 Photo: Max Bossman Martha’s Vineyard, the island where you can find entertainment from sunrise to sunset, and beyond! Today, we’re talking about those late night spots - the places where you can find a good drink, a good bite, a good dance floor, and more! Island nightlife, during the summer and fall season, can be described as fun, enticing, and overall varied with dozen of events happening on weekend nights. Everything from karaoke to late night parties, the island has a little bit of everything you’d find in your usual big city. Top Dance Spots on Island If dancing is your game, you’re in luck because there’s a few hot spots where you can dance the night away. The Port Hunter in Edgartown, the Cardboard Box in Oak Bluffs, along with The Loft and The Ritz, all have fantastic lineups every season, from bands to DJs that will have you spinning and shaking all night long.  Photo: Dirty Banana, Nancy's Restaurant Top Bars with Best Drinks
If you’re always on the eternal search for the most perfect late night cocktail, we know just where to go. Try the Atlantic Spritz (Kettle One Peach & Orange Blossom, Aperol, Prosecco) at the Atlantic, the Roxana (Tito’s Vodka and a homemade pineapple-ginger soda) at Roxana Bar at the Harbor View Hotel, or the Cucumber Cleanse (Square One vodka, lemon, simple syrup, cucumber, and mint). And don't miss out on the Dirty Banana at Nancy's in Oak Bluffs — an infamous drink! Any and all those will get you well on your way to a delicious and fun night, but {in our best mom voice} remember to drink only if you’re of legal drinking age (which is 21 on Martha's Vineyard, drink in moderation, and never drink and drive. Best Live Music If music is your jam, we’ve got some incredible locations in both Edgartown and Oak Bluffs to listen to some live music. The great thing about live music on this island is that we are blessed with a wide-range of local artists that play the venues and are so talented. To add to that local stage, we also get some incredible national touring bands that make the island a stop between shows. Because the venues aren’t huge, you can see some of the best indie bands up close and personal! Last but certainly not least, if you’re wondering where single people meet and mingle on island, below is our top list - unique to the island of course!
Thanks to a few friends who we enlisted for this article, as we are more of a “in bed by 9pm” kind of people! Spring has finally arrived on the Vineyard and the days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and visitors all over are booking their last minute summer rental homes on Martha’s Vineyard. With so many incredible real estate companies on this island, we wanted to find some of the best summer rentals with the most incredible kitchens. Did you know that an amazing kitchen is the #1 requisite for travelers when searching for a summer rental? The kitchen is the heart of the home, where friends and family come together after a long day at the beach and cook up some delicious, locally sourced meals together. Below you’ll find three outstanding summer rentals on Martha’s Vineyard with the most impressive kitchens time to get booking and cooking!  Photo: Mill Hill Farm by Point B Realty Point B Realty https://www.pointbrealty.com/booking/modern-farmhouse-with-pool-and-carriage-house/136258 Designed by noted architectural firm Hutker Architects, this modern interpretation of a classic farmhouse with pool and Carriage House, is sleekly set on three acres in a quiet Katama neighborhood. The Main House features an open Great Room with Living, Dining, and Kitchen Areas. The stunning room features 16-foot vaulted ceilings with vintage beams and trusses, plus a fieldstone fireplace, and large windows with views over the surrounding meadows. The state-of-the-art Chefs Kitchen features limestone counters, prep island/breakfast bar with quartz and oak counters, and commercial stainless appliances. The monochromatic grey and white color scheme from the Great Room is carried throughout the compound. This stunning modern farmhouse gourmet kitchen features plenty of seating, 16-foot vaulted ceilings, and large windows with views over the surrounding meadows. Contact: https://www.pointbrealty.com/contact  Photo: Sandpiper Rentals Sandpiper Rental https://www.sandpiperrental.com/booking/vineyardhaven-909/41067 This home offers a bright, open kitchen that any chef would be happy in. The large open floor plan that makes entertaining a breeze and the pass thru window from the kitchen to the living room adds to the ease of use along with the screened in porch overlooking the pool area offers as an alternative to the indoor dining room. Contact: inquiry@sandpiperrental.com  Photo: We Need A Vacation We Need a Vacation
https://www.weneedavacation.com/Marthas-Vineyard/Vineyard-Haven-Vacation-Rental-27679 The sun filled open kitchen features a large butcher block island for food preparation and gathering. Top of line appliances include a built-in microwave, two ovens, and a five burner gas cooktop. The chef’s kitchen has all the extra touches that make cooking enjoyable - a pot filler for water that is conveniently located on the island and small appliances tucked away in a slide out cabinet for use when you need them. The new kitchen has an eat in table for the casual family dinners, a comfortable desk area for catching up on work and features pendant lights, recessed lights, undercounter lights, and uplighting above the cabinets. Fully stocked with all new dinnerware for indoor and outdoor dining – this kitchen has everything you need for an enjoyable family vacation.  Photo: Nicole Friedler Bettini at the Harbor View Hotel Bettini’s fresh take on Vineyard style sets the stage for chef-inspired menus that showcase the season’s freshest offerings from local farms, fishing boats, foragers and markets. Expansive windows reveal a magnificent coastal view that reinforces the kitchen’s relationship with the local landscape, creating a seamless island-to-table dining experience. Just-caught seafood stars in a classic bouillabaisse. Prime cuts of beef gain a perfect sear from the kitchen’s lava stone grill. Breakfasts range from healthy cold-pressed juices and an açai bowl to an indulgent lobster Benedict. And the best of the island’s produce shines throughout Chef Patrice’s inspired menus. Bettini is open for breakfast and dinner daily and Sunday brunch. Open now! Currently serving breakfast. Dinner service begins May 23rd.  Photo: Bettini Restaurant Roxana Bar at the Harbor View Hotel Creative international tapas and perfectly crafted cocktails fuel a lively night scene at Roxana Bar. From Martha’s Vineyard lobster fried rice to citrus-cured hamachi with marinated cucumber, Chef Patrice’s tapas draw inspiration from Asia, the Americas and the Mediterranean. Cocktails are served in beautifully designed drinkware hand-picked to intrigue and delight. At lunchtime, tapas share the menu with fresh soups, salads and a Martha’s Vineyard lobster roll, along with classic grilled fare, a salmon bowl and Asian bento box. Guests can settle into cozy banquettes for private conversation or take a seat at the horseshoe bar. Roxana Bar is open for lunch and dinner daily. Open now! Open for Lunch and Dinner.  Photo: Town MV Bar & Grill Town MV Bar & Grill The chef at Town Bar & Grill has created a comforting grill-style menu with creative dishes and spins on classics including everything from pasta and seafood to steaks and bar bites. Live entertainment and DJs will keep the party going in the bar, and we’ll be sure to keep the great late-night food coming and the beers flowing. Town was conceived by an island dweller who lives and breathes Martha’s Vineyard. This will be a place where you will want to hang out with your friends and family. We’re the new neighbor who’s always been here, and we can’t wait to have you over to make memories and have some fun. Open now! MV Salads At MV Salads, they hold kindness as a guiding principle. Kindness to our Island and planet, kindness to their team and community, and of course, kindness to their guests. Here, you will find heart-healthy, made to order salads featuring the freshest island-grown produce and locally caught seafood. Try Susanna’s signature “MV The Dressing”, which is also available by the bottle. House crafted tea infusions and fruit coolers refresh while reducing the carbon footprint that canned and bottled options would bring.They will also have an apparel line, created with an eye on comfort and style. A curated selection of salad and island related retail items lets you bring the flavor of kindness home, whether that’s on or off Martha’s Vineyard. Opening soon! Life at Humphrey's What happens when two extremely popular island businesses join forces? Life at Humphrey’s, that’s what. Slice of Life, previously on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, has partnered with Humphrey’s, the ever so popular sandwich shop and bakery in Vineyard Haven and together they have become a destination that is currently selling out nightly. The two family-businesses have merged their menus, to offer a variety of their most requested items. Open till 3pm but with extended hours coming soon, as well as a sprinkling of popups for dinner, this will sure be a summer hit. Open now! Taco MV (Dos) The family that brought you the delicious tacos in Edgartown (previously known as Backyard Taco) have settled into the space that used to house the former Slice of Life in Oak Bluffs. Together, brothers Evan and Zared, along with their father Raphael, have decided to expand the taco emporium to Circuit Avenue. The decor gives you a West Coast vibe, bright and colorful; the larger bar and seating will probably make this the spot to be in town. Their handmade tortillas are a staple in the new location, along with some new items like fried avocado, crispy yucca fries, and more! Opening soon!  Photo: Golden Bull Golden Bull Brazilian Steakhouse
