 Photo: Max Bossman Much of the roughly 100 square miles of Martha’s Vineyard is rural, with a significant portion of land is used for farming. At last count there were over 40 working farms on Martha’s Vineyard and many of the farmers congregate weekly during the summer at the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market. The open-air Farmer’s Market was established in 1974 and has been operating ever since, making it the Island’s oldest market, and the go-to spot for the freshest food around. According to their website the market was founded “by a ragtag group of hippies, Yankees and retired English teachers” and the chill vibe of the place hasn’t changed. The market pops up twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-12pm at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury. The Saturday market runs from June through October and the Wednesday market runs from June through the end of August. The market also returns in the winter and meets indoors at the Agricultural Hal in West Tisbury on Saturdays from October to December. Be sure to check the most current hours here. Obviously, the market is packed with local farmers and fresh produce but you’ll also find many prepared foods and packaged goods that will stand out in your pantry. Be sure to go early (many things sell out) and go hungry, there’s a plethora of breakfast options available to you while you stroll. Here’s what not to miss when you’re visiting the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market.  MVM Mushrooms It’s safe to say that MVM Mushrooms are unlike any mushroom you’ve ever had. They’re rich, tender and oh, so flavorful. MVM Mushrooms was started by two Harvard graduates who met while studying mycology. They set up a farm on Martha’s Vineyard, with the perfect growing conditions for their shiitake mushrooms, using traditional Japanese techniques, and resulting in delicious, protein packed mushrooms. According to their website they hold very little water, do not shrivel when cooked, and sear like meat, yielding incomparable woodsy umami. The Miller’s Wife Sweet & Savory Crêpes The Miller’s Wife is one of the newest additions to the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market and a sweet one at that. The iconic red food truck pumps out hot, made to order crepes from fresh-milled organic heirloom grains, including English White May Wheat, Aromatic French Buckwheat, and Italian ‘00’ Rice flour. Fillings include whipped butter and vanilla sugar, brushed coconut meringue and cream, to name a few, along with an equally as impressive savory selection.  Chilmark Coffee If you drink only one cup of coffee on Martha’s Vineyard make sure it’s Chilmark Coffee. Chilmark Coffee has been a fixture at the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market for years and for good reason, they make great coffee. Owners Jenny and Todd Christy roast the coffee themselves and they source their beans sustainably from producers/farmers who are being fairly compensated for the work they do, from places like Ethiopia, Colombia and Guatemala. Treat yourself to a cup of their drip coffee, espresso or addictive cold brew, or take a bag home for enjoying at your leisure. Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt While strolling the rows of vendors there’s a good chance you’ll get to meet Heidi Feldman, farmer and entrepreneur extraordinaire behind Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt. In the tradition of Island settlers, Heidi and her husband Curtis solar evaporate Atlantic Ocean water, resulting in delicious, briny crystals that make for the perfect addition to both savory and sweet eats. Pick up one of their sea salt comes in a variety of flavors including "Lemon Dill" with added dried lemon verbena and dried dill, "Smoked Oak" which is salt smoked over Island oak, and our favorite, "Blueberry Honey," with added freeze-dried blueberries and honey. Better yet grab a multipack or try a few, it also makes a great gift and wedding favor!  Photo: Max Bossman Head High Kombucha
Kombucha brewing has become increasingly more popular in the past few years and Martha’s Vineyard has taken note. The Island’s first and kombucha brand, Head High Kombucha has made a splash at the Farmer’s Market and our tummies and mouths are happy to have it. Owner Becky Bonds learned how to make kombucha after taking a fermentation class at the Oak Bluffs library and now she’s teaching her own classes on it. Her refreshing flavors include blackberry, pineapple, lemon-ginger and strawberry mango. Grab a bottle and get head high. For a full list of West Tisbury Farmer’s Market vendors click here.  There are six distinctive towns on the Vineyard, each with its own character and appeal, and locals generally divide the Island in two: up-Island and down-Island. The “down-Island” towns refer to the eastern towns of Tisbury, which includes the year-round harbor port of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown, each vibrant port communities, very unique from one another, very easy to walk around and very easy to get between. Then there are three rural towns on the west side which constitute “up-Island” including West Tisbury, Aquinnah, and Chilmark, which offer a more pastoral landscape, dotted with small farms and cozy shopping in a bucolic setting. We always recommend visitors take a ride up-Island to truly appreciate the size, scope, and natural beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. Up-Island is most easily accessible via car, though many avid cyclists make the trip on bike, and the local bus service and sightseeing tours offer options for getting up there two. If you only have a day, here’s what you want to try to see.  