the vineyard blog

Nothing says summer on the Vineyard like summer on the water! Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, making sure to get out on the Vineyard waters is a must to make your vacation the best ever. ​

MV Ocean Sports
MV Oceansports is Martha’s Vineyard’s premier ocean sports company. They offer everything to make your watersports experience memorable. Whether you see the island on a guided jet ski tour, soar overhead parasailing or have an experience of a lifetime flyboarding, they will make it an experience to remember! The variety of water sports they run is also amazing: parasailing, jet skis, flyboarding, banana boat rides, watersports charter, boat rentals, and charter rentals. ​

MV Paddle Co. 
MV Paddle Co. makes it easy by providing gear and an experienced guide to help with your paddling technique and tell you about local wildlife and history. They offer some creative stand up paddle tours, such as:
​ 
Eco SUP Tour: Explore the salt marsh and see baby fish and shellfish. Fresh water ponds offer even more diversity like frogs and turtles. Out on the ocean you never know what could be swimming underneath you.  Keep your eyes open on this tour you never know what you will see! 

Sunset Paddle Tour: Relax and reflect during the best time of the day, in these locations: 
 Lake Tashmoo: Is one of the best locations because it has the best view of the sunset, in addition to being protected from the wind. 
East Chop is an amazing place to paddle for sunset. Get moving and paddle past the lighthouse, beach hopping. Best spot for duel sunset and moonrise, as you paddle around, for a down wind trip.
Menemsha: Peaceful and serien Quitas Pond has magnificent views of the sunset. Away from the crowded beach, we have a special experience on the water. 

 SUP Fitness: this is for the fit travelers that want to get on the water and get their workout done! From novice to intermediate, they will help you build strength and stamina. This tour will show you how to paddle quickly and mindfully, plus it’s a solid core workout! 
 
SUP QiGong: this incorporates paddling, qigong and meditation, such a perfect activity to rest and reflect while on vacation or even if you are a local and need a break from the summer craziness!

​Island Spirit Kayak
A well-rounded company that focuses on kayak and stand up paddleboarding, they do tours but also offer kayak rentals everyday right on State Beach in Oak Bluffs, as well as delivering to all locations on island both paddle boards and kayaks. 
 
Tours offer include: 2 hour kayak adventure, sunset kayak paddle, sunrise kayak tour, full day tours that include a lunch picnic and snacks, full moon yoga on the paddle boards, paddle board tours, sunset paddle board tour, LED paddle board tour, peddle paddle tours (combining biking and paddling), and paddle board yoga.

​Aloha Paddle MV
Certified ACA SUP instructors offering lessons for all ability levels, guided outings, multi-sport adventures and catered paddle events, Aloha Paddle MV has a great diverse portfolio of services offered to get you on the water. 
 
Some of the most notable and distinctive tours are:

• Guided HIke & Paddle
• Paddle & Paella
• Kid’s Stand Up Paddle
• Aloha Paddle MV Camp

 
Winds Up
Wind's Up is Martha's Vineyard's offers Stand Up Paddle boards, kayaks, sailboats, canoes, windsurfers, surf & beach clothing/gear, lessons and sales/rentals. Stop by their shop, located on 199 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, to get your beach gear, rent one of their kayaks or take a windsurfing or sailing lessons. 
 

• Windsurfing Lessons
• Sailing Lessons
• Paddleboarding Lessons
• Kayaking Lessons

 
For more contact information to the businesses above, check out our water sports page. 

For an island packed with seafood restaurants, we also have our fair share of burger joints and it’s become one of our most asked food questions: where can I get a good burger on Martha’s Vineyard? To help everyone, we’ve gathered the top spots on island to grab a burger, but first - let’s talk about what makes a good burger. 
 
A good burger is one that when you take that first bite, you smile because it’s that good. Maybe you do a little happy dance, maybe you quickly tell your friend between bites that they need to try this burger too (if you’re so kind to share). An American classic, the burger has become a staple in our dining and in a way, a delicious treat on vacation. So let’s talk burgers on Martha’s Vineyard and where to get them!