For the first time ever, the island has an authentic Brazilian Steakhouse and it’s located conveniently at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven. Martha’s Vineyard is home to thousands of Brazilian natives and as a large part of the community, it’s delicious to see the authentic eats of this South American country in our small New England island. Lunch and dinner will be served at this “rodizio” (the Brazilian word for steakhouse), and you’ll be able to dine from a variety of cuts of beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, all cooked over natural wood. The gauchos present the meat and carve them at your table, and unlimited visits to the salad bar make this not just a restaurant but an experience! Open now! Noman’s (former Lola’s) Nomans, named for the island 3 miles southwest of MV, is coming to the old Lola’s restaurant at 15 Island Inn Road, Oak Bluffs. Nomans is gearing up to be a casual and fun restaurant concept offering counter service and open seating. With a full bar and live music daily, guests can enjoy a big yard, lawn games and lively tunes. There will be a large selection of prepared foods, dry goods and beach day necessities alike. Hours of operation 8am- 9pm. Opening June 2019! Woods at Lambert’s Cove Inn The new restaurant, Woods at Lambert’s Cove Inn, embraces its setting both right out its windows in this pastoral corner “up island” and alongside the sweeping farms of Martha’s Vineyard. You’ll find a devotion to sourcing ingredients from local farms and fishermen, from Grey Barn cheese to Menemsha lobster, to create inventive American small plates in our dining room and bistro. The restaurant will be a perfect night-out spot for couples and groups alike and features delicious dishes thoughtfully prepared with sustainably sourced on-island ingredients by critically acclaimed Island chef Jimmy Alvarado. Dinner begins at 5pm. Summer: Open seven days a week. Spring, Fall & Winter: Open five days a week. Opening soon! The Oyster Bar 02557 The Oyster Bar 02557 will be a New England Seafood driven restaurant. Along with our 500 square feet farm here off of North Road, The Oyster Bar 02557 will be a mainstay for Dock to table and farm to table here in Oak Bluffs. Oysters will be sourced locally and regionally, they will change daily. Entrees from $24 and we will be doing an early bird Oyster and Bubbles on the porch overlooking Circuit Avenue. Food at its best is memorable! Opening May 24th! Relaunching: Sea Smoke Martha’s Vineyard’s only BBQ spot, Sea Smoke Barbecue, is relaunching in 2019 with a brand new menu and full service dining. Sea Smoke now joins the EatMV.com group of Island restaurants and has added a Texas Pitmaster to their staff. Slow and low smoked bbq standards star on their new menu featuring salads, appetizers, Burgers, Mac n Cheese skillets, desserts and more! Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Re-opening soon!  Mikado Asian Bistro | Photo: Marnely Murray Attention all foodies, the Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week is here for 2019 and we can’t wait for you to taste what’s cooking! Restaurants all over the island are participating in showcasing their best dishes and their most delicious menu items, to entice guests such as yourself to dine out and try something new! This year’s restaurant week takes place June 2nd through 6th and we can’t wait to dine with you.  Roxana Bar | Photo: Marnely Murray What’s not new is the concept of Restaurant Week itself! The first Restaurant Week began in 1992, when it was thought up by Tim Zagat and Joe Baum and began in NYC as a lunch-only promotional event. It almost instantly became a nationwide phenomenon. Nowadays, restaurant weeks can be found all over the world, luring diners in with their delicious menus.  Town MV Bar & Grill | Photo: Marnely Murray "Our culinary team is excited to be participating in restaurant week, as it allows us to create a menu highlighting some of our signature dishes with seasonal creations at a special price point exclusively for Restaurant Week patrons. It's a great opportunity for Vineyard residents and visitors to try many different dining establishments on the island for one week, without breaking the bank, and trying some new establishments that they may have not tried out prior." - Garde East  Garde East | Photo: Marnely Murray To bring it closer to home, we have worked together with local restaurants to bring you the 2019 Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week, with almost over two dozen restaurants throughout Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and West Tisbury. Below is the full list of restaurants. For full details, menus, and more - check out our 2019 Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week site. 19 Raw Oyster Bar Bettini Restaurant The Cardboard Box Chef Deon’s Copper Wok Detente Edgartown Diner Garde East L’etoile La Soffitta Lucky Hank’s Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company Mikado Oyster Bar Red Cat Kitchen The Ritz Roxana Bar Sweet Life Cafe Town MV Bar & Grill Waterside Market Woods at Lambert’s Cove Inn   Photo: Cassie Castellaw Getting married on the Vineyard is a dream come true for most brides and grooms, whether they were born and raised here, or just visited during the summers growing up, the island holds a special place in a couple’s heart. Maybe it’s where they met for the first time or it’s the place they took their first trip to. So when putting together vendors for their island weddings, one thing we get asked about constantly is - “who are the most delicious wedding caterers on Martha’s Vineyard?”, so we thought to put together a list of five of our favorite caterers on island, each with their own style that ideally will match the couple’s style during their wedding.  Photo: Joe Mikos Annie Foley Catering creates that special day you dreamed about. Big occasions to intimate parties. Classic New England dinners to worldly cuisine. “We cater to you, creating the perfect time for you and your guests”. Based on Martha"s Vineyard for over 20 years, Annie Foley Catering has a great crew, vendors and suppliers. They use the freshest and finest produce, seafood and meats, and also try to use locally produced products wherever possible.From small to large weddings and cocktail parties, fundraisers, clambakes, dinner parties, family and corporate gatherings, Annie Foley Catering covers all types of events. Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free requests available. Sample items below: Raw Bar with Fresh Local Littlenecks, Oysters, and Shrimp with Assorted Sauces Seared Tuna with Pickled Ginger Creme Fraiche on Crunchy Wontons Chicken Tikka Masala on Tiny Pappadoms  Photo: Love and Wolves Buckley's Gourmet Catering is a professional, full-service catering company that takes pride in the quality of their food and in the integrity and efficiency of their service. Fresh ingredients and artistic presentation are of utmost importance to them. Buckley's Catering events are organized, well executed and always delicious! Buckley's Catering offers a wide variety of stationary and passed hors d'oeuvres for your cocktail reception and also provide a bartending service that is professional and knowledgeable. They have a raw bar boat - and if you like shellfish, it's hard to beat the fresh taste of Katama Bay oysters and clams. Sample items below: Seared Tuna with Avocado Salsa on a Blue Corn Tortilla Little Neck Clams on the Half Shell Tartlets of Lobster Salad  Photo: Joe Mikos Tea Lane Caterers one of a kind menus are prepared using only the freshest local ingredients. In addition to providing you with excellent culinary delights they are available to help coordinate all aspects of your event. Tea Lane Caterers, Inc.™ works with the best in the event planning industry from the venue and flowers to tablescapes and music, Tea Lane Caterers, Inc.™ will work to provide you and your guests with a truly unforgettable experience. Sample items:
Petit Lobster Tacos, chunks of lobster & avocado nestled in our petit taco shells, creme fraiche & cilantro Oysters Rockefeller, Vineyard oysters, spinach, cream & a hint of Pernod French Onion Tarts, petit, flaky cream cheese tarts,caramelized onions, sherry & Gruyere V. Jaime Hamlin Catering & Party Design, who for 39 years, we've been a premier catering company on the Island, creating elegant country weddings, beachy rehearsal dinner clambakes, and sophisticated parties of all sizes. Their client list includes happy couples, cultural luminaries, celebrities, and even a few United States Presidents! Their award-winning team cares for your guests as if they were their own, lavishing them with delicious and beautifully-presented cuisine, and providing top-notch, concierge-level service. Sample items: Warm Lobster Sliders on Buttery Buns with Lemon Aioli Herbed Zucchini & Feta Fritters with Tzatziki Sauce Watermelon Gazpacho Shooters with Mint & Cucumber For a list of all Caterers, visit our Caterers page.  Kick off spring on Martha's Vineyard in the iconic New England town of Edgartown during the annual celebration of the season and Mother’s Day. This will be the 8th consecutive year that the town of Edgartown has presented this event and every year it just gets better. Because it takes place on the same weekend as Mother’s Day, visitors and locals alike take advantage of the dedicated schedule to shower mom with as many joys as possible. The entire town of Edgartown and its business members are decorated in all things pink and green, and you just feel the bright, fun energy this weekend brings. It’s also quite like the “beginning” of spring, since the weather has (typically) warmed up and New Englanders are rejoicing! Below, a few samples of events that will take place during Pink & Green Weekend:  Pink & Green Dog Show If you have a four legged friend, this is the weekend to dress them up in pink & green and have them earn their keep at the Pink & Green Dog Show and Parade. Dog owners from all over the island - and off island - are part of this dog show that showcases the best in class! Dogs are dressed to the nines during the event, and are awarded prizes such as best dressed.  “Mother Earth” at Donaroma’s Nursery The true originators of Edgartown’s Pink & Green, the Donaroma family has been a trailblazer for all things pink and green, as they were the creator of the weekend, eight years ago, as a way to bring in a breath of fresh air into spring and the island. This year’s theme for their nursery exhibition will be Mother Earth and we can't wait to see it in all its glory!  Pink & Green 5k An event that brings the mothers and daughters, sisters and best friends, aunts and nieces together for a race that’s not only fun but also gorgeous as it takes you all over Edgartown and Katama.  Mother’s Day Brunches There is nothing mothers love more than a brunch she doesn't have to cook herself, so make sure to check out all the Mother’s Day Brunches that will be happening in Edgartown. One of the best brunches in Edgartown will be happening at the newly renovated restaurant Bettini at the Harbor View Hotel and they are already accepting reservations for Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12th. Click Here To View Menu and call 508-627-3761 for reservations.  “Edgartown’s Pink & Green Weekend is a celebration of not only spring”, says Marnely Murray, social media manager for Visit Edgartown, “ but the important women in our lives: mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters. We celebrate them all during this joyful spring-infused weekend of events all throughout the town, from restaurants serving special brunches and gifting flowers to mothers, to shop having special sales all weekend long.” Be sure to share your weekend fun with us @VisitEdgartown or by using #EDGPinkAndGreen - see you in town!   Photo: Peter Simon If you’re looking to relax on Martha’s Vineyard, walk the beaches, read your book, and take some yoga classes while here, we have done the research for you! No matter what type of yoga you enjoy at home, the island has a vast array of classes and there is something for everyone, scattered throughout the island in locally owned studios. You’ll connect with local yoga teachers that work on the island both seasonally and year around, like Stacey Forend at Eclipse Studio. She tells us, “Yoga came to me when I was ready to explore my inner workings, a time when I forgot who I am and why I am here. A time I was in dis-ease. I found and I’m still discovering so much of my Self in Yoga. They say when the student is ready, the teacher appears. You never stop being a student, even when you’re teaching.”
