the vineyard blog

Summer is finally here and that means an action packed calendar of events on Martha’s Vineyard. On any given day you could come across live music, dining specials, educational opportunities and happenings galore! While many think of Martha’s Vineyard as a playground for the affluent, we’re here to tell you it is a place that caters to all walks of life and has something for everyone. If you’re visiting on a budget this summer and don’t want to break the bank, here’s a list of ten things you can do on Martha’s Vineyard that will cost you absolutely nothing. ​

Hit the beach! Most of Martha’s Vineyard’s stunning shoreline is free and open to the public, and it’s probably the reason you’ve likely decided to visit, or are considering visiting the Island. From the calmer waters of the northern shores to the rumbling surf of the south shores, there’s a beach for every type of visitor. All beaches are Carry In, Carry Out – so be sure to take your trash with you! For a full list of free, unrestricted beaches click here. ​

Meet our local vendors and browse our weekly markets. Martha’s Vineyard is home to hundreds of farmers, food purveyors and artists who grow, nurture, and create Island made products. Take the opportunity to meet and mingle with some of our talented local vendors totally gratis, it’s a great way to learn more about the Island and its culture. The West Tisbury Farmer’s Market was founded in 1974 and is the Island’s oldest and largest open air market where you can find an abundance of local produce and Island made food items. Open Saturdays 9am–12pm from June 8 to October 12 and Wednesdays 9am–12pm from June 19 to August 28, at the West Tisbury Grange Fall. Additionally the Vineyard Artisans Festival, is a beloved summer event that brings the wares of local artists, designers and craftsmen to visitors each week throughout the summer. The festival returns every Sunday from June 9 through September 29, and on Thursdays beginning July 4 at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury from 10am to 4pm. You're also welcome to enjoy Sunday in the park by the sea with the Oak Bluffs Open Market, which  offers an ever-changing variety of locally grown produce, specialty foods, artisans and vintage dealers. Located in Washington Park in Oak Bluffs, the market runs from May - October. 

Discover the adorable, iconic gingerbread cottages. Thousands of visitors flock to Oak Bluffs every year to tour the famous and colorful gingerbread cottages. The 34 acres of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association (MVCMA) is an open, pedestrian friendly National Historic Landmark and looks like something out of a storybook. The MVCMA is a short (2-5 minute) walk from the Oak Bluffs harbor where many ferries and buses arrive. There is no admission cost to enter and explore "The Campground" and visitors are welcome to take pictures from the roads and walkways during the day. To view the inside of one of these historic cottages, visitors can pay $3 to visit the Cottage Museum, open daily from Memorial weekend through mid-October. ​

Explore First Fridays in Vineyard Haven. Join locals and visitors alike in downtown Vineyard Haven (steps from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal) on the First Friday of each month June through September. This lively block party celebrates the arts on Martha’s Vineyard with a Main Street Art Walk where you can meet Island makers and shop local while also enjoying live Music in Owen Park and along Main Street. Happening June 7, July 5, August 2 and September 6.

Sunset Concert Series at the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association (MVCMA). The MVCMA hosts free Friday concerts at the Tabernacle green, inside the Oak Bluffs Campground which is home to the iconic gingerbread cottages. Enjoy live music by some of the Island’s most talented musicians. All concerts are free and open to the public. Bring a picnic supper, or enjoy offerings from SMOAK a local fire cooking and bbq catering company.  
 
Free performances of the Vineyard Sound. The Vineyard Sound is an all male acapella group composed of individuals from various colleges that have been entertaining guests on the Vineyard since 1992. New this year the group will be performing live on the grounds of the Lambert’s Cove Inn in West Tisbury amidst the beautiful garden of this stylish farmhouse inn and retreat. Free performances happen from 5–6pm every Wednesday starting June 26th.
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Take advantage of endless free programming at local libraries. On Martha’s Vineyard, libraries are not simply a place to find books, they are vibrant community centers that enrich the lives of all those who walk through their doors. With daily and weekly events, concerts, and classes, across six libraries (one in each town!) you never know what you will learn and explore, all at no cost. 

Travel hundreds of acres of woods and walking trails. Many people don’t realize just how green and forested Martha’s Vineyard is. With endless stretches of scenic shoreline, rolling hills, expansive woodlands, and hundreds of miles of protected trails through the Island’s diverse landscape, there really is no better place to take a hike. Local conservation groups the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank, the Trustees of Reservations and Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation maintain over 200 miles of trails and over 100 preserved properties that are open to the public. You can read about some of the most popular trails here. ​

Browse our local art galleries. Martha’s Vineyard is a sanctuary for hundreds of talented artists producing world class art. For years, all sorts of creative minds have found solitude and a place for reflection on the Island, inspired by the gorgeous scenery and relaxed way of life. Most local art galleries are free and open to the public (while a few are appointment only) and several of them offer free, weekly opening receptions. Check out ongoing artist receptions at the Granary Gallery in West Tisbury and exhibit openings and live music at the Eisenhauer Gallery in Edgartown. For a full list of Island art galleries click here.
 
For more tips on planning a budget friendly trip to Martha’s Vineyard check out this post. 
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We all know dad’s can be hard to buy for, that’s why we think whisking him away to Martha’s Vineyard sounds like the best idea this Father’s Day. If you’re making the journey with one of the most beloved guys in your life then make it count. Here’s our tips for making the most out of Father’s Day on Martha’s Vineyard. ​

Attend the Car-B-Q Classic
Is dad a car lover? Then he’ll appreciate the eye candy on display at the Car-B-Q Classic. This beloved annual car show returns for Father’s Day. The classic auto event begins with a power cruise from the Martha's Vineyard Family Campground off Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road and ends at the new Martha's Vineyard Museum. Enjoy ice cold beverages, hot food from The Food Truck and the ArtCliff Food Truck, frozen treats from Vintage Delicious, and check out the best classics on the Island–even take a photo in one with MV PhotoBus! Plus, dad can take part in our one-of-a-kind raffle in which proceeds benefit The MV Fallen Firefighters Fund. Does he have a hot rod of his own? Register the car for his chance to win trophies ranging from Best of Show and several other categories. ​

Experience an architectural walking tour
If architecture is more dad’s thing take him on an Architectural Walking Tour of Edgartown. Edgartown is chock full of old whaling captain homes and storied landmarks you can’t find anywhere else. View the John Coffin House, Vincent House, Dr. Daniel Fisher House, and the Old Whaling Church in this tour with the Vineyard Trust. The tour begins at the Carnegie in Edgartown and runs Tuesday through Saturday. ​

Sip on some frothy goodness
Raise a glass to dad at one of the Island’s local breweries. If dad appreciates a cold one you don’t want to miss the chance to visit Offshore Ale brew pub in Oak Bluffs. This popular spot has been serving up some of the best beer on-Island since 1997 and it doesn’t disappoint. The Island’s other brewery is Bad Martha beer in Edgartown which is nestled on the grounds of Donaroma’s nursery, making for a gorgeous space to sip and enjoy outdoor games. The tasting room also offers trivia on Fridays and live music on Saturdays. ​

​Groove to the music around town
For the music man in your life! Treat dad to a performance of the Vineyard Sound, the all male acapella group made up of 10 talented singers from various New England colleges covering Sam Cooke hits, Beatles classics, and various contemporary songs. The Vineyard Sound performs Friday June 14th at 8pm at the United Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs and Saturday, June 15th at 5pm at the Federated Church in Edgartown. If he’s a night owl looking hit the dance floor and give him a taste of some of the sounds of the Island’s most popular bands. The reggae funk musicians the Jelly Roll Horns perform at The Port Hunter in Edgartown on Saturday June 15th at 10pm and The Dukes of Circuit Ave take the stage at the Ritz in Oak Bluffs at the same time. 

Pets are like family and traveling with them is just another part of our lives. It has been recorded that nearly 85 million households in the United States own pets and the American Pet Products Association projected that in 2018, pet ownership will cost Americans over $72 billion. Incurring in costs is never an issue when we are talking about your four-legged best friend, so we decided we needed to share as much information about the island and how dog-friendly it is. Below, we’ve listed everything from dog-friendly transportation to the best trails to explore with your dog on Martha’s Vineyard. ​

​Dog Friendly Transportation All of our ferries welcome pets, as do the buses and taxis. However, the buses have a policy that if a passenger who is already on the bus objects to the animal (because of allergies or other reasons), the animal and owner are asked to take the next bus. If the animal and owner are already on the bus, they may remain and the objecting passenger is asked to take another bus. The SSA’s Oak Bluffs terminal usually has a water bowl out front and the staff stocks dog treats at the ticket counter. For taxis, mention that you  are bringing a dog with you, in case there is an added fee for the dog.
Dog-Friendly Hotels on Martha’s Vineyard  Hotels on island have policies in regards to bringing pets (mostly dogs) into their premises, so always call to ask what the current policy is. The list below is current to May 2019 and depicts a list of hotels that will welcome and treat your dog as the king or queen she is. Some hotels offer special dog-friendly packages with goodies included, while others will have a dog bed and water bowl awaiting your arrival. Most reservations should be made via phone when bringing a dog.
 
