Exploring somewhere you have never been is fun and exciting, but for some of us returning to our own special place year after year and creating cherished memories can’t be beat. Below are some favorite places you’ll find your fellow DMV neighbors this summer, along with local shops and restaurants that make these coastal towns feel like home. 

 

– Up North –

 

 

Nantucket, MA

Nantucket is an idyllic island paradise—except instead of tropical vibes, you’ll find Vineyard Vine-clad gentlemen and mansions with gray, natural wood shutters. Nantucket is the epitome of summer New England life. From five-star restaurants to the prized Nantucket beaches, this town comes alive in the warmer months. It’s a destination that thrives on outdoor dining, boutique shopping, and picturesque walks through town.

 

Flowers on Chestnut

At this French-inspired florist gift shop, you will find wonderful baskets filled with local Nantucket goodies. 

 

CRU

This casually elegant venue offers an experience unlike any other to enjoy a glass of champagne, indulge in caviar and perfectly-shucked oysters or sip on a glass of rosé at sunset. The iconic waterfront location in the heart of Nantucket harbor offers the ideal backdrop any time of day. 

 

The Gaslight

Enjoy live music featuring talented local musicians and thoughtfully curated music. Gaslight offers Asian fusion food and cocktails. 

 

Faraway Nantucket

The up and coming, trendy, nautical yet vintage hotel is more than a place, it’s a mindset. Sister Ship is their restaurant downstairs that you must try while visiting. 

 

Galley Beach

Galley Beach, sitting directly in the sand overlooking Nantucket Sound originally started as a clam shack in the 1920s, and has evolved into one of the northeast’s premier restaurant and event locations.

 

 

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

As compact as Martha’s Vineyard is — or simply the Vineyard, as locals affectionately call it — this New England island can feel much larger because of its three main towns: Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown, all of which offer something different. There’s also Aquinnah, renowned for its towering seaside cliffs, the sleepier fishing village of Chilmark, and the less touristy, often labeled ‘residents-only’, West Tisbury.

 

Morning Glory Farm

Family farm on Martha’s Vineyard with a busy farmstand, bakery & kitchen, that grows food for the whole Island community.

 

Black Dog Restaurant 

The Black Dog Tavern and General Store is a staple in Martha’s Vineyard. Come for a burger and leave with a sweatshirt. 

 

Rochelle’s on the Vineyard

All items are handpicked by the owner Rochelle and her amazing team of buyers acquiring a unique selection of women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, and shoes.

 

Martha’s Vineyard Made

Martha’s Vineyard Made is redefining what it means to shop local. They work closely with Martha’s Vineyard makers to bring their incredible talents and products from their farms, studios and all over the Island to customers both near and far. 

 

– A Little Past The DMV –

 

 

Rehoboth Beach, DE

From the beautiful ocean view to the iconic boardwalk Rehoboth Beach is a must-visit destination. By day you’ll see flip-flopping sunbathers enjoying their favorite treats and hear the thrills of Funland. By night you’ll see the town light up with character and experience one-of-a kind dining. 

 

The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Though recognized for its great sushi, the Pearl is a restaurant for everyone. From traditional Japanese teriyakis and tempuras, to spicy Thai dishes and back home to good old American, the Pearl has dishes to please everyone.

 

Funland

Funland is a family owned and operated amusement park located on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach since 1962. The park features 20 rides, 17 boardwalk-style games, 12 full-size Skee Ball lanes, an arcade, and the Haunted Mansion.

 

 

Bethany Beach, DE

Known as the “Quiet Resorts” area of the Delaware Beaches, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island boast popular, family-friendly beaches. To match the quaint allure of the beach, the boardwalk is shorter with the charm of a bygone era. Check out Bethany Beach’s Live Cam before visiting! 

 

Mickey’s Family Crab House

Mickey’s Family Crabhouse is a casual, family friendly eatery!

 

Bethany Surf Shop

Bethany Surf Shop and Outlet offer great deals and a huge selection of surfboards, skimboards, bodyboards, and board accessories from your favorite brands!