Location: The Yoga Barn in West Tisbury About: An exquisitely restored New England barn located in a beautiful pondside meadow, the Yoga Barn is a transformational space for yoga and bodywork. The light-filled studio will inspire you to deepen your practice under the expert instruction of our teaching staff. Two comfortably appointed bodywork rooms offer the best in massage therapies and traditional Chinese medicine to enhance your well-being. Types of Classes: Anusara, Breathwork (Path to Liberation), Kid’s Aerial Yoga, Kripalu, Medication (Cosmic Consciousness), Restorative, Slow Flow & Yin, Vinyasa, Wild Things (upbeat version of Anusara), Yin, and Yoga Essentials. Location: Yoga on the Vine in Edgartown About: This boutique yoga studio offers a variety of yoga classes for every body. They believe yoga is for everyone. Yoga on the Vine is a collective of skilled and knowledgeable teachers from a variety of traditions. With decades of combined experience they seek to provide the most supportive, uplifting and welcoming environment for your yoga practice. Types of Classes: Vinyasa, Yin, Heated Vinyasa, and 26 x 2. Prenatal and postnatal private sessions are also available. Location: Eclipse Studio in Vineyard Haven About: Eclipse Studio is a 684 square foot studio space, with a petite lobby area, private bathroom, and landscaped outdoor space (seasonally available). Ample parking, walking distance to the Vineyard Haven ferry, with private event and class staffing and support. They are a community space across disciplines: art, education, fitness, holistic health and more. Types of Classes: Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, Men’s Beginner Yoga, Buti Yoga, Graceful Somatic Technique, Energy Balancing Yoga, Location: Hot Yoga MV in Edgartown About: At Hot Yoga MV, Kristin (owner) and her dedicated staff educate students on the roots of the Vinyasa culture, the history of yoga as a whole, and the therapeutic aspect of yoga by following the Paramahansa Yogananda lineage. Types of Classes: Hot Vinyasa Location: Peaked Hill Studio in Vineyard Haven About: This is the only place on island where you can study and learn KAIUT Yoga® Types of Classes: KAIUT Yoga® Location: Spirit Moves You in Oak Bluffs About: Types of Classes: Movement Therapy, Yoga Instruction, Shaman Healing Location: Bodhi Path in Vineyard Haven About: Shamar Rinpoche founded the Martha's Vineyard Bodhi Path Buddhist Center in 1999. The present location in West Tisbury is a few miles from the beach, in a quiet, wooded area. Our meditation hall provides a comfortable and beautiful space for group and individual Dharma activity. Our weekly schedule offers three meditation sessions. When our resident teacher Lama Yeshe is present she offers guided meditation instruction, Dharma teachings and one-day retreats. We also host other Bodhi Path Dharma teachers and Rinpoches throughout the year. Types of Classes: Meditations and teachings  Memorial Day this year is on Monday, May 27th and is referred to as the “beginning of the season” for most island brands and businesses. Everyone on island is excited to welcome guests for the new season and has fresh, new energy and below we are sharing some of the best things to do on Martha’s Vineyard for Memorial Day Weekend 2019. Honor fallen Veterans by attending any of the town Memorial Day Parades and if you have younger kids, join the March to the Sea the island kids do from their respective schools and they drop fresh flowers into the sea in remembrance.  Photo of Catboat Charters, taken by Crispin Haskins Sailing Charters Hop on the first sails of the 2019 season, with your choice of a variety of charters you can't go wrong getting on the water this Memorial Day Weekend. One of our favorite sails, Catboat Charters, is a restored, antique traditional Cape Cod catboat. All boat & sailing charter options can be seen here.  Martha's Vineyard Museum Martha’s Vineyard Museum Discover the new museum location and space in Vineyard Haven. The Martha's Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connections to this Island and its diverse heritage - that is there mission and one you’ll get to live once you discover the new space. It’s a family friendly museum with great activities for younger kids as well as a Museum Cafe - perfect for a few hours of fun! The Carnegie If you haven’t been to Edgartown in a few years, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the space that previously housed the Edgartown Library is now called The Carnegie. The renovated and restored landmark includes reading rooms, a visitor center, gift shop, and the permanent exhibition, Living Landmarks, which illustrates the historical development of Martha’s Vineyard through the lens of the landmarks in Vineyard Trust’s care. You can also explore Vineyard history with an Architectural Walking Tour of Edgartown!  Flying Horses Carousel Become a kid again & grab that brass ring! The Flying Horses is America’s Oldest Carousel and fully functioning in Oak Bluffs, it lets both adults and kids become young again by going on a ride. Fun for the entire family, the space also houses arcade games for the young ones. Environmental Film Festival Nature as Inspiration is the theme of the festival this year, and for four days, the MV Film Society combines environmental films, discussions, and an art exhibit by MVRHS students that will adorn the walls of the Feldman Family Art Space in the Film Center. A Q&A follows each film with experts, community members, and special guests.  Lighthouse Tour Explore the Cape Pogue Lighthouse and the “magnificent barrier beach with its sandy shoreline, expansive salt marsh, beautiful salt pond, and unique colony of hardy red cedars" on the shores of Chappaquiddick, a small island in Edgartown. Or visit the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse, the famous Gay Head Light in Aquinnah, or the East Chop Lighthouse House in Oak Bluffs. Want more info on the Island's lighthouses? Click here.  Vineyard Artisans Festival, photo taken by LA Brown Vineyard Artisans Spring The Opening Weekend Show takes place Memorial Day weekend and is the best time to shop local and support island artists and artisans. The show is a collection of a variety of crafts, arts, and methods, so be on the lookout for new and exciting art from your favorite Vineyard artists. Takes place 10:00am to 4:00pm each day at the Historic Grange Hall in West Tisbury, with free admission and parking, along with local food available for purchase and a playground for kids.  Oak Bluffs 5K Road Race
26th Annual Oak Bluffs Memorial Road Race, on a beautiful USATF certified 5K course around Oak Bluffs harbor and East Chop Lighthouse. Timed 1-mile kids' fun run. Online registration $25, in-person registration $30, open Saturday, 3-5 PM and day of race from 8-9:30 AM. All proceeds to benefit Hospice of Martha's Vineyard. This is the perfect run for families that love working out together! When you’re on vacation, a sweet treat or dessert is a daily occurance and why not? Calories don’t count when you’re on Martha’s Vineyard and that’s why we asked locals what their favorite bakeries and treats were! This list has been rounded up and below are the top spots on island where you can get a delicious cookie, cake, freshly baked bread, and so much more. From classic New England favorites like chocolate chip cookies to traditional Brazilian desserts such as brigadeiros, we think this is the sweetest blog we’ve ever written.  7a Foods has a cult following for their sandwiches, but it’s a well known fact that they also have fans that rave about their breakfast sandwich made on house made jalapeno cheddar biscuit. Starting off savory, but make sure to pick up a few of their amazing peanut butter cookies as well as their compost cookies. Scottish Bakehouse is one for the books, because if you’re craving something sweet, they will most likely have something for everyone. Whether you’re vegan or gluten free, paleo or dairy free, the Bakehouse really strives to make everyone happy. Enjoy their flourless chocolate cakes or goodness bars any time of day.  Black Dog Bakery is known for their amazing cakes and cookies, along with the pies, dog treats, and donuts they bake up fresh every day. Whether you need a dozen ginger cookies or a large Blackout Cake for a birthday, this is the place to go.  Life at Humphrey’s is a new concept that combines Slice of Life and Humphrey’s. The businesses have joined forces to bring a new offering to the island, but the great thing is you can still get those amazing Butter Crunch Cookies!  Espresso Love is the place to head on over to if you need both a sweet treat and a coffee drink. Pair your flat white with one of the slices of carrot cake, or order a few of their classic blueberry muffins for breakfast the next morning. Vineyard Grocer is your go to not only health food store but if you need a specialty cake, they offer them! You do have to pre-order the cakes, but they make all kinds of flavors and variations for birthdays and events. Not Your Sugar Mamas is your go to plant-based shop on island. They make the sweetest and most delicious cookies, banana bread, truffles, and more - all made without refined sugar! They also focus on vegan goods as well as a more holistic approach. Try their new juices as well!  Sweet Bites is your one stop shop for a variety of cookies, cakes, and savory pastries, but they are best known for their brigadeiros. Brigadeiros are a type of Brazilian truffle that is made in a variety of flavors. Rosewater Market is in the heart of Edgartown and offers breakfast and lunch options throughout the day, along with a vast display of baked goods. What to order? Everything from their vegan snickerdoodles to their cheesecake brownies, angel food cake slices, coffee cake and so much more. Orange Peel Bakery is when you take a ride up island and drive into this magnificent bakery and rejoice in the freshly made goods by Juli Vanderhoop. During the summer they also have a make your own pizza night where guests can bring toppings and create pies in a community setting. MV Gourmet Cafe & Bakery, also known for their famous Back Door Donuts, is a spot for when you really need a donut or a dozen. You can get donuts at the front bakery anytime, but if you want them still warm from the frier, you’re going to have to wait in line after 7pm during the season!  Happy sweeting!