Hob Knob Inn, has a package called Your Very Important Pet (V.I.P.) Package that includes a customized Crate Cushion, Nauti Knot chew toy, Red Sailor Stripe Collar, Hob Knob Water Pail and Hob Knob Food Bowl, and a V.I.P. Canvas Tote bag.
 
The hotel listed here also have pet-friendly rooms: Harbor View Hotel, Mansion House, and the Vineyard Square Hotel.  

​Dog-Friendly Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard Per the health  code, restaurants aren’t allowed to have dogs inside the premises, but island restaurants will work around that and serve you and your dog outside on the porch or any patio area. This varies from restaurant to restaurant, but more than half of the do have water bowls for your furry fellow to quench its thirst on a hot summer day. Spots like La Choza has the usual water and treats, but also fresh  beef scraps if you ask nicely. Other spots like Rosewater Market in Edgartown, will have “dog parking” for your dog to wait for you, as well as water and treats.
 
Dog-Friendly Shops on Martha’s Vineyard So many shops on island welcome dogs to shop with them, or wait with treats and water outside, so a full list is almost impossible as more and more shops become dog-friendly on Martha’s Vineyard. Below is just a quick list of shops that either welcome dogs to shop with you and/or will have treats and water for your pup to rest and relax while you shop!
 
Good Dog Goods
Rockland Trust
Heidi White Gallery
Edgartown Paper Store
Backwater Trading Company
Leslie’s Pharmacy
Boys and Girls Second Hand Store
Craftworks
Lilly Pulitzer
Island Outfitters
Past and Presents
SBS Grain Store
Lululemon
Among the Flowers
Phillips Hardware
Lenox and Harvey
Rosewater Market
Rosewater Spirits
Fat Face Edgartown

Dog-Friendly Outdoors on Martha’s Vineyard (beach, parks, trails) Exploring the marvelous Mother Nature while on island is one of the best things about bringing your dog here! Below we’ve detailed some rules and regulations, so follow along. Essentially, most Sheriff's Meadow Foundation trails are open to dogs when leashed. The important rules are that all dogs must be leashed at all times, and that people must clean up after their dogs. Also, we have seasonal dog prohibitions due to nesting birds at the trails at Quansoo Farm, and on the beaches at Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary and Little Beach.
 
Pets are permitted on many of the beaches with restricted hours during the Summer season. Please contact the individual towns for specific information. The West Tisbury Farmers Market also permits dogs on leashes. Most of the Land Bank properties allow dogs but consult the Land Bank map for details about each location. Their Trade Wind Fields Preserve in Oak Bluffs is a 71-acre area where many dog owners meet for playtime with their pets. Leashed dogs are permitted in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, a 5,143-acre preserve located in the middle of the Island. Please remember to watch for poison ivy and check your pet (and yourself) for ticks after a walk! 

Thanks to our dog model, Bauer, and to his mom Leah Fraumeni, for all the great photos! 

By Sea
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The Steamship Authority is the only year round ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard and it’s the only ferry service that allows for transportation of your car or automobile. If you decide on taking your car, be sure to contact the Steamship Authority as soon as you know your travel dates to make a reservation–their summer schedule can book up months in advance. If you are walking on, you will need to park at one of the designated Steamship Authority parking lots where you will park your car and board their complimentary shuttle. The shuttle runs frequently and brings you to the ferry terminal in Woods Hole where you will purchase your passenger ticket and board the boat. Allot at least 30 minutes to park, take the shuttle, and purchase your ticket before the scheduled boat’s departure.
The Patriot Party Boat offers year round service between Falmouth Harbor and Oak Bluffs harbor as well as 24-hour water taxi service if you miss another scheduled boat or need late night or early morning transportation. Parking is available in Falmouth and a free shopping shuttle is available to the Falmouth Mall and Falmouth Plaza, allowing you to shop Kappy's, Christmas Tree Shop, Staples, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Walmart and other stores.
 
In the summer season there are several additional passenger ferry services and water shuttles.

• The Island Queen operates service between Falmouth Harbor and Oak Bluffs harbor from May 24 through October 14, 2019. Parking available in Falmouth.
• The Falmouth Edgartown Ferry operates seasonal service from Falmouth harbor to Edgartown harbor from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Their 72-foot luxury fast ferry, the Pied Piper, is the only ferry that sails into Edgartown Harbor.
•  Hyline Cruises operates seasonal service from Hyannis harbor to Oak Bluffs harbor from May 4 to October 27, 2019. Parking is available in Hyannis, arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure to allow for drop-off, parking and ticketing. Hyline also operates the only seasonal inter-Island ferry which allows for direct transportation between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket from May 24 to October 14, 2019.
• The Seastreak offers seasonal ferry service from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.  Relax onboard one of their luxury catamaran ferries from New Jersey, New York City, Boston, or New Bedford.
• Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry operates seasonal high-speed ferry service between Quonset Point, Rhode Island and Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard from May 23 to October 14. Enjoy a  quick 95-minute trip with business-class service and avoid the Cape Cod summer traffic!

For additional information on getting here and getting around browse through all of our help travel tips at mvy.com.

​Summers on Martha’s Vineyard are action packed. Pick any day from Memorial Day to Labor Day and you’ll find dozens of events to satisfy anyone and everyone, from gallery openings to artisan markets and festivals of all kinds. When planning your trip to Martha’s Vineyard this season browse this round-up of this season’s events and plan accordingly!

May 12–27: Art of Flowers, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. Featherstone’s annual show celebrates flowers in all forms and blooms in May, in celebration of spring.
 
May 23–26: MV Environmental Film Festival, MV Film Society, Vineyard Haven. For four days the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society, in collaboration with the Vineyard Conservation Society ,hosts the 5th Annual Environmental Film Festival, with this year’s theme as “Nature as Inspiration.” The festival combines environmental films, and discussions with experts, community members, and special guests.

​May 25, 26: Vineyard Artisans Festival, Grange Hall, West Tisbury. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the return of the Vineyard Artisans Festival, a beloved summer event that brings the wares of local artists, designers and craftsmen to visitors each week throughout the summer. The festival returns every Sunday from June 9 through September 29, and on Thursdays beginning July 4.  
 
May 26: Memorial Day Road Race, Summercamp Hotel, Oak Bluffs. Attention runners! The 26th Annual Oak Bluffs Memorial 5K Road Race and one mile Fun Run returns. Enjoy a scenic run on al USA Track & Field certified 5K course around Oak Bluffs harbor and East Chop Lighthouse.
 
June 1: All Island Hike with the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission. Celebrate National Trails day by joining the Land Bank for its annual Cross-Island Hike which covers over 16 miles of beautiful terrain. This day-long hike across the Island is intended to expose people to the network of trails that connect the Island’s many conservation lands and public properties.

​June 2–6: Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week. Attention all foodies, the Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week means restaurants all over the Island will be showcasing their best dishes with delicious prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Revisit old favorites or be enticed to try something new!
 
June 13: Taste of the Vineyard, Dr. Daniel Fisher House, Edgartown. A Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll or simply “The Taste” is the Vineyard Trust’s annual food focused fundraiser, which brings more than 90 participants representing the Island's finest restaurants, caterers and beverage purveyors to over 1,000 attendees. It is one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most highly anticipated events, and tickets are highly coveted. If you’re lucky enough to get one be sure to show up hungry.
 
June 20-23: Filmusic Festival, MV Film Society, Vineyard Haven. The MV Film Society presents a stimulating, toe-tapping weekend of feature films and musical performances that celebrate the convergence of music, culture, and film. FILMUSIC Festival will bring you closer to the music you love, or introduce you to some you’ve never known, with great films and live music.
 
June 22: Harbor Festival, Oak Bluffs Harbor. Oak Bluffs hosts its annual Harbor Festival  celebrating summer with live music, food, arts, crafts on the harborfront from 10am–8:00pm. Free admission.
 
