the vineyard blog

​On Martha’s Vineyard fishing is a way of life, and not just the rod and reel kind. This time of year local fisherman, both hobbyists and commercial fisherman, are gearing up to hit the waters in search of the sweet seafood delicacies we call the Martha’s Vineyard bay scallops. When you think of creamy and fluffy New England scallops, there’s two different kinds to consider. The more common sea scallop is the largest scallop and can be obtained year-round. The medium- to smaller-size bay (or cape) scallop is available only a few months off-season and is the most coveted – tender, sweet, and oh, so fresh – and the kind we’re talking about here. These little marshmallows of the sea are one of the Island’s most popular and tastiest treats.
 
You might notice scalloping operations underway as you travel around the Island from October through March, it’s often happening in our ponds, harbors and lagoons. Scalloping is generally observed by an individual wading in the water with a large rake or net, or a boat dragging or pulling up a scallop dredge.  If you’re lucky you could even see someone plucking a fresh one from the water and enjoying it raw–yes you can, and yes, they’re that good. 

​So how do you go about catching your own bay scallops? With permission of course, and the proper gear. A shellfish permit for both recreational and commercial fishing is required for the catch or removal of any shellfish from Vineyard waters. Permits are available at the respective town halls, in Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Edgartown, Aquinnah, Oak Bluffs and Chilmark. Each town has its own shellfish department, and shellfish constable whose job it is to enforce the state and town shellfish regulations, along with informing the public and media about any law changes, season openings and areas open and closed to shellfishing.
 
In Vineyard Haven for example the Vineyard Haven harbor (home to the Steamship Authority’s year round ferry terminal and the famous Black Dog restaurant) is currently open to both recreational and commercial permit holders, with the town’s Lagoon Pond following close behind. The Tisbury shellfish constable pushed back the dates this year based on the warm water temperatures. Safe scalloping requires cold waters, which means those fishing for them need to be properly suited up to withstand the conditions! 

​The minimum sizes for scallops are set by the state of Massachusetts. Shellfish smaller than the legal size are called “seed” and must be returned to the waters from which they were taken. To ensure the sustainability of them, a scallop must live through two summers to reach maturity, and a legal adult is identifiable by the raised “growth line” visible on its shell. Most scallops live in eelgrass beds and are harvested with drags or nets, and persistent fisherman sift through their ocean bounty to hand pluck those scallops that are good and ready.
 
If you're interested in obtaining a permit check out the local websites of the town you will be residing in: Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Chilmark, West Tisbury and Aquinnah. If you’re interested in simply savoring the goodness of our local fishermen’s hard work look for local Martha’s Vineyard bay scallops on the menus of our local restaurants and fish markets. Be sure to enjoy them and be grateful for all of the hard work and dedication that went into to getting them on to your plate!

Thanksgiving this year is November 22nd, and the best place to celebrate this holiday is definitely on Martha’s Vineyard. Gather the family on this holiday and come together to celebrate the island, its food, and the community. Our list of suggestions takes you from start to finish: where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, whether you’re planning on eating out at a restaurants or ordering some key items for takeout and cooking the rest yourself, so we hope you find this a helpful guide to Thanksgiving 201 on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. ​

Where To Stay
Deciding where to stay on island depends on how many people are in your party. For smaller friends and family groups, we recommend booking a few rooms at a local inn or hotel, so you can all stay together in one location, while at the same time having a bit more privacy. For larger groups and families, we suggest contacting any of the local island real estate companies and renting a house for the weekend - it’s the ideal situation if you’re planning on cooking Thanksgiving dinner together or having a private chef come in and cook for you. We’ve listed both inns and real estate companies to get you started on your search!
 
Hob Knob, Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa
The Charlotte Inn
Dockside Inn
Nobnocket Boutique Inn
Mansion House Inn
The Sydney   
The Christopher 
​The Richard
Real Estate Companies on Martha's Vineyard that can help you find a house rental for Thanksgiving are listed here.