 Photo: Nicole Freidler Spring is a time of rebirth, not only for sleepy plants and gorgeous blooms, but a rebirth for the thousands of graduates concluding their studies all over New England and the rest of the United States. Graduation is a time of rejoice and relief, for both alumnus and parents alike, and what better gift then the gift of a trip to Martha’s Vineyard to relax with your graduate. We’ve put together a three graduate trip suggestions, each depending on the type of graduating college senior personality!  Photo: Peter Simon The One That Has No Idea What They are Doing After Graduation Even after four years of college, it’s a tough and serious decision to figure out what you want to do in life and if you or your graduate have no idea, it’s OKAY. A trip to Martha’s Vineyard can solve a lot of problems - although we can’t promise you’ll have a dream of the perfect career while on island, we promise that you’ll be newly inspired after exploring the island. Start with a stay the relaxing New England bed and breakfast, the Hob Knob Inn in Edgartown and discover the historical town, even if history wasn’t your favorite subject. Book lunch at the Atlantic, right on the water so you can space out and daydream about what’s to come. Take a stroll up Main Street and browse books at Edgartown Books or chat it up with the barista at Behind the Bookstore for career advice. Visit the Vineyard Trust and walk through time - maybe you enjoy history more than you thought?!  Photo: Mila Lowe The One That Loved to Study but at the Same Time, Loved to Party Through College For the party grad, the island in the spring might be little quiet but you can definitely still find some fun late night happenings to celebrate graduation with friends and family! To start, book a room at Summer Camp Boutique Hotel by Lark Hotels in Oak Bluffs, centrally located to all the fun happenings in this hip town of Martha’s Vineyard. Dinner reservations at Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company are a must and then head upstairs to the LoFT, the island’s only adult playground with pool tables, dart boards, huge Jenga game, and so much more. Explore the Gingerbread Cottages after waking up a little later (you deserve it after all those early morning college classes) with Mocha Motts coffee in hand and walk over to Biscuits for an incredibly hearty breakfast (try their Cream Cheese and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast). Ride the Flying Horses for one last hurrah and celebrate your graduation - you did it!  The One That Is Obsessed with Academia, Even After Graduating
Your parents could not be prouder of you - graduating with honors, a GPA worth tweeting about, and not one but a few jobs lined up after college! This graduate deserves a break and a trip to the island after graduation is just it. Granted, our recommendations are ones that invest in more knowledge and learning while on island, but that’s what your graduate loves, so why not foster it even more? Book a room at the Nobnocket Inn in the town of Vineyard Haven and prepare to dive into the incredible history of Martha’s Vineyard. Start your morning with Nat’s Nook, the island’s only creperie and one that’s decorated with book quotes and even has a stocked bookshelf of books to share. Haad to the new Martha’s Vineyard Museum and dedicate the next two hours to exploring this grand property filled to the brim with island history. Finish off with dinner State Road and dive into their farm to table menu - a delicious delight worth every bite! Top New England colleges and universities like: Harvard, MIT, Boston College, University of Massachusetts, Boston University, Tufts University, Northeastern University, Williams College, Dartmouth College, Yale University, Amherst College, and Brown University, among many others, are graduating this spring and we can’t wait to see the graduates on island this spring season! Plan a graduation trip with your friends and family to Martha’s Vineyard and take a few days to take it all in, before diving into the real world.  Photo: David Benvent Bird watching on Martha’s Vineyard can be very rewarding at time, so to bring some of that to our readers, we reached out to a young bird watching aficionado, David Benvent, 16 years old, who learned to love nature at Felix Neck and where he volunteers in the summer months, to ask him some questions about bird watching on this New England island. What is the best season for bird watching? Birding on Martha’s Vineyard all year round is great. Each season brings new, special birds to the island. However, spring and fall are often the best times to go birding because that’s when birds are migrating between their breeding and wintering grounds.  What type of birds visit the island each season? Spring and fall have the most variety. During these seasons, waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds, can be seen as well as raptors, warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, cuckoos and others. During the summer many of these birds will stay to breed. Winter brings a different group of birds, most of them being ducks, alcids (including puffins, Dovekies and Razorbills), and on good years, finches (siskin, crossbills and grosbeaks). What are some of the most unique birds ever seen on island? One of the rarest birds seen on the island, that was also seen very recently, is an American White Pelican. It was found at Black Point Pond in the summer of 2017. This bird usually occurs in the midwest and is very rare for Massachusetts. Another very special bird was a Black-throated Gray Warbler seen in Chilmark in 2016. This bird usually occurs in the southwest, and is also very rare for the east coast.  What are some tips to attract birds to your backyard for bird watching? Bird feeders are the easiest and probably best way to attract birds to your yard. Different foods can attract different birds. For example, thistle is best for finches, and suet is best for woodpeckers. Additionally in spring and summer, oranges or jelly can attract orioles, and sugar water (homemade or store bought) can attract hummingbirds. Planting native plants and bushes in your yard can also provide a place for birds to hide from predators, breed, and stop over during migration.