The Cliffs at Aquinnah and Gay Head Lighthouse Commonly referred to as the Cliffs, the stunning Aquinnah Cliffs are protected as a National Historic Landmark and are a sight to behold. If you only make one stop up-Island during your visit this should be it. On a walk up to the cliffs, you’ll pass several souvenir shops and snack bars, as well as a casual sit-down restaurant: the Aquinnah Shops Restaurant. Make your way to the scenic overlook and you won’t believe the magnificent view of the cliffs and the lighthouse. It’s the most popular place to take a photo on Martha’s Vineyard, but even with the best camera the picture can’t do it justice. And while you're there, head to the nearby Gay Head Lighthouse, atop 130-foot cliff, which is open daily in season for tours to the top.  The Beaches Up-Island beaches are often considered the most stunning and most pristine on the Island, they’re also generally less crowded. If you happen to visit after mid-September and before mid-June you’ll have full access to the shore, as many of the Island’s most beautiful beaches become resident only beaches in the summer. Some of the best ones to explore include Lambert’s Cove Beach in West Tisbury, and Lucy Vincent and Squibnocket Beach in Chilmark. Moshup Beach in Aquinnah takes the cake and is often named among the nicest beaches in the world. It’s open year-round to the public and is arguably the most scenic on the Island thanks to views of the stunning Gay Head Cliffs. At times, Moshup has very large waves, making this a popular surf-spot on the southern and western end of the island.  The Food Restaurants and food establishments are harder to come by in general up-Island but there’s still delicious bites to be had. The Chilmark General Store is a popular place to grab a slice of their famous pizza, intended to be enjoyed on their large porch which often becomes a common place for celebrity sightings. Nearby is Chilmark Chocolates, arguably the best chocolate on Martha’s Vineyard. The store keeps limited hours so if you pass by and it’s open you’re in luck and you must stop. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday in summer you’ll want to take a tour of the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market which has been operating rain or shine since 1974, making it Martha's Vineyard's oldest, largest, and most delicious open-air market. Local farmers and food purveyors sling their wares and their produce, and you can’t find a fresher shopping experience on-Island. For the freshest seafood head to Menemsha, a quaint fishing village in Chilmark, known for its stunning sunsets and New England charm. Menemsha and Larsen’s Fish Market offer a variety of prepared seafood meals that can be enjoyed on the nearby beachfront with a front row to an unobstructed sunset over the water. Sandwich lovers want to make a point to stop at 7a Foods in West Tisbury, a popular “farm to take out” spot that makes some of the best food on Martha’s Vineyard, including their famous Liz Lemon sandwich, Hot house-made pastrami, turkey, swiss, coleslaw, Russian dressing and potato chips on rye.  The Farms
Martha’s Vineyard is home to over 40 working farms and many of them can be found up-Island. Grey Barn Farm in Chilmark is a beautiful, certified organic farm that offers fruits vegetables, grass fed beef, and awards winning cheese in their farm stand. Take a walk around the grounds and check out the animals grazing while nibbling on one of their tasty cheeses. Another popular and picturesque farm that is open to the public is the Allen Farm, Martha’s Vineyard’s oldest continuously working family farm, the Allen Farm on South Road in Chilmark is made up of 100 acres of rolling pastures and meadows lined by historic stonewalls, overlooking Chilmark Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. The family’s environmental commitment is reflected in their farm products, from the taste of the grass-fed lamb to their intricate hand-woven woolens. For a map of all the Island’s farms click here.  There’s a good chance if you’re arriving to Martha’s Vineyard during the summer months that you could be coming straight into Oak Bluffs, or “OB,” one of six Island towns and a popular seaside hub. The Steamship Authority operates seasonal ferry service from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs, as well as the Island Queen from Falmouth, the Sea Streak from New Bedford and New York and the Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry from Rhode Island. Oak Bluffs is a colorful town with a ton of history and a lot of action. If you’re only able to stay for a day here’s what not to miss. All of these places can be visited on foot and are walking distance from the ferry slips.  