Things to do on Marthas Vineyard in the Fall

Advisor - Michelle Oliveira
Curated By

Michelle Oliveira

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  • Food & Wine

  • Nature Escapes

  • Luxury Travel

  • Massachusetts

  • Romantic

  • Sightseeing

  • Island

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Curator’s statement

Martha's Vineyard is a magical place no matter the time of year. Fall offers a slower pace with less crowds. While some businesses close after Labor Day, there is still plenty to do and see!

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Where to stay in Marthas Vineyard

Faraway Martha's Vineyard

Retreat to a serene haven on Martha's Vineyard, where picturesque landscapes, charming coastal beauty and a peaceful atmosphere create the perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Martha's Vineyard Lark Hotels

Offer boutique accommodations on the picturesque island of Martha's Vineyard, blending unique design and modern amenities with a touch of New England charm.

Harbor View Hotel

An exclusive Martha's Vineyard resort highlighted by top-tier dining and breathtaking views of the Edgartown Harbor.

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  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Advisor - Michelle Oliveira

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Things to do in Marthas Vineyard

picture of houses front grass

MV Derby

The derby generally runs from early Sept through early Oct each year and is open to visitors as well as locals. Registration is open throughout the derby.

MV Food and Wine Festival

October 19-22, 2023 food and wine festival focused on local chefs, farmers, fisherman, and artisans. This festival is unique as you can tailor your experience and only buy tickets to the events that interest you. 

Katama Bay Oyster Farm Tour 

Experience how Katama bay oysters are farmed and enjoy as many oysters as they can shuck during your experience. BYOB! 

Gingerbread Houses 

Wander the campgrounds in Oak Bluffs and marvel at the iconic gingerbread cottages and Tabernacle. 

Aquinnah 

Walk the Aquinnah cliffs overlook, check out the Gay Head lighthouse and learn about the history of the Aquinnah Wampanoag at the museum. To me, this is the most beautiful and peaceful corner of the island. 

Beaches/Hikes

There are countless amazing beaches and trails. Download the trails MV app and pick the one that best suits you! My personal favorite is Great Rock Bight Preserve and Menemsha Hills 

Edgartown

Take a walking tour of the historic homes or just wander on your own and admire the picturesque scenery. Make your way down to lighthouse beach. 

Goat Yoga 

goat yoga at native earth teaching farm in Chilmark. This is one of the many activities they offer so make sure to check out what's on their schedule during your visit. 

Granary Gallery

Check out some art at the iconic red barn location or the field gallery location, both in West Tisbury. Both galleries feature national, regional and local artists.

Martha's Vineyard Glassworks

Visit MV glassworks and check out their gallery, studio and shop.

MV Museum

Learn about the unique history and culture of the Island at the newly renovated MV museum. The museum sits atop a hill with beautiful views of the lagoon pond and the Vineyard sound.

Mytoi Gardens

Take the chappy ferry over to Chappaquiddick and explore the Japanese Mytoi gardens.

Day trips

Nantucket

Take the hy-line over to Nantucket for the day!

Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeth Islands - Rent a boat for the day and explore this chain of islands.

Places to eat & drink in Marthas Vineyard

houses and cafe island

Morning Glory Farm

One of my favorites! MGF can be nearly impossible to shop at during the summer months if you don't time it right, so if you find yourself there during the off season, enjoy the maneuverable aisles! Pick up the banana and zucchini bread, a local favorite, and check out what produce and flowers they have in season. A newer addition to MGF is the MOGLO food truck, serving breakfast, lunch and bakery items.

West Tisbury Farmers Market

Open on Saturdays from 9-12 through October 28th, this is one of my favorite markets to visit. It is located on the grounds of the MV agricultural society. "Founded in 1934 by Island farmers in response to the Great Depression. Revived in 1974 by a ragtag group of hippies, yankees and retired English teachers, the West Tisbury Farmers Market is Martha's Vineyard's oldest, largest and finest open air market."

Larsen's fish market

Located on Menemsha harbor docs, Larsens sells fresh seafood as well as chowder, lobster rolls and stuffed quahogs, to name a few. Grab your food and sit outside on an old lobster trap transformed into a table and watch the boats come in. BTW they are BYOB. *Pro tip: Oct is the start of scallop season. Keep an eye out for the Martha Rose scallops while you are down at the harbor. Theirs are hands down the best, in my opinion!

State Road

Take advantage of smaller crowds and get a table at State Road.

Backdoor Donuts

A must! Get an apple fritter!

Lookout Tavern

With views of the sound and an extensive menu to please all!

Coop de ville and shuck shack

Located on the Oak Bluffs Harbor with great views and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Seafood Shanty

Views of the lighthouse and chappy ferry! Traditional new england seafood

The wharf pub

Local spot to catch a game and drink a beer

Newes from America

American/British pub fare served in a historic setting.

Need to Know

Looking for more travel inspo? Check out my guide, 3 Day Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary.

Advisor - Michelle Oliveira

Travel Advisor

Michelle Oliveira

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Massachusetts.