For more info on birding on MV, visit our birding page.  Coop DeVille, the 1st restaurant to open each spring on the Oak Bluffs Harbor | Photo: Nicole Freidler First day of Spring is March 20th and with that, we have so many things to look forward to on Martha’s Vineyard. Spring is the season when we all smile and take in the sun’s rays, warm for the first time in months. When we are hustling and bustling around town, getting our homes and businesses ready for the busy season. When we see friends and neighbors we haven’t seen through the winter and greet them with cheer. Overall, the feeling of happiness and joy can be felt all around the island as the bright yellow forsythia blooms and permeates the air with its sweet scent. Without further ado, here are the top spring happenings on Martha’s Vineyard that will get you even more excited for the season!  Photo: Peter Simon Stargazing Evening hosted by Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation . Join them at Wallen, Preston & Shands Preserve in Aquinnah on March 20 at 7:30 pm to celebrate the first night of spring with an evening of guided stargazing led by Mark Lovewell. Meet at the Aquinnah Cultural Center.  Photo: Nicole Freidler Edgartown’s Pink and Green Weekend, this is Edgartown’s 8th Annual Celebration of Spring & Mother’s Day that takes place May 10-12, 2019. Kick off spring in Edgartown during the annual celebration of the season and Mother’s Day on Martha’s Vineyard. Enjoy the Pink & Green Dog Show, sales and shopping specials, Fairyville at Donaroma’s, the Pink & Green 5K and more!  Photo: Nicole Freidler Vineyard Conservation Society’s Earth Day Beach Cleanup, Protect Wildlife, Beautify Your Island, Celebrate Earth Day, and Kick-Off Spring on April 20th — All in One Great Family-Friendly Event. It's easy to go green this Earth Day: join your friends and neighbors in the Earth Day Beach Clean-Up! Just head out to your favorite beach at 10:00 am volunteers will be there with everything you need. Afterward, join VCS at the Oak Bluffs Sailing Camp for great food, a free raffle, and to compare your treasure hunting stories. From 12:00 to 2 pm relax over lunch with other beach cleaners. This year we are making sure there is enough food for even the late-comers. No hardworking beach-cleaner should go without some refreshments! This is a ZERO WASTE event, if you have a reusable water bottle, please bring it with you!  Photo: Max Lovewell Spectrum Film Festival, The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society hosts this festival and it will be the 3rd Annual Spectrum Film Festival. Spectrum is a four-day film festival that presents a world perspective on LGBTQ+ stories, people, and issues through a variety of films and includes guest speakers, discussions, and a special event for LGBTQ+ youth. The 2019 SPECTRUM Film Festival will be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven from Thursday, April 25th, 2018 through Sunday, April 28th, 2019. Ride the Vineyard MS Cycle Race, on May 4th, is a Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. With the quaint charm and beautiful ocean views of our island, choose from 15, 30, and 60 mile routes and enjoy the cliffs of Gay Head, the beaches of Katama, and the scenic views of East Chop!  Photo: Louisa Gould Big Chili Contest, this will be the 33rd year of this amazing charity event and will take place on May 11th at the Portuguese American Club. Enjoy a day of chili, live music & good times in the name of charity. Local and off island restaurants, chefs, caterers, and more cook up giant pots of chili for your delight and the live music from bands and DJs keep the fun going!
Easter Brunches and egg hunts take place all over the island, check out our social media platforms for updates closer to the date (April 21st). And for all spring events, visit mvy.com/events  Photo: Peter Simon Martha’s Vineyard is a golfing paradise, with three public golf courses and two private course on island. Whether you’re a novice golfer, just getting into the swing of things, or an expert on greens, the golf courses on Martha’s Vineyard work for all types of golfers! If you’re planning a trip to the Vineyard, you can plan on adding your golf clubs to the list (or not and rent them from the golf course itself!)
Mink Meadows Golf Club “A traditional seaside golf club nestled in the West Chop area of Martha’s Vineyard. This hidden gem features expansive fairways, beautifully manicured greens, and ocean views.” Designed by golf architects Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek, who originally proposed a 27-hole layout, but ultimately was reduced to its current 9-hole design. Rentals are available and the golf club is located in Vineyard Haven. You can apply for membership, but the club is also open to non-members with certain stipulations. Farm Neck Golf Club “As you play, you will find yourself traversing a striking variation of topography and vegetation — everything from woodlands, to open meadows, to salt marshes, to stunning overlooks and intimate brushes with the water's edge. Along with its intrinsic beauty, Farm Neck enjoys a widespread reputation for championship caliber golf.” Located in Oak Bluffs, Farm Neck Golf Club has continually earned a 4 ½ out of 5 star rating in Golf Digest's “Best Places to Play,” and is considered by many to be one of the premiere golfing experiences in the Northeast — and beyond. Designed in 1979 by Geffrey Cornish, Bill Robinson, and Patrick Mulligan, this 18-hole course is sure to delight any golfer. If you can’t ship your golf clubs, you can rent Callaway Clubs (prices range between $45-65 depending on tee time). Royal and Ancient Chappaquiddick Links A toss between private and public, you can become a member for $600 but you may also play without purchasing a membership or making advance arrangements (although we recommend making arrangements as you don’t want to make it all the way to Chappy and not be able to play. The weekday rate is of $50 per person ($25 for kids) and the weekend rate is of $75. The course history dates back to over a century ago and For the past 30 years, Brad Woodger has tried to maintain and perpetuate the Links while maintaining its unique character and integrity. Golfing at RACL is an outing all on its own, and they are available for events and private parties. Vineyard Golf Club (private) Vineyard Golf Club opened in 2002 and was the first new golf course built on island in 30 years. Just two miles outside of historic Edgartown and close to the rural village of West Tisbury, the course is private and one of the few organic golf courses in America. Designed by British architects Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, the course has replaced traditional pesticides with bio-stimulants and composted fertilizers that help protect the island’s single-source aquifer, per Links Magazine. “Designed as a walking course, the holes flow seamlessly from green to tee and the experience is enhanced by a caddie program that is among the very best in the Northeast. The course has many classic design elements that present varied and fun challenges to both seasoned and novice players. These qualities and characteristics are the work of noted golf course architects Gil Hanse and his design partner, Jim Wagner. A new front nine debuted in 2013 and a completely redesigned back nine followed in 2015. In recognition of their work, GOLF Magazine named Vineyard Golf Club the “Best New Private Course” of 2015.” Edgartown Golf Club (private) The Edgartown Golf Club, was founded in 1926 and is a private golf club located in Edgartown. “Known for breathtaking views of the Vineyard Sound and its historic and charming clubhouse, the Edgartown Golf Club is open to its members and their guests year round, weather permitting.” During the summer season it hosts a junior golf program as well as many annual benefit golf tournaments that are open to all. St. Patrick’s Day observes the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, so how did this commemoration of a saint’s death evolve into a celebration of Irish culture, delicious foods, fun music and dancing, drinking to your heart’s content, and everything became green? We’re here to tell you - and also list off a few ways we love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Martha’s Vineyard. Celebrated annually on March 17th, it falls during the Christian season of Lent. Irish families would traditionally attending church in the morning and celebrate the holiday in the afternoon. It’s interesting to note that Lent prohibitions included consumption of meat, but during St. Patrick’s Day, these were waived and people would dance, drink, and feast on traditional meals of corned beef, sausages, and more! Parades have become a staple of the holiday, but the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not held in Ireland, but in New York City, NY. On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through the city playing traditional Irish music, helping them reconnect with their Irish roots. St. Patrick’s Day Facts (sourced from History Channel)
 The Newes from America Pub At The Newes from America Pub, there’s a full weekend of fun! Friday night there will be live music, Celtic dancers, and Fisherman’s Stew is the dinner special; Saturday is the ever so popular “Pint Sized Parade” at 11am, continuing with Celtic dancers, bagpipers, and live Irish music. You can feast on Corned Beef & Cabbage during lunch and dinner both Saturday and Sunday! At Offshore Ale Company on Sunday the 17th, there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with music and delicious eats.  Aquinnah Library Kids Craft At the Aquinnah Library on Saturday the 16th at 11am, there is a Kid’s Craft to create a lucky clover with your hand print!  First Baptist Church of Vineyard Haven At the First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven on march 16th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm there is a Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, adults $15 and children $7. Call for reservations at 508-693-1539  PA Club's Spring Fling At the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs, there’s a Spring Fling on Saturday March 16th from 6pm until 11:30pm, described as a Fabulously Fun St. Patrick’s Day weekend event featuring Jellybone Rivers and the Maniacs of the Heart along with the Space Invaders. Opportunity to bid on tons of great silent auction items. All to benefit the MV Public Charter School. $15 per person, use the hashtag #CharterSpringFling on social media!
