Terra Brown

Imagine the perfect weekend getaway, where you combine the love of literature, beautiful landscapes, and cherished friendships. That's exactly what my Traveling Book Club experienced during our recent literary retreat to Nantucket. This memorable trip was not only about celebrating our first book, The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand, but also about deepening our connections and creating unforgettable memories along the way.

My Traveling Book Club is a community of like-minded women who gather virtually every month for engaging book discussions and aim to take a trip once or twice a year to a destination inspired by the books we’ve read, immersing ourselves in the stories and cultures we explore.

We began our trip flying into Boston and taking the fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket. When we arrived at the iconic Nantucket Hotel, we were greeted with surprise welcome gifts that set the tone for an amazing weekend. Each of us received a signed letter from Elin Hilderbrand, autographed copies of The Hotel Nantucket, personalized Nantucket Hotel baseball caps, our own bottles of chilled Sancerre, and a beautiful piece of artwork from a local artist favored by both the hotel and the author.

The next morning, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we were picked up by Gail from Gail’s Tours for a scenic island tour. We visited the famous Sconset lighthouse and explored the beautiful landscapes that make Nantucket so special.

The afternoon was spent walking around town, exploring charming local shops and bookstores. Lunch was at Brotherhood of Thieves, a local favorite known for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere.

That evening, we dined at Slip 14, one of the restaurants featured in The Hotel Nantucket. The atmosphere was just as described in the book, and we enjoyed a delicious dinner and dessert while enjoying the energy of the place.

On our last full day, we started with another wonderful breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore more of Nantucket. Some of us ventured to Sconset Beach and took a stroll along the Bluff Walk, one of the most scenic spots on the island. The views were breathtaking, and it was a highlight of our trip. Others in our group stayed in town to explore even more of the quaint shops and soak in the local atmosphere.

Our final dinner we decided on Breeze at the Nantucket Hotel, where we had our first meal together. It was the perfect way to wrap up our weekend of adventure, laughter, and bonding. Before we parted ways, we exchanged thoughtful gifts, further deepening the bonds of friendship and appreciation for each other’s company. 

This trip was more than just a getaway; it was a celebration of new friendships, our love of books, and the joy of experiencing new places together.

I can’t wait to plan our next Traveling Book Club adventure, and I encourage any group of women looking for a meaningful, relaxing, and enriching escape to consider a literary-themed journey like ours! You are also welcome to join our Traveling Book Club, too!