 

Gypsy Teal

Whether you need an item of self-care, a gift for your home, an object to adorn, or that perfect new outfit, Gypsy Teal has ever-changing merchandise for you.

 

 

St. Michael’s, MD

One of the closest getaways to Washington, DC, St. Michaels is a quaint historic town with a beautiful harbor, exceptional dining, amazing B&Bs and Inns and one-of-a-kind shopping. A perfect spot for boat lovers and true Chesapeake Bay crab cakes.

 

Gluten Free Bakery Girl

Enjoy all the flavors sweets have to offer without gluten. The most popular menu items are specialty cookies, peanut butter buckeye brownies, lemon bars, and English Bakewell tarts. A must try!

 

Chesapeake Trading Company

From casual chic women’s and men’s apparel, jewelry and home goods to current books and music, Chesapeake Trading Co. has been a chartered destination in St. Michaels for over 20 years and is a traditional favorite for locals and visitors alike.

 

Awful Authers

If you like raw or steamed seafood, you will love their authentic oyster bar, serving varieties of oysters, plus clams, shrimp, mussels, crab legs, crawfish, and their famous steamed seafood platter.

 

– Down South – 

Duck, NC

Duck, the northernmost town on the Outer Banks, earned its name at the turn of the 20th century thanks to the popularity of duck hunting in the Currituck and Albemarle Sounds. Today, the dynamic island environment includes beaches, maritime forests, wetlands, and dunescapes.

 

Duck’s Cottage

Duck’s Cottage is a great book store and café. Relax and enjoy a treat while reading your newest adventure. 

 

Urban Cottage

Whether you have a small beach cottage or large-scale resort home, be inspired by the sophisticated, easy-living decor at Urban Cottage.

 

Cravings Steaks & Seafood

Known for their steak and seafood selection, you get the best of surf and turf. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

 

Kitty Hawk, NC

Kitty Hawk, bordered to the south by Kill Devil Hills and to the north by Southern Shores, offers a mix of residential and rental homes, but the homes here aren’t the mini-mansions or mega beach houses you’ll find elsewhere on the Outer Banks. They are more modest.

 

Cap’n Franks Hot Dogs

Capt’n Franks restaurant is one of a disappearing breed that once populated Atlantic coast beaches from Rehoboth to Ft. Lauderdale. What the drive-in diner was to city kids, small hot dog stands and walk-up burger joints, with hot crispy french fries, are to the beach experience.

 

Absolutely Outer Banks

Voted “Best of the Beach”, this shop features locally crafted home decor, art, gifts and more.

 

 

 

The Keys, FL

The islands of the Florida Keys make for a classic Florida vacation including destinations like Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and, of course, Key West. With dozens of keys in between, your time can be as action-packed or as relaxed as you desire. Adventure seekers can test their skills on a fishing charter. Get up close and personal with tropical fish on a snorkel trip, or dive to explore a famous shipwreck. And the glorious sunsets are the perfect way to end the day.

 

Ocean Reef Club | Key Largo

Ocean Reef allows members to enjoy countless amenities all within this private club community including golf, tennis, a marina, a spa, and fine dining.

 

Cheeca Lodge & Spa | Islamorada

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a boutique resort offering exceptional accommodations, sport courts, a 9-hole golf course, three heated pools, and award-winning dining.

 

Little Pearl | Key West

This neighborhood restaurant and wine bar serves fresh local seafood with a tropical twist. 

 

Key West Island Books | Key West

Independent bookstore where you can easily while away a good chunk of time perusing the shelves. The shop has a funky, slightly dusty vibe—which only boosts its street cred in the age of Amazon—and staffers ready to offer a bevy of great recommendations. 

 

Tucker’s Provisions | Key West

Tucker’s Provisions, an adorable boutique on busy Duval Street, features men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing and accessories from big-name brands, as well as exclusive items with a vintage Americana look and feel.

 

 

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