A stroll along Oak Bluffs harbor When you step off the boat in Oak Bluffs harbor you’ll be immediately inundated with dining, drinking and shopping options. You’ll find the iconic Black Dog Dockside Cafe here, as well as their Dockside General Store & Premium Outlet, which offers cheaper prices than the Black Dog General Store just steps up the street. The Dockside itself is a marketplace with various other retail shops as well as ice cream and candy if you want to start or end your day on a sweet note. For waterfront dining take your pick of Fishbones, Coop de Ville, the Sand Bar, Lobsterville or Nancy’s (one of President Obama’s favorites and home to the beloved Donovan Reef beach bar which serves up a famous Dirty Banana frozen drink), which all offer seafood and snacks in a casual atmosphere. Continue up Circuit Avenue Circuit Avenue is Oak Bluffs’ equivalent to Main Street and it’s lined with shops, restaurants and attractions. This is the place to find your Martha’s Vineyard souvenirs, and the selection will not disappoint. You’ll also find the town’s only full grocery store here, Reliable Market, which has been family owned and operated since 1947. If you’re travelling with kids you might want to pop in to the Oak Bluffs Game Room a family friendly arcade that would keep them entertained for the full twenty four hours if they had their way. For the music lovers the Ritz cafe offers lunch and dinner as well nightly music and late-night entertainment. Chocolate lovers will rejoice at the sight of Murdick’s Fudge which gives passersby a look into their fudge making process through their storefront windows. A stop inside to sample their fudge, peanut brittle and popcorn is a must. The best bites and sips along the way Oak Bluffs is also home to the famous Back Door Donuts, a full-service bakery under the name of Martha's Vineyard Gourmet Cafe & Bakery by day, that reopens in the back each night and enables hungry doughnut lovers until 1am. They’re known for their gigantic apple fritters, which can easily be shared by 2-3 people. You’ll often find a long line weaving across the parking lot but it’s worth the wait and the aromas pouring out of the back door are hypnotizing. Just next door you’ll find Offshore Ale Company, a year-round pub and brewhouse adored by visitors and locals alike. They brew their own award-winning beer on location and it’s also available in cans and growlers to take home. Further down Kennebec Avenue you’ll find Giordano’s Pizza and Clam Bar. No trip to Oak Bluffs is complete without a slice of pizza from “Gio’s.” It’s available out of their take-out window and worth every penny, be sure to bring the green stuff, it’s cash only.  Explore the Campground, home to the renowned Gingerbread Cottages Oak Bluffs is most known for the Gingerbread Cottages, a quaint cluster of colorful and adorable cottages that was originally settled as a Methodist camp site. Beginning in 1835 annual summer camp meetings of Methodist church groups would congregate here in communal tents which eventually gave way to family tents, and then wooden cottages which line the streets today. Take a stroll through the campground and admire the uniqueness of the houses, the bright colors, and architectural detail and charm, as well as the Tabernacle, an open-air steel structure which hosts weekly concerts and events. The Campground is also the setting for the famed Grand Illumination Night, which marks the end of the summer season with a glorious show of Japanese lanterns hanging from all the nearby homes.  Ride the Flying Horses Carousel Oak Bluffs is also the home of the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country. Its horses were hand carved in New York City in 1876. This historic landmark is maintained by the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust and is open daily during the summer, and on weekends in the spring and fall.  Walk along Ocean Park
Ocean Park is a charming oceanfront park surrounded by Victorian mansions and gingerbread houses. The park features a bandstand which holds weekly band concerts during the summer and is perfect for picnics, playing Frisbee or flying kites. Visiting Edgartown for the day? We’ve put together a quick tour of this quintessential New England town with everything to do, see, eat, drink, and explore! As one of six towns on Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown used to be an old whaling port and is now a summer destination for families and people looking to explore New England life, beaches, and fun. To arrive in Edgartown, you can take the direct Falmouth Ferry, that goes from June to September, or the year-round Steamship Authority Ferry that enters through either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. If arriving into any of the other towns, a quick hop on the bus or a taxi will get you to Edgartown in 10-25 minutes.  Photo: Visit Edgartown Assuming you’ve arrived early morning, our first suggestions will be where to get breakfast in Edgartown and below we’ve listed a few local favorites along with suggestions on what to order:
 Photo: Visit Edgartown After breakfast, you’re ready to explore the town with a historical tour of Edgartown or if you’re a Jaws fan, an Amity Tour that will have you reliving the movie all over again! A tour is the fastest and best way to discover a new town or city, because it sets you up for success. You’ve seen most of the town and can refer back to spots you saw on the tour! Thus, we recommend checking out the Edgartown Lighthouse - you can climb to the top of the lighthouse during the season and have your breath taken away with the view!  Photo: Visit Edgartown Unwind from walking up and down stairs by strolling Main Street Edgartown and doing some local shopping. Edgartown is known for its great boutiques and shops - and don’t be discouraged! There’s a good mix of expensive and affordable shops right on Main Street, so there’s something for everyone.
