Tired of Nantucket’s Influencer Scene? 5 New England Hidden Gems To Visit Instead

Full-time Nantucket residents are growing tired of the influencer wave.

John Sylvia, owner of a nearly century-old antiques and crafts store on the island, made that clear earlier this summer when he displayed a handmade sign in his shop that read “No Influencers.”

As Nantucket has grown more popular over the years, summer visitors to Sylvia’s store, Four Winds Craft Guild, rarely make purchases—coming instead to take photos and videos.

“I feel sometimes my store is used as someone’s background, a stage,” Sylvia, 59, told the New York Times.

The sign didn’t cause a real issue until the store’s social media manager, Jessica Jenkins, posted an image of the placard on Instagram.

Sylvia insists that the sign wasn’t meant to be taken literally, saying it was “more of a joke.”

But the debate only intensified when Paige Paul, a content creator more famously known as Paige Lorenze before her marriage to tennis player Tommy Paul, asserted that banning influencers from the store was comparable to banning women.

Paige, who has over a million followers, also recently opened a storefront for her clothing brand, Dairy Boy, in Nantucket. She then shared a post on Dairy Boy’s Instagram account showing a sign in front of the storefront that read “Everyone Welcome.”

Though Instagram eventually removed the original post, Four Winds Craft Guild’s account has since gained over 8,000 new followers, reigniting a broader debate about how social media tourism is reshaping Nantucket.

“I feel that whenever I open Instagram, I see someone show me a guide of what to wear, a guide of where to eat, a guide of what to buy, a guide of how to pack for Nantucket,” Jenkins, a year-round resident, said in the Times article.

She added that she constantly sees “people creating videos on corners of themselves sipping an iced coffee and looking over their shoulder and doing a shoe kick or whatever.”

Year-round residents are seeing an endless cycle of creators filming on street corners for “clout,” and the influx of “washashores” is pricing out residents who have lived on the island their entire lives.

The island’s summer population swells from 15,000 to 80,000—a seasonal boom driven by luxury buyers and high net worth visitors, who have priced out locals. More than half of the island’s housing stock is reserved for seasonal or occasional use, according to the June 2026 Luxury Market report from Realtor.com®.

During peak season, Nantucket hosts about 75 billionaires—nearly 10% of the U.S. total. Driven by its reputation as a luxury destination, rising prices are pushing out local residents to make room for luxury buyers purchasing their second or third homes.

According to local nonprofit Housing Nantucket, more than half of year-round residents struggle to afford housing, and 90% are priced out of homeownership.

For travelers seeking a classic New England coastal experience without overwhelming local infrastructure, Realtor.com highlights five hidden-gem destinations

Port Clyde, ME

Despite its 1994 Marshall Point Lighthouse appearance in the comedy-drama “Forrest Gump,” Port Clyde is a relatively quiet and unknown coastal town, with a year-round population of 300 to 350.  

Located at the southern tip of the St. George peninsula in Knox County, the village offers an authentic fishing environment.

Tourists can stop by the Keeper’s House Museum to learn all about the local lighthouse, rent a paddleboard and go sea kayaking, book a guided tour to spot seals and seabirds, or explore the shops at Working Harbor and Village.

From local art galleries and seafood at The Black Harpoon to ferries bound for Monhegan Island, Port Clyde offers all the charm of Nantucket without the summer crowds.

Dennis, MA

While still located on Cape Cod, the small seaside town of Dennis is nowhere near as popular as other areas in Barnstable County.

Rich in early Colonial history, Dennis features museums showcasing local architecture, sea captains, maritime navigation, and Native American heritage.

The village also has endless beaches to choose from. For an expansive bay beach with low tides and tidal pools perfect for family gatherings, visit Mayflower Beach. For a bit more activity, head to West Dennis Beach for windsurfing and other beach-related activities.

The Cape Playhouse produces professional summer theater, while the nearby Cape Cinema screens classic indie films beneath a gorgeous interior mural.

Rockport, MA

Located on the tip of Cape Ann in Essex County, Rockport is home to “the most often-painted building in America.” While the original building, Motif Number 1, was destroyed in a 1978 blizzard, a replica of the bright red fishing shack stands in its place.

Outside of the town’s vibrant arts scene, Rockport visitors can stop by the Halibut Point State Park for access to hiking trails, tide pools, and deep granite quarries. They can also explore the boutiques, shops, and eateries that line Bearskin Neck.

Front Beach is the place for calm coastal vibes, where you can enjoy a Ray Moore Lobster Co. lobster roll, sit on the soft sand, and take in views of the water.

For entertainment, visit the Shalin Liu Performance Center for live music in front of the ocean. One trip to Rockport, and tourists will never miss Nantucket again.

Little Compton, RI

With a population of only 3,589 as of 2022, Little Compton is the perfect place to ditch the cellphone and embrace a slow, relaxing lifestyle. This quiet coastal farming and beach town is located in Newport County and features extraordinary views of the Sakonnet River.

Highlights include strolling South Shore Beach for Atlantic Ocean panoramas, observing rare nesting birds like piping plovers at Goosewing Beach Preserve, and exploring local architecture at the Wilbor Harbor Museum.

To experience coastal farm life, stop by Sakonnet Vineyard for wine tastings, tours, and live music. Next door at Young Family Farm, guests can pick their own berries, apples, and fresh flowers.

Don’t miss the sightseeing at Little Compton Commons, Rhode Island’s only traditional New England town common, featuring historic buildings and views of the 1884 Sakonnet Lighthouse.

Little Compton is home to Gray’s Store, once recognized as the oldest continuously running general store in the country. While here, grab traditional Rhode Island johnnycakes at The Commons Lunch and visit the famous Rhode Island Red Monument, which commemorates the origin of the world-renowned chicken breed.

Jonesport, ME

Located on the north shore of Moosabec Reach in southern Washington County, Jonesport is an idyllic fishing town. As of 2020, the village has a population of only 1,245.

Tourists can explore local attractions like Beals Island, a quiet town accessible by bridge and known for boatbuilding and breathtaking ocean views. Nearby, the Downeast Institute offers hands-on opportunities to learn about local marine life.

Sandy River Beach is another popular spot for walking along the colorful pebble shore at low tide. For a different view, coastal boat cruises offer a chance to spot local wildlife and nearby remote islands.

The Great Wass Island Preserve is a wonderful place to experience the area’s rugged landscape of spruce forests, sphagnum bogs, and pink granite headlands. Roque Bluffs State Park is another great option for scenic hiking trails.

The working harbor is a must-see, giving visitors a front-row view as local fishermen haul in their daily catch alongside one of the region’s largest lobster fleets.