​It’s no secret that Martha’s Vineyard is home to a robust arts community. From visual arts to theater and dance, this island is home to residencies, galleries, exhibitions, and shows that flourish during the summer season. Nestled in Edgartown, just outside of the town center on Main Street, is Vineyard Arts Project, a performing arts residency that has been quietly bringing high-caliber theater and dance performances to Martha’s Vineyard at pay-what-you-can ticket prices for eleven years.

​Vineyard Arts Project offers weeklong residencies to select professional groups, curated by the organization’s Founder and Artistic Director, Ashley Melone. Choosing diverse and emerging talent, Ashley focuses on supporting young artists looking to step outside of the mold and experiment with powerful, groundbreaking styles and subject matter. In 2018 alone, the Ashley Bouder Project, founded by NYC Ballet Principal Ashley Bouder, NYC-based The Black Iris Project, and LA-based No)one. Art House took the opportunity presented by the removed and relaxed atmosphere on the Vineyard to focus on their creative endeavors. Bouder’s collaborative spotlights the often-overlooked talents of female dancers as choreographers and in leadership roles. The Black Iris Project, founded by choreographer Jeremy McQueen, concentrates on the stories and talents of people of color, pulling from social issues and personal histories to create moving works. No)one. Art House focuses on new approaches to movement, often inspired by unusual, pop-culture sources.

​Vineyard Arts Project also provides a secluded, safe space for the incubation of major plays and musicals. Michael Greif (Rent, Dear Evan Hansen) was invited to the residency earlier this summer with the actors and creative team for a new musical titled “Far From The Tree,” based on Andrew Solomon’s award-winning book of the same name. They presented a reading with live music to a packed house, affording a venue for many who may otherwise be unable to see the final show in NYC. At the end of August, Vineyard Arts Project will welcome back The Public Theater for their fifth residency to workshop another new musical, “Poster Boy.” The Public Theater and Cirio Collective, a dance company founded by siblings Jeff Cirio (American Ballet Principal) and Lia Cirio (Boston Ballet Principal), are two groups that return to Vineyard Arts Project time and again to partake in the familial atmosphere and relaxed but inspiring setting that Martha’s Vineyard provides.

​Beyond artist residencies, Vineyard Arts Project also offers the space to performing arts educators and non-profits. Musical Theatre Lab, Rosie’s Theater Kids, and Jones Haywood Dance have also returned to the Vineyard for the past several summers to teach upcoming generations technique, perseverance, and professional skills. Using the studio space, fully equipped homes, and supportive community, they live at Vineyard Arts Project for a week and present their own performances at the conclusion of their stay.

​Vineyard Arts Project also focuses on wellness and offers yoga classes every summer. Led by Johanna Hynes, these mindful, Vinyasa flows are offered every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday throughout the summer from 8:00-9:15am. They are $20 at the door and mats are available for use at the studio.

If you haven’t had a chance to see the exceptional and joyful presentations at Vineyard Arts Project (215 Upper Main Street) or if you’re a regular intent on seeing all they have to offer this summer, there are two remaining performances of 2018: 
 
The Public Theater
Saturday, August 25, 2018
7:00 – 8:00 pm
215 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
Reserve tickets in advance at TicketsMV.com/VineyardArts or
Pay-what-you-can at the door 
 
The Black Iris Project
Saturday, September 1, 2018
7:00 – 8:00 pm
215 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
Reserve tickets in advance at TicketsMV.com/VineyardArts or
Pay-what-you-can at the door

This is a guest blog post by Sarah Simpson, Operations Coordinator, Vineyard Arts Project

For  more information about Vineyard Arts Project, and to see everything they offer, visit their website by clicking here. 

​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!

​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.

​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 Doughnuts, 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. ​

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.

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:

• Henry’s at the Harbor View Hotel: order the Sweet Potato and Chorizo Burrito
• Dock Street Coffee Shop: get what the locals order - the Port Mac, which is an egg sandwich with Portuguese sausage instead of bacon
• Lucky Hank’s: a favorite is their fish cakes with eggs and the best home fries in town
• Morning Glory Farm: if you’re craving just a coffee and a house-made baked good, this is the spot
• Among the Flowers Cafe: pancake and waffle heaven, make sure to sit outside and watch the town wake up

​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! 

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.
 

• If you’re looking for locally made jewelry, Stefanie Wolf Designs is a woman-owned shop where Stefanie herself creates all the jewelry. She even hosts fun jewelry making class, so make sure to check her out!
• Find the perfect summer beach read at Edgartown Books, a locally owned bookshop that also houses a delicious coffee shop in the back - books and coffee, what more could you need!
• The classic Black Dog General Stores are also found on Main Street and are such a fun souvenir for those wanting to remember their Vineyard travels! 