For a full list of all happenings, visit mvy.com/events.  Photo: Peter Simon As the thin layer of white topping Martha's Vineyard's clay cliffs slowly disappears under the early spring light the island emerges from winter with a variety of events for both locals and visitors. Newly painted storefronts and a bustling energy across the island are a sure sign that Spring is upon the Island. Welcomed are a number of new businesses as well as our long-time favorites, some sporting an entirely different look. From Aquinnah to Edgartown, there is no shortage of Spring happenings and many of our inns offer special rates, making this a perfect time for an Island getaway. Here's a sampling of some great events happening this spring on Martha's Vineyard!  March 21-24, The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival A singular meet and mingle with filmmakers, actors and movie-lovers.  Photo: Island Alpaca | Barbara Ronchetti April 27, Island Alpaca 10th Annual Shearing Day Celebration Tis the season for these photogenic and people-loving alpaca.  Photo: Peter Simon May 3, First Friday in Vineyard Haven An open house for island artists and artisans featuring food and music- free and open to all.  Photo: Bike MS Ride the Vineyard May 4, Ride the Vineyard MS Cycling Race This island-wide bike ride is one of the largest fund-raising events of the year, attracting a world-wide group of bikers and their families. Enjoy the spring beauty of Martha's Vineyard's while cheering on or perhaps even joining this dedicated group of bikers.  Photo: Nicole Freidler May 10-12, Pink & Green Weekend Kentucky Derby parties, a Main Street parade, an open house for retailers and an old-fashioned maypole dance are some of the highlights of this annual tradition that glows in a sea of pink and green.  May 11, Big Chili Contest Portuguese-American Club
Take the chill off and vote for your favorite dish of chili while enjoying music from island locals. A full line-up of Spring happenings along with list of inns and restaurants can be found at MVY.com  We all know JAWS was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard right? That’s a big one, and one that will surely never be forgotten (JAWS 2 and JAWS: The Revenge were also filmed here too). To this day you’re hard pressed to visit Martha’s Vineyard without being confronted with JAWS merchandise, or offered a JAWS tour where you can visit locations where the movie was filmed. We even have a bridge names after the movie. JAWS is an inherent part of our culture and what put us on the map so to speak. In 1975, JAWS became the original summer blockbuster and visitors soon began flocking to the real life Amity island.
While JAWS dominates much of the cinematic fanfare synonymous with our island there are several other movies that have been filmed here over the years, as well as movies that have been set here but filmed elsewhere. For those movie lovers and Martha’s Vineyard lovers out there here’s a round up of some of Hollywood’s other film with Vineyard ties that will make you nostalgic for Martha’s Vineyard again and again. So settle in and plan a movie marathon to the theme of Martha’s Vineyard. Chappaquidick (2017) Director John Curran revisits what happened on the Dike Bridge on Chappaquiddick the night that Sen. Ted Kennedy drove his car off the bridge in a late night accident that killed a young woman, Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969. The film follows the investigation, media maelstrom, and Kennedy family crisis that followed. Most of the movie was filmed elsewhere in coastal Massachusetts, but some filming took place on the Vineyard, including on Chappaquiddick and at the Chappy ferry, made to look as it did in 1969. Off Season (2017) This independent film is a is a horror-laced thriller that tells the story of a woman who takes refuge on Martha’s Vineyard during the off-season, after her husband is convicted of a financial fraud. She befriends a 10-year-old girl through whom she discovers a dark and murderous past. The film was shot on Martha’s Vineyard in April of 2013, primarily at Flat Point Farm and Nip ’n’ Tuck Farm in West Tisbury. Several local Islanders appear in the film, including the actor that plays the 10-year old girl. Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014) Director and seasonal Vineyard resident Spike Lee, chose the island as the setting for his 2014 love story, one that centers on an addiction to blood that once doomed a long forgotten ancient African tribe. Much of the movie takes place on the Vineyard — although, aside from a few shots outside the Martha’s Vineyard Airport, the Island scenes are limited to one remote beach house and its surroundings. Clear History (2013) A marketing executive at an electric-car start-up company played by played by seasonal resident Larry David, quits after an argument with his boss, played by Jon Hamm. He is subsequently crushed when the company hits the big time, so he tries to reinvent his life under a different name in the peace and quiet of Martha's Vineyard. Other than some scenic and aerial shots no parts of the movie were filmed on the Vineyard. Jumping the Broom (2011) This comedic drama from director Salim Akil brings two very different families together on Martha’s Vineyard one weekend for a wedding. Scenes shot aboard the ferry, and several scenic shots of the Vineyard were filmed on location while much of it was filmed in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia as a stand in for the Island. Starring Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, and Angela Bassett. The Ghost Writer (2010) Roman Polanski directed this political thriller about a ghost writer, hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, who is in hiding on Martha’s Vineyard. He uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy. While much of it was filmed off-Island, including Cape Cod, scenes of the writer in the BMW most closely resemble Martha’s Vineyard. Starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, and Olivia Williams. Stuck on You (2003) This slapstick comedy from filmmaker brothers and seasonal residents Bobby and Peter Farrelly brings Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear together, literally as conjoined twins from Martha’s Vineyard. The duo moves to Los Angeles so Greg Kinnear’s character can pursue an acting career. Other parts of coastal Massachusetts were filmed to portray Martha’s Vineyard, with some isolated shots of our local harbors and other scenic island shots were used. Sabrina (1995) A 90s remake of a 1954 original, Sabrina, with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond, is a love story with a twist and was filmed in Chilmark and Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard. The cottage used in the film once allegedly belonged to Billy Joel and overlooks Chilmark Harbor. The Bostonians (1984) This romantic drama from director James Ivory is about a Boston feminist and a conservative Southern lawyer contend for the heart and mind of a beautiful and bright girl unsure of her future. Set in 1875, Martha’s Vineyard is one of several locations the film was photographed at. Starring Christopher Reeve, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Tandy.  Photo: Nicole Freidler We all know one of the challenges of winter is maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the colder, darker months. It can be easy to rush home and fall victim to more sedentary activities as soon as the sun goes down, when five o’clock feels like none o’clock. Despite our slower winters, Martha’s Vineyard is still packed with dozens of winter workout options to keep you staying active and fit. It’s just up to you to get there and make that movement happen. Whether you prefer high intensity workouts or more meditative ones take a class with one of our local fitness gurus or challenge yourself to some action on your own.
Swimming Swimming is a fantastic winter activity, not to mention it reminds us of summer. Not only does swimming raise your heart rate but it’s a low impact exercise, that works your whole body–helping you to build endurance, muscle and cardiovascular fitness. Both the Mansion House Health Club and the YMCA in Vineyard Haven often pools and classes for a good workout or some welcomed water therapy. Skating If winter sports are more your thing check out the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena, which recently underwent renovations and has reopened with a fresh new look. Ice skating can offer you a great cardio exercise, disguised as a fun way to stay fit. It improves your balance and joint flexibility and is a great form of stress relief. The weather outside may get frightful but the ice inside can be so delightful! Boxing Do you pack a punch? Try your skills at boxing on Martha’s Vineyard. Instructor Charlie Giordano offers boxing classes for participants of all levels at Yoga on the Vine in Edgartown. Boxing allows you to better manage your breathing while exercising all your major muscle groups. Have fun working on your boxing skills while getting stronger, fitter, and more confident. CrossFit Want to keep things interesting? Try CrossFit. This constantly varied, high-intensity workout has grown increasingly popular over the last several years and here on Martha’s Vineyard is no different. Our island is home to one CrossFit gym, aptly named CrossFit Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s loyal members and visitors rave about its efficacy, and its community. Plus the lingo alone is enough to intrigue curious minds, up for a burpee? Whether you’re new to it or a seasoned crossfitter give it a try, your body and soul will thank you. Yoga If something more meditative is more your speed you’ve come to the right island. Martha’s Vineyard is home to dozens of yoga studios offering every kind of form or flow for the yogi in you. From vinyasa to kripalu and all types in between, get in position and try a class at on of our health clubs or yoga studios. Namaste! Get outside The best part of winter on Martha’s Vineyard is still being able to work out outside! Bundle up and brave the chill and go for a hike or bike ride around our beautiful island. Did you know that walking or running through the snow take more effort, and our bodies have to work harder in general when it’s cold out? The same extra effort required by snow and cold weather that burns up calories also exercises your heart, plus you’ll soak up some vitamin D along the way. Don’t be afraid of the winter weather, embrace it, your body will benefit.  Here on Martha’s Vineyard, February school vacation takes place the week of Monday, February 25, and the Island rallies to keep local kids entertained throughout. While the perfect storm would allow for them to stay outside sledding down their favorite hills, and frolicking in the soft, white stuff, there’s plenty to do indoors to keep them safe and warm should the need arise. Here’s a round up of some of the kid focused events taking place during Martha’s Vineyard’s public school winter break February 25 through March 1. Many of these locations offer family friendly fun throughout the year so be sure to check their calendars for whenever you plan to be on-Island with your tykes. Family & Teen Movie Screenings, West Tisbury Library Each weekday of the February break, head to the West Tisbury Library for family movies in the Community Room and teen movies in the Young Adult Room at 1pm, complete with popcorn served. On Monday, February 25: Minions for families and A House with a Clock in the Walls for teens; on Tuesday, February 26: Kiki’s Delivery Service for families and Smallfoot for teens; on Wednesday, February 27: Charlotte’s Web for families and Love Simon for teens; on Thursday, February 28: Wall-E for families and My Life as a Zucchini for teens; on Friday, March 1: Finding Nemo for families and Isle of Dogs for teens. Vacation Week Disney Movies & Crafts, Vineyard Haven Public Library The Vineyard Haven Public Library also holds afternoon movie times for school aged children throughout vacation week, featuring some of Disney’s finest titles. Monday offers Aladdin, Tuesday Moana, Wednesday an interactive showing of Frozen, Thursday Tangled, and Friday Ralph Breaks the Internet. February Vacation Program, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Take the kids to Felix Neck to learn what animals do during the winter season, and how to identify tracks, scats, and signs of our Island’s active winter species. Enjoy some winter fun and exploration Tuesday through Friday, come for one day or all four. Tuesday: Bird Bonanza, Wednesday: Water Worlds, Thursday: Track-tastic, Friday: Mammal-rama. The Oak Bluffs Library is constantly hosting various fun-filled events for your little one, including drop-in crafts and story times throughout the week. During school break their even offering a free Community Lunch at the library on Thursday, February 28, followed by a family movie. Be sure to check out their website for a full list of events and activities sure to hold your kids attention during school vacation.  Photo: Max Bossman Many of our other local businesses cater to children throughout the year and would love a visit from your little ones.
