restaurants and the cobblestone streets. Now you are home. Time for cat fun and your beautiful gardens. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Yes ma’am !
Oh Susan! Nantucket is breathtaking. I enjoyed tagging along so much. It’s been years since I’ve been to the water ~ how I miss it so. I’d love to be able to take my son so he can experience it. Thank you for your beautiful blog! It always lifts my spirits.
That was a get away for me,too! I will definitely put this on my list of must visits! Perfect reading while I’m waiting for my first of the season chocolate chip pumpkin bread to finish baking. I started reading your fall book this week and just had to bake something pumpkin or apple. My hubby chose the bread. Everyone loves it and lots of gals have asked if it is a Susan Branch recipe! Next up will be your cranberry apple recipe! Enjoy the soon changing season! Love, lucy
We’re all chomping at the bit . . . that wonderful time of year!
Oh, Susan ~ what a lovely way to round off your trip to Nantucket! Some of my Girlfriends and I were talking, just the other day, how much we are enjoying your and Joe’s visit to this magical place! You are so right, and I could not agree more, we cannot have too much of a good thing when it is somewhere like this. I adore how quaint it is. My friend used to live in the cathedral close and she had a path of ancient cobblestones along the front of her house too! Always tricksy walking over them, especially in heels! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Autumn has begun to fall in Wales ~ the days are cooler and shorter, and shadows longer in the mown meadows across The Shire ~ I turn to my Susan Branch “Autumn” book and the box of Autumn decorations sits in the hallway of my cottage awaiting September 1st ~ sighs ~ I have not waited, though, to use my new Autumn mug ~ of course it is Emma Bridgewater, and it is covered in the leaves of the British countryside in support of The Woodland Trust! I have found a treasure! My Great Grandmother’s stone hot water bottle! It will not be used to warm the bed, but as part of my Autumn decorations this year! I wonder what she’d make of that?
Waving ~~~ from Across The Pond ~~~ Debs in Wales xoxo
Cool here too Debs – a good day for dreaming.
I have my Autumn decorations ready to go up, but waiting until after Labor Day. Autumn over there sounds wonderful. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be with all the colors and the crisp cool Fall air.
The best time of year!
Hi,
Your trip looked lovely. It brings back memories of about 5 years ago when we took the ferry from Hyannis on one of our Cape excursions. I loved all the cottages and flowers. What a dreamy place to stay. The seafood looked delicious. I can never eat enough of it when we visit the Cape.
Glad to hear the writing is coming along…never can wait for a new book from you.
My favorite season is right around the corner…cannot believe it…the summer went so quickly….never really had very hot weather this year….it is fine by me since a lot of days were more Spring like!
Hello to all the blog girlfriends…hope everyone of you had a good summer!
Kathie from Limerick
Thank you Kathie!
Thanks for sharing these beautifull pictures of your holiday-if I was there too!
Sun, sea and the beach-I love them and wish I live near the sea,although the Woods are also great.
Good luck with your new book.
greetings,Trudy
Thank you Trudy!
In a word: WONDERFUL!
Oh MY GOSH……what heaven. Well, that’s it, I MUST have my handyman build me a trellis gate to grow climbing roses over. Loved those gates! I’m not one to fence things in, (One of my favorite songs is “Don’t Fence Me In”), but the fences were so charming. What a wonderful, wonderful, beautiful, gorgeous (all those other great adjectives I could mention) place to spend some time. I’ve just got to go there next summer. Who to go with? That’s the hard part. I’m alone now & it’s difficult for friends to commit to some of the things I’d like to do. A couple of my friends have told me I should have lived in Victorian times. I do get excited about old things, now “I am” one. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
LOL!
Loved that!! 🙂 Your photos are just beautiful. Glad you had time to write a bit…can hardly wait for your new book. So glad you are coming to California again. Would love to see you.
Thanks for all you do.
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
I’m having two signings there Nancy, one in Santa Barbara and the other in Cayucos — in case you’re in the neighborhood!
Thank you, Susan, for your wonderful blog and books which I have just discovered. My travel days are over as I have a chronically bad tailbone and sitting much is impossible. Living vicariously through your beautiful photos, charming watercolors and comments transports me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are a national treasure! P.S. I stand, walk & run just fine!
The PS was wonderful! 🙂
I have to admit, of all the lovely pictures…..I love the sly bunny the best. What a gorgeous piece of coastal New England!
Hello Susan. I enjoyed that immensely! We went to Martha’a Vineyard in the 1980’s and always said we would go back. Didn’t have time for Nantucket then. Seeing your lovely pictures certainly makes me want to visit again. As you say, don’t wait to do these things. Time can go by so quickly.