 Photo: Visit Edgartown Once you’ve walked around, explored, and shopped to your hearts content, you might be hungry for an early dinner - depending on what ferry you’re taking back to the mainland, you might have time for dessert! To conclude our 24 hours in Edgartown, below are three favorite spots for dinner in town:
No matter what you do in Edgartown - whether you follow our 24 Hour Itinerary of Edgartown or just decide to lay on Fuller Street Beach for the entire 24 hours, we know you’ll have a fabulous time! Vineyard Haven, a community within the town of Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard, and previously known as “Nobnocket” by the Wampanoag people, and then as Holmes Hole by the first settlers, is a port town on island that receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, as well as being home to thousands of local islanders that live here year round.  Take the Steamship Authority Ferry into Vineyard Haven Harbor and step onto the most bustling town on Martha’s Vineyard, which is also a state-designated cultural district. The energy that Vineyard Haven exudes is catching and soon you’ll understand why people keep coming back for more.  Start with breakfast at any of the following places - we’ve also listed a few suggestions on what to order!
 Now, on to exploring Vineyard Haven and all it has to offer! Start with some local shopping - we love this blog by local boutique inn, the Nobnocket, where they list a few shopping favorites in Vineyard Haven. Main Street Vineyard Haven is packed to the brim with shops, restaurants, and cafes, there really is something for everyone. And if you’re an arts & culture lover, grab a copy of the Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District map from the Visitors Center at the Chamber of Commerce.  And on the note of coffee, this little town is also home to some incredible spots to grab coffee:
 Browse the offerings at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, the historic Capawock Theater operating since 1913, or Martha’s Vineyard Film Center - and possibly catch a show before leaving the island, it’s one of our favorite activities! Walk down Williams Street and check out historical whaling captains’ houses, relax at Owen Park, take a longer walk around West Chop for gorgeous views of the waters and one of the island’s lighthouses, or just relax watching the boats come and go on Vineyard Haven Harbor. Whatever you choose to do in VH, we know you’ll have a fantastic day!
For those travelers coming to the island for more than a week, one of the most searched and asked for question is, “where can I find a personal or private chef?” Whether it’s a couple arriving on island for the summer looking for someone to create dinner parties with local produce or a family with younger kids that needs the constant support of a chef at home making meals, picnics, and snacks, private chefs are a wealth of knowledge and make any vacation easier and more delicious! If you’re thinking private chefs are just for the rich and famous, think again. Specifically on island, they are a great way to discover the island’s food culture, its farmers, fishermen, and makers because private chefs have deep friendships with them all, as sources for their menus. You’ll taste the freshest greens, the most amazing seafood and fish, and you’ll dine knowing you are supporting the island in more ways than one. Below we have listed the top personal and private chefs on island - in no particular order. Each brings something tasty to your table. Shane Take of Premier Chef Services  Shane Tank | Photo by Stacey Rupuolo Before residing on Martha’s Vineyard, Shane’s culinary career spanned over a decade and includes positions in top restaurants in Vail CO, extensive studies overseas in Brugge, Belgium and a Bachelor’s degree in food service management from Johnson and Wales University in Denver, CO. Items you can find in Shane’s menus:
Gavin Smith of Food Minded Fellow  Gavin Smith | Photo by Mila Lowe "A washashore hailing from Upstate New York, Chef Smith moved to Martha’s Vineyard after living in Atlanta. He has worked in almost all positions a restaurant has to offer. So when you hire his private-chef services, you’re not only hiring a chef, but a menu developer, personal shopper, farmer, cook, dishwasher, and server all in one. Plans to grow his team are in the works, but for now, it’s a one-man show that thrives on multitasking." - via Marnely Murray for the Martha's Vineyard Times Items you can find in Gavin’s menus:
Jan Buhrman of Kitchen Porch Catering  Jan Burhman | Photo by Eli Dagostino Jan Buhrman, M.S. Ed., has been cooking delicious, locally sourced meals on Martha’s Vineyard for over twenty five years. She combines her passion for food with a love of teaching to enhance people’s understanding of their food through farm tours, cooking classes, and nutritional workshops. All programs are designed to connect people with local food systems. Items you can find in Jan’s menus:
Chef Peter Lodi of Blue Crab Kitchen  Peter Lodi | Photo by Blue Crab Kitchen Peter creates the food, and together with his wife, Whitney, Blue Crab Kitchen creates memorable evenings and events focused on exceptional food. The duo has been serving up delicious meals in private homes and weddings since 2010, and they are slated to open a small take-out shop in Vineyard Haven this year. Items you can find in Peter’s menu:
Spring Sheldon of Sea and Spoon Kitchen  Photo: Spring Sheldon Spring Sheldon is a Martha's Vineyard-based freelance chef, and is a graduate of Boston University gastronomy program, where she studied with Chef Jacque Pepin. She has worked extensively in some of Boston's award-winning restaurants and has been featured in The Boston Globe. Items you can find in Spring’s menus:
Catherine Walthers of Catherine Walthers  Catherine Walthers | Photo by Laura Roosevelt Catherine brings her experience as an author of 4 popular cookbooks and more than a dozen years of cooking as a private chef for families in the Boston area and on Martha’s Vineyard. Her area of expertise is creating healthy meals that taste delicious, first and foremost. She graduated from the Natural Gourmet Cooking School, a vegetarian and health-based school in New York City, so vegetarian or vegan meals are also a specialty.
Items you can find in Catherine’s menus:
No matter your needs, a one-time special dinner party or an everyday meal kind of thing, a private chef on Martha’s Vineyard is just the way to treat yourself!  Summer is all about outdoor dining and there’s nothing better than a picnic on the beach to make us smile! With about 19 beaches all over the island, you have your pick of dining settings - but we’re here to help you with ideas on what to pack on a Martha’s Vineyard beach picnic!
Start with the basics - you’re going to need a beach blanket, cooler, and basket to carry everything in. Stop by Rainy Day for the beach blanket, Green Room for an awesome YETI cooler, and Chappy Happy if you’re looking for the perfect picnic basket. That’s the start to your picnic - the essentials. Now, moving on to the beverages, you’re going to need a variety of things, and we always suggest fun non-alcoholic drinks, along with water. To cut down on plastic waste, have everyone bring their own water bottle. For drinks like specialty sodas and sparkling waters, Waterside Market, Reliable Market, and Cronig's Market are all great stops to keep hydrated. So you’ve got some essentials ready to go, it’s now time to discuss the food. Beach picnic food on Martha’s Vineyard is special, as we have some unique shops and markets to choose from, so below we’ve made a list of places and what to get at each one as part of your menu, to create the ultimate beach picnic.
Remember to also bring a trash bag to carry out everything you brought in because it's the law but also because we love to keep our beaches clean!  Lobster Roll from Net Result | Photo: Aela Mass When you think of Martha’s Vineyard and summer foods, lobster rolls always come at the top of the list. Granted, we love clam chowder as much as the next person, but on a hot summer day, we want a seafood sandwich that’s packed with flavor that will make us smile! We’ve compiled a list of just some of the places on island with delicious lobster rolls (it’s tough to list all the places, as every shop, market, and restaurant serves up their own version). Before getting into a list of places, let’s discuss lobster rolls, their components, and what makes them so good. A classic lobster roll can either be cold (Connecticut style) - a cold lobster salad typically made with mayonnaise, served inside a toasted roll; or hot (Maine style) - hot buttered lobster chucks in the same toasted roll, drenched in more melted butter. According to the “Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink”, the lobster roll originated as a hot dish at a restaurant called Perry’s in Milford, Connecticut in 1929. Quite popular in the state at the time, it’s popularity didn’t gain any momentum until the 70’s, when chopped lobster meat warmed with butter started being served roadside in Maine. It’s traditional to barely season a lobster roll, no matter if hot or cold, so most places pride themselves in just adding a touch of mayonnaise to the lobster meat for prime freshness.  Lobster Roll from John's Fish Market / Sandy's Fish & Chips | Photo: Marnely Murray In Vineyard Haven John’s Fish Market This family-owned fish market prides itself in using fresh lobster meat that’s served cold with a dollop of mayonnaise, and that’s it. Their cold lobster salad is served atop a buttered and toasted brioche roll. Net Result One of the island's most popular seafood take-out joints (and super fresh fish market), Net result serves hot and cold lobster rolls - both of which are to die for. They also have a great outside seating area to host large crowds and messy kids. Grace Episcopal Church Known all over the island, these lobster rolls sell out fast! During the summer season, you can find them being sold from 4pm to 7pm, but get there earlier rather than later because they sell out every Friday! Garde East Waterfront dining at its finest, Garde East serves a delicious lobster roll with on a split top bun with dijonaise and fresh chives and tarragon, which make it extra flavorful.  