What To Do
The weekend of Thanksgiving is packed with tons of activities on Martha’s Vineyard, but we wanted to showcase just a few that are going to be fun for the entire family! Check out the Vineyard Gazette Calendar for more updates on happenings.
 
Vineyard Artisans Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Festival: This holiday art show by Islanders, features many holiday gifts such as one of a kind winter handmade sweaters, soaps, Island lavender, and fine crafts including leather and vintage material bags, wood butcher block cutting boards, and so much more. A parking fee is for the Vineyard Artisans Scholarship Fund, which awards several scholarships to graduating MV High School students for studies in the Arts each year. Felix Neck Fall Festival: Join us for our 37th Annual Fall Festival. This celebration of fall is a Vineyard tradition held the day after Thanksgiving. With hayrides, face-painting, live music, food, crafts for kids, live animals and trail walks there is something for everyone and fun to be had by the whole family.
 
West Tisbury Farmers’ Market: Indoor farmers market features locally grown produce and meat and locally made products. The market is dedicated to bringing local agricultural products to the people both living on and visiting the Island. The market was started in 1974 by a group of Island growers. That first year they had about a dozen farmers selling their produce.
 
Where To Eat Dinner on Thanksgiving Night
Treating yourself and your family and friends to dinner out on the town is a great way to connect with them and relax all through the night! There’s no pressure to cook or clean up, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone. Below are just a few of the restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner this year:
 
L’etoile (dinner served 1-6:30pm)
Lucky Hank’s (dinner served 11am-5pm)
Garde East
Sharky’s Cantina (regular menu with holiday specials)
The Black Dog Tavern (buffet seatings at 12 noon, 2pm, and 4pm)
The Cardboard Box
 
Where to Order Takeout Dinner, Sides, and Desserts
Want the restaurant relaxed feeling but don’t want to leave your rental home? Just put in orders for the food, pick up and bring home! You don’t even have to change into fancy holiday clothes if you don’t want to!
 
The Black Shop Bakery Cafe (deadline November 17th by 2pm)
Black Sheep Mercantile (deadline by November 16th at 4pm)
7a Foods
The Black Dog Bakery Cafe
Cakes by Liz
The Chappy Kitchen
Kitchen Porch
Morning Glory Farm (deadline November 19th by 4:30pm)
Orange Peel Bakery
Pie Chicks
The Scottish Bakehouse
Soigne
 
Where to Order Turkeys
This is a short list of spots on island that offer turkeys (cooked and/or uncooked) to bring home and have dinner at home.
The Larder Market
Morning Glory Farm
Edgartown Meat and Fish Market
Reliable Market 

Edgartown
Sharky’s Cantina - Mexican food, drinks and fun for the whole family. Located in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. Offering a full bar and televisions for watching the big games.
Henry’s at the Harbor View Hotel - A cozy hideaway and gastropub offering thoughtful food and creative drinks with views of the Edgartown lighthouse and Chappaquiddick. Under renovations and temporarily closed until Memorial Day, May 2019. 
Lucky Hank’s - Casual, intimate nook serving breakfast, lunch and dinner year round, as well as beer and housemade desserts.
The Wharf Pub - Classic pub food served for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Family friendly dining, full bar with televisions and live music and entertainment often.
Rockfish - Featuring wood-fired flatbreads and New American bites in a bi-level space with two full bars.
Edgartown Meat & Fish -
Square Rigger - Classic New England seafood restaurant serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, along with a full bar and popular takeout offerings.
Dock Street Coffee Shop - Martha’s Vineyard’s take on the quintessential American diner, limited seating at the counter only. Open 365 days a year for breakfast and lunch.
Espresso Love - Breakfast and lunch counter service in a cozy cafe.
Dippin Donuts Coffee shop with sandwiches and pastries.
China House - Traditional Chinese food in a casual setting with a full take out menu.
R & B’s eatery -  Inconspicuous diner style restaurant with a short order menu. Serving breakfast and lunch six days a week (closed Sundays).
Edgartown Pizza - A family style restaurant with a traditional pizza menu, open for lunch and dinner, serving beer and wine.
Edgartown Meat & Fish Market - Groceries and wine market plus made to order Starbucks coffee, sandwiches, and sushi with eat-in and take out options.
Wolf’s Den Pizzeria - Specialty, deep dish style pizza and oven toasted sandwiches served daily from 11am to 9pm. Locations in Edgartown and Vineyard Haven.
The Terrace at the Charlotte Inn - Elegant bistro serving up farm-to-table American fare with French and Italian accents. A fine dining restaurant with an elegant, old-world atmosphere.
Alchemy - Fine dining bar and bistro serving creative new American cuisine with French and Italian influence for dinner.
Rosewater Market & Take Away - Featuring locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients and artfully curated gifts and souvenirs. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and takeout.
Isola Pizza and take out with traditional Italian entrees offered in a more formal dining room.
The Newes from America - A pub with rich history and genuine Colonial character featuring American and British pub food including Bangers & Mash and Fish & Chips.
Soigne - French inspired market with made-to-order sandwiches and thoughtfully prepared sides. Also home to a gourmet market of fine wines, cheeses,  and gifts.