The Barn, Bowl & Bistro, Oak Bluffs
Burger: The Barn Classic Burger
Half-pound Angus beef burger, served with lettuce, tomato & red onion

Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company, Oak Bluffs
Burger: Grilled Burger with Fries
On a grilled brioche bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
 
Fat Ronnie’s, Oak Bluffs
Burger: Classic Burger
With over 30 different toppings, you can get it your way any day here!

​Waterside Market, Vineyard Haven
Burger: Mr. Bowen Burger
Signature burger topped with melted brie cheese, balsamic onion jam, baby spinach, and shredded short rib gravy
 
The Black Dog Tavern, Vineyard Haven
Burger: BD Classic Burger
Fresh ground 10 oz. Angus patty with lettuce, tomato, and pickle on grilled brioche served with crispy french fries
 
John’s Fish Market, Vineyard Haven 
Burger: The Obama Burger
Bacon, cheese, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, and citrus sauce 
 
Island Fresh Pizza & Subs, VIneyard Haven
Burger: X-Tudo Burger
American cheese, bacon, mayo, ham, corn, peas, eggs, potato sticks, lettuce, tomatoes
 
The Scottish Bakehouse, Vineyard Haven
Burger: Bakehouse ½ Burger
Served with lettuce, tomato and mayo on your choice of available bread
 
Woods at Lambert’s Cove Inn, West Tisbury
Burger: Woods Burger
American cheese, special sauce, bread and butter pickles, red onions, brioche bun, fries
 
Cliffhangers, Aquinnah
Burger: Cliff Burger
Served on a roll, lettuce, tomato, onion

​Visitors come from far and wide to explore the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, discover our history, and eat the most delicious seafood there is in New England. But we also get asked quite consistently - where can you find the best slice of pizza on island and so we’re put together this list of the top pizzerias on Martha’s Vineyard. 
 
Weaving Vineyard memories with those of pizza eating might seem strange in a way to some, but we know of locals that grab a slice of Gio’s as they walk around OB on their day off, or rock away on the porch of the Chilmark Store as they eat their slice. Pizza is always a good idea, a good snack between meals, and a great way to make a whole bunch of people happy! 

​In Oak Bluffs, you have a few choices. Giordano’s is a tradition for most Vineyard families, but you should also try Pizza di Napoli at the LOFT. Gio’s has two spaces, one for takeout pizza and clam bar, and the other side is their sit down restaurant. At takeout, you can order a slice of cheese or pepperoni and walk around town enjoying your slice. Gio’s has been around for over 80 years, so it’s definitely a Vineyard classic! 

Head over to LoFT and Pizza di Napoli, the island’s largest pizza pie at 18 inches wide! A classic Neopolitan pizza, the dough is treated with care and the ingredients are top quality. 

​And Up-Island, the Chilmark General Store serves up their pies daily, and offer some of the best farm-to-table slice options with their daily Farm Slice. Just recently that included local zucchini, corn, and kale. It's always changing and it's always delicious. You can also attend pizza night at the Orange Peel Bakery. The pizza night at Orange Peel is during June through October pizza night is every Wednesday from 5-8p.m, $20 per adult and $10 per child - BYOTS (Bring Your Own Toppings to Share) and BYOB! 

Now, which place is calling your name?

Calling all music lovers, the Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series is well underway! If you’re headed to the Island this summer make sure you check out their lineup–expect incredible shows by world class talent. The annual concert series was established in 2016 and since then has brought one of music’s best and brightest to intimate venue across the Island. David Sedaris, Paula Poundstone, Deer Tick, the Capitol Steps and many other big names have graced the stages of our local small spaces over the years.  What could be better than catching your favorite musician or comedian performing in a historic Martha’s Vineyard church, while the salty summer air wafts through? Quite frankly, nothing. ​

As for the rest of the Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series there’s something exciting happening practically every week for the rest of the summer. Be sure to check out the lineup below and plan an enjoyable evening of entertainment on Martha’s Vineyard. For a chance to win tickets to every show follow Visit Martha’s Vineyard on Facebook and Instagram. ​

Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn: Tuesday, July 23, 8 pm, at the Old Whaling Church.
 
I’m With Her WMVY Benefit: Wednesday, July 24, 8 pm, at the Old Whaling Church.
 
Gordon Lightfoot: Sunday, July 28, 8 pm, at the Performing Arts Center.
 