Simply Loverly! Thank -you So Much for posting more photos! What a Beautiful, fairy-tale-like place! Did you feel like you were almost in another country?
Yes, really I did.
I loved this post and didn’t want it to end! No vacation for me this year because I need a new furnace and I have really been wanting to get away! Reading your post made me feel like I was away for a little while and has inspired me to plan for next year. Thanks so much!!!
You’re welcome. You are going to love what that furnace does for you this winter! 🙂
A lovely breath of fresh ocean air….here in Michigan! 🙂
Dear Susan,
Thank you sooo much for the trip to Nantucket— and the reminder of why I loved it when I first visited years ago. It definitely goes to the top of my list of places to be visited SOON!!
Tricia
There is nothing like a visit to Nantucket to renew your spirit. There is a great artist, William Welch, who paints Nantucket and does lots of Sconset scenes.
I had to go back and look for the basket, missed it the first time! The charm runneth over in Nantucket. Love your accommodations and the views spectacular. Thank you so much for sharing, Susan. As always, your blog made me smile and makes me dream. xoxo
I loved that little tour Susan and hope you’ll put a permanent link to it on your blog. There are so many magical places so close to home – sometimes we need to be reminded that an Atlantic crossing isn’t necessary (but certainly fun) to find them. Adding this to my bucket list, right below the Lake District.
You would love it Suzanne!
The kitty footprints on the stairs are a hoot! I’d love to hear that story. 🙂 Old homes are like books that should be written – can you imagine if they could tell you their stories? I’d probably go broke buying them all (books, not houses!). I’m glad I can read that recipe for the apple pie; I love trying new ones. I may get to Nantucket one day, but for now, Susan, thanks for being our virtual tour guide! =^..^=
What a great idea for a series of books. Always a different house as central character and each with a different story.
And they are stories that go on for hundreds of years! Michener style!
We have always said houses hold so many stories and secrets!
“Old houses, I thought, do not belong to people ever, not really, people belong to them.” Gladys Taber
Perfect. I know I belong to this house of mine. I’m it’s caretaker for these years.
I heard Tennessee Ernie Ford sing a hymn last week called “Bless This House.” I couldn’t believe it was a hymn and it so reminded me of you Susan. I don’t have the words in front of me, but you could google it. You’d enjoy it.
I know that lovely song Rhonda, my grandmother used to listen to Perry Como sing it.
My grandmother wrote a short story like this, decades ago, titled Memory House, about a house telling about the family who lived in it. It was written in pencil on old unlined paper, front and back of one page. I don’t know how old she was (she was born in 1912), whether she was in school or out, but it was so cool to find it among her pictures and papers. It gave me a connection to her, as I like writing also. That’s what gave me the idea and what I want to work on. =^..^=
Sweet!
Oh, that visit was wonderful -oh so wonderful! Thank you for taking us along, Susan~
What a fantastic
getaway with food for
the soul on so many levels!
The rose trellis on the
rooftops idea is a new one
for me–LOVE!
xo Suzanne
Beautiful photos, Susan! 😀
just delicious – all of it!!! ♥♥♥ I miss the ocean now that I live in central Virginia!!! Blessed & fortunate you to have enjoyed such a wonderful stay on Nantucket in gorgeous weather! Thanks for sharing with all of us 🙂 You’re the best!
My Pleasure Mari!
Beautiful! Thank you!
OK That does it! You’ve really done it now! I’m calling
my travel group to see if they have any cancellations for
the New England trip in October. I passed it up at sign-up
time but now I’ve gotta go! It is gorgeous there. Love
the houses and the flowers. I’m going to see about a
shell driveway for my little cottage. I’ve never seen
that before. Thanks for sharing. Just can’t wait for
the book.
P/S: What is your 2 track driveway made of? It looks like
white brick or stone. I love the look of that. There driveway
must be my next project. Thanks
The white driveways and tiny roads in Sconset are crushed clam shells . . .
I was talking about your driveway in MV. Like to
know if it’s bricks or stones or what. Thanks
Ohh, sorry, our driveway is granite blocks.
And in October, it’s positively stunning. I never saw it until later in life and was almost shocked at the leaf turn. You’ll love it.
What ?
The change of season, the leaves turning color.
Thanks for the tag-along opp, Susan! I’m anxiously looking forward to going to our little property by the lake in a few days, thanks to your inspiration. Have a lovely day in your neighborhood!
