Photo Credit: Karen Kelly
There’s a reason Elin Hilderbrand has set nearly 30 novels on Nantucket. The island has a way of slowing life down. Long dinners stretch into sunset, bike rides end at the beach, and friends reconnect over fresh seafood and glasses of rosé.
That slower pace is at the heart of The Five-Star Weekend, Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel that has now been adapted into a Peacock series starring Jennifer Garner as food influencer Hollis Shaw.
After a personal tragedy, Hollis invites four women from different chapters of her life to spend a weekend together at her Nantucket home, where shared meals and candid conversations force each guest to confront the past.
While the characters are fictional, much of Hollis’ Nantucket is real, and you can experience it yourself.
Photo Credit: Karen Kelly
Where to Stay
If Hollis’ home feels like a character in its own right, that’s because Hilderbrand paints it so vividly.
In the novel, Hollis lives in 'Sconset (Siasconset), the charming village on Nantucket’s eastern shore known for gray-shingled cottages with climbing roses, quiet beaches and the breathtaking Bluff Walk. It’s the kind of neighborhood where evening strolls with your dog become part of the daily routine.
For the Peacock adaptation, the production team combined two locations to create Hollis’ dream home. The exterior was filmed at a private waterfront estate on Eel Point Road in the Dionis neighborhood, while the interiors—including Hollis’ enviable kitchen where so many memorable scenes unfold—were recreated on a Los Angeles soundstage.
Because both neighborhoods are residential, the best way to recreate Hollis’ lifestyle is by renting a house in 'Sconset or Dionis. Waking up with coffee on a porch overlooking the ocean feels very much in keeping with the book's spirit and is much quieter than downtown.
Prefer a hotel? The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is a fun choice for Hilderbrand fans since it inspired another of her novels, The Hotel Nantucket. For boutique accommodations, Greydon House puts you within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants, while The Wauwinet offers a peaceful waterfront escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of town.
What to Eat
If Nantucket is the setting, food is the heartbeat of The Five-Star Weekend.
Start your morning at Wicked Island Bakery, home to Nantucket's famous morning buns. The buttery, flaky pastries are rolled with cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet start to a day of exploring the island.
Then make your way to Bartlett’s Farm, Nantucket’s oldest family-owned farm. More than a farm stand, it’s an institution. Wander through the flower market, browse seasonal produce, grab some prepared foods for a picnic, or pick up ingredients to make a galette like the one Hollis prepares for the first night.Â
A trip to Nantucket also calls for a lobster roll. Whether eaten at a picnic table overlooking the harbor or packed for the beach, it’s one of those meals that simply tastes better on the island.
When evening arrives, book a table at Cru, the lively waterfront restaurant overlooking Nantucket Harbor. Like Hollis herself, Cru is stylish without feeling pretentious. It's the kind of place where friends linger over dinner, sharing stories and watching the yachts in the harbor.
Order the seafood tower and corn hush puppies for the table, then follow it with the grilled swordfish. Add a glass of wine and harbor views, and you'll understand why Cru has become a Nantucket tradition.
Later, head to Cisco Brewers, one of my favorite places to spend a summer afternoon on Nantucket. Grab a drink, find a picnic table, listen to the live music, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Before you know it, a couple of hours have passed.
And if you’re looking for a casual breakfast before another day of exploring, Stubby’s is a local favorite that’s every bit as satisfying as the island’s more upscale restaurants.
Photo Credit: Karen Kelly
What to Do
One of the things I love most about Nantucket is that it doesn’t ask you to rush.
Start in downtown, where cobblestone streets lead past Mitchell’s Bookstore, art galleries and locally owned boutiques. Stop at Brant Point Lighthouse to watch ferries glide into the harbor, then grab a coffee and simply enjoy watching island life unfold.
From there, rent a bike.
With more than 35 miles of mostly flat bike paths, Nantucket is made for exploring. Ride to Surfside Beach, pedal out to Sankaty Head Lighthouse, or simply follow whichever road looks interesting.
Of course, no trip would be complete without spending time in 'Sconset. Walk the Bluff Walk, behind the village’s iconic cottages, and you’ll quickly understand why Hilderbrand returns here again and again in her novels.
One of my favorite afternoons on Nantucket is incredibly simple: pick up lunch at Bartlett’s Farm, ride until I find a quiet stretch of beach, and spend a few hours doing absolutely nothing. That’s the Nantucket I remember most.
Before heading back to your hotel, stop at The Juice Bar for homemade ice cream. Yes, the line is long—but that’s part of the tradition.
Where to End the Day
As evening settles over the island, there’s only one place to go.
No Nantucket weekend feels complete without a stop at The Chicken Box. The longtime live music venue has been entertaining locals and visitors for decades, and it's still one of the island's favorite places to hear a band after dinner.
That’s really what The Five-Star Weekend celebrates. Not luxury for luxury’s sake, but the joy of gathering, sharing a great meal, and making time for the people who matter most.
A Five-Star Weekend Bucket List
Rent a home in 'Sconset or Dionis to experience the neighborhoods that inspired Hollis’ world.
Stay at The Nantucket Hotel & Resort, Greydon House or The Wauwinet.
Walk the 'Sconset Bluff Walk.
Pick up morning buns at Wicked Island Bakery.
Browse Bartlett’s Farm and gather supplies for a beach picnic.
Enjoy a classic Nantucket lobster roll.
Reserve dinner at Cru and order the grilled swordfish.
Spend an afternoon listening to live music at Cisco Brewers.
Grab breakfast at Stubby’s.
Visit Brant Point Lighthouse.
Rent a bike and explore the island’s scenic paths.
End your evening at The Chicken Box.
Finish your trip with ice cream from The Juice Bar.
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