David Sedaris: Tuesday, July 30, 8 pm, at the Performing Arts Center.
 
The Capitol Steps: Sunday, August 4, 5 pm, at the Performing Arts Center.
 
Dave Mason: Sunday, August 18, 5 pm, at the Performing Arts Center.
 
Livingston Taylor: Friday, August 23, 8 pm, at the Old Whaling Church.
 
Son Volt: August 31, 8 pm, at Union Chapel.

Visit marthasvineyardconcertseries.com for more details and to buy tickets.

​One of the best ways to acclimate yourself to Martha’s Vineyard is by taking one of the Island’s popular sightseeing tours. Tours allow you to sit back, relax and take in the rich history and captivating points of interest across our gorgeous 100 square mile Island. If you’ve never visited before, are new to the area, or have limited time, a sightseeing tour can help you get up to speed on all things MV–or most of them anyway! With six unique towns each boasting their individual character and charm, there’s a lot to see and discover on a Martha’s Vineyard sightseeing tour. 
 
Many of the Island’s most experienced tour guides have been conducting tours for decades and are part of the fabric of the Island community. Their helpful insight ensures you’ll get the most out of your time here, in a fun and entertaining way, and you’ll leave with an authentic and memorable Island experience under your belt (and possibly a new friend!). From full day tours to sunset tours, to JAWS themed tours or customized options that fit every timeline and budget, a sightseeing tour will connect you to Martha’s Vineyard more than ever. 

​There are numerous group and private tour companies available to help you see the beauty of Martha's Vineyard. Here’s a round up of the local fleet and what they can offer the most curious of travelling minds. 
 
ResortMan, a luxury transportation service provider offers fully customizable private and group tours. Options include a three hour tour, four hour tour, and custom half or a full day tour in one of their top of the line luxury vehicles. 
 
Martha’s Vineyard Excursions offer one hour, two hour, three hour and custom tours, along with a JAWS tours by special request in air conditioned passenger vans and shuttles. 
 
Martha’s Vineyard Tours and Transport offers two hour, three hour, customized tours, and a JAWS tour in their comfortable 14-passenger touring vans, as well as historical walking tours. 

Martha’s Vineyard All Star Tours has over 40 years of tour guide experience and offer knowledgeable and family friendly tours including a down Island tour, a full Island tour, an African American History tour, a JAWS tour and custom tours for up to eight hours. 
 
Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Co. Tours offer historic Martha’s Vineyard tours that last between 2.5 and 3 hours and engage visitors of all ages, in their comfortable luxury vans.
 
Greetings from Martha’s Vineyard Tours offers you the opportunity to explore all six of the Island’s unique towns in their luxury air conditioned vans, ending with a picnic in Menemsha, a quaint fishing village known for its fresh seafood and stunning sunsets. 
 
Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing provides the only bus and trolley tours of Martha’s Vineyard, and offers full island bus tours and a shorter version in a vintage trolley that brings you to four of the Island’s six towns.  
 
Edgartown Tour Company’s options range from 1-2 hour long historical walking tours, JAWS tourm paddle boarding adventures, and half, full or multi-day packages that allow you to see and experience all that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

​Many local companies accommodate handicapped passengers and those with special needs. If you require specific accommodations be sure to ask your tour operator when booking. Please note that most tours are seasonal and run from May through October.  For our comprehensive list of Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing Tours click here. 

The vegan searches quadrupled in the 5 years between 2012 and 2017, according to Google search. It now gets almost 3 times more interest than vegetarian and gluten free searches, so we wanted to make sure that if you’re living a plant based lifestyle, the island had you covered with delicious places to eat and drink while you’re visiting. If you’re vegan and coming to Martha’s VIneyard, we have done the research for you and listed below some of the most delicious plant-based restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops on MV. 
 
Coffee Shops
Most coffee shops on the island carry non-dairy milks on their menu, mostly soy and almond, while you can find some oat and coconut milk as well. Chilmark Coffee Co. makes their coffee drinks with oat milk at the West Tisbury Farmers Market, also a must when you’re visiting. 
 
