Nantucket Farm Stands & Local Food

Bartlett's Farm: The Essential Stop

Let's start with the big one. Bartlett's Farm isn't just a farm stand; it's a Nantucket institution and the single best place to provision a rental kitchen. The Bartlett family has been farming this land since 1843, and what started as a simple vegetable operation has grown into something remarkable.

What to Buy at Bartlett's

• Summer tomatoes: The heirloom varieties in August are worth the trip alone. These are tomatoes that remind you what the word means.
• Fresh corn: Picked that morning. Don't skip it, even if you think you've had good corn before.
• Prepared foods: Their kitchen turns out excellent rotisserie chickens, salads, sandwiches, and sides. Perfect for beach picnics.
• Baked goods: The pies. Get a pie. The blueberry in season is outstanding.
• Cut flowers: Buckets of locally grown flowers at prices that would make Manhattan florists weep.
• Specialty groceries: They stock high-quality olive oils, cheeses, charcuterie, and pantry staples you might not find elsewhere on island.

Location: 33 Bartlett Farm Road (about 3 miles from downtown)

Hours: Open daily, typically 7:30am-6pm (extended summer hours)

Pro tip: Go early. By mid-afternoon on summer weekends, the best tomatoes and corn are picked over. The parking lot fills up, but it moves quickly.

Moors End Farm

What sets Moors End apart is their commitment to organic and sustainable practices, plus their impressive greenhouse operation that extends the growing season on an island where weather can be uncooperative. The Masterson family has been building something special here since 1990.

What to Look For

• Organic vegetables: Excellent selection of greens, herbs, and seasonal produce
• Flowers: Beautiful cut flower selection throughout the season
• Herbs: Fresh herbs by the bunch - their basil is particularly aromatic
• Eggs: Fresh eggs when available

Location: 9 Polpis Road

Best for: Organic produce, those staying in the Polpis or Wauwinet direction

Fresh Seafood: Where to Buy the Catch

Don't skip the seafood section. If you're cooking in a rental, buying fresh fish here and preparing it simply is one of the great Nantucket experiences. The quality of what comes off these boats rivals anything I've encountered in my career.

167 Raw

Yes, 167 Raw is known as a restaurant (an excellent one), but they also sell retail seafood. Their oysters are impeccably sourced, and if you want to shuck your own back at the rental with a bottle of wine at sunset, this is where you come. Ask what's local and fresh that day.

Location: 1 South Beach Street

Sayle's Seafood

A Nantucket institution since 1965, Sayle's is where many islanders buy their fish. The lobsters are straight from local waters, and they'll steam them for you if you don't want to deal with a pot. Their prepared lobster rolls, chowder, and stuffed quahogs are excellent for quick meals.

Location: 99 Washington Street Extension

Pro tip: Call ahead for lobsters if you want a specific size or quantity, especially on summer weekends.

East Coast Seafood

Located down by the harbor, East Coast offers fresh-off-the-boat fish and shellfish. This is a working fish market without frills, which is exactly what you want when you're after quality.

What's in Season

• Summer: Striped bass, bluefish, tuna, soft-shell clams, oysters
• Fall: Scallops (Nantucket bay scallops are legendary), striped bass, cod
• Year-round: Lobster, oysters, littlenecks, cherrystones

The secret here is: Ask the fishmonger what came in today and cook that, rather than arriving with a fixed menu. Flexibility is rewarded with the best quality.

Grocery Stores Compared

For everyday groceries, you have a few options. None are cheap (everything on an island costs more), but knowing which store to hit for what can save frustration.

Stop & Shop

The island's only full-size supermarket. You'll find standard grocery store selection at prices higher than mainland but lower than the specialty shops. Best for: staples, bulk items, household supplies, when you need a specific brand.

Location: Pleasant Street

Reality check: Expect prices 30-50% higher than mainland stores. It's just island economics.

Annye's Whole Foods

Not affiliated with the Amazon-owned chain. This is an independent natural foods store with excellent selection of organic, specialty, and health-focused products. Their prepared foods are solid for quick meals, and they stock items the regular grocery store doesn't carry.