Oak Bluffs
Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company - Local fish house and raw bar famous for their clam chowder, serving lunch and dinner daily and ongoing specials throughout the year.
Sharky’s Cantina - Mexican food, drinks and fun for the whole family. Located in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Offering a full bar and televisions for watching the big games.
Bangkok Cuisine - Traditional Thai fare in a casual setting, with vegan friendly options and wine and beer.  
Slice of Life - Casual cafe and bakery serving New American fare in a cozy dining room or on its covered front porch. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch available.
Linda Jeans - A home-style American restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1976, and a favorite among locals.
Barn Bowl & Bistro - A full-service restaurant and bar offering an impressive menu plus games, TVs and a 10-lane bowling alley. Not your average bowling alley fare.
Offshore Ale Company - Popular gastro pub and tavern serving house-brewed seasonal and year-round beers, plus wood-fired pizzas, burgers and other casual pub grub.
Park Corner Food Bar - A cozy nook in Oak Bluffs with creative food and cocktails, and a popular brunch menu.
The Ritz - Known as the classic Martha’s Vineyard dive bar and music venue this space also serves an impressive Southern inspired dinner menu including brisket and shrimp and grits.
Pizza di Napoli -  A pizzeria serving stone fired Neapolitan pizzas loaded with fresh toppings and imported ingredients, located inside The Loft, a full service bar with game and entertainment.
Ocean View - Tavern style restaurant with an extensive menu, offering a dining room and full bar with televisions for big game watching.
Deon’s Kitchen at the VFW - New American fare with a Caribbean twist by Chef Deon Thomas. ​

*Updated Jan. 5, 2021. Planning a winter getaway in 2021? Be sure to read up on updated travel guidelines.

When most travelers think about visiting the island, they mostly consider a trip between April and October, but we are here to remind you of the gorgeous season that is winter on Martha’s Vineyard! Sure, it’s colder than those other months, but we're actually warmer than the rest of New England in the winter (and slightly cooler in the summer than the mainland!) The winter is the perfect time to settle into a cozy accommodation, explore our beautiful trails and outdoor attractions, and dine in or take out from some of our beloved year-round restaurants. Plus, the island underneath a soft, pillowy blanket of snow is a beautiful sight to see!
 
One of the best things about planning a winter getaway to MV is that you’ll get the island mostly all to yourself, along with the locals. The population reduces to about 17,000 islanders in the winter, versus the 250,000 guests we have in the summer, so the pace is much slower, much more relaxed. 

Here are the top five things to make planning a winter getaway to Martha’s Vineyard a must on your ravel bucket list: 

1. Book a cozy accommodation in or close to town, to make it easy to get around in the snow.  Some of our favorite inns include the Nobnocket and Mansion House in Vineyard Haven, and the Oak Bluffs Inn in (you guessed it!) Oak Bluffs.