Since 1965, the Vineyard Conservation Society has been dedicated to preserving the environment of Martha’s Vineyard through advocacy, education and the protection of the Island’s land and water. As a local non-profit membership organization, VCS is the Island's most respected voice for environmental advocacy.  Image credit: Vineyard Conservation Society Now more than ever, our island has put into action a few initiatives that are all about sustainability, reducing our waste as a community, and overall figuring out ways to protect the environment and our surroundings. That’s where the Vineyard Conservation Society comes into play, with a team of members and volunteers that are consistently trying to educate and support our island communities with new ventures in the earth friendly world. Below we’re sharing some of those initiatives and ways you can support them - whether you live on island or are visiting for a weekend! Plastic Reduction The old adage of “reduce, reuse, recycle” has evolved into a more concise message of “refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle”. The need to add the word refuse before everything else is to put a focus on reducing out plastic waste by first of all even refusing to have it come into our lives! Simply saying “for here”, “no straw please”, “I have my own bag, thank you” are ways we can refuse accepting excess waste from coming into our homes and lives, ultimately limiting the amount of plastics and waste going into landfills. BYO Culture In correlation with refusing and reducing plastic way, the easiest way that Islanders have adopted is to bring their own. Bring their own everything, including but not limited to: water bottles, coffee mugs, reusable bags, eating utensils, metal/bamboo straw, and more! Bring your own instantly reduces your waste and allows the message to be shared about how important it is to reduce our consumption of plastics! One great example on island is what Croning’s Market in Vineyard Haven is doing, where they have a great bulk section where you can bring your own jars from home to tare and refill easily!  Image credit: Vineyard Conservation Society Water Refill Stations “Two years ago, following on the heels of the campaign to ban single-use plastic checkout bags, VCS began working on what we saw as the obvious next step in waste reduction. When considering all the factors, it was the enormous number of single-serving, disposable plastic water bottles that, after plastic bags, were the next most egregious and unnecessary source of waste. However, the issue of disposable bottles presents a different sort of challenge than disposable bags. Plastic bags could be seamlessly replaced with alternatives that are not only better for the environment, but also better at the core function of a bag: getting your stuff home from the store. We were confident then, that should it pass at Town Meeting, the bag ban would grow to be overwhelmingly popular. Unlike plastic bags, though, much of the public today has a sincere preference for bottled water. The realization that we must decrease the demand for bottled water is the conceptual underpinning of the “Take Back the Tap” initiative. Our research revealed that the factors motivating people to buy bottled water generally fit into two categories: quality and convenience. To address concerns over the taste or cleanliness of tap water, we began educational efforts (such as the “Tap Water Challenge”during Zero Waste Week at Tisbury School). However, it is the second issue — convenience — that may pose the greater challenge. Life moves quickly, even on Martha’s Vineyard, and to keep pace, we have grown to rely on a degree of convenience unimaginable a century ago. This is why we believe the most important accomplishment to date of the Take Back the Tap program has been the installation of water bottle refill stations across the Island. These machines get at the root of both sets of motivators, quality and convenience, by providing chilled, filtered water — not just for free, but also more quickly than buying a bottle from the store or vending machine. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, refill stations were first installed in all of our schools, and more recently we have been expanding into other high-traffic public places. Stations can now be found at the Boys & Girls Club, the MV Ice Arena, the Agricultural Hall, the Oak Bluffs and West Tisbury Libraries, and the Edgartown and West Tisbury Town Halls, with more locations still to come. Other locations (that we can't take credit for) are- MV Hospital and YMCA. The goal is to create a highly visible network that will immediately decrease the need for bottled water, while over the long haul demonstrating to residents and visitors alike that we are very fortunate to have excellent drinking water on our Island — we should be using it!” Jeremy Houser, Communications & Ecologist for Vineyard Conservation Society  Upcoming Event
27th Annual VCS Earth Day Beach Clean-up Saturday April 20th 10am to 12 noon, with after party at the Sailing Camp from 12 noon to 2pm Protect Wildlife, Beautify Your Island, Celebrate Earth Day, and Kick-Off Spring — All in One Great Family-Friendly Event It's easy to go green this Earth Day: join your friends and neighbors in the Earth Day Beach Clean-Up! Just head out to your favorite beach at 10:00 am volunteers will be there with everything you need. Afterward, join VCS at the Oak Bluffs Sailing Camp for great food, a free raffle, and to compare your treasure hunting stories. From 12:00 to 2 pm relax over lunch with other beach cleaners. This year we are making sure there is enough food for even the late-comers. No hardworking beach-cleaner should go without some refreshments! This is a ZERO WASTE event; if you have a reusable water bottle, please bring it with you! So next time you visit Martha’s Vineyard, make sure to see what environmentally friendly initiatives are happening and please support them! Nothing better than waking up on a snowy winter morning on Martha’s Vineyard and heading out to grab a warm, hearty breakfast. It’s the best way to start a winter day and we’ve tapped into local knowledge to showcase the best breakfast dishes on island! (Note: We’re also linking to the restaurant’s Facebook pages so you can stay up to date with their latest specials and schedules during the winter!) There are plenty of delicious restaurants still open on Martha’s Vineyard during the winter, so you’re bound to have a delicious meal in any town! Vineyard Haven  Photo: Black Dog Tavern Black Dog Tavern What to order: The Green Monster - Scrambled eggs with spinach, asparagus, broccoli, & cheese What Drink to Pair This With: Hot Chocolate  Photo: Little House Cafe Little House Cafe What to Order: Multigrain Hot Cereal Bowl What Coffee to Pair This With: Matcha Latte with Coconut Milk  Photo: Waterside Market Waterside Market What to Order: Tex Mex Corn Cakes & Breakfast Burrito with bacon and avocado What Coffee to Pair This With: Black Stumptown Roasters Coffee  Photo: Art Cliff Diner Art Cliff Diner What to Order: Almond Crusted French Toast What Coffee to Pair This With: Iced Coffee  Photo: Nat's Nook Nat’s Nook What to Order: Ham, Swiss, Mushroom & Spinach Crepe What Coffee to Pair This With: Mocha Coffee  Photo: Scottish Bakehouse Scottish Bakehouse What to Order: Breakfast Sandwich (english muffin; includes choice of ham, bacon, sausage, linguica or fakin’ bacon plus “the works” — spinach, tomato, onion & cheese) What Drink to Pair This With: Herbal tea Edgartown  Photo: Dockside Diner Dock Street Diner What to Order: Eggs, Sausage, French Toast What Coffee to Pair This With: Black Coffee  Photo: Plane View Diner Plane View Dinner What to Order: Steak & Eggs (6 ounce streak with two eggs served your way) What Coffee to Pair This With: Iced Coffee  Photo: Espresso Love Espresso Love What to Order: The Islander Breakfast Bagel (vegetable cream cheese, bacon, cucumber) What Coffee to Pair This With: Flat White  Photo: Rosewater Market Rosewater Market What to Order: Breakfast Bowl (black bean cake, greens, tomato & avocado pico drizzled with lime cream, add egg) What Coffee to Pair This With: any of their speciality coffees of the week Up Island  Photo: 7a Foods 7a Foods
What to Order: Breakfast Sandwich (On your choice of an English muffin or a house made biscuit. Add spinach, tomato, red onion, bacon, house made sausage, local egg. What Coffee to Pair This With: locally roasted coffee from Chilmark Coffee Company A look at local offerings for Winter 2019  Photo: Aquinnah Library Aquinnah Public Library A little history on this gorgeous library: The Aquinnah Public Library is located in the historic Red Schoolhouse building at 1 Church Street in Aquinnah. It was renovated by the town with the assistance of a grant through the Massachusetts Historic Commission. The Gay Head Public Library (renamed the Aquinnah Public Library in 1998) was established in 1901 by an act of the State Legislature in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At the time of its establishment, the legislature also appropriated funds for the purchase of a small collection. Prior to that time, the town school was the sole repository of publicly-owned volumes. From its inception, the new library found itself competing for space with all the other public needs of the town. The schoolhouse was the only public building in existence until the Town Hall was constructed in 1929. Books purchased with that first entitlement and those brought in later years were kept in the schoolhouse, and were later moved across the street to a room next to the stage in the new Town Hall. Drawing Group (for adults) Thursdays in February and March 2.30-3.30pm (excluding February 21): Drawing can be a deeply relaxing activity. Participants will practice enjoying the process and trusting their own vision. We will be exploring and acquiring skills, rather than setting out to make finished pieces of art. This group is led by Elissa Turnbull, an illustrator and kind-hearted teacher. All experience levels welcome. This is a class for adults but it’s open to children 12+ who have a strong interest. Coding Club (ages 8 and up): Tuesdays in February and March and April 3-4pm The ability to code computer programs is an important part of modern literacy. Scratch is a programming language that allows the coder to bypass learning obscure syntax and jump right into creating interactive stories, games and animations. A free platform, developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, Scratch was designed especially for people ages 8 to 16. Playing around in Scratch, kids learn important mathematical and computational concepts, as well as how to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively.| Kids Pizza and a Movie: We will be having our last pizza + movie of the winter on Thursday February 28, which is during the school vacatoin week. Meditation group: Thursdays in February and March 2-3 pm  Photo: Chilmark Free Public Library Chilmark Free Public Library Ebba Hierta, Library Director Greetings from the island's oldest library, founded in 1882 by noted feminist and suffragist Alice Stone Blackwell and her cousin Florence Blackwell Mayhew. Here are a few things we're doing to stay busy over the winter: This year we've started an occasional Saturday afternoon program called Chowder and Chat. It's a casual, drop-in get together with different community leaders. We put on a pot of chowder and invite people to come by, have some lunch and join the conversation. Check with the library for the schedule. On Wednesday evenings we are hosting a series of writing workshops. Previously we’ve done a poetry writing workshop, future topics include nature writing and food writing. When we're not talking about writing, we might be talking about arts and crafts. Figure drawing, hand mending and collage are a few of the topics.  Photo: Edgartown Library Edgartown Public Library Lisa Sherman, Library Director What's up at the Edgartown Library this February? Quite a lot -- from music to movies, from celebrations to learning opportunities. Highlights of January included the first Slow Cooking class of the winter season, and the first of two workshops on Social Media. Both these programs continue in February, together with a busy calendar of films (and Opera Club, of course) as well as programs for young adults and children. And during school vacation, which stretches from the end of February into the beginning of March, we have special activities for kids of all ages every day of the week. We invite you to enjoy all that the library has to offer through the winter month ahead.  Photo: Oak Bluffs Library Oak Bluffs Public Library Carolina Cooney, Program Coordinator When the rest of the island shuts down, the Oak Bluffs Library is still hopping. Our cozy lounge area, complete with coffee, is the perfect place to spend the day, and we have a very impressive board game selection to keep you occupied (not to mention a plethora of fascinating books). 2019 is also OBPL's Year of the Series, and all month long we have programs on cooking, art, science, dance, and more; plus chess, tai chi, french class, tech help, and numerous programs for English Language Learners. Plus our most popular event of the year, Library Mini-Golf, returns this year on March 15-16th. Not only is this a super fun event, but it's a great fundraiser for our future library programs!  Photo: Vineyard Haven Library Vineyard Haven Public Library Amy Ryan, Director In addition to having an outstanding collection of books and other materials, Vineyard Haven Public Library holds weekly programs for all age groups, from babies to active older adults. Programs for adults include our Tuesday evening Lecture and Film series, monthly Book Club and monthly Adult Crafts programs, and a Public Affairs Discussion Group. Children's programs include 3 weekly story-times, after-school crafts, gaming, and "Build Club" STEAM programming. All library programs are free and open to all. In order to accommodate growing program attendance, The Library Trustees have just engaged Maryann Thompson, Architects, to design an addition to the library in order to build a multipurpose meeting room. This project will be funded through a capital campaign, and more details can be found on the project website, http://vhlibrary.org/Building.shtml  Photo: West Tisbury Free Public Library West Tisbury Free Public Library
The West Tisbury Free Public Library is as old as the town itself. In 1892, the same year the town was incorporated, the West Tisbury Free Public Library Association purchased the former Dukes County Academy study hall and dormitory on Music Street. The library opened in 1893 and was operated independently until 1968, when the town voted to accept the library as a gift from the private association. Some of their events: Music & Make Believe Class Saturdays from 10:15-10:45am Little Bird’s Laura Jordan presents seasonal songs, movement and dramatic play. Children are encouraged to express themselves in whatever shape or form that feels natural and comfortable. Classes will meet 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, and 3/30. Sign up is required, and please try to attend all six sessions. Recommended for ages 3+. Little Bird Music Class Saturdays from 10:45-11:15am Little Bird’s Laura Jordan presents seasonal songs and movement. The class is somewhat structured but it’s a free flowing environment, allowing space for magic to happen in the moment. Children of all ages welcome and the more the merrier! No sign up required. Classes will meet 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, and 3/30.  Photo: Larisa Stinga for Martha's Vineyard Times The game is scheduled to be played on February 3, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. And there are no bigger football fans than New England Patriots fans, so you can be sure these top three places to watch Super Bowl 53 on Martha’s Vineyard are going to be pumped full of fandom. Sharky’s Cantina in Edgartown - this seems to be the biggest party every year, and over the last 3 years they’ve given away $24,000+ in prizes! Watch the game on one of 15 TVs, including 70-in., 60-in., and 50-in. televisions at full volume. Raffles, food & drink specials, and so much more are always part of this fun day. Call the restaurant at 508-627-6565 for additional information. The Barn, Bowl, & Bistro - this hot spot in Oak Bluffs is always a fun environment no matter what, but with the Super Bowl on the screens, we know that their staff will be coming up with a fun party. Food and drink specials, along with more surprises will make this a great place to be on Super Bowl Sunday! Ocean View Restaurant in Oak Bluffs - watch the game across all 10 of the restaurant’s televisions, and enjoy food and drink specials. Call the restaurant at 508-627-9966 for additional information.  Discover where to warm up this cold winter with the island’s most comforting and chocolate-based drinks  Espresso Love New England is well known for our cold winters, so those of us that live here, along with visitors to the island, are often looking for ways to warm up during those brrrr days. First, let’s talk about the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. Although sometimes used interchangeably, they are two different things:
 Edgartown Meat & Fish Below we have listed ten coffee shops on island that you can get your hot cocoa or hot chocolate fix, alongside baked goods and other treats that one would want paired with their hot, chocolate infused drink:
 Photo: Elizabeth Cecil for Not Your Sugar Mamas If you’re visiting Martha’s Vineyard, you are most certain to Google the words “where to eat clam chowder on Martha’s Vineyard” at least once before your trip. Because New England is known for some of the best, if not the best chowder in the United States (we don’t talk about the red, tomato based Manhattan chowder), so we wanted to check out some of the best clam chowders on island, recommend by islanders and visitors alike! But first, let’s talk about the history of clam chowder, what it actually is, where it originated, and why it has become such a popular New England dish that can now be found anywhere from Miami to Texas and everywhere in between. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is “a soup or stew of seafood (such as clams or fish) usually made with milk or tomatoes, salt pork, onions, and other vegetables (such as potatoes)." There are as many types of clam chowders as there are New England states, if not more. Delaware clam chowder, Hatteras clam chowder, Long Island clam chowder, Manhattan clam chowder, Minorcan clam chowder,New Jersey clam chowder, and Rhode Island clam chowder are just some of the few variations of this dish that can be found in the Eastern coast of the United States. It is believed that New England style clam chowder was introduced by the French, Nova Scotian, or British settlers in the 1700s and continued to gain popularity, where it was being served in Boston at Ye Olde Union Oyster House by 1836. So - where can you find clam chowder on Martha’s Vineyard nowadays? Below we’ve listed three restaurants on island that make their own clam chowder from start to finish and are great places to discover what makes a delicious chowder. We can’t say what the best is - you’re going to have to taste and judge them yourself!  Photo: Marnely Murray Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company located in Oak Bluffs - one of the most distinctive clam chowder on island, this chowder has won awards throughout the years. It’s packed with a secret blend of herbs, celery, potatoes, and SO many clams. There is no flour, butter, or pork in this chowder - ingredients traditional in chowder but the lack of them do not affect how