Georgie Morley’s Little ACK Book
Chances are, you already follow Georgie Morley (whether you know it or not): she’s the creative force behind her namesake photography business, Grey Lady Girl account, Gal Pals podcast, YouTube channel, and of course, her personal handle. If so, you already know that the Nantucket native (who left for New York City, Boston, London, and a few other places between before ultimately settling back on island) is more than a photographer: she’s a storyteller. And it’s precisely for this reason why Nantucket is the only home for her.
“Nantucket inspires and influences me in so many different ways. I would say the biggest impact of island life is the seasonality of it all,” she says. “When I was working in my first job I had a salary and a 9-to-5 schedule. I was working in a career that I had studied for and on paper the job was ‘perfect.’ However, something felt off. I truly craved the intensity of the changing seasons. I love the shift between a quiet, slow, contemplative winter and a face-paced, sun-soaked, technicolor summer. The seasons change everything on Nantucket and as a photographer, it’s such a pleasure to capture the constant shifting.”
For Morley, however, the beauty of Nantucket extends beyond its aesthetic appeal; it’s the community that’s kept her. “As cliche as it sounds, the Nantucket community is a huge reason my husband and I wanted to stay here. It’s a difficult place to live year-round for a lot of reasons, so there’s a baseline level of support and respect for anyone who believes in this place enough to want to make it home.”
Through her many different ventures, Morley provides a distinct perspective of island life as only a local would know it. Undeniably talented at her craft, she’s also pretty fantastic at giving some top-notch recommendations—because if anyone knows the island’s nooks and crannies, it’s her. Below, find the multi-hyphenate’s favorite hotels, dining options (including her exact orders), activities, and more.
Hotels: Jared Coffin House, Life House Nantucket, and Faraway Nantucket
Restaurant for Breakfast: Meat & Fish Market - I always get an egg, (swiss) cheese, and avocado on a sesame bagel; Fresh - the breakfast BLT; and Lemon Press (on-the-go) - the Ocean Chia Pudding.
Restaurant for Lunch: The Beet - El Nacho; Provisions - The Caprese, add avocado; and Cook’s - Bangkok Tofu Wrap.
Restaurant for Dinner: Proprietors, Ventuno, and Via Mare. *love just ordering a ton of things for the table and trying something new*
Café: Roastd for coffee - either an oat milk flat white or the espresso tonic.
Ice Cream Order: Always the chocolate peanut butter cookie dough as one scoop in a waffle and then I’ll switch it up with the second scoop
Small Business: On Glaze for nails, Melissa David Salon for hair, The Dance Space for an amazing workout, and Eve Christa Ceramics (she sells at the Farmers and Artisans Market, Pip & Anchor, and online). If you want a really unique authentically Nantucket piece of art, my stepdad owns the Schrimshander Gallery.
Activity or Attraction for Groups: Endeavor sailing cruise, the Bluff Walk, Whaling Museum, and the brewery.
Activity or Attraction For Kids: Critter Cruise, Atheneum events, and the Observatory Open Night.
Activity or Attraction For Yourself: A bike ride on the Polpis-Sconset loop, strolling through town early morning with my camera, and a glass of white wine on the beach to watch the sunset.
Beach: Fishermans
Person to Know: Bartenders and taxi drivers always have the best scoops
Must-Pack Items: Layers! The weather is a true mystery every day lol, and a camera ;)
Items to Leave at Home: Heels
Souvenir: You can’t beat the classic weathered Nantucket sweatshirt
Time of Year: I low-key love every season for different reasons… but maybe not February and March
Rainy Day Plan: Order Sophie T’s and watch a movie *but really probably just be working*
Spot on Island: Miacomet at sunset
Morning or Night?: Both are so lovely and so different
Sun or Fog?: Fog in the morning sun at night
Land or Sea?: Sea!
Nantucket’s Best-Kept Secret: Not exactly a secret but I don’t think there are any “must do’s” or “must see’s” here. A lot of the magic just comes from enjoying a slower pace and appreciating the beauty in everything. It’s less of a place to “do” and more just “be.”
Anything Else You’d Like to Add: Outdoor showers in the summer are life-changing.
Work with Georgie: Georgie Morley Photography
Follow Georgie: @georgiemorley; @georgiemorleyphotography; @greyladygirl; @galpalspodcast