Absolutely enchanting, Susan! I’ve never been to Nantucket! A lot of similarities to Rockport, MA (have you been there? Another must!!). The inside of the house looks a lot like the rented “cottages” (old Victorians) we used to spend summer vacations in, in Maine! Interesting! About the same vintage. Didn’t know the bit of history about the Boston Tea Party home port! Well, see, the natives can learn something from a transplanted Californian!! 🙂 The picket fences and weathered shingled houses are so like Cape Cod, too! I remember when some of the Boston streets up near Beacon Hill had those cobblestones (maybe still do). You are right — killers to walk on in heels and bone-jangling to ride on in a car, but so fun and historical! I know one thing if (no — when — WHEN!) I/we ever come back to Martha’s Vineyard, I KNOW I will extend our trip to include Nantucket! Thanks for the great photo travel journal! Love it — ALL of it!! <3 🙂
I will start encouraging my friends too . . . it’s such a gentle way to “travel” too.
Oh, how very much the corgis and I loved going on that little jaunt with you. It was a lovely way to spend this hot August afternoon in Waco, Texas.
Wow, what a perfect cure for my summer cold, a trip to Nantucket in my PJ’s.
Ella Fitzgerald, Kevin Kline and your beautiful pictures and words! Thank you as always for bringing us smiles and dreams!
Wonderful post! Definitely makes me want to visit Nantucket (and Martha’s Vineyard) again.
I was just going to ask about the basket as well! LOL! Loved the peek at Nantucket and the house — what a relaxing place!
Hi Susan, you’re forgetting that “back to reality” is other people’s idea of a really good thing. Nantucket will miss you guys! Received six of your calendars this week. I gave two of them to friends over lunch and they promptly started reading them. I, on the other hand, showed a little more decorum, lol, and am going to savour the anticipation for another day or two. Enjoy these last precious days of summer.
LOL, good girl with the decorum!
Sconset looks to be the last stop before heaven to me…
Perfect description!
Boo hoo! Didn’t want to leave. Thankfully, we’re going to your house, where everything is just as charming. Bet we’ll get a wonderful kitty welcome.
No doubt!
Well, wasn’t that just the loveliest trip ever! I could almost taste that wine and felt like I was enjoying the view! Thanks for sharing. My romantic heart is there, dining outdoors, holding hands with my hubby, taking it all in….
Perfect!
Okay, we must go to Nantucket! Susan, you sound like you had a wonderful time. I’m so happy for you. Do go again soon! It’s breathtakingly beautiful! xo ♥
Short but extra sweet, and fun to see again after all this time. I think I even appreciated it more this time.
Thank you for sharing Nantucket with us. What a charming island! Maybe that dangling basket is there to occupy children of all ages on a rainy day. Whiffle balls and baskets go together like coloring books and crayons. Welcome home…….
That’s a very good guess I’d say!
May the basket is a cat “swing”…….can’t you just picture it?
LOL!
Please tell me if we can rent that house.
They used to rent it, that’s when my friend started renting it once a year — but they don’t anymore. Just to him now, the family uses it the rest of the time.
Love this! Always wanted to go to Nantucket – now it is a must. But Susan you must also go to Mackinac Island, Michigan. We just got back and it was like another world. No automobiles allowed – just horses and bicycles – like stepping back in time – “Somewhere in Time” was filmed here at the Grand Hotel. Check it out – you will love it just as much!
I call it the “Somewhere in time Hotel” 🙂 My friends always know what I’m talking about! I’ve never been there, but someday I’m sure we’ll get up there.
When you go, you must have the ice cream, Mackinac Island Fudge is a favorite.
OK!!
Michele, I was so surprised by the beauty of Michigan! We spent a week at Suttons Bay two years ago. Walked every where we went, out to dinner, shopping and we were right on the beach. I grew up right next door in Ohio and I just never knew. We are hoping to get back some summer! I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much for taking us along with you to Nantucket! It is such a beautiful place and so wonderful to travel with you and Joe! What an experience – so relaxing and peaceful! Nice to be back home and rejuvenated! Hugs and kisses to all who came!
Thank you Salve!
Wow.
Wow! Love this post! The pictures and quotes are pure summertime relaxation! You and Joe are so lucky and so are we! George and I just arrived back home an hour ago from our anniversary get-away to the cape and this just helps me hold on to that heavenly feeling I’ve had for the last few days. I’ve been reading Gladys Tabor’s “My Own Cape Cod” and totally relate to her feelings for the place she so loved. We were talking on the way home about how soon we will be able to return…we love how we feel when we’re on the ocean shore! We said that on our 40th anniversary, we will go island hopping! That’s only 2 more years and you have brought it all to life for us…you’re so good at that:)
So happy that this new book you’re writing is bringing you so much JOY, Sue! That means we will LOVE it!!
xoDebbie
Thank you Debbie!
Please Susan, remind me what book that is of the wonderful drawing by Beatrix Potter.