Location: 2 Windy Way

Best for: Organic products, specialty diets, quality prepared foods

Island Kitchen

Part market, part prepared food shop, Island Kitchen is excellent for quality ingredients and ready-to-eat options. Their soups, salads, and baked goods are reliably good. Stop here when you want something nice without the full farm stand experience.

Location: 1 Chin's Way

Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market

The Saturday morning farmers market is a summer tradition worth building your schedule around. It's not just shopping; it's a scene, a social event, and a wonderful way to sample what's in season.

Details

• When: Saturdays, June through October (typically 9am-1pm)
• Where: Cambridge Street
• What you'll find: Local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, artisan products, flowers, crafts

Market Tips

• Arrive early for the best selection - by 11am, the popular items are gone
• Bring cash - some vendors are cash-only
• Bring your own bags - environmentally friendly and easier to carry
• Come hungry - there are excellent breakfast items to enjoy on site

Specialty Food Shops

For specific cravings and gourmet ingredients, these spots fill the gaps.

Nantucket Meat & Fish Market

Despite the name, this is more than just meat and fish. It's a well-curated small market with quality cheeses, charcuterie, prepared foods, and specialty items. The butcher knows his cuts, and they'll special order if you need something specific.

Provisions

Located on Straight Wharf, Provisions is ideal for picnic provisions (hence the name) and specialty foods. Excellent sandwiches, cheeses, and gourmet items. Grab lunch here before a beach day.

Location: Straight Wharf

Nantucket Bake Shop

For fresh bread, pastries, and baked goods. Their Portuguese bread is a Nantucket staple - perfect for sandwiches or toast. Arrive early for the best selection.

Location: 79 Orange Street

Handlebar Cafe

While primarily a coffee shop, Handlebar sells excellent baked goods and some specialty items. Their coffee is the best on island, in my opinion, and they roast it themselves.

Best Local Products to Take Home

Beyond fresh ingredients for dinner, there are several Nantucket-made products worth seeking out as souvenirs or gifts.

Nantucket Cranberries

The island's cranberry bogs are part of its agricultural heritage. Look for Nantucket-grown cranberries in season (fall), plus cranberry products year-round: jams, sauces, dried cranberries, and cranberry honey.

Local Honey

Several island beekeepers produce honey that tastes distinctly of Nantucket's wildflowers. Bartlett's often carries local honey, as does the farmers market. The cranberry honey is particularly special.

Jams and Preserves

Look for locally made beach plum jam - beach plums grow wild on the island and make a tart, distinctive preserve that's become a Nantucket signature.

Cisco Brewers Products

You can't bring back their excellent beer and wine in your suitcase easily, but their Triple Eight Vodka and whiskey travel well. Made on island from local ingredients.

Nantucket Looms

Not food, but worth mentioning: beautiful handwoven textiles made on Nantucket. Kitchen towels and napkins from here make meaningful gifts.

Tips for Cooking in Your Rental

After many summers of vacation cooking on Nantucket, I've learned a few things about making rental kitchen life easier.

Before You Arrive

• Check what's provided: Ask your rental about basic pantry items, spices, and cooking equipment
• Bring key items: A sharp knife if you're serious about cooking, your favorite olive oil, and any specialty spices you can't live without
• Plan your first meal: Have a simple plan for your first night - you'll be tired from travel

Smart Shopping Strategy

• Hit Bartlett's first: Get produce and prepared food for the first couple of days
• Grocery store for staples: Stop & Shop for basics, condiments, breakfast supplies
• Fish market day-of: Only buy seafood the day you plan to cook it
• Don't overbuy: It's easy to over-provision. There are plenty of restaurants when cooking doesn't appeal

Simple Meals That Shine

• Grilled fish with corn: Fresh fish, lightly seasoned, grilled or broiled. Corn on the cob with butter. That's dinner.
• Tomato salad: Peak summer tomatoes need only good olive oil, flaky salt, and maybe some fresh basil
• Steamed lobster: Buy them cooked from Sayle's if you don't want to do it yourself. Serve with drawn butter and corn.
• Beach picnic: Bartlett's prepared foods, cheese, charcuterie, fruit, a baguette from the bake shop