July 4: Annual Kid’s Parade, Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association (MVCMA) at Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs. What started as a group of Campground neighbors banging pots and pans with their children years ago, blossomed to an annual event. Children of all ages decorate bikes, scooters, etc. in patriotic splendor. Parade flows down Clinton Ave. and around Trinity Circle, ending by the MVCMA Cottage Museum.

​July 4: Parade and Edgartown Harbor Fireworks, downtown Edgartown.  Celebrate Independence Day at the Edgartown 4th of July parade followed by the spectacular Edgartown Harbor fireworks. The parade begins at 5pm on July 4th. The Fireworks start at dusk on the harbor.
 
July 11-14: Vineyard Cup Regatta, Vineyard Haven. Sail Martha’s Vineyard brings big boat racing to the Vineyard each year with their annual Vineyard Cup Regatta. The weekend kicks off with a lavish seafood dinner on Thursday at Vineyard Haven harbor followed by three days of entertainment and sailing competitions.
 
July 20: Featherstone Center for the Arts Gala, Oak Bluffs. Join Featherstone for an evening of art and celebration at their annual gala, their largest fundraiser of the year. Enjoy artwork, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner and silent and live auctions on the grounds outside the new Art Barn.
 
July 21, 22: Portuguese Holy Ghost Feast & Festival, Portuguese American Club, Oak Bluffs. The annual  Portuguese Holy Ghost Feast & Festival celebrates with two days of parade, auction, food, music, dancing, games, and fun for all ages. The celebration is one of the major feasts of the Azorean people and its history goes back centuries.

July 28: Possible Dreams Auction, Tilton Farm, Chilmark. Possible Dreams is Martha’s Vineyard Community Service’s (MVCS) largest annual fundraiser. The event gives people the opportunity to purchase unique on and off-Island experiences, while giving back to MVCS. Since its inception, Possible Dreams has raised over $8 million for Community Services. This year’s event will feature live music, an online Super Dreams auction, the 12 Dreams of Summer live auction, a raffle and more.
 
August 2–4: Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival, Chilmark Community Center. Set in the charming up-Island town of Chilmark, the eighth annual MV Book Festival, sponsored by the Vineyard Gazette, includes Pulitzer and National Book award-winners plus many New York Times best sellers. The three day event brings authors and book enthusiasts together over discussions on an array of timely issues, including cultural turmoil and creativity, immigration, and equality.  
 
August 5–9: Martha’s Vineyard Documentary Film Week, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Oak Bluffs. In recognition of the rising importance of documentaries to public dialogue the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society, in collaboration with HBO Documentary Films, presents Martha’s Vineyard Documentary Film Week. The event highlights the films that have become the conscience of the nation, providing a deeper study of contemporary, and often unnoticed, social issues.
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August 8–11: Built on Stilts, Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs. The Built on Stilts Dance Festival is features the work of the Vineyard community as well as professional performing artists from Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and beyond. For 23 years Built on Stilts has celebrated dance (and other forms) through an inspiring programming including live music, storytelling, theater, poetry readings, comedy, circus acts, fitness demos and more.

​August 9–11: Beach Road Weekend, Veterans Memorial Park, Vineyard Haven. The team behind the Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series will bring some big musical acts to Vineyard Haven this summer for the first Beach Road Weekend music festival. The three day outdoor event kicks off with a filming of JAWS along with a live symphony orchestra, and continues with performances from John Fogerty, Dispatch, Phil Lesh & Friends, Grace Potter, Matisyahu, Mason Jennings and more.
 
August 11, 12: Islanders Write, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs. For the fifth year in a row the Martha’s Vineyard Times’ facilitates a day of spirited discussions about writing and the writing life. Expect panel discussions focused on the art, craft, and business of writing, along with writing workshops, an open-mic event, and more. 

August 14: The Grand Illumination of the Oak Bluffs Campground, the Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs. More simply referred to as “Illumination Night,” this event is one of the most magical nights of the year on Martha’s Vineyard. Hundreds of gingerbread cottages in the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association are adorned with paper lanterns and illuminated in grand fashion at sundown, making for a magnificent display. The evening kicks off with a sing-along a live music followed by the Grand Illumination, when the lanterns are all lit in unison. This tradition, dating from the turn of the 19th century, will delight the whole family.
 
August 15–18: 158th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair, Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury. “The Ag Fair” returns for another action packed weekend of rides, games, contests, competition, live entertainment and more. Part carnival and part old-fashioned agricultural country fair, the Ag Fair continues to delight visitors at the Ag Hall in West Tisbury. Expect shucking contests, skillet toss, horse pull, woodsmen competition, art displays, dog and livestock shows and more.
 
August 16: Band Concert and Fireworks, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs. The annual Oak Bluffs firework display lights up the sky each year above the Oak bluffs waterfront. The spectacular evening kicks off with a performance by the Vineyard Haven band in the gazebo at 8pm followed by the fireworks at 9pm. Parking is available at Sunset Park in Oak Bluffs.
 
For a list of daily events visit the complete Martha’s Vineyard calendar here. 
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Martha’s Vineyard, the island where you can find entertainment from sunrise to sunset, and beyond! Today, we’re talking about those late night spots - the places where you can find a good drink, a good bite, a good dance floor, and more!
 
Island nightlife, during the summer and fall season, can be described as fun, enticing, and overall varied with dozen of events happening on weekend nights. Everything from karaoke to late night parties, the island has a little bit of everything you’d find in your usual big city.
 
Top Dance Spots on Island
If dancing is your game, you’re in luck because there’s a few hot spots where you can dance the night away. The Port Hunter in Edgartown, the Cardboard Box in Oak Bluffs, along with The Loft and The Ritz, all have fantastic lineups every season, from bands to DJs that will have you spinning and shaking all night long. 

Top Bars with Best Drinks
If you’re always on the eternal search for the most perfect late night cocktail, we know just where to go. Try the Atlantic Spritz (Kettle One Peach & Orange Blossom, Aperol, Prosecco) at the Atlantic, the Roxana (Tito’s Vodka and a homemade pineapple-ginger soda) at Roxana Bar at the Harbor View Hotel, or the Cucumber Cleanse (Square One vodka, lemon, simple syrup, cucumber, and mint). And don't miss out on the Dirty Banana at Nancy's in Oak Bluffs — an infamous drink! Any and all those will get you well on your way to a delicious and fun night, but {in our best mom voice} remember to drink only if you’re of legal drinking age (which is 21 on Martha's Vineyard, drink in moderation, and never drink and drive.
 
Best Live Music
If music is your jam, we’ve got some incredible locations in both Edgartown and Oak Bluffs to listen to some live music. The great thing about live music on this island is that we are blessed with a wide-range of local artists that play the venues and are so talented. To add to that local stage, we also get some incredible national touring bands that make the island a stop between shows. Because the  venues aren’t huge, you can see some of the best indie bands up close and personal! 

Last but certainly not least, if you’re wondering where single people meet and mingle on island, below is our top list - unique to the island of course!

• Port Hunter
• The Wharf Karaoke Night
• Cardboard Box dance floor
• Taco MV, there’s always a great opportunity to meet new people while grabbing a drink and taco there
• Back Door Donuts, because how dreamy would it be to meet your soulmate in line for an apple fritter?!

 
Thanks to a few friends who we enlisted for this article, as we are more of a “in bed by 9pm” kind of people! 

Spring has finally arrived on the Vineyard and the days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and visitors all over are booking their last minute summer rental homes on Martha’s Vineyard. With so many incredible real estate companies on this island, we wanted to find some of the best summer rentals with the most incredible kitchens. Did you know that an amazing kitchen is the #1 requisite for travelers when searching for a summer rental? The kitchen is the heart of the home, where friends and family come together after a long day at the beach and cook up some delicious, locally sourced meals together. Below you’ll find three outstanding summer rentals on Martha’s Vineyard with the most impressive kitchens time to get booking and cooking! ​

Point B Realty
https://www.pointbrealty.com/booking/modern-farmhouse-with-pool-and-carriage-house/136258
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Designed by noted architectural firm Hutker Architects, this modern interpretation of a classic farmhouse with pool and Carriage House, is sleekly set on three acres in a quiet Katama neighborhood. The Main House features an open Great Room with Living, Dining, and Kitchen Areas. The stunning room features 16-foot vaulted ceilings with vintage beams and trusses, plus a fieldstone fireplace, and large windows with views over the surrounding meadows.
The state-of-the-art Chefs Kitchen features limestone counters, prep island/breakfast bar with quartz and oak counters, and commercial stainless appliances. The monochromatic grey and white color scheme from the Great Room is carried throughout the compound. This stunning modern farmhouse gourmet kitchen features plenty of seating, 16-foot vaulted ceilings, and large windows with views over the surrounding meadows.