I think it’s been in lots of books about Beatrix, but this is the one by Judy Taylor, just called Beatrix Potter.
Thank you so much; I greatly needed the Elizabeth von Arnim quote!
Awww, Susan, thank you for taking us along on your summers-end getaway. Perfect. I got my September/October issue of Yankee magazine today, and there is a lovely article in it about Tasha Tudor and her home in Marlboro, VT. Her family does tours of her home and gardens. How I’d love to do that someday! That would be perfect, too. Love that you include her birthday on your calendars. Hugs!
I hear it’s a wonderful tour — I haven’t been, but others I’ve known have loved it.
A few years back, Tasha herself led the tours. I meant to go, but foolishly kept putting it off. Carpe diem!
So true!
Oh, the very best is the wall with the generations of family initials and measurements! It looks like cottage beadboard – beautiful! How awesome to still have that!
PS – kitty pawprints on the stairs – for real? Because I AM just gullible to believe a small feline was painted up with white tempera…
Could be anything, I have no idea, but the floor is painted that color of white.
“How did you spend your summer vacation?” … lucky enough to go on a relaxing armchair trip by-the-sea to Nantucket with Susan Branch, jam packed with treasures. It has set my heart to dreamin’ again. You can pack so much into a weekend if you try … come home with enough memories to almost write a book about it all and shock the heck out of yourself.
I bet the pawprints on the steps are authentic and probably from the white floor when it was wet. We noticed little painted pawprints on the floor one time and couldn’t figure out where they had come from. We checked the bottom of our pomeranian’s feet and sure enough, they were full of paint. We had been painting a few days earlier. We didn’t catch her in the paint, the paint job wasn’t messy, and what we had painted we didn’t think she could get into…but she managed somehow. A man painted the outside of our home in Nova Scotia and took his little black dog with him. The little black dog went home with one white ear. They’re quick.
I also love the markings on the wall. That history is priceless. I’d love to do that somewhere with my granddaughter. The old home we bought in Nova Scotia has a well inside the house. The door jamb going into the “well room” is marked and dated as they kept track of the amount of water in the well each summer.
I celebrated Christmas on Aug. 22nd this year and a gift did I receive…11 of my old Country Living magazines had the Susan Branch artwork and recipes from the 80’s. After I found them, I remembered seeing them years ago. I have no idea why I didn’t connect these dots a long time ago. I used to envy the girlfriends who said they had kept these from years ago, and I had them all the time. I’m overjoyed. I love them. Thanks for the lovely post Susan and sorry for rambling on…you’ve energized me again. Hugs to all.
Oh how fun, what a good thing to find — those magazines are great!
The December 1988 issue even had an ad for your new cookbook coming out…”Vineyard Seasons.” It was so cool to see that. You have no idea how thankful I am that I kept those magazines.
Oh that’s great, I forgot all about that!
those are kitty paw prints on the stairs, how adorable. the kitty must have walked through the paint and wandered upstairs… how cute.
What a wonderful trip, Susan. Thank you so much for taking us there. Who wouldn’t want to live in one of those old weathered homes with a view to the sea. And I’d love to see all those roses in bloom, I bet it is spectacular. However, you do have a most wonderful house to come home to, and the cutest kitties. Hope you take another trip soon, and take us all along.
We’re going out to California at the end of October . . . hope you can join us!
Our bags are packed! And we’re traveling by train! Yay! 🙂 🙂
Yes! Our first train trip in a long time . . . SO looking forward to it!
Thanks for the tour — I, too, was wondering about the basket and rope! I thought that maybe there was a loft up above. It certainly starts a conversation, and maybe a short story…..
Susan gazed out her bedroom window and watched the little birds hoping from branch to branch. If only I could bring the birds closer to my window, she thought. The branches of the tree are just too far away and too high
to hang a feeder…while she sat on her coverlet pondering this question, her eyes
rested on the tawny Nantucket basket sitting on the shelf above her little desk.
“What if I were to fill it with birdseed; tie a rope to it; and lower it out of my window? Then the birds would come flocking below my window and when the basket is empty, I just raise up the rope and fill it again.” With that, Susan ran downstairs to find some rope; her little sisters, trailing behind her.”
Any other takers for short story??
JoAnne is pretty northwest N.J.
LOL, cute, love it, I think my name might be Jo March … 🙂
Susan,
This made for a lazy Sunday delight…reading about your great vacation. We celebrated here yesterday, at our home, our little Audrey’s first Birthday. So today is rest and read and just enjoy the summer day here in California. But I had to comment on JoAnne’s short story…as I was reading it I thought of Little Women…then your reply about Jo March. It brought wonderful memories back to me for I grew up with 3 sisters and 3 brothers. My sisters and I played Little Women all the time and I was Jo March (I was the tomboy of the family) and I LOVED JO SO MUCH. But JoAnne you have something there… I would go with it and see how it ends up…it could be allot of fun and great adventure for you….maybe you have a hidden talent that is just screaming to be heard. Enjoy the journey.
