Things To Do in Nantucket When You're Broke

The purpose of this trip was to find "cheap finds" on the island. If you've ever been to Nantucket, you know that's not an easy thing to do. But that was my mission and I was ready to conquer it head on. Next time you're in Nantucket, consider these top five tips if you want to leave the island with money left in your bank account:

1. Find an inn or B&B that serves breakfast in the morning. At the Anchor Inn, there were fresh muffins, fruit salads, coffee, tea and juice every morning. You save money on breakfast (which is a $5 bagel and equally expensive cup of coffee at one of the many coffee houses) and also get some fuel in your system first thing in the morning.
2. Split your meals. Much to our surprise, the portions are huge! Looking back on the weekend, there wasn't one meal I finished in its entirety (unless you consider an ice cream cone a meal). Split your meals and you'll have more money left over for dessert (or cocktails).
3. There's nothing so lovely like walking around Nantucket with an ice cream cone. But if you don't pay attention, your ice cream cone will cost $7-$10. Read the chalkboard carefully. Yogurt is more than ice cream. Two scoops are pricier than one. Small and child sizes are different prices. Add-ons (sprinkles, nut, etc.) are extra. We found one excellent hidden gem - the Nantucket Ice Cream Shop. The ice cream was excellent there were no hidden charges. For only $4, I was enjoying my mint chip on a bench while watching the boats dock.
4. Make use of your inn. Most inns/B&B's have an outdoor patio or garden area. Grab a bottle of wine, some cheese and do appetizers and drinks at "home" instead of at the restaurant.
5. Go shopping and splurge on one big item. This might sound contradictory to the "broke" concept, but here's the deal: if you treat yourself to something wonderful you won't crave anything else. Nantucket is full of amazing retail stores but you won't find a bargain. So find something you love, buy it, and then spend the rest of time living cheap on Nantucket. I splurged on a pair of Eliza B $50 cotton flip-flops. I know, I know... $50! But they are awesomely excellent and I had to have them. And, once I purchased them I didn't crave anything else.

Nantucket is truly a beautiful island if you have the means and ways, I highly suggest you visit. Just remember to be smart and spend wisely. You'll have a great time without breaking the bank.