Juice by the Sea MV
Martha’s Vineyard’s premier juice bar and vegan cafe! Nestled in Tisbury Marketplace, Juice by the Sea provides a whimsical selection of raw artisan juices and an extensive plant-based menu crafted from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Featuring a full gluten-free and vegan menu, organic coffee and espresso bar, pastry case filled with decadent desserts, and of course their famous array of juices and wellness tonics.
 
Bangkok Cuisine 
Located in Oak Bluffs, at the end of Circuit Avenue is Bangkok Cuisine, serving authentic Thai food for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is not vegan but does offer a variety of dishes that can be made vegan and vegetarian, by subbing out vegetables and tofu. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, this is a great spot to find veggie-based meals. 
 
The Port Hunter 
Right on Main Street in Edgartown, The Port Hunter serves up an entire plant based menu for their guests including tofu tacos, kale fennel salad, spring greens, and a curry bowl that is divine! The restaurant sources ingredients from local farms, so you know they are delicious and fresh every time. It’s a great spot for dinner and drinks on vacation! 
 
Scottish Bakehouse 
We love this Vineyard Haven spot for lunch because they serve up delicious food with outdoor tables where you can enjoy the sunshine and the kids can run around after eating. All their sides are vegan, and they serve up some incredible rice and beans with coconut tofu and plantains. There for breakfast? Try their ancient grains breakfast bowl and get some baked goods to go! 
 
Taco MV 
With two locations, one in Edgartown and the second one in Oak Bluffs, Taco MV is a plant lover’s dream come true! If you love tacos, this is the spot. They serve up a variety of vegan options like eggplant, cauliflower, mushroom tacos, as well as make their own vegan tortillas and falafel. Feeling cheesy? They also make their own cashew cheese for nachos that you can top with any of their salsas and guacamole! Want something more filling? Order a rice bowl with one of the vegan proteins and top with all the goodness. 
 
Copper Wok
Fusion Asian Cuisine is served up at Copper Wok in Vineyard Haven and you can choose from a variety of rice bowls, vegetable dishes, seaweed salad, and soups. Everything is made to order so you can definitely compose your own dishes. They also offer vegetable sushi rolls if you’re in the mood for Japanese. 
 
The Covington
Across the street from the Port Hunter, their sister restaurant The Covington also serves up delicious vegan entrees such as their harvest plate that changes weekly, an arugula pesto that’s tasty, mushroom ragu pasta, and kale salad made with locally sourced ingredients. 
 
20by9
Head over to Oak Bluffs and dine at 20by9. Their ambition is to stand out in our community by making nearly 100% of what’s on your plate from scratch. So please, gather around, share among yourselves, and enjoy! Live Music Fridays and Saturdays. Some of their vegan options include a braised beet salad with bitter cocoa, almonds, fire roasted grapes, blueberry and beet vinaigrette, a veggie burger, and a lovely hummus plate. 
 
The Cardboard Box 
Another option in Oak Bluffs is The Cardboard Box where you can find a variety of fresh local vegetables from their own farm, as well as salads and more. 
 
Chilmark Tavern
Head up island and to the Chilmark Tavern for their vegan dish that’s currently m.v.m. shiitakes, celeriac skordalia, artichokes, asparagus, kale, sweet potato, cipollini onions, truffle oil, all prepared expertly by the chefs. 
 
Lucky Hanks 
On Upper Main Street in Edgartown, find Lucky Hanks with options for plant-based meals for all times of the day. IN the morning, start with their granola or oatmeal, for lunch their roasted vegetable pita, and for dinner, a vegetable plate or mediterrean plate and house salad is a fresh way to dine. 

Martha’s Vineyard is a food lover’s paradise - and don’t just assume it’s for seafood lovers only, because the island has something for everyone! Today, we’re sharing the Perfect Foodie Itinerary for Martha’s Vineyard and you’ll see a variety of activities and food experiences on island that you won’t experience anywhere else. From where to eat breakfast to where to grab that late night food, we’ve got you covered with delicious ideas sure to satisfy your taste buds. ​

Breakfast 
Bettini at the Harbor View Hotel
Start your foodie adventure by treating yourself to the most divine breakfast on island and one with one of the best views of the Edgartown Lighthouse. Breakfast at the newly renovated Harbor View Hotel is a must with their new, award winning chef Patrice Martineau. Their MAINE LOBSTER BENEDICT with Certified Organic Martha’s Vineyard Eggs by The Grey Barn Farm and Poached lobster on an English muffin and the most perfect hollandaise sauce is a must. ​