Susan also I saw that you will be here in California in Nov….I am so planning on a road trip…with a girlfriend or with my husband again like last year…”AS MY HUSBAND’S GIRLFRIEND”..I left my girlfriend tag on, and as we got out of the car at the hotel, the man that parked next to us remarked to him….”Well at least you are honest about.” We had a good laugh. Thanks for making my Lazy Sunday so relaxing. Love, Susan P.
LOL Susan!
I love this JoAnne! I hate leaving mysteries unsolved! Your birdseed story inspired me:
Poetry the Calico Cat and Gabriel the Little White Dog had been at the cottage on Nantucket Island about 10 minutes when the little boy leaned out the window and shouted, “Quick! You have to come see this!” Poetry and Gabriel followed close on the heels of the other little boys as they all ran to the house. “Oh, dear,” cried Poetry. She’d just stepped on a paint can lid, still wet with paint, as she crossed the porch. Not wanting to be left out of the excitement she gave her feet a shake, crossed the threshold and bounded up the stairs leaving paw prints behind. By the time she reached the room, all three little boys and Gabriel were standing quietly around a basket hanging from a string in the middle of the room. Poetry jumped up onto the bed to get a better look. Inside was a bird’s nest with three tiny eggs nestled amongst the leaves and twigs. . .
Mystery solved, who would ever take that basket down!
thanks for taking us along … could smell the salt air and feel the sun shining down.
and literally got a pang mid-reading when you stopped to tell us how much you are loving the work on your book … can’t wait to read it!!
Me too Vicki.
Susan, have you hit up the chambers of commerce (MV and Nantucket) for a commission?!! 🙂 You’ve earned it!! And we are “nice” travelers!! They must like that!! lol
LOL, I haven’t mentioned it to them yet! I’m just working to keep the standards for our tourists high, bringing Girlfriends and Kindred Spirits!
I pondered over that basket hanging in that bedroom for at least 15 minutes….and as much as I credit my ability to lie under any circumstances … I could not for the life of me come up with a rational circumstance for that basket ! Too far into the middle of the room to be
located as a window transport , tiny cord not very strong for heavies like books , it just hangs there like a ” poser”simply to raise questions …so to be able to sleep tonight , for me
That’s all it is ! Goodnight all ..sleep well ! , Blogdad , Jack
PS– that Pie presentation could be a
“baptized” a Sue Branch original , written in script
I felt the same way, there was no rational reason for that basket to be there, yes the string is too thin, maybe it’s for tiny paper airplanes you shoot while lying in bed?
I don’t know how I missed the basket the first 5 times
I looked at the pictures. I would put my midnight snack
in it! So good to hear from our blogdad. If he doesn’t
know what the basket is for – nobody does.
I agree with you!
Oh, wouldn’t “that” be fun! I’m sure that’s what it’s for! What an imagination Susan!!! (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
hmm wonder why the basket was there?? that is a puzzlement!!
How about a trash basket that needs to be lifted up to keep furry friends from getting in it? Or a basket for crayons and markers to use at the desk? Or basket to catch the falling stars that come in the window? 🙂 xo
Mary, I like your idea for hanging a trash basket out of reach from my dog, Gabriel. All my trash cans are kept in closets if they don’t have a lid on them. I also like the idea that the basket is for catching falling stars–maybe to collect the ones after you go to sleep so you can wish on them in the morning.
I would ask my friend to ask the owners what the basket is for— he seems to have a good relationship with them—-we have to know !!
I can try, but when I asked him he didn’t seem to CARE. That could be a problem! I don’t understand how anyone can walk in that room and see that and not want to know why!
Evidently, your friend is not married
because a woman would not leave that
one alone until she found out. I’m
going to google it. Can’t wait for your
posts from the train. That is something
I’d like to do but I don’t know of a tour
group that does trains! I’ll google that,
too!
Hi Susan, I love, love, love this blog. All the pics of the houses and little pathways are just what I pictured. All the flowers are magnificent. The quaint town and buildings look so beautiful. I loved every minute and now wish we had been able to go an see it while we were up there in MV. Well, you never know, maybe some day.