​2. Look at what your inn or hotel has to offer, and see if you can take advantage of any of the offerings. Do they offer on-location dining, breakfast in bed, or safe, personalized experiences? Be sure to ask your host how they can help you make the most of your stay.

3. Discover the culinary scene by enjoying some of the Island's tastiest offerings in the winter from some of the best restaurants on island. Offshore Ale House, the Island's only brew pub, offers not only award winning beers, but an extensive menu currently available for curbside delivery, contactless customer pickup, and outdoor dining. If Mexican is what you're craving, Sharky's Cantina (with locations in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs) is the place to go, and currently offers take out and in-person dining. Also check out the Ocean View Restaurant and Town Bar MV for casual east as well as the Cardboard Box and The Sweet Life Cafe for more fancy fare. 

4. Plan some outdoor activities to get some fresh air and explore the island. Check out websites like Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, Felix Neck, or Polly Hill Arboretum for upcoming events, guided walks, and more. The island has some incredible walking trails that are explorable during the winter - just make sure to bundle up! Be sure to download the TrailsMV app to get a lay of the land and help you navigate the Island's extensive network of trails. 

​5. Visit our local farms and farmstands like The Grey Barn Farm and North Tabor Farm for fresh produce, locally raised meat and award winning cheeses. For some animal fun be sure to stop by the Alpaca Farm, which is open daily, year round from 10am to 4pm.  

For those looking for a relaxed vacation, and a quiet place to enjoy peace and tranquility, planning a visit to the island in the winter months is ideal. It’s also a great time for budget conscious travelers, as hotel rates are at their lowest, restaurants run winter specials all season long, and shops have endless sale racks. It’s a great way to get to know and explore the island, meet the locals, and embrace the island in all it’s snowy glory. ​

​For more year round visiting tips check out the following links:
What to Do on Martha’s Vineyard in the Off-Season by We Are Not Martha
Martha’s Vineyard, Off-Season by The New York Times
The Insider’s Guide to Martha’s Vineyard, The Off-Season Edition by Ball & Buck
Unexpected pleasures of Martha’s Vineyard in the winter by The Boston Globe

Where: Enchanted Chocolates 
What to Order: Almond Butter Crunch 
This is a crunchy, buttery, hard almond toffee cooked in small batches with 70% dark chocolate spooned over top. A light dusting of roasted almonds is sprinkled on top that and voila - magic! 

Where: Black Dog Bakery
What to Order:Triple Chocolate Mousse Majesty
A chocolate-lovers dream! Rich white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate mousse are nestled between layers of chocolate enveloped in lush whipped cream and draped in chocolate ganache. 


Where: Soigne 
What to Order: Ganache Brownies
You might get greedy and want to buy a dozen of these brownies, but let’s just say that starting with one is enough, as these are decadently rich brownies that you will eat for a few days, since a small sliver of it’s richness is just the right amount. 


Where: Garde East
What to Order: Hazelnut Mousse
Not only will the setting of Garde East make you feel like royalty, but if you’re looking for a chocolate dessert to impress, this Hazelnut Mousse with chocolate soil and Martha’s Vineyard Smoked Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream is just the dessert you need. The mousse is light as air, with a nutty flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the chocolate and ice cream. ​

Where: Sharky’s Cantina 
What to Order: Hot Fudge Brownie Skillet Sundae
On cold winter nights, this is the dessert you want. Grab a seat at the bar at Sharky’s and order the Hot Fudge Brownie Skillet Sundae and be prepared to warm up from head to toes. It’s baked to order, so it’s hot and delicious brownie topped with cold ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream. It’s so good you won’t want to share. But you should - because that’s what chocolate lovers do. ​

Where: Murdick’s Fudge
What to Order: Double Chocolate Fudge 
This is hands down the best chocolate treat on island to send to off-island friends, since it’s sturdy enough to mail but melt in your mouth delicious enough to treat your friends to it! The double chocolate-ness of this fudge is that it’s made with some of the best chocolate and once that’s doubled up, it’s cooked and cooled to perfection, achieving that perfectly sweet, perfectly balanced slice of fudge we all know and love. 


