Martha's Vineyard: A Summer Getaway for Everyone

Shopping:

Find the perfect sundress, sweatshirt or souvenir to bring home from the island. Hit the major spots including Circuit Ave. in Oak Bluffs, Main St. in Vineyard Haven and Main St./N. Water St. in Edgartown. Keep an eye out for hidden gems tucked further back off the main shopping street! You’ll also stumble across shops like Bunch of Grapes for your next beach read, the local grocers for snacks and sunscreen and the flagship Vineyard Vines store.

Markets:

If you love the local taste and handmade goods, the twice-weekly markets are not to be missed! Discover your new favorite antique, coastal decor, handmade jewelry, souvenirs/gifts or other favorite find from the local vendors at the Chilmark Flea Market or the Vineyard Artisans Festival.

Sample locally made and grown fare at the West Tisbury Farmers Market. You’ll find everything from cheese to alpaca wool and colorful flowers to goat milk soap. A few favorites are Salt Rock Chocolates, Bluefish Pate from MV Smokehouse and MV Sea Salt. Vendors do sell out, so arrive early before it gets too busy, and bring a cooler bag for your goodies before heading to the Flea Market or Artisans Festival, which have longer hours.

Art galleries:

Enjoy the paintings, photography, ceramics and sculptures of local artists when you visit a variety of galleries! West Tisbury’s Granary Gallery is located in its iconic red barn and is the oldest gallery on the island. Stop by the Louisa Gould Gallery as you stroll Main St. in Vineyard Haven. Check online for current exhibitions, artist receptions and other events! And two of my personal favorites! Be sure to visit Michael Johnson Fine Photography Gallery, tucked back on Main St., Vineyard Haven. You may recognize his iconic photo “Joy!” from some hit shows. The Field Gallery in West Tisbury is a must to enjoy (and maybe pose with) the incredible, life-size sculptures.

Local trails:

If you like to be active, explore the many trails on the island either by foot or bike. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bikes, there are several places you can rent on the island! With miles of trails, you can choose a scenic route along the ocean or through the state forest. Take the bike ferry between the fishing village of Menemsha and Aquinnah.

There are even more walking and hiking trails across the island! Perfect to start your morning, explore a different part of the island or wind down your day. If you’re looking for a unique view for your walk, venture to Chappaquiddick and visit the Mytoi Japanese Garden. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the Japanese maples, pines and other plants.

Sightseeing:

See all the different sides to Martha’s Vineyard as you visit the five historic lighthouses - West Chop, East Chop, Edgartown, Gay Head and Cape Poge. Each is unique and offers a different view of the horizon. All are open to the public (except for the West Chop Lighthouse) to get up close and personal with the history and views. Learn more about how the Cape Poge and Gay Head Lighthouses have both been moved!

While you’re visiting the Gay Head Lighthouse, stroll over to the Aquinnah Cliffs overlook. You can grab a bite to eat or a souvenir from one of the locally run stalls. Then head up to the platform for incredible views overlooking the ocean and the clay cliffs of Aquinnah.

There are few views better than the sunset from the beach. Head over to Menemsha Beach with your blanket or chairs for the best show on the island. Bring your own snacks or grab some take out from the shops nearby. Get there early to claim your spot!

Stroll through Oak Bluffs and admire the quaint and colorful Gingerbread Cottages. Mid-August is Illumination Night when the cottages are decorated with thousands of lanterns. The evening starts in the nearby Tabernacle with music and ceremonial lighting of the first lantern.

Something unique:

Take the whole family to Oak Bluffs and visit the Flying Horses Carousel - the nation’s oldest platform carousel. Take a ride on the carousel where you can win a free ride if you catch the brass ring and play some games in the arcade.

Visiting in mid-late August? Indulge your inner child at the old-fashioned MV Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair with games, rides, classic fair food and other vendors. Perfect for all ages! Wander the exhibit hall to see the entries for homemade quilts, art projects, pies and more. See all kinds of animals in the barn, the sheep shearing contest, tractor pull and pig races. You can even enter some contests like the women’s skillet throw!

Adventure seekers:

Looking for a bit more adventure? Head down island to the harbor where you can book time to ride jet skis or go parasailing. There are also a number of options to charter a boat to go fishing.

If you want a birds-eye view of the island, book a trip with Biplane Rides Classic Aviators. With multiple routes and a thrill ride option, you’ll get a literal birds-eye view from these open cockpit biplanes. Keep an eye out for the classic red planes from the ground as you’re exploring!

Menemsha:

The Galley - Grab a quick lunch or midday soft-serve at their take out window to enjoy on your stroll, on their back deck overlooking Menemsha Harbor, or on the stone jetty. You may recognize the views here from the classic film Jaws.

The Homeport - Get lunch to go from their Back Door or make a reservation to dine with an unbeatable view of the sunset over the water. BYOB your favorite wine or spirits and they’ll provide any mixers. Fun fact - my parents had their wedding reception here!

Menemsha Fish Market - Pick up fresh seafood for dinner or get take out lobster rolls, lobster bisque and clam chowder to eat as you relax on Menemsha Beach.

Mudslides:

Nancy’s - Get a classic Dirty Banana or Mudslide frozen drink at Nancy’s, where you can get classic pub bites on the back deck or fine dining inside. Enjoy the views of Oak Bluffs Harbor while you dine.

Lookout Tavern - A personal favorite for mudslides on island, grab a seat at the counter overlooking the water and the Steamship Dock. Perfect for grabbing a bite before or after your ferry ride and people watching.

Seafood Shanty - Enjoy another personal favorite mudslide, variety of cocktails and upscale classics in Edgartown. Try to sit on the upper deck for unbeatable views of Edgartown including the nearby Yacht Club and Chappaquiddick Ferry.

Mainstays:

Black Dog Cafe and Tavern - Grab a coffee and pastry for breakfast to start your day. Or step into the classic tavern for fresh dishes and delicious cocktails. Buy a classic Black Dog t-shirt on your way out if you’re still looking for a souvenir.

Mad Martha’s Ice Cream - Cool down or end the day with an island classic, located in Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven and Edgartown.

Chilmark General Store - Grab a slice or two of pizza and enjoy it on the front porch. No rush because you’re on island time!

More:

Grey Barn Farm - If you didn’t get your fill at the farmers market, stop by the farm for cheeses, baked goods, meat and more. Visit with the animals or schedule a tasting while you’re there.

Salt Rock Chocolate - Delicious, handmade chocolates. Get your boxes of mixed dark or milk chocolates at the farmers market or watch their Instagram for other pop ups.

Back Door Donuts - Start your day with a famous apple fritter through the front entrance. Or head to the back door after dark for fresh hot donuts! Perfect dessert to end the day - just be prepared for the line.

Bad Martha’s Brewery - Head out for some casual fun and bar pizza with yard games and live music. Enjoy free samples, paddle flights and by-the-glass pours.

Even more:

• Chilmark Tavern

• 19 Raw Oyster Bar

• Giordano’s Restaurant

• Linda Jean’s

• Morning Glory Farm

Note: Chilmark is the only remaining dry town on the island, so plan ahead to BYOB when you eat out.