Wondering about so many things like are there medical facilities and how severe the winters are, but I’m sure the beautiful summers make up for all that anyway.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip. I loved the widows walk on the house you were staying in……….just so neat. Looking forward to your new books. With hugs, Gail xo
Oh yes, both islands have hospitals . . . ours is really good. Winters are serious. And Nantucket is seriously alone out there — Martha’s Vineyard is only 45 minutes by ferry from the mainland — if you took that same ferry from the mainland to Nantucket it would be two and a half hours. It’s really out there.
Oh Susan, Your post is just wonderful…every time I read one I get re-inspired. I want to do everything all at once, read, quilt, bake, cook, garden, clean, watch a good movie, play with my kitty, iron, wash a window etc….It’s like you have quoted in the past, ” She was overcome by an attack of pathological enthusiasm!” I baked two pies today, a blueberry and a raspberry! We are just waiting for the coffe to finish brewing and then it’s family game night and pie. I’m Glad you had such nice trip and I’m glad you are going home to your home and your kitties. Enjoy!
Mary B <3
Sounds like you’re having a wonderful night! Mmmm have a piece of that pie for me!
Thanks so much for taking us with you <3
Love all the wonderful pictures. Have always wanted to go to Nantucket. Your blog is so refreshing – especially, since it is 98 here in Nebraska!
Blowing ocean breezes your way Liz!
I loved the pictures of the house you were staying in. In one of the pictures of the guest bedrooms there seemed to be a basket hanging from a rope in the middle of the room. Is this just a decoration or was there something in it? Interested in knowing. Lovely, Lovely beach photos. It all seemed so peaceful. I’m glad you and Joe had a good time. Thanks for sharing.
It was empty. I walked around it a few times, trying to figure it out, and our host didn’t know. It must be for a game!
Susan, thank you so much for your breathe of fresh air. It has been cloudy and gloomy here in Northern Minnesota. So seeing the photos of your lovely trip has brightened my day. I love all of your posts. You are so inspiring. Love, love, love all your posts and your books!
What can I say….such a treat…beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your getaway with us. I’d love to go there someday, but if I don’t get there, I almost feel like I’ve seen it.
Lovely photos, beautiful gardens. Could almost smell the salt air and feel the sea breezes. But why is there a hand-made basket hanging down from the rafter in the first bedroom?
This is the question we are all asking ourselves! 🙂
Your pictures were brilliant. Oh my those cobblestone streets, beautiful.Touring New England is definitely on our bucket list. I do have a question about one of the guest rooms you photographed. There was a basket suspended from what looks like the ceiling. Do you know what it was used for. It caught my attention and I was just curious. Thanks for letting us join you on this wonderful getaway..
We never figured that out, although some of the Girlfriends here on the blog have had very interesting ideas!
Thanks for trip it was delicious! I’m happy for you that you got to go there.
Your painting of the dry stone wall is pure delight…love it! The kitty prints and stairs, cobblestones and the lot, thankyou!
I can’t think of anything to say that hasn’t already been said!!!!
What a wonderful place. I wasn’t as fascinated by the basket as I was the little store with the “packaged goods” sign. And the flowers….my-o-my…. how pretty! The views, the houses, the cobblestone streets – Thank You for it all.
Oh what fun I have had on “our” trip to Nantucket! Thank you so much for being a gracious host. After your last post I just had to dig out my LaVyrle Spencer book and am reading it again, along with A Fine Romance, which rests permanently on my bedside table.
I often wonder if you know how much joy and light you bring into people’s lives with your posts, art and writings. You may have a tiny inkling I am sure, but it never hurts to be told once in a while how very much your efforts are appreciated, and today I am telling you. You are a light giver. I thank you for that. Love you! xxoo
Dear Marie, you are so sweet, thank you. xoxo You are a light giver too.
What charming pictures Susan! It’s so good for the soul to get away every now and again. The days seem longer and every street, or restaurant is a new adventure. I cannot wait for our return trip to New England next year, however I’m not sure I can wait that long for another authentic lobster roll!
I understand completely! 🙂
Oh Susan! Both your posts on your wonderful trip to Nantucket were a such a treat to read. Loved everything about it from the many picketed gardens to those fabulous weather beaten grayed shingled homes. I especially enjoyed seeing the photos of the old family home you got to stay in. My heart stopped though when I saw the wall where past family members recorded their height. I had an old summer place like that where we did the same thing, but ours were written on the door frame going out to the screened porch. Sadly I had to sell the old property but seeing your photos brought back many tender memories and made me smile.
Thank you Susan for sharing….
Jamie
If I bought an old house with something like that in it, I would treasure it and never let anything happen to it. I hope the people who have your house did the same.
Susan, these last two blogs were definitely ✭✭✭✭✭! I had such sweet dreams last night — of ocean breezes, fences, hydrangeas and the smell of salt in the air. Ahh. Just a bit of heaven for sure. Loved seeing a “summer cottage” that still has the old world flavor. So many have been altered to be trophy houses on the coast. This house is a gem.