Lobster Roll from Seafood Shanty | Photo: Marnely Murray In Edgartown Behind the Bookstore Tucked quite literally being the Edgartown bookstore, BTB is a great spot for cocktails and a lobster roll snack mid-day. Their roll is served in a classic ballpark hot dog bun with freshly shelled lobster meat and a brown butter caper sauce drizzled on top. The Seafood Shanty Known as the largest roll in town, this lobster roll is 6.5 ounces of cold lobster salad served in a “torpedo” roll. Enjoy this roll while watching the Chappy Ferry come and go in Edgartown Harbor. Katama General Store This lobster roll is made with brown butter, for extra flavor! Served on a toasted brioche bun, it's worth the bike ride to Katama and back, we promise! 19 Raw Oyster Bar This lobster roll on Church Street in Edgartown is packed with crustacean butter, lemon aioli and served on a brioche roll with a side of sriracha fries. What more can you ask for?!  Lobster Roll from Sand Bar & Grille | Photo: Marnely Murray In Oak Bluffs Sand Bar & Grille Wiggle your toes in the sand and enjoy the happenings of Oak Bluffs Harbor while enjoying either a hot or cold lobster roll. The hot roll is drenched in butter in the best way possible and is best enjoyed with one of their popular beach drinks. The Lookout Tavern Another spot where you can try both a hot and a cold lobster roll on Martha’s Vineyard, the 7- ounces served in this roll is impressive. Using only claw and knuckle meat only, it’s a good looking roll and definitely “Instagram worthy”. Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company This half pound lobster roll (that’s a whole 8 ounces!) of hot buttered lobster is served in a grilled brioche bun and topped with chopped bacon, parsley, preserved lemon, and served with fries.  Up-Island Lobster Roll | Photo: Marnely Murray Up-Island
Larsen’s Fish Market Started in 1969, Larsen’s has been a family run business since then. Their lobster rolls are island-known and are the best food to bring to a sunset beach picnic. Menemsha Fish Market Another family owned fish market, their lobster rolls are served both hot or cold in a hot dog bun and the cold are made and ready to grab and go if you’re rushing to catch that Menemsha sunset! Thanks to Marnely Murray of Cooking With Books for the amazing photos! Be sure to check her out here. Martha’s Vineyard is not only a great family destination, but it’s also one of the most romantic places in the world. Being located on an island provides that extra intimacy and one you can enjoy with your partner while on a date night this season. If you and your special someone are foodies, we have created this list of creative and delicious date night restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard so the next time the question of “where should we go for date night on Martha’s Vineyard?” - you’ll have all the answers!  Cobb Salad from Right Fork Diner | Photo: Marnely Murray For the seafood lovers We obviously have to start with the seafood lovers, as an island that serves up some of the best seafood on the East coast! Here you’ll find the best clam chowders and lobster bisques, lobster rolls and steamed clams, along with many dishes showcasing the best the sea has to offer. Grab lunch at Right Fork Diner and order both the hot and the cold lobster rolls, sharing them halfway and voting on your favorite. For dinner, head to Garde East in Vineyard Haven for a waterfront view of Vineyard Haven Harbor and a delightful meal by Chef Carlos Montoya. Offering both indoor and outdoor dining, this is the restaurant to celebrate a special anniversary or occasion. Utilizing Vineyard bounty from both sea and land in creating his ever changing menu, with refined and classic techniques, Chef Montoya’s food will have you fall in love all over again. Make sure to order the Garde East Clam Bake for a true New England food experience!  Fresh Catch of the Day: Halibut with Wine-Soaked Raisins & Chorizo Emulsion | Photo: Marnely Murray For the meat eaters It’s not all about seafood - so if you’re not into it, we have meat on this island at some of the best restaurants! Starting with Sea Smoke Barbecue, located in Oak Bluffs, who is bringing slow wood smoked barbecue to Martha's Vineyard. Served couterstyle, it is a great spot to grab some barbecue to either eat there or bring to the beach or back home. Everything from pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken, along with the usual Southern barbecue sides. For the plant-based sweethearts Do you get your protein from plants? Not Your Sugar Mamas is the place for you two! An organic, gluten free, vegan location in Vineyard Haven, NYSM started out as a chocolate company that has now a full-blown cafe offering breakfast, lunch, and to go dinners, among other things like smoothies, coffees, baked goods, and so much more. Grab lunch and sit on their porch while enjoying their flatbreads, Mexican rice bowls, and/or a sweet treat!  