Right off of Cape Cod is the little island of Martha’s Vineyard (MV). According to GOMV, the Vineyard is approximately 100 square miles with a year round population of around 20,530 people. Consisting of six distinct towns, MV is the perfect vacation for people looking to relax on sunny beaches or engage in bustling tourist activities!
Today I am going to tell you just how to spend your day so that you can experience all the different parts of the Vineyard.
To begin your morning peacefully, I would start at the Scottish Bakehouse in Vineyard Haven (977 State Rd, Vineyard Haven). This cafe has an array of breakfasts served all day: sandwiches, and entrees starting at $10. “Coffees and teas are self-serve and there are newspapers and magazines for purchase to enjoy while sipping your chosen bliss,” the Scottish Bakehouse explains. They also offer catering of cakes and desserts for special occasions.
I would then head 7.2 miles away to Edgartown for some shopping on Main Street. This town gives a preppy island vibe with stone paths, old houses, and American flags. They have higher end stores compared to other towns filled with boutiques, galleries, markets, and more. Some of the top rates are Island Outfitters and Nell.
Next up I would definitely suggest a bike ride from Edgartown to Oak Bluffs using Martha’s Bike Rentals, starting at $29. Martha’s Bike Rentals will come to you anywhere on the island. Taking a bike ride from Main Street, Edgartown, to Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs, you will pass the infamous Jaws bridge where many famous scenes from Jaws were filmed. This bridge is a big tourist attraction for all the Jaws lovers where you can jump off the bridge into the water. While no sharks roam those waters, it is still a source of adrenaline to swim in the waters famous for the dangerous animal. After your quick dip, you can make your way to Oak Bluffs.
For lunch, The Lookout Tavern is a walk-in-only restaurant looking out at the water and dock of Oak Bluffs (8 Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs). It was voted best sushi on the Vineyard for the past 12 years and it is also known for their lobster rolls. The Tavern is a place where you can show up in your bathing suit and flip flops to have a cheaper lunch.
After food you should head to The Flying Horses, a carousel built in 1876 and the oldest running carousel in the nation (15 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs). One ticket is $3.50 and you have a chance to get a second ride for free. As you ride the ride you can grab silver rings from the posts and if you get one of the two gold ones, you can get another ride for free.
At the end of the day I would suggest heading to Menemsha Beach in Chilmark (60 Basin Rd, Chilmark). While you are there, take a walk on the big rock path above the water and then watch the sunset with a crowd of others. To end the night I would suggest going to The Galley for dinner and soft serve ice cream for around $10 each. This beach has many Jaws scenes filmed and you can see pictures from the filming of Jaws hung up around The Galley walls.
There are other activities depending on when you visit. From June 25 to September 6 on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Chilmark Flea Market is open (142 North Road, Chilmark). This flea market is made up of local businesses from the Vineyard itself. It is filled with baked goods, chocolates, flowers, and locally grown farm goods.
Another event specific to the time of your trip is the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair, held August 21-24 in West Tisbury (MV Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Road, West Tisbury). The fair is filled with rides, games, farm animals, food trucks, and contests of pie baking and art. If you are looking for something a little more upbeat and lively than this is for you. The fair has been held every year since 1858 and has so much history and tradition built into it.
Photo credit: Ella Scanlon Shelby