Where: Not Your Sugar Mamas
What to Order: Original Chocolate Chip Cookies 
If you’re looking to curb your sweet touch and not ruin your diet, these cookies are it! Made with high antioxidant rich raw cacao, coconut oil, low glycemic and all natural coconut palm sugar, gluten free oats, and a touch of trace mineral rich Himalayan Sea Salt, they are a cookie unlike any other. 


Where: Chilmark Chocolates
What to Order: Variety Box of Chocolates
In all honestly, anything you get from Chilmark Chocolates is going to be hands down incredible, because this island staple is the go-to of many visitors and locals alike. It’s the best hostess gift - everyone you bring a box of these chocolates will love you forever, so it’s a good idea to stock up on a few during the upcoming holiday season. 


Where: Rosewater Market & Takeaway 
What to Order: Cheesecake Brownies
Imagine the perfect brownie - not too fudgy, not too cakey. Then imagine it topped with a layer of light and airy cheesecake batter, swirled and baked to perfection. This is Rosewater’s Cheesecake Brownie and it’s best paired with any of their seasonal coffee like a Fall Spice Latte. 


Where: Sweet Bites
What to Order: Chocolate Prune Cake 
This one will sound a bit out there for most of us, but trust us, the combination of chocolate and prunes is one of the best combination in the culinary world. The sticky sweet prunes balance out the dark chocolate and pair very well with the light sponge cake it’s all layered in between. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed! ​

This weekend brings one of the most highly anticipated events of the fall season on Martha’s Vineyard, the Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival. Each year hundreds of wine and food enthusiasts descend on the Vineyard to enjoy the bounty of Island chefs and farms and celebrate the beauty and peacefulness of the fall season on-Island. If you’re up for taking a last minute trip to the Vineyard tickets to some festival events are still available, and many local hotel are already offering discounted rates this time of year. This year’s festival will be headquartered at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Katama, Edgartown, marking a new home for the festival at one of the Island’s grandest and liveliest locations. ​

Thursday, October 18, brings an action packed day of fun and festivities, beginning with Bubbles & Shellfish at L'etoile Restaurant in Edgartown, a tasting of elegant Moet & Chandon champagne paired with Vineyard shellfish. Martha’s Vineyard seafood is arguably the best around so you know this is going to be good! If you’re up for a physical challenge give yourself a couple of hours to digest and head to the Thrill of the Grill, where you’ll sip the best wines from Frederick Wildman and Sons and sample the Island's meatiest morsels grilled to perfection. Participating chefs include Justin Perdue of Lark Hotels; Italian Salumi Expert Marco Mocellin; Educator and Epicure Will Myska; Pit Master and Executive Chef at Ore Nell's BBQ; Ryan DePersio of Fascino; and Anthony Bucco of Felina. For the most ultimate and intimate wine and dining experiences check out the Joseph Carr wine dinner at the Dunes, a 4-course dinner, artfully prepared by Dunes Executive Chef Scott Ehrlich or the Ultimate Wash-A-Shore dinner at Beach Road restaurant featuring Ruby Wines expertly paired with Chef André Garza’s creations. ​

Friday brings another busy day of perfectly prepared pairings including one of the festival’s most popular signature event, Lobsterpalooza offers guests both classic Maine and Connecticut hot-buttered lobster rolls. As if delicious Martha’s Vineyard lobster rolls weren’t enough Amy Traverso, Yankee magazine senior food editor and co-host of public television’s Weekends with Yankee will preside over a lobster roll tasting and guests will be treated to wines provided by Kendall-Jackson. This event sold out quick but be sure to make a note for next year!