​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:

• Atlantic Fish and Chop House - may we recommend the best lobster macaroni and cheese on island? Right on Edgartown Harbor, The Atlantic is a fun and happening restaurant with fresh seafood, steaks, and more.
• The Wharf Pub - keep it casual with a cup of clam chowder, a stuffed quahog, and a local beer or two.
• Detenté - the spot for a special dinner to commemorate an anniversary or birthday - locally owned by a husband/wife team, this restaurant is a favorite of locals but tucked in Nevin Square, so still a hidden gem 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!
 

• Waterside Market, a popular hangout that even got some prime time on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, serves up some Blueberry Flapjacks that when drizzled with maple syrup make us smile instantly
• Black Dog Tavern, a classic spot in Vineyard Haven, serves up everything from scrambles, burritos, waffles, pancakes, eggs benedict over fishcakes, and so much more - this is the perfect breakfast spot if you’re visiting with a larger family or want a water view
• Little House Cafe, with big flavor! Amazing coffee and a breakfast wrap of 2 scrambled eggs with chevre, arugula, pickled red onion and harissa aioli in a warm pita is amazing! 

​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:

• Behind the Bookstore at Magnetic North - sip on a Lavender Latte
• Sweet Bites - order a Nobl Cold Brew Coffee
• Nat’s Nook – iced anything with their house-made coffee ice cubes, and a lovely outside seating area
• Not Your Sugar Mamas - drink up a healthy Matcha Latte
• Mocha Motts - discover what Yerba Mate is all about
• Scottish Bakehouse - perfect for that classic cup of brewed hot 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

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:

• Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with Summer Mushroom Cream Sauce
• Grilled Filet Mignon with Burgundy Foie Gras Butter or Farm Herb & Truffle Butter
• Striped Bass with Peruvian Chimichurri

​Gavin Smith of Food Minded Fellow

"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:

• Kale Salad, morning glory farm kale, asparagus, feta, bacon
• Braised Lamb Shank, braised lamb shank, farro, microgreens
• Sea Scallop, rhubarb beurre blanc, morning glory farm pea tendrils

​Jan Buhrman of Kitchen Porch Catering

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:

• Allen Farm Lamb Kebabs with Fresh Figs and Onions
• Wild Grain and Couscous with Charmoula
• Heirloom Tomatoes with house-made Feta and Oregano Dressing
• House-made Toasted Pita Breads

​Chef Peter Lodi of 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:

• Homemade pasta with local clams
• Oysters Rockefeller
• Conch Fritters
• Mexican street corn
• Locally Smoked Bluefish Pâté topped with dill frond and crispy capers
• Pan-seared steak with rosemary and garlic compound butter

​​Spring Sheldon of Sea and Spoon Kitchen

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:

• ​Seared black bass, salsa verde
• Mustard marinated flank steak, green onion relish
• Blistered shishito peppers, MV sea salt
• Shallot seared corn, lime, cilantro
• Peaches and Burrata, pistachio

Catherine Walthers of Catherine Walthers

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:

• Martha’s Vineyard Bay Scallops with basil sauce
• Mashed Butternut Squash
• Roasted Beet Salad
• Fresh Spring Rolls with dipping sauce
• Chicken Stir fry with broccoli, carrots, napa cabbage, and red pepper (Spicy ginger sauce)
• Black Rice Cakes

​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.
 

• Tony’s Market for subs and snack packs that are varied (some are cheese/charcuterie, others are vegetable based)
• Not Your Sugar Mamas for the plant-based crew
• Black Sheep for housemade cold salads and hot sandwiches
• Edgartown Meat and Fish for marinated scallops — if you’re bringing a small grill — to throw on the fire
• Soigne for chicken salad sandwiches, salads, brownies, and the best buttercream cupcakes
• 7A Foods for the Liz Lemon Sandwich
• Waterside Market for lobster rolls and potato chips
• Sea Smoke Barbecue for the meat lovers, a rack of ribs and a few sides
• John’s Fish Market for their bluefish pate and crackers
• Morning Glory Farm for kombucha on tap and a variety of New England cheeses
• Cliffhangers for lobster rolls and fish tacos

 
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!
 

​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. 

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! 

​In Edgartown
Right Fork Diner
Watch the biplanes depart and land on the Katama Airfield as you enjoy one of their lobster rolls - they serve them both hot or cold, so you have your pick and their herb aioli on both add great flavor.
 
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.
 
Henry’s at the Harbor View Hotel
Inside the majestic Harbor View Hotel, Henry’s Bar is the happening spot for after work drinks, dinner, and dessert. But try their lobster roll and you’ll fall in love with lobster all over again. Served with a sprinkling of fried capers, this cold lobster roll stands regally overlooking Edgartown Lighthouse. 

​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
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! 

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! 

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! 

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! ​

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!