Simply Summer on Nantucket with Julie Armand, owner of The Verdant Maiden.

Lynn’s Note: Enjoy the first in a series of Seasonal Interviews. Julie gives all of the amazing insider tips for Nantucket, products and ways to enjoy every moment of Summer ‘24.

Am I a broken record? There is no doubt in my mind I’ve posted every year since the dawn of social media that summer is my favorite season. The carefree summer childhood days of flashlight tag and capturing lightning bugs to expire in my makeshift bug homes. Having space to swim, bike and road trip with my yellow Sony walkman and the best summer mix tape felt like a constant expedition.

Exploring and unstructured vacation days hit differently as adults. East coast summers feel like a time to say yes to just about everything. After a month of fitting in as much fun as possible, it can wreak havoc on your mind, body and soul.

Now, as a wife, mom, consultant and family summer planning guru, I look to balance sunny summer vibes with an intentional groundedness. Leveraging decisions and destinations using my “family tradition” personal value is my inner compass to finish off the year with purpose.

One favorite tradition is my summer weekends with college besties on the sweetest island of ACK, as it’s referred to by locals. New England Nantucket summers define the island and every Elin Hildebrand novel's scenery. This year, there’s a very big deal happening on island; The 24 Oracle Deck* is on the shelves at The Verdant Maiden.

Julie Almand, the shop owner (online, too) and I connect all year long, often chatting or texting about all things natural, entrepreneurial life and, Mom trials and tribulations. As Julie starts The Verdant Maiden’s busiest season, she craves adventure and grounding at the same time. Just like my overindulgence in summer fun, Julie answered my Summer Grounding questions, inspired by the WSJ Magazine Cover story Q&A.

Questions are inspired by the WSJ Magazine Cover Interview

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Summer on Nantucket with locals and vacationers alike reveling in the salty air and bustle of a full island?

Julie: I love an excuse for a breezy dress and a glass of Chablis, but truly, I love seeing new and familiar faces discovering the shop and the magic of Nantucket. Sounds cliché, but Nantucket truly is magical.

Q: Tell me about living on an island and what ACK has helped you discover about yourself in Summer?

Julie: Summer is a time where the island comes alive. I like to get outdoors as much as possible during all of the seasons, but of course, summertime here is the chef's kiss. As a resident, summer on the island can be a bit overwhelming, so I do my best to enjoy the small things + stay in practice with the routines that help me feel calm and grounded; an evening walk, toes in the sand, glass of wine with a friend. I’ve even added a daily card pull from The 24 Oracle Deck to my summer routine.

Q: Do you have a secret you can share for grounding in the Summer as the cobblestone streets create a hum you can feel in the green jewel of your store? It’s definitely your busy season at The Verdant Maiden.

Julie: I love a slow morning. I rise early, whip up a LAKA Matcha + oat milk latte, and make a hearty breakfast. (My current obsession is two eggs (scrambled), kimchi, microgreens, Ezekiel toast, and a side of broccolini or zucchini and half an avocado.) I’m always playing music in the background to keep a calming vibe before I head to the store; it’s a lot of The National, Palace, Men I Trust, Still Corners, Jim James, Meltt, Beach House, Lord Huron, No Vacation, The Head & The Heart, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Ray LaMontagne, Father John Misty, In The Valley Below… just to name a handful.

Q: If someone is really anxious about all of their summer plans, what can they do to support their nervous systems? I offer Reiki and Coaching sessions virtually but what can they have in their swim bags or suitcases?

Julie: I love The Fullest. Their Kinder Thoughts capsules are a perfect addition to anyone’s routine. They are a functional dose of saffron and turmeric which have been clinically studied to reduce anxiety, depression and ADHD. Their research on the effects of Saffron vs. Prozac is mind blowing. Kinder Thoughts are a part of my personal morning routine, so I can attest to the added sense of uplift and calm.

Q: You source women-owned natural products, what’s one product that everyone must have this Summer?

Julie: Hard to choose just one. So here are a few for Summertime: Forah Mineral Sunscreen, Activist Manuka Honey Mask and Sun Milk Facial Oil. Nourishing, healing and protective for all skin types experiencing lots of sun exposure.

Q: As I’ve gotten older, I definitely need a break from the sun. How do you beat the heat from the Summer rays?

Julie: I am also not an in-the-sun girl. Cool walks in the evening are my jam. A stroll out in ‘Sconset for an ice cream cone, or a walk on the beach - toes in the water on the shoreline. (Skincare tip: keep your hydrosol in the door of your fridge for a quick pick-me-up on those hotter than hot days.)

Q: Besides The Verdant Maiden, where should Nantucket visitors eat, shop or check out this year?

Julie: Oh, so many! Where to begin…

Shopping:
- 2 Union Street (where my shop is located) is full of women-owned businesses: Jennifer Greenwood Jewelry, Land of Lulo & Jessica Hicks.
- Space on Old South Wharf - Elise, the owner curates the most unique clothing and wares.
- Patina
- Commonwealth
- Nantucket Hospital Thrift Shop
- Emilly Brooke Rubin (‘Sconset)
- Parchment (‘Sconset)
Eating & Drinking:
- Born & Bread. Must haves are the Tuna Melt, the Raquel (a secret sandwich item), Blueberry Lemon Thyme Scone, Honey Cake, Iced Tea with Lemon.
- Straight Wharf Fish just opened. Killer wine list, excellent food.
- Tap Room on the Patio. My favorite is an ACK MAC burger, fries and an Aperol Spritz. (full disclosure, it’s the only thing I order there) ;)
- Bar Yoshi on Old South Wharf is always a favorite. Good for eating outside and people watching.
- Grab a glass and a snack at Ethos.
- Ice Cream at the ‘Sconset Market
- Pip & Anchor - a local, fresh food market + coffee shop and grab n’ go. Best chocolate chip cookie on the island.
To Do:
- Open Nights at the Loines Observatory (check the calendar: https://www.mariamitchell.org/calendar)
- Check out Current Vintage - a vintage clothing and wine shop. Beth, the owner, hosts wine tastings on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Take a yoga class - my favorites are 11:11 Studio and Supta Yoga.
- Cacao Meditation with Land of Lulo
- Peruse the Farmer’s & Artisan’s Market downtown on Saturday morning from 8:30-12
- Watch a sunrise in ‘Sconset (a perfect excuse for a breakfast sandwich afterwards when Claudette’s opens) or a sunset at Galley Beach (grab a glass of vino!) or Steps Beach (pack a picnic!).

*Pro Tip: Day trippers or week long visitors need to swing by, check out The 24 Oracle Deck. Tag me and I’ll give you a personalized card pull and energy message.