The Shops on Old South Wharf

An Old-Fashioned Holiday

Our island’s Nantucket Noel celebration—Thanksgiving, Christmas Stroll Weekend, Home for the Holidays Weekend, and beyond—is all about enjoying our small town beautifully decorated for the winter holiday season. As you stroll, make sure you don’t miss the enclave of nearly a dozen galleries, studios, and shops that line Old South Wharf.

You’ll find Old South Wharf on the waterfront just beyond the Harbor Stop-n-Shop (where the Chamber holds it’s “European Market” on Stroll Saturday) and parallel to Straight Wharf. Follow the white shell walkway up Old South Wharf to discover distinctive gifts, luxury clothing, stunning jewelry, gorgeous artwork…there’s something for everyone on your list and at every price point!

Old South Wharf is open long weekends through the holiday season (it’s a great before or after-dinner walk on Thanksgiving!). And during Christmas Stroll Weekend, the artists and merchants will be offering refreshment, weaving and painting demonstrations, and a booksigning featuring Nantucket’s newest mystery writer.

As you explore these shops and galleries, be sure to add your name for their Holiday Raffle Drawing.  The prize is a basket filled with gifts from Old South Wharf shops and galleries that is valued at over $500! You can increase your chances of winning by entering in every single participating establishment along this wharf.

The winning name will be drawn at 4pm on Stroll Saturday, December 5, and you don’t have to be  present to win. As we stroll down OSW, here are a few of our favorite gift ideas:

A painting by internationally- known artist James Cromartie will transport you back to the island you  love. “The brilliant handling of light, the impeccable technical qualities, the serenity of content” are “so profound, yet so simple…”

An handwoven baby blanket sure to become an heirloom by weaver Karin Ganga Sheppard of Island Weaves (and we know a mom or two who would love a soft matching shawl or throw!)

A luxurious all-season handloomed sweater from the men’s collection at Peter England Nantucket. (At last, a unique gift for the man in your life!)

A Buca Boot perfect for biking to your next Nantucket beach picnic from Salt Boutique Nantucket, and perhaps a new coverup & hat to wear along.

Kathleen Duncombe’s passion for Nantucket and art is expressed in her OSW gallery, Made on  Nantucket, featuring more than 15 different artists and craftspeople. Our pick this season are her  vintage bakelit earrings with a modern twist, handcrafted and one-of-a-kind.

According to Coco Chanel, “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls”—jewelry designer Jackie Robinson of de la mer is happy to oblige. Her magnificent jewelry designs focuses on these gems of the
sea, and her Pearls on Suede are a must for every woman on your list.

Printmaker Peter VanDingstee’s stunning Gyotaku in Pete’s Fresh Fish Prints is as local as it gets! His handprinted fresh fish prints are “art embracing nature.” They’re made here on the island from fish that are caught in Nantucket waters. He offers prints both large and small as well as beautiful cards & other gifts.

Ireland Galleries is both a gallery and a boutique, featuring the award winning designs of Lorene  Ireland. From her World of Wearable Art pieces to her small shellcraft, her original paintings, and her stylish clothing and accessories, you’ll find gifts in this gallery and shop for all ages.

Happy Holidays from Old South Wharf and Nantucket!