West Tisbury Farmers Market
Founded in 1974 by a "ragtag group of hippies, yankees and retired English teachers," the West Tisbury Farmers Market is Martha's Vineyard's oldest, largest, and finest open air market and the perfect thing to do after a delicious breakfast. Here’s a list of just a few of their vendors: Blackwater Farm, Blissed Out, Breezy Pines Farm, Chilmark Coffee Company, Cinnamon Starship, Enchanted Chocolates, Farm Institute, Flat Point Farm, and Frosty Hollow Orchids among so many others! The market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer, from 9am to 12pm at the West Tisbury Grange Hall. ​

Tour The Grey Barn & Farm
The island’s only organic dairy farm, The Grey Barn is located in Chilmark so it’s best to hit it up after you explore the farmer’s market. They have been making cheese since 2009 and have won countless awards for their work. Not only can you take cheese tours of the farm as well as tasting all the cheeses, but they are opening up a bakery as well as hosting several interesting workshops throughout the summer. 

Excursion
Farm.Field.Sea.
Farm.Field.Sea. culinary events are designed to exhilarate the senses by seamlessly blending local food, storytelling with hands-on discoveries so you can truly experience the heart of Martha’s Vineyard food and culture. With them, your connection to the Island is always authentic and absolutely unforgettable. Set sail on a 2-hour Oyster Farm experience on Vineyard Sound to experience the Island’s booming oyster farming industry firsthand with local oyster farmers and biologists. Learn about where oysters are grown, how they’re grown, and meet the farmers behind their story. The adventure is a great experience for the whole family and a fun way to learn about these incredible bivalves and “kiss the sea on its lips” with an oyster sample plucked from the waters around you.

Dinner
Garde East
Garde East overlooks the harbor from Vineyard Haven Marina and offers both indoor and outdoor dining in a casual yet elegant setting. The restaurant’s culinary team utilizes the Vineyard bounty from both sea and land in creating an ever changing menu, with refined and classic techniques.
Carefully conceived dishes speak for themselves, as the freshest ingredients take center stage to create a truly unique experience. A thoughtfully curated beverage program compliments culinary creations, featuring classic cocktails, craft beers and wine program of over 400 French and American labels. It’s the perfect way to end a day of eating on island. 
 
Food Minded Fellow Pop Up Dinners at the Little House Cafe
Private chef Gavin Smith, aka the Food Minded Fellow brings his culinary talent to the Little House Cafe on Sundays this summer. Enjoy a three course tasting menu chock full of locally sourced ingredients, served in the intimate dining room at the Little House Cafe in Vineyard Haven. Dinners are happening on Sunday July 7th and 14th, and August 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th. Reservations are available on Yelp and by calling the restaurant at 508-687-9794. 

Late Night
Town Bar & Grill 
Finish the day in the same town you started, Edgartown and check out the newest restaurant in town, Town Bar & Grill. Serving bar snacks until midnight on weekends, this is the happening spot in town for fierce cocktails and delicious late night eats on Martha’s Vineyard. ​

Tuesday, July 2nd
Reading Frederick Douglass
Each year, Mass Humanities organizes readings of “The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro,” a speech by the noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass, first delivered in 1852. A free community reading of this famous speech will be presented at the Federated Church in Edgartown, where Mr. Douglass spoke in 1857, as part of the Vineyard’s observance of Independence Day. All are invited to attend. ​

Fourth of July Picnic 
Enjoy a classic Americana Fourth of July event at the Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown, provided by the Vineyard Trust. Bring the family, spread out your blanket, and indulge in a hearty meal while waiting for the annual parade to start. At 2pm the Bay State Band plays on the lawns of the Dr. Daniel Fisher House. At 5pm enjoy a picnic cooked up by Bill Smith’s Clambake on the lawn. ​

Concert by the Vineyard Haven Band
The Vineyard Haven Band is a long standing marching band and a 150 year old tradition on the island. Join them for a free concert at the Old Whaling Church at 7pm, following the annual parade in downtown Edgartown. ​