THERE'S A REASON that many Houstonians glorify a quaintly picturesque life on Nantucket. Actually, there are several: a storied history, charming shops, cobblestone streets, impossibly fresh oysters (and need we even mention the weather?).

For those wanting to be close to all the action, the harbor is where to stay. The Cottages at the Boat Basin are a row of Quaker-style houses on the slip that juts into the harbor — the closest thing to staying on the water without being on a boat. Renovated this year by Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk, each little house is inspired by a whaling ship from a time, 300 years ago, when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world. With a color palette of — what else — deep ocean blue and misty gray, the historic accommodations have been revamped without altering the architecture. Original details, including the vaulted ceiling beams, remain.

Surrounding the Cottages are art galleries and eateries; the adjacent Cru oyster bar has day parties with East Coast prepsters galore.

From here, it’s a picturesque walk along cobblestone streets to Nantucket’s small downtown. Nestled in the maze of shingle-style architecture and Greek revival buildings — take the walking tour from the Whaling Museum for the full story on the marriage of these two styles — are charming shops and ultra-hip restaurants. Located in a former sea captain’s house, stylish Via Mare offers mostly small plates and cool cocktails in environs akin to Houston’s La Colombe d’Or.

Meanwhile, on the northeast end of Nantucket, find The Cottages’ sister property, The Wauwinet. It’s a quieter, but equally scenic, hotel overrun with lush hydrangeas bathed in fresh sea air. The hotel’s restaurant, Topper’s, is overseen by its namesake — an Airedale Terrier — in the form of a large oil painting hung prominently in the dining room. The oysters here are harvested a literal stone’s throw from the restaurant, and the wine program has been annually awarded the Wine Spectator Grand since 1996. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a nice pour overlooking the water, while daydreaming about staying on island forever.

Oysters at Cru

Sankaty Head Lighthouse