Last year, on this day, you came to Toadstool Book Store in Milford NH for your book signing. We were so excited to see you. Your tales are just the best. XX00
I remember! That really was such fun!
Thank you for sharing Nantucket with us! You captured all of the charm, sights, smells and even deliciousness of the island. I’m definitely putting Nantucket on my bucket list. Love, love,love it! With all of that beautiful inspiration and your passion for creativity I know your new book will be the best ever! I can’t wait, so I’ll just have to satisfy myself by ordering a calender, or two, or 5…
Quite frankly, I think the local tourism boards need to compensate you for the excellent job you do in promoting such wonderful places to visit!
Absolutely LOVED the two blogs on your little summer break to Nantucket.
The pictures of the codfish in lemon beurre blanc sauce and the recipe for Cousin Hattie’s apple pie are sending me to the internet on a recipe search – the codfish dish looked absolutely amazing (I just envision you painting it for your next cookbook) and that shot of bourbon in the pie – what a wickedly fun idea – bet it tastes divine!
Thanks!
Rosanna
Any family that takes the time to handwrite and paint a recipe and put it on their wall . . . it MUST be good!
Oh thank you so much for these last two posts. I have wanted to visit Nantucket for more years than I can remember and now I feel like I have had a tiny visit. Your photos are just beautiful and truly I can almost smell the sea air. Thank you, Susan, you are a gem.
Glad you enjoyed it Judy!
That’s the restaurant I fell in love with..At the time they told us it was voted the most romantic..
You have made yearn to go back.
I can almost smell the home you stayed in and feel it.
It is definitely the most romantic restaurant I’ve ever been in … I’ve seen photos where they have weddings on that lawn in the middle! Can you imagine?
Hi Susan! Seeing “The Hyline” brought back lots of wonderful memories of childhood and young adult vacations at the Cape with my family. We always stayed in either Harwich or Chatham, and we always, as part of our vacation, took The Hyline over to either Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. Yes, the Nantucket trip was longer, but as a child, the excitement of being on the Ferry for a few hours was just so much fun! I remember we loved the snack bar, and having the option of either sitting up on top and being open to the air and sea breezes, or being down below (near the snack bar) LOL. I never ventured to the other end of Nantucket, but will definitely have to that the next time I am there. How beautiful… Thanks for taking us on this wonderful trip. I was not able to actually “get away” this summer, just did local things: Jones Beach, pool, day trips – so this was really a treat for me!
I think everyone’s first trips on the ferries are just as you described, very exciting! The snack bar especially! Between Nantucket and MV, what I especially loved, were all the other ships at sea — a couple of large wooden schooners and lots of other sailboats especially.
…and also seeing the whales, right? If you were lucky, their tails would pop out and they would dance for you! I agree – those waters between the islands are very busy between the ocean life and the boats/ships!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the beautiful photos of Nantucket. I have spent many summers on the Island. To borrow one of your phrases – it is a “heart magnet” for our family. There is a timelessness about the place. Although I haven’t been there for many years now, Sconset, Main St. , beaches, and all surroundings look the same as ever they did. How wonderful is that?! xoxoGail
Perfectly wonderful!
Thanks for sharing your lovely trip to Nantucket with us!! It looks like you stayed in a beautiful spot. I travelled to Nantucket in the mid 80’s with four girlfriends. We spent 1 night on Nantucket at the Jared Coffin House, and also stayed 1 night on Martha’s Vineyard. I loved it all. I would love to go back and visit again, but this time with my hubby. I think he would enjoy it all too. (I was young, and single when I went with the girls..)
I’m loving the clam shell streets and the cobble stone streets. It certainly is breath taking. I also love the cute cottages. Flowers and sunsets. Gulls flying and the ocean breezes and I can smell it from here. Lovely. It is a must see. I have to go next summer. That’s it..I’m going to both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket next year! Thanks for another fun trip.
This was an absolutely breathtaking tour! I can smell the roses and feel the salt spray on my face. I’m adding Nantucket to my bucket list! Thanks Susan 🙂
So loved this! It was like going back to Nantucket. I love the island so much! Thank you for the wonderful pictures! Strange. I have been there once, yet I felt so homesick for it as I looked at your pictures. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Beautiful pictures of the homes and streets of Nantucket. Loved all of the gardens and flowers, over-flowing window boxes, trellis on roofs! The place you stayed in looked so cozy and homey, I think I would have spent a good bit of time just sitting on the porch watching the boats and the ocean. What a wonderful little vacation. I wondered about the hanging basket in the bedroom too, but have no ideas for what it could be used for. Thanks so much for taking us along!