Contact: https://www.pointbrealty.com/contact

Sandpiper Rental
https://www.sandpiperrental.com/booking/vineyardhaven-909/41067
 
This home offers a bright, open kitchen that any chef would be happy in.  The large open floor plan that makes entertaining a breeze and the pass thru window from the kitchen to the living room adds to the ease of use along with the screened in porch overlooking the pool area offers as an alternative to the indoor dining room.
 
Contact: inquiry@sandpiperrental.com
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We Need a Vacation
https://www.weneedavacation.com/Marthas-Vineyard/Vineyard-Haven-Vacation-Rental-27679
 
The sun filled open kitchen features a large butcher block island for food preparation and gathering.  Top of line appliances include a built-in microwave, two ovens, and a five burner gas cooktop. The chef’s kitchen has all the extra touches that make cooking enjoyable - a pot filler for water that is conveniently located on the island and small appliances tucked away in a slide out cabinet for use when you need them.  The new kitchen has an eat in table for the casual family dinners, a comfortable desk area for catching up on work and features pendant lights, recessed lights, undercounter lights, and uplighting above the cabinets. Fully stocked with all new dinnerware for indoor and outdoor dining – this kitchen has everything you need for an enjoyable family vacation.

Town MV Bar & Grill
The chef at Town Bar & Grill has created a comforting grill-style menu with creative dishes and spins on classics including everything from pasta and seafood to steaks and bar bites. Live entertainment and DJs will keep the party going in the bar, and we’ll be sure to keep the great late-night food coming and the beers flowing. Town was conceived by an island dweller who lives and breathes Martha’s Vineyard. This will be a place where you will want to hang out with your friends and family. We’re the new neighbor who’s always been here, and we can’t wait to have you over to make memories and have some fun. Open now! 

MV Salads
At MV Salads, they hold kindness as a guiding principle. Kindness to our Island and planet, kindness to their team and community, and of course, kindness to their guests.
Here, you will find heart-healthy, made to order salads featuring the freshest island-grown produce and locally caught seafood. Try Susanna’s signature “MV The Dressing”, which is also available by the bottle. House crafted tea infusions and fruit coolers refresh while reducing the carbon footprint that canned and bottled options would bring.They will also have an apparel line, created with an eye on comfort and style. A curated selection of salad and island related retail items lets you bring the flavor of kindness home, whether that’s on or off Martha’s Vineyard. Opening soon!
 
Life at Humphrey's
What happens when two extremely popular island businesses join forces? Life at Humphrey’s, that’s what. Slice of Life, previously on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, has partnered with Humphrey’s, the ever so popular sandwich shop and bakery in Vineyard Haven and together they have become a destination that is currently selling out nightly. The two family-businesses have merged their menus, to offer a variety of their most requested items. Open till 3pm but with extended hours coming soon, as well as a sprinkling of popups for dinner, this will sure be a summer hit. Open now!
 
Taco MV (Dos)
The family that brought you the delicious tacos in Edgartown (previously known as Backyard Taco) have settled into the space that used to house the former Slice of Life in Oak Bluffs. Together, brothers Evan and Zared, along with their father Raphael, have decided to expand the taco emporium to Circuit Avenue. The decor gives you a West Coast vibe, bright and colorful; the larger bar and seating will probably make this the spot to be in town. Their handmade tortillas are a staple in the new location, along with some new items like fried avocado, crispy yucca fries, and more! Opening soon!
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Golden Bull Brazilian Steakhouse
For the first time ever, the island has an authentic Brazilian Steakhouse and it’s located conveniently at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven. Martha’s Vineyard is home to thousands of Brazilian natives and as a large part of the community, it’s delicious to see the authentic eats of this South American country in our small New England island. Lunch and dinner will be served at this “rodizio” (the Brazilian word for steakhouse), and you’ll be able to dine from a variety of cuts of beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, all cooked over natural wood. The gauchos present the meat and carve them at your table, and unlimited visits to the salad bar make this not just a restaurant but an experience! Open now!
 
Noman’s (former Lola’s)
Nomans, named for the island 3 miles southwest of MV, is coming to the old Lola’s restaurant at 15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs.  Nomans is gearing up to be a casual and fun restaurant concept offering counter service and open seating. With a full bar and live music daily, guests can enjoy a big yard, lawn games and lively tunes. There will be a large selection of prepared foods, dry goods and beach day necessities alike. Hours of operation 8am- 9pm. Opening June 2019!

Woods at Lambert’s Cove Inn
The new restaurant, Woods at Lambert’s Cove Inn, embraces its setting both right out its windows in this pastoral corner “up island” and alongside the sweeping farms of Martha’s Vineyard. You’ll find a devotion to sourcing ingredients from local farms and fishermen, from Grey Barn cheese to Menemsha lobster, to create inventive American small plates in our dining room and bistro. The restaurant will be a perfect night-out spot for couples and groups alike and features delicious dishes thoughtfully prepared with sustainably sourced on-island ingredients by critically acclaimed Island chef Jimmy Alvarado.  Dinner begins at 5pm. Summer: Open seven days a week. Spring, Fall & Winter: Open five days a week. Opening soon!

The Oyster Bar 02557
The Oyster Bar 02557 will be a New England Seafood driven restaurant. Along with our 500 square feet farm here off of North Road, The Oyster Bar 02557 will be a mainstay for Dock to table and farm to table here in Oak Bluffs. Oysters will be sourced locally and regionally, they will change daily. Entrees from $24 and we will be doing an early bird Oyster and Bubbles on the porch overlooking Circuit Avenue. Food at its best is memorable! Opening May 24th!
 
Relaunching: Sea Smoke  
Martha’s Vineyard’s only BBQ spot, Sea Smoke Barbecue, is relaunching in 2019 with a brand new menu and full service dining.  Sea Smoke now joins the EatMV.com group of Island restaurants and has added a Texas Pitmaster to their staff.  Slow and low smoked bbq standards star on their new menu featuring salads, appetizers, Burgers, Mac n Cheese skillets, desserts and more! Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Re-opening soon!

Attention all foodies, the Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week is here for 2019 and we can’t wait for you to taste what’s cooking! Restaurants all over the island are participating in showcasing their best dishes and their most delicious menu items, to entice guests such as yourself to dine out and try something new! This year’s restaurant week takes place June 2nd through 6th and we can’t wait to dine with you. ​

What’s not new is the concept of Restaurant Week itself! The first Restaurant Week began in 1992, when it was thought up by Tim Zagat and Joe Baum and began in NYC as a lunch-only promotional event. It almost instantly became a nationwide phenomenon. Nowadays, restaurant weeks can be found all over the world, luring diners in with their delicious menus. ​

Getting married on the Vineyard is a dream come true for most brides and grooms, whether they were born and raised here, or just visited during the summers growing up, the island holds a special place in a couple’s heart. Maybe it’s where they met for the first time or it’s the place they took their first trip to. So when putting together vendors for their island weddings, one thing we get asked about constantly is - “who are the most delicious wedding caterers on Martha’s Vineyard?”, so we thought to put together a list of five of our favorite caterers on island, each with their own style that ideally will match the couple’s style during their wedding. ​

Annie Foley Catering creates that special day you dreamed about. Big occasions to intimate parties. Classic New England dinners to worldly cuisine. “We cater to you, creating the perfect time for you and your guests”. Based on Martha"s Vineyard for over 20 years, Annie Foley Catering has a great crew, vendors and suppliers. They use the freshest and finest produce, seafood and meats, and also try to use locally produced products wherever possible.From small to large weddings and cocktail parties, fundraisers, clambakes, dinner parties, family and corporate gatherings, Annie Foley Catering covers all types of events. Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free requests available. Sample items below:
 
Raw Bar with Fresh Local Littlenecks, Oysters, and Shrimp with Assorted Sauces 
Seared Tuna with Pickled Ginger Creme Fraiche on Crunchy Wontons 
Chicken Tikka Masala on Tiny Pappadoms
​

Buckley's Gourmet Catering is a professional, full-service catering company that takes pride in the quality of their food and in the integrity and efficiency of their service. Fresh ingredients and artistic presentation are of utmost importance to them. Buckley's  Catering events are organized, well executed and always delicious! Buckley's Catering offers a wide variety of stationary and passed hors d'oeuvres for your cocktail reception and also provide a bartending service that is professional and knowledgeable.  They have a raw bar boat - and if you like shellfish, it's hard to beat the fresh taste of Katama Bay oysters and clams. Sample items below:
 