Menu at Not Your Sugar Mamas | Photo: Marnely Murray For the snacking partners If you’re more into a few small meals throughout the night rather than one big one, we recommend heading to a few markets on island and stocking up on odds and ends. Stop by The Grey Barn for some local cheese, Soigne for crackers and jams, Vintage MV Wine and Spirits for a bottle of your favorite boozy drink, and settle in for the night in your rental or bring it all to the beach to enjoy while you watch the sunset!  Goodies from Soigne | Photo: Marnely Murray For the sweet tooth addicts If all you want are sweets, there are a couple of places you must hit: Backdoor Donuts for a fritter and a few donuts, Sweet Bites for any of their cake slices and truffles, and then end it with a sweet lavender latte from Behind the Bookstore. Love is sweet, but cake is sweeter!  Prune & Caramel Cake from Sweet Bites | Photo: Marnely Murray For a compete list of places to eat on Martha's Vineyard, visit our Dining Page. Vacation is a time to unwind, to decompress and take time to yourself. Nothing says relaxation like a trip to the spa, the ultimate vacation treat. On Martha’s Vineyard you’ll find several luxurious spas and wellness centers that will excite your senses and leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you are looking for a day of pampering, a fun activity to do with friends, planning a girls getaway or preparing for a special event these Martha’s Vineyard spas will have you looking and feeling your best.  Photo: Divine Med Spa, Acupuncture Room Divine Med Spa, Edgartown The name says it all, this place is simply divine. You’ll find it in downtown Edgartown, conveniently located to the town’s bustling Main Street and within walking distance to many of Edgartown’s hotels and inns. Divine is a medical spa that offers a wide range of skin, body and wellness treatments designed to not only help you relax but to feel and look more youthful and lighter too. Treat yourself to one of their facial or massage services or explore one of their laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) procedures. For some extra tranquility check out Divine’s newly added infrared sauna, an ideal component to detoxification and skin purification.  Sea Spa Salon, Edgartown Not far from Divine, you’ll find Sea Spa Salon nestled in Edgartown’s Nevin Square, offering a full service hair and nail salon as well as spa services. Take your pick from one of their many massage treatments, including deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal, reflexology or a couple’s massage, if you’re celebrating with a special someone. Sea spa also offers a wide range of aromatic facials, peels and skin treatments designed to restore and hydrate your skin. For the ultimate in relaxation add on one of their body treatments like the Mermaids Escape Body Wrap or their Sea Salt body scrub. They also offer yoga, lash extensions, and makeup and waxing services, running the gamut for all of your inner and outer beauty needs.  The Spa at Mansion House, Vineyard Haven Connected to the popular Mansion House Hotel & Inn, the Spa at Mansion House is one of the original spas on Martha's Vineyard. Services include all hair and nail specialties, massages, waxing, and body treatments. Plus, since you can also purchase a day pass to the health and fitness center at the Mansion House, guests are truly able to make a day of pampering themselves with self care by including a workout or yoga class, swim, sauna, and hot tub dip.  Panache Salon & Spa, West Tisbury Offering spa treatments, waxing, make-up services, and more, Panache Salon & Spa is located in the quieter "up Island" town of West Tisbury, which means that your relaxation begins with the drive there! Winding country roads brings you to the full-service salon. Be sure to try their oxygen facials!  Rejuvenation Spa at the Hob Knob Hotel, Edgartown This luxury spa is open to both guests and visitors, and offers body treatments and massages. Located inside a boutique hotel, Rejuvenation Spa is just a short walk from the center of Main Street in Edgartown. They can also arrange custom wellness packages for you and/or your group.  Caleen's Day Spa, Vineyard Haven
This day spa knows how to pamper clients with all the little extras! Services include facials, nails, waxing, full-body treatments, and brow tinting. With easy access and parking; a big, comfortable space; plus a staff that knows how to woo you, Caleen's is a local favorite. |
Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
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