Lovely break. Thank you so much. We needed that.
Your last two posts are sensational as your photos and your descriptions actually gave me the smell of the sea … quite an accomplishment as I am landlocked. Thanks so much.
Susan, this is the last time on this blog. I promise not to stuff your mailbox! But just one last thing. I missed the basket in the guest room and went back to look at it. Almost spooky! But interesting! We had a similar thing when my parents rented the old Victorian on a lake in Maine when we were kids. In the attic we found dozens of stuffed (taxidermy) owls and animals!! No one mentioned that they were there or why! And there were bats in the attic, too! We never went in there after that! It didn’t affect the rest of the house! I even wrote a story about the “haunted” attic for a school project! It make our vacation more exciting, though! I wonder if this was just a quirky thing people did back then to make people ask questions!! OK, I’m done! Won’t pop in again this blog!! Thanks again, so much for such stimulating beauty and ideas!
You are welcome any time Jane! Funny attic!
Hi Susan, It’s been awhile since I have left a reply. Summer was busy with granddaughter whom I had full time. Just had to thank you for sharing all those breathtaking photos of Nantucket. It’s always been one of the places I’ve wanted to visit, (but I could live there), lol. So glad you and Joe got to get away for a few days. I loved the kitty footprints on the stairs. My daughter is taking me to the nursery today and I am going to look for that purple verbena! Gorgeous! Not sure if it will grow here in sunny, dry, dry, dry California, but I will try. Also have been going through my Autumn book (fall is my favorite season, so I’m getting antsy), made your Corn Pudding a few days ago, to die for! Also this week I’m going to make “Jack’s Crockpot Roast”, it sounded so good. Tell your Dad, thanks for the recipe. Well gotta go get ready for the nursery thank you again for everything you do for us “Girlfriends”, have a lovely day. xo sharon
Love your blog and all of your books! Awesome job on all the pictures, especially the ones from Nantucket! Absolutely breathtaking place! I can never get enough of it! I always take an annual trips to MV and Nantucket from Northern part of MA! Just wish the summers lasted longer, want to bottle all the beautiful experiences from the trips throughout our beautiful New England states. Always enjoy reading your travel blogs with detailed pictures. P.S. I also have a very large collection of heart shaped rocks from all over from my oceanside travels. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing such a beautiful place. While there is so much heartache going on around the world, so much disturbing news, so much hate and cruelty, it is good to remember the beauty that is all around us. Thank you for the beauty of your blog, your books, your artwork. What a blessing you are!
Oh Susan,I adore you. You brought tears to my eyes,but good tears.How truly beautiful and sweet this is.Do you know how much we need you.The beauty you bring to us.I love the way you put life into words.I can not wait for your book.Thank you Susan,sometimes the world seems a little gray,but you add the color …….XOXOXO Ruthie
Thank you Ruthie, I’m happy to have you here. xoxo
So lovely, Susan!! Thank you SO much for sharing Nantucket with us!! History shines around every corner on the island. It didn’t look too crowded while you were there. I wonder if the hanging basket might have been used to rock a little girl’s favorite doll to sleep? I adored every inch of that beautiful, historic home! Does Nantucket have a very different ‘feel’ than Martha’s Vineyard? Both special places are near the very, very top of my Travel Dreams list!
Welcome home!
Sweet hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
It feels different to us, but they do have a lot in common. Thank you Dawn!
Rocking a doll to sleep — I love that idea 🙂
I have loved this refreshing breath of summer that you have shared wth us in your delightful and inimitable way ~ THANK YOU!
Thank you…thank you…thank you. Nantucket you have my heart! Loved seeing the sweet little kitty paws on the steps. Adorable! It was a much deserved get away.
Dear Susan, such lovely photos and words! I enjoyed the break from my life’s busyness . . .thank you. I’m looking forward to receiving the “book bundle.” I plan to save A Fine Romance as a special treat for myself at Christmas! Thank you for helping us see the beauty of the world.
How lucky am I to have my first introduction to Nantucket from you! You’ve shared all the right stuff to make me dream of a holiday to Martha’s Vinyard and Nantucket while there is still time–Never too late!!! What you’ve shared with us here is pure bliss. Thank you for showing us the best parts–so glad you and Joe went.
Nantucket is just as beautiful as I imagined it to be. It still has to be added to my list of “places to go” and the sooner the better. I wondered if there was any house color on the island other than gray. There are so many pretty colorful flowers that it’s really the perfect backdrop and the only one I’ve ever imagined there other than dark brown. Glad you took time to recharge your battery and shared lots of pictures with us.
There’s also white, painted clapboard.