⛵ Martha’s Vineyard
The Island:
There are two sides of the island, down-island & up-island. My family has always preferred staying up-island since it is a lot less crowded, and has a charm that you just don’t get down-island (IMO).
Up-island is consisted of West Tisbury, Aquinnah, Chilmark and a small fishing town, Menemsha, which is where we always stay. Down-island refers to Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, and Oak Bluffs, which has a lot of restaurants, bars, shops, but is a little more on the touristy/crowded side. (again IMO)
One other thing to note is that up-island is dry meaning they do not sell or serve alcohol. We usually just bring our own alcohol in bulk, or just buy it whenever we go down-island. Almost all the restaurants encourage you to BYOB.
Transportation:
We always bring our car over on the ferry since it makes it a lot easier to get around (there are places you can rent cars on island as well). There are a ton of bike paths on this island too which makes it very bicycle accessible. Just depends what your into!
Getting to the Island:
There are a few ways to get to this glorious Island.
Drive: You can drive to Woods Hole, MA and take the ferry. New York to Woods Hole is about 5 hours, and then another 45 minutes on the ferry.
Ferry: Take the ferry from NYC to Marthas Vineyard: This is another option for those who can stomach a 5 hour boat ride.
Fly: Now that I live in California, we just fly on JetBlue which makes it super easy. Martha’s Vineyard has the worlds TINIEST airport.
eat: up-island —
Alley’s General Store:
A Martha’s Vineyard staple that has everything from penny candy to beach towels.
Chilmark General Store:
The best pizza ever. Also try their frozen cappuccinos, they are addictive.
Chilmark Tavern:
Always a delicious meal. My boyfriend & sister swear by the tavern steak.
State Road:
Another staple that never disappoints. They also have a “Burger Night”….sign me up.
Beach Plum Inn:
Dinner is pre-fixe and you have to BYOB, but this meal is a MUST. They only use fresh organic ingredients from that days harvest, and the food is to die for.
Larsen’s Fish Market:
It’s not an east coast vacation without a lobster roll, and Larsen’s has the best. They also have a large selection of any kind of fish you could want.
Homeport:
Seafood and more seafood. They also have an oyster “boat” bar where they shuck your oysters in front of you.
The Galley:
Casual take-out spot with seating on the back porch. Come for the fish sandwich or lobster roll, and leave with their amazing creamy soft serve.
Orange Peel Bakery:
This adorable bakery hosts pizza nights where you bring your own toppings, and for $20 bucks a person, you get to pick and choose from all the different toppings contributed. They also make banging chocolate chip cookies.
Outermost Inn:
This Inn has a beautiful restaurant overlooking to ocean, however it’s not cheap. We came here for a drink one night (somehow this place found a loophole in the whole “dry town” thing) and it was such a great experience.
eat: down island
Back Door Donuts:
A brilliant concept. A local bakery in Oak Bluffs decided to literally open their back door and sell donuts from 6pm-1am. We probably go here a little too often.
Beetlebung:
Really great food and creative cocktails. Stop by after you take a ride on the carousel!
Mad Martha’s:
Always a good option for your daily ice cream consumption.
Carousel Ice Cream:
My dad argues that this ice cream spot has the best ice cream on the island. Specifically the coffee milkshakes.
Murdick’s Fudge:
Just walking by this shop has you drooling. You can watch as the chefs mold and move the fudge on a large marble slab.
Lookout Tavern:
Great sushi spot right by the ferry in Oak Bluffs. Outdoor and indoor seating.
Art Cliff Diner:
Amazing breakfast and lunch in Vineyard. Only open until 2pm and closed on Wednesdays!
Scottish Bakehouse:
A tiny bakehouse with amazing pastries and other healthy meals. I had their quinoa porridge which was SO delicious.
Lambert’s Cove:
I have not been here yet, but planning to visit this year. The hotel is adorable and the restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients from the island.
stay —
Menemsha Inn: $$
An adorable Inn with ocean views and homemade breakfast. Free bikes too!
Beach Plum Inn: $$$
Another really cute Inn a few blocks from the Menemsha Inn. Features a great restaurant for breakfast & dinner.
Captain Flanders Inn: $
One of the favorite spots at the top of a hill. They have a main house you can stay in, or you can rent a larger cottage.
Airbnb: $$
My go to when looking for housing. While MV is on the pricier side, you can find some deals if you book far enough ahead.
VRBO: $$
Just like Airbnb, VRBO has a lot of option all over the island.
do —
Lucy Vincent Beach:
You must be renting in Chilmark/Menemsha in order to get a pass to this beach. This particular beach has these gorgeous clay cliffs that border the ocean. It’s one of my favorites.
Philbin Beach:
You have to be renting a house in Aquinnah in order to have access to this beach, so worth it.
South Beach:
Free public beach in Edgartown.
Menemsha Beach:
Free public beach that was created for sunset watching.
Go for a Bike Ride:
MV has a ton of bike paths with a lot of different routes depending on how ambitious you are!
The Grey Barn & Farm:
We got ground beef at this farm shop and to this day, we all agreed it was the most buttery and smooth burger we had ever ate. Will be back this year for more of that as well as cheese and veggies!
Flying Horses Carousel:
Doesn’t matter how old you are, just go for a ride. As you ride you pull rings and if you catch a brass one, you get a free ride! This is also the oldest working Carousel in the US!
Bad Martha Brewery:
Really awesome brewery in Edgartown with outdoor seating and fun games.
Gingerbread Houses:
These homes line the tabernacle in Oak Bluffs and they are so adorable. Each one is different and the colors are to die for. We usually take a walk through these homes after dinner at Beetlebung.
Field Gallery:
For the artsy people. Across from Alley’s General store, this gallery has animated sculptures sprawled out through the garden and a little indoor gallery with paintings.
Gay Head Lighthouse:
For some great views and cute little shops. There are a couple of restaurants up here as well if you get hungry. The Aquinnah Shop has a nice deck over looking the water, and they serve brunch, lunch and dinner.
shop —
Chilmark Pottery:
Some of the coolest pottery I have ever seen, and quite a large collection too. You can find the owner throwing clay on his potters wheel while you browse his gorgeous artwork.
Chilmark Flea Market:
A great little flea market with lots of great finds. Keep an eye out for the Vaalbara Design tent, they make incredible bags and other jewelry.
West Tisbury Farmers Market:
The jalapeño pepper jelly from this market is UNBELIEVABLE. Also go for the egg rolls (I know its random, but they are so so good)
Menemsha Blues:
For your Menemsha swag.
The Black Dog:
A MV classic. Visit the restaurant, or the bakery, or the clothing store. All are pretty great.
Bunch of Grapes Bookstore:
I always love a good book store and this one is our go-to in Vineyard Haven.
The Green Room:
Another great surf/fashion boutique. They can have really great sales.
Rainy Day:
A really great gift shop that has pretty much anything you can think of.
Refabulous Decor:
A really great spot for home goods and other island memorabilia.
Slate:
This is a really cute boutique in Edgartown with trendy dresses and other summer staples.
Third World Trading:
An eclectic boutique with treasures from around the world, located in Oak Bluffs. You can find gorgeous bags, tapestries, and jewelry here.