Seared Tuna with Avocado Salsa on a Blue Corn Tortilla
Little Neck Clams on the Half Shell
​Tartlets of Lobster Salad
​

Tea Lane Caterers one of a kind menus are prepared using only the freshest local ingredients. In addition to providing you with excellent culinary delights they are available to help coordinate all aspects of your event. Tea Lane Caterers, Inc.™ works with the best in the event planning industry from the venue and flowers to tablescapes and music, Tea Lane Caterers, Inc.™ will work to provide you and your guests with a truly unforgettable experience. Sample items:
 
Petit Lobster Tacos, chunks of lobster & avocado nestled in our petit taco shells, creme fraiche & cilantro 
Oysters Rockefeller, Vineyard oysters, spinach, cream & a hint of Pernod 
French Onion Tarts, petit, flaky cream cheese tarts,caramelized onions, sherry & Gruyere
 
V. Jaime Hamlin Catering & Party Design, who for 39 years, we've been a premier catering company on the Island, creating elegant country weddings, beachy rehearsal dinner clambakes, and sophisticated parties of all sizes. Their client list includes happy couples, cultural luminaries, celebrities, and even a few United States Presidents! Their award-winning team cares for your guests as if they were their own, lavishing them with delicious and beautifully-presented cuisine, and providing top-notch, concierge-level service. Sample items:
 
Warm Lobster Sliders on  Buttery Buns with Lemon Aioli
Herbed Zucchini & Feta Fritters with Tzatziki Sauce
Watermelon Gazpacho Shooters with Mint & Cucumber

For a list of all Caterers, visit our Caterers page.

Kick off spring on Martha's Vineyard in the iconic New England town of Edgartown during the annual celebration of the season and Mother’s Day. This will be the 8th consecutive year that the town of Edgartown has presented this event and every year it just gets better. Because it takes place on the  same weekend as Mother’s Day, visitors and locals alike take advantage of the dedicated schedule to shower mom with as many joys as possible. The entire town of Edgartown and its business members are decorated in all things pink and green, and you just feel the bright, fun energy this weekend brings. It’s also quite like the “beginning” of spring, since the weather has (typically) warmed up and New Englanders are rejoicing! 

Below, a few samples of events that will take place during Pink & Green Weekend: 

Pink & Green Dog Show
If you have a four legged friend, this is the weekend to dress them up in pink & green and have them earn their keep at the Pink & Green Dog Show and Parade. Dog owners from all over the  island - and off island - are part of this dog show that showcases the best in class! Dogs are dressed to the nines during the event, and are awarded prizes such as best dressed. 

“Mother Earth” at Donaroma’s Nursery 
​The true originators of Edgartown’s Pink & Green, the Donaroma family has been a trailblazer for all things pink and green, as they were the creator of the weekend, eight years ago, as a way to bring in a breath of fresh air into spring and the  island. This year’s theme for their nursery exhibition will be Mother Earth and we can't wait to see it in all its glory! 

Pink & Green 5k
An event that brings the mothers and daughters, sisters and best friends, aunts and nieces together for a race that’s not only fun but also gorgeous as it takes you all over Edgartown and Katama. 

Mother’s Day Brunches
There is nothing mothers love more than a brunch she doesn't have to cook herself, so make sure to check out all the Mother’s Day Brunches that will be happening in Edgartown. One of the best brunches in Edgartown will be happening at the newly renovated restaurant Bettini at the Harbor View Hotel and they are already accepting reservations for Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12th. Click Here To View Menu and call 508-627-3761 for reservations. 

If you’re looking to relax on Martha’s Vineyard, walk the beaches, read your book, and take some yoga classes while here, we have done the research for you! No matter what type of yoga you enjoy at home, the island has a vast array of classes and there is something for everyone, scattered throughout the island in  locally owned studios. You’ll connect with local yoga teachers that work on the island both seasonally and year around, like Stacey Forend at Eclipse Studio. She tells us, “Yoga came to me when I was ready to explore my inner workings, a time when I forgot who I am and why I am here. A time I was in dis-ease. I found and I’m still discovering so much of my Self in Yoga. They say when the student is ready, the teacher appears. You never stop being a student, even when you’re teaching.”
​ 
Location:  The Yoga Barn in West Tisbury
 
About: An exquisitely restored New England barn located in a beautiful pondside meadow, the Yoga Barn is a transformational space for yoga and bodywork. The light-filled studio will inspire you to deepen your practice under the expert instruction of our teaching staff. Two comfortably appointed bodywork rooms offer the best in massage therapies and traditional Chinese medicine to enhance your well-being.
 
Types of Classes: Anusara, Breathwork (Path to Liberation), Kid’s Aerial Yoga, Kripalu, Medication (Cosmic Consciousness), Restorative, Slow Flow & Yin, Vinyasa, Wild Things (upbeat version of Anusara), Yin, and Yoga Essentials.
 
Location: Yoga on the Vine in Edgartown
 
About: This boutique yoga studio offers a variety of yoga classes for every body.
They believe yoga is for everyone. Yoga on the Vine is a collective of skilled and knowledgeable teachers from a variety of traditions. With decades of combined experience they seek to provide the most supportive, uplifting and welcoming environment for your yoga practice.
Types of Classes: Vinyasa, Yin, Heated Vinyasa, and 26 x 2. Prenatal and postnatal private sessions are also available.
 
Location: Eclipse Studio in Vineyard Haven
 
About: Eclipse Studio is a 684 square foot studio space, with a petite lobby area, private bathroom, and landscaped outdoor space (seasonally available). Ample parking, walking distance to the Vineyard Haven ferry, with private event  and class staffing and support. They are a community space across disciplines: art, education, fitness, holistic health and more.
 
Types of Classes: Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, Men’s Beginner Yoga, Buti Yoga, Graceful Somatic Technique, Energy Balancing Yoga,
 
Location: Hot Yoga MV in Edgartown
 
About: At Hot Yoga MV, Kristin (owner) and her dedicated staff educate students on the roots of the Vinyasa culture, the history of yoga as a whole, and the therapeutic aspect of yoga by following the Paramahansa Yogananda lineage.
 
Types of Classes: Hot Vinyasa
 
Location: Peaked Hill Studio in Vineyard Haven
 
About: This is the only place on island where you can study and learn KAIUT Yoga®
 
Types of Classes: KAIUT Yoga®
 
Location: Spirit Moves You in Oak Bluffs
About:
Types of Classes: Movement Therapy, Yoga Instruction, Shaman Healing
 
Location: Bodhi Path in Vineyard Haven
 
About: Shamar Rinpoche founded the Martha's Vineyard Bodhi Path Buddhist Center in 1999. The present location in West Tisbury is a few miles from the beach, in a quiet, wooded area. Our meditation hall provides a comfortable and beautiful space for group and individual Dharma activity. Our weekly schedule offers three meditation sessions. When our resident teacher Lama Yeshe is present she offers guided meditation instruction, Dharma teachings and one-day retreats. We also host other Bodhi Path Dharma teachers and Rinpoches throughout the year.
 
Types of Classes: Meditations and teachings 

Memorial Day this year is on Monday, May 27th and is referred to as the “beginning of the season” for most island brands and businesses. Everyone on island is excited to welcome guests for the new season and has fresh, new energy and below we are sharing some of the best things to do on Martha’s Vineyard for Memorial Day Weekend 2019. Honor fallen Veterans by attending any of the town Memorial Day Parades and if you have younger kids, join the March to the Sea the island kids do from their respective schools and they drop fresh flowers into the sea in remembrance. ​

Lighthouse Tour
Explore the Cape Pogue Lighthouse and the “magnificent barrier beach with its sandy shoreline, expansive salt marsh, beautiful salt pond, and unique colony of hardy red cedars" on the shores of Chappaquiddick, a small island in Edgartown. Or visit the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse, the famous Gay Head Light in Aquinnah, or the East Chop Lighthouse House in Oak Bluffs. Want more info on the Island's lighthouses? Click here.

When you’re on vacation, a sweet treat or dessert is a daily occurance and why not? Calories don’t count when you’re on Martha’s Vineyard and that’s why we asked locals what their favorite bakeries and treats were! This list has been rounded up and below are the top spots on island where you can get a delicious cookie, cake, freshly baked bread, and so much more. From classic New England favorites like chocolate chip cookies to traditional Brazilian desserts such as brigadeiros, we think this is the sweetest blog we’ve ever written. ​

7a Foods has a cult following for their sandwiches, but it’s a well known fact that they also have fans that rave about their breakfast sandwich made on house made jalapeno cheddar biscuit. Starting off savory, but make sure to pick up a few of their amazing  peanut butter cookies as well as their compost cookies. ​
​
Scottish Bakehouse is one for the books, because if you’re craving something sweet, they will most likely have something for everyone. Whether you’re vegan or gluten free, paleo or dairy free, the Bakehouse really strives to make everyone happy. Enjoy their flourless chocolate cakes or goodness bars any time of day. 

Black Dog Bakery is known for their amazing cakes and cookies, along with the pies, dog treats, and donuts they bake up fresh  every day. Whether you need a dozen ginger cookies or a large Blackout Cake for a birthday, this is the place to go. ​

Life at Humphrey’s is a new concept that combines Slice of Life and Humphrey’s. The businesses have joined forces to bring a new offering to the island, but the great thing is you can still get those amazing Butter Crunch Cookies! ​

Espresso Love is the place to head on over to if you need both a sweet treat and a coffee drink. Pair your flat white with one of the slices of carrot cake, or order a few of their classic blueberry muffins for breakfast the next morning. 
​
Vineyard Grocer is your go to not only health food store but if you need a specialty cake, they offer them!  You do have to pre-order the cakes, but they make all kinds of flavors and variations for birthdays and events.
 
Not Your Sugar Mamas is your go to plant-based shop on island. They make the sweetest and most delicious cookies, banana bread, truffles, and more - all made without refined sugar! They also focus on vegan goods as well as a more holistic approach. Try their new juices as well! 

​Sweet Bites is your one stop shop for a variety of cookies, cakes, and savory pastries, but they are best known for their brigadeiros. Brigadeiros are a type of Brazilian truffle that is made in a variety of flavors.
 
Rosewater Market is in the heart of Edgartown and offers breakfast and lunch options throughout the day, along with a vast display of baked goods. What to order? Everything from their vegan snickerdoodles to their cheesecake brownies, angel food cake slices, coffee cake and so much more.
 
Orange Peel Bakery is when you take a ride up island and drive into this magnificent bakery and rejoice in the freshly made goods by Juli Vanderhoop. During the summer they also have a make your own pizza night where guests can bring toppings and create pies in a community setting.

MV Gourmet Cafe & Bakery, also known for their famous Back Door Donuts, is a spot for when you really need a donut or a dozen. You can get donuts at the front bakery anytime, but if you want them still warm from the frier, you’re going to have to wait in line after 7pm during the season! 

Happy sweeting! 

​Spring is a time of rebirth, not only for sleepy plants and gorgeous blooms, but a rebirth for the thousands of graduates concluding their studies all over New England and the rest of the United States. Graduation is a time of rejoice and relief, for both alumnus and parents alike, and what better gift then the gift of a trip to Martha’s Vineyard to relax with your graduate.
 
We’ve put together a three graduate trip suggestions, each depending on the type of graduating college senior personality! 

The One That Loved to Study but at the Same Time, Loved to Party Through College
For the party grad, the island in the spring might be little quiet but you can definitely still find some fun late night happenings to celebrate graduation with friends and family! To start, book a room at Summer Camp Boutique Hotel by Lark Hotels in Oak Bluffs, centrally located to all the fun happenings in this hip town of Martha’s Vineyard. Dinner reservations at Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company are a must and then head upstairs to the LoFT, the island’s only adult playground with pool tables, dart boards, huge Jenga game, and so much more. Explore the Gingerbread Cottages after waking up a little later (you deserve it after all those early morning college classes) with Mocha Motts coffee in hand and walk over to Biscuits for an incredibly hearty breakfast (try their Cream Cheese and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast). Ride the Flying Horses for one last hurrah and celebrate your graduation - you  did it! ​

​The One That Is Obsessed with Academia, Even After Graduating
Your parents could not be prouder of you - graduating with  honors, a GPA worth tweeting about, and not one but a few jobs lined up after college! This graduate deserves a break and a trip to the island after graduation is just it. Granted, our recommendations are ones that invest in more knowledge and learning while on island, but that’s what your graduate loves, so why not foster it even more? Book a room at the Nobnocket Inn in the town of Vineyard Haven and prepare to dive into the incredible history of Martha’s Vineyard. Start your morning with Nat’s Nook, the island’s only creperie and one that’s decorated with book quotes and even has a stocked bookshelf of books to share. Haad to the new Martha’s Vineyard Museum and dedicate the next two hours to exploring this grand property filled to the brim with island history. Finish off with dinner State Road and dive into their farm to table menu - a delicious delight worth every bite!
 
Top New England colleges and universities like: Harvard, MIT, Boston College, University of Massachusetts, Boston University, Tufts University, Northeastern University, Williams College, Dartmouth College, Yale University, Amherst College, and Brown University, among many others, are graduating this spring and we can’t wait to see the graduates on island this spring season! Plan a graduation trip with your friends and family to Martha’s Vineyard and take a few days to take it all in, before diving into the real world. 

​Bird watching on Martha’s Vineyard can be very rewarding at time, so to bring some of that to our readers, we reached out to a young bird watching aficionado, David Benvent, 16 years old, who learned to love nature at Felix Neck and where he volunteers in the summer months, to ask him some questions about bird watching on this New England island.
 
What is the best season for bird watching? Birding on Martha’s Vineyard all year round is great. Each season brings new, special birds to the island. However, spring and fall are often the best times to go birding because that’s when birds are migrating between their breeding and wintering grounds. 

What are some tips to attract birds to your backyard for bird watching? Bird feeders are the easiest and probably best way to attract birds to your yard. Different foods can attract different birds. For example, thistle is best for finches, and suet is best for woodpeckers. Additionally in spring and summer, oranges or jelly can attract orioles, and sugar water (homemade or store bought) can attract hummingbirds. Planting native plants and bushes in your yard can also provide a place for birds to hide from predators, breed, and stop over during migration.

For more info on birding on MV, visit our birding page.

Stargazing Evening hosted by Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation . Join them at Wallen, Preston & Shands Preserve in Aquinnah on March 20 at 7:30 pm to celebrate the first night of spring with an evening of guided stargazing led by Mark Lovewell. Meet at the Aquinnah Cultural Center. 

Edgartown’s Pink and Green Weekend, this is Edgartown’s 8th Annual Celebration of Spring & Mother’s Day that takes place May 10-12, 2019. Kick off spring in Edgartown during the annual celebration of the season and Mother’s Day on Martha’s Vineyard. Enjoy the Pink & Green Dog Show, sales and shopping specials, Fairyville at Donaroma’s, the Pink & Green 5K and more! 

Vineyard Conservation Society’s Earth Day Beach Cleanup, Protect Wildlife, Beautify Your Island, Celebrate Earth Day, and Kick-Off Spring on April 20th — All in One Great Family-Friendly Event. It's easy to go green this Earth Day: join your friends and neighbors in the Earth Day Beach Clean-Up! Just head out to your favorite beach at 10:00 am volunteers will be there with everything you need. Afterward, join VCS at the Oak Bluffs Sailing Camp for great food, a free raffle, and to compare your treasure hunting stories. From 12:00 to 2 pm relax over lunch with other beach cleaners. This year we are making sure there is enough food for even the late-comers. No hardworking beach-cleaner should go without some refreshments! This is a ZERO WASTE event, if you have a reusable water bottle, please bring it with you!

Spectrum Film Festival, The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society hosts this festival and it will be the 3rd Annual Spectrum Film Festival. Spectrum is a four-day film festival that presents a world perspective on LGBTQ+ stories, people, and issues through a variety of films and includes guest speakers, discussions,  and a special event for LGBTQ+ youth. The 2019 SPECTRUM Film Festival will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven from Thursday, April 25th, 2018 through Sunday, April 28th, 2019.

​Ride the Vineyard MS Cycle Race, on May 4th, is a Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. With the quaint charm and beautiful ocean views of our island, choose from 15, 30, and 60 mile routes and enjoy the cliffs of Gay Head, the beaches of Katama, and the scenic views of East Chop! 

Big Chili Contest, this will be the  33rd year of this amazing charity event and will take place on May 11th at the Portuguese American Club. Enjoy a day of chili, live music & good times in the name of charity. Local and off island restaurants, chefs, caterers, and more cook up giant pots of chili for your delight and the live music from bands and DJs keep the fun going!

​Easter Brunches and egg hunts take place all over the island, check out our social media platforms for updates closer to the date (April 21st). 

And for all spring events, visit mvy.com/events 

​Martha’s Vineyard is a golfing paradise, with three public golf courses and two private course on island. Whether you’re a novice golfer, just getting into the swing of things, or an expert on greens, the golf courses on Martha’s Vineyard work for all types of golfers! If you’re planning a trip to the Vineyard, you can plan on adding your golf clubs to the list (or not and rent them from the golf course itself!)
 
Mink Meadows Golf Club
“A traditional seaside golf club nestled in the West Chop area of Martha’s Vineyard. This hidden gem features expansive fairways, beautifully manicured greens, and ocean views.”  
 
Designed by golf architects Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek, who originally proposed a 27-hole layout, but ultimately was reduced to its current 9-hole design. Rentals are available and the golf club is located in Vineyard Haven. You can apply for membership, but the club is also open to non-members with certain stipulations.
 
Farm Neck Golf Club
“As you play, you will find yourself traversing a striking variation of topography and vegetation — everything from woodlands, to open meadows, to salt marshes, to stunning overlooks and intimate brushes with the water's edge. Along with its intrinsic beauty, Farm Neck enjoys a widespread reputation for championship caliber golf.”
 
Located in Oak Bluffs, Farm Neck Golf Club has continually earned a 4 ½ out of 5 star rating in Golf Digest's “Best Places to Play,” and is considered by many to be one of the premiere golfing experiences in the Northeast — and beyond. Designed in 1979 by Geffrey Cornish, Bill Robinson, and Patrick Mulligan, this 18-hole course is sure to delight any golfer.
 
If you can’t ship your golf clubs, you can rent Callaway Clubs (prices range between $45-65 depending on tee time).
 
Royal and Ancient Chappaquiddick Links
A toss between private and public, you can become a member for $600 but you may also  play without purchasing a membership or making advance arrangements (although we recommend making arrangements as you don’t want to make it all the way to Chappy and not be able to play.  The weekday rate is of $50 per person ($25 for kids) and the weekend rate is of $75.
 
The course history dates back to over a century ago and For the past 30 years, Brad Woodger has tried to maintain and perpetuate the Links while maintaining its unique character and integrity. Golfing at RACL is an outing all on its own, and they are available for events and private parties.
 
Vineyard Golf Club (private)
Vineyard Golf Club opened in 2002 and was the first new golf course built on island in 30 years. Just two miles outside of historic Edgartown and close to the rural village of West Tisbury, the course is private and one of the few organic golf courses in America. Designed by British architects Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, the course has replaced traditional pesticides with bio-stimulants and composted fertilizers that help protect the island’s single-source aquifer, per Links Magazine.
 
“Designed as a walking course, the holes flow seamlessly from green to tee and the experience is enhanced by a caddie program that is among the very best in the Northeast. The course has many classic design elements that present varied and fun challenges to both seasoned and novice players. These qualities and characteristics are the work of noted golf course architects Gil Hanse and his design partner, Jim Wagner. A new front nine debuted in 2013 and a completely redesigned back nine followed in 2015. In recognition of their work, GOLF Magazine named Vineyard Golf Club the “Best New Private Course” of 2015.”
 
Edgartown Golf Club (private)
The Edgartown Golf Club, was founded in 1926 and is a private golf club located in Edgartown. “Known for breathtaking views of the Vineyard Sound and its historic and charming clubhouse, the Edgartown Golf Club is open to its members and their guests year round, weather permitting.” During the summer season it hosts a junior golf program as well as many annual benefit golf tournaments that are open to all.

St. Patrick’s Day observes the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, so how did this commemoration of a saint’s death evolve into a celebration of Irish culture, delicious foods, fun music and dancing, drinking to your heart’s content, and everything became green? We’re here to tell you - and also list off a few ways we love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Martha’s Vineyard.
 
Celebrated annually on March 17th, it falls during the Christian season of Lent. Irish families would traditionally attending church in the morning and celebrate the holiday in the afternoon. It’s interesting to note that Lent prohibitions included consumption of meat, but during St. Patrick’s Day,  these were waived and people would dance, drink, and feast on traditional meals of corned beef, sausages, and more!
 
Parades have become a staple of the holiday, but the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not held in Ireland, but in New York City, NY. On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through the city playing traditional Irish music, helping them reconnect with their Irish roots.
 
St. Patrick’s Day Facts (sourced from History Channel)

• Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional dish. In 2009, roughly 26.1 billion pounds of beef and 2.3 billion pounds of cabbage were made in the US.
• More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States. New York and Boston are home to the largest celebrations. 

At The Newes from America Pub, there’s a full weekend of  fun! Friday night there will be live music, Celtic dancers, and Fisherman’s Stew is the dinner special; Saturday is the ever so popular “Pint Sized Parade” at 11am, continuing with Celtic dancers, bagpipers, and live Irish music. You can feast on Corned Beef & Cabbage during lunch and dinner both Saturday and Sunday!  

​At Offshore Ale Company on Sunday the 17th, there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with music and delicious eats. 

At the Aquinnah  Library on Saturday the 16th at 11am, there is a Kid’s Craft to create a lucky clover with your hand print!

At the First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven on march 16th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm there is a Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, adults $15 and children $7. Call for reservations at 508-693-1539

At the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs, there’s a Spring Fling on Saturday March 16th from 6pm until 11:30pm, described as a Fabulously Fun St. Patrick’s Day weekend event featuring Jellybone Rivers and the Maniacs of the Heart along with the Space Invaders. Opportunity to bid on tons of great silent auction items. All to benefit the MV Public Charter School. $15 per person, use the hashtag #CharterSpringFling on social media! 

For a full list of all happenings, visit mvy.com/events.

As the thin layer of white topping Martha's Vineyard's clay cliffs slowly disappears under the early spring light the island emerges from winter with a variety of events for both locals and visitors.

Newly painted storefronts and a bustling energy across the island are a sure sign that Spring is upon the Island. Welcomed are a number of new businesses as well as our long-time favorites, some sporting an entirely different look. From Aquinnah to Edgartown, there is no shortage of Spring happenings and many of our inns offer special rates, making this a perfect time for an Island getaway.

​Here's a sampling of some great events happening this spring on Martha's Vineyard!
​

March 21-24, The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival 
A singular meet and mingle with filmmakers, actors and movie-lovers. 
 

 April 27, Island Alpaca 10th Annual Shearing Day Celebration  
Tis the season for these photogenic and  people-loving  alpaca. 
​

May 3, First Friday in Vineyard Haven 
An open house for island artists and artisans featuring food and music- free and open to all. 

May 4, Ride the Vineyard MS Cycling Race  
This island-wide bike ride is one of the largest fund-raising events of the year, attracting a world-wide group of bikers and their families. Enjoy the spring beauty of Martha's Vineyard's while cheering on or perhaps even joining this dedicated group of bikers.
​

May 10-12,  Pink & Green Weekend  
Kentucky Derby parties, a Main Street parade, an open house for retailers and an old-fashioned maypole dance are some of the highlights of this annual tradition that glows in a sea of pink and green. 
 

​We all know JAWS was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard right? That’s a big one, and one that will surely never be forgotten (JAWS 2 and JAWS: The Revenge were also filmed here too). To this day you’re hard pressed to visit Martha’s Vineyard without being confronted with JAWS merchandise, or offered a JAWS tour where you can visit locations where the movie was filmed. We even have a bridge names after the movie. JAWS is an inherent part of our culture and what put us on the map so to speak. In 1975, JAWS became the original summer blockbuster and visitors soon began flocking to the real life Amity island.
While JAWS dominates much of the cinematic fanfare synonymous with our island there are several other movies that have been filmed here over the years, as well as movies that have been set here but filmed elsewhere. For those movie lovers and Martha’s Vineyard lovers out there here’s a round up of some of Hollywood’s other film with Vineyard ties that will make you nostalgic for Martha’s Vineyard again and again. So settle in and plan a movie marathon to the theme of Martha’s Vineyard.
 
Chappaquidick (2017)
Director John Curran revisits what happened on the Dike Bridge on Chappaquiddick the night that Sen. Ted Kennedy drove his car off the bridge in a late night accident that killed a young woman, Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969. The film follows the investigation, media maelstrom, and Kennedy family crisis that followed. Most of the movie was filmed elsewhere in coastal Massachusetts, but some filming took place on the Vineyard, including on Chappaquiddick and at the Chappy ferry, made to look as it did in 1969.
 
Off Season (2017)
This independent film is a is a horror-laced thriller that tells the story of a woman who takes refuge on Martha’s Vineyard during the off-season, after her husband is convicted of a financial fraud. She befriends a 10-year-old girl through whom she discovers a dark and murderous past. The film was shot on Martha’s Vineyard in April of 2013, primarily at Flat Point Farm and Nip ’n’ Tuck Farm in West Tisbury. Several local Islanders appear in the film, including the actor that plays the 10-year old girl.
 
Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014)
Director and seasonal Vineyard resident Spike Lee, chose the island as the setting for his 2014 love story, one that centers on an addiction to blood that once doomed a long forgotten ancient African tribe.  Much of the movie takes place on the Vineyard — although, aside from a few shots outside the Martha’s Vineyard Airport, the Island scenes are limited to one remote beach house and its surroundings.
 
Clear History (2013)
A marketing executive at an electric-car start-up company played by played by seasonal resident Larry David, quits after an argument with his boss, played by Jon Hamm. He is subsequently crushed when the company hits the big time, so he tries to reinvent his life under a different name in the peace and quiet of Martha's Vineyard. Other than some scenic and aerial shots no parts of the movie were filmed on the Vineyard.
 
Jumping the Broom (2011)
This comedic drama from director Salim Akil brings two very different families together on Martha’s Vineyard one weekend for a wedding. Scenes shot aboard the ferry, and several scenic shots of the Vineyard were filmed on location while much of it was filmed in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia as a stand in for the Island. Starring Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, and Angela Bassett.
 
The Ghost Writer (2010)
Roman Polanski directed this political thriller about a ghost writer, hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, who is in hiding on Martha’s Vineyard. He uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy. While much of it was filmed off-Island, including Cape Cod, scenes of the writer in the BMW most closely resemble Martha’s Vineyard. Starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, and Olivia Williams.
 
Stuck on You (2003)
This slapstick comedy from filmmaker brothers and seasonal residents Bobby and Peter Farrelly brings Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear together, literally as conjoined twins from Martha’s Vineyard. The duo moves to Los Angeles so Greg Kinnear’s character can pursue an acting career. Other parts of coastal Massachusetts were filmed to portray Martha’s Vineyard, with some isolated shots of our local harbors and other scenic island shots were used.
 
Sabrina (1995)
A 90s remake of a 1954 original, Sabrina, with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond, is a love story with a twist and was filmed in Chilmark and Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard. The cottage used in the film once allegedly belonged to Billy Joel and overlooks Chilmark Harbor.
 
The Bostonians (1984)
This romantic drama from director James Ivory is about a Boston feminist and a conservative Southern lawyer contend for the heart and mind of a beautiful and bright girl unsure of her future. Set in 1875, Martha’s Vineyard is one of several locations the film was photographed at. Starring Christopher Reeve, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Tandy.

We all know one of the challenges of winter is maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the colder, darker months. It can be easy to rush home and fall victim to more sedentary activities as soon as the sun goes down, when five o’clock feels like none o’clock. Despite our slower winters, Martha’s Vineyard is still packed with dozens of winter workout options to keep you staying active and fit. It’s just up to you to get there and make that movement happen. Whether you prefer high intensity workouts or more meditative ones take a class with one of our local fitness gurus or challenge yourself to some action on your own.

Swimming
Swimming is a fantastic winter activity, not to mention it reminds us of summer. Not only does swimming raise your heart rate but it’s a low impact exercise, that works your whole body–helping you to build endurance, muscle and cardiovascular fitness. Both the Mansion House Health Club and the YMCA in Vineyard Haven often pools and classes for a good workout or some welcomed water therapy.
 
Skating
If winter sports are more your thing check out the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena, which recently underwent renovations and has reopened with a fresh new look. Ice skating can offer you a great cardio exercise, disguised as a fun way to stay fit. It improves your balance and joint flexibility and is a great form of stress relief. The weather outside may get frightful but the ice inside can be so delightful!
 
Boxing
Do you pack a punch? Try your skills at boxing on Martha’s Vineyard. Instructor Charlie Giordano offers boxing classes for participants of all levels at Yoga on the Vine in Edgartown. Boxing allows you to better manage your breathing while exercising all your major muscle groups. Have fun working on your boxing skills while getting stronger, fitter, and more confident. 

CrossFit
Want to keep things interesting? Try CrossFit. This constantly varied, high-intensity workout has grown increasingly popular over the last several years and here on Martha’s Vineyard is no different. Our island is home to one CrossFit gym, aptly named CrossFit Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s loyal members and visitors rave about its efficacy, and its community. Plus the lingo alone is enough to intrigue curious minds, up for a burpee? Whether you’re new to it or a seasoned crossfitter give it a try, your body and soul will thank you.
 
Yoga
If something more meditative is more your speed you’ve come to the right island. Martha’s Vineyard is home to dozens of yoga studios offering every kind of form or flow for the yogi in you. From vinyasa to kripalu and all types in between, get in position and try a class at on of our health clubs or yoga studios. Namaste!
 
Get outside
The best part of winter on Martha’s Vineyard is still being able to work out outside! Bundle up and brave the chill and go for a hike or bike ride around our beautiful island. Did you know that walking or running through the snow take more effort, and our bodies have to work harder in general when it’s cold out? The same extra effort required by snow and cold weather that burns up calories also exercises your heart, plus you’ll soak up some vitamin D along the way. Don’t be afraid of the winter weather, embrace it, your body will benefit. 
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​Here on Martha’s Vineyard, February school vacation takes place the week of Monday, February 25, and the Island rallies to keep local kids entertained throughout. While the perfect storm would allow for them to stay outside sledding down their favorite hills, and frolicking in the soft, white stuff, there’s plenty to do indoors to keep them safe and warm should the need arise. Here’s a round up of some of the kid focused events taking place during Martha’s Vineyard’s public school winter break February 25 through March 1. Many of these locations offer family friendly fun throughout the year so be sure to check their calendars for whenever you plan to be on-Island with your tykes.
 
Family & Teen Movie Screenings, West Tisbury Library
Each weekday of the February break, head to the West Tisbury Library for family movies in the Community Room and teen movies in the Young Adult Room at 1pm, complete with popcorn served. On Monday, February 25: Minions for families and A House with a Clock in the Walls for teens; on Tuesday, February 26: Kiki’s Delivery Service for families and Smallfoot for teens; on Wednesday, February 27: Charlotte’s Web for families and Love Simon for teens; on Thursday, February 28: Wall-E for families and My Life as a Zucchini for teens; on Friday, March 1: Finding Nemo for families and Isle of Dogs for teens.
 
Vacation Week Disney Movies & Crafts, Vineyard Haven Public Library
The Vineyard Haven Public Library also holds afternoon movie times for school aged children throughout vacation week, featuring some of Disney’s finest titles. Monday offers Aladdin, Tuesday Moana, Wednesday an interactive showing of Frozen, Thursday Tangled, and Friday Ralph Breaks the Internet.
 
February Vacation Program, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Take the kids to Felix Neck to learn what animals do during the winter season, and how to identify tracks, scats, and signs of our Island’s active winter species. Enjoy some winter fun and exploration Tuesday through Friday, come for one day or all four. Tuesday: Bird Bonanza, Wednesday: Water Worlds, Thursday: Track-tastic, Friday: Mammal-rama.
 
The Oak Bluffs Library is constantly hosting various fun-filled events for your little one, including drop-in crafts and story times throughout the week. During school break their even offering a free Community Lunch at the library on Thursday, February 28, followed by a family movie. Be sure to check out their website for a full list of events and activities sure to hold your kids attention during school vacation.  

Many of our other local businesses cater to children throughout the year and would love a visit from your little ones. 

• The Alpaca Farm on Martha’s Vineyard is open daily from 10-4pm this season, and it’s calendar is packed with furry fun farm activities. For a look at their furry friends before you visit you can even check out their alpaca cam here. 
• The Barn, Bowl, and Bistro offers affordable bowling across 10 lanes of of regulation ten-pin bowling with state-of-the-art scoring software. If your child is still getting the hang of it, they’ve got bumpers too, and often offer free bowling for kids. 
• Movies are always a big hit among the kids, and Edgartown’s Entertainment Cinemas is our year round home for the big blockbusters. 
• For the crafty kids, Sense of Wonder and Featherstone Center for the Arts both offer children's’ art classes throughout the week, and can help develop and nurture your child’s artistic talents.

 

Scottish Bakehouse
What to Order: Breakfast Sandwich (english muffin; includes choice of ham, bacon, sausage, linguica or fakin’ bacon plus “the works” — spinach, tomato, onion & cheese)
What Drink to Pair This With: Herbal tea ​

​Edgartown

​7a Foods
What to Order: Breakfast Sandwich (On your choice of an English muffin or a house made biscuit. Add spinach, tomato, red onion, bacon, house made sausage, local egg. 
What Coffee to Pair This With: locally roasted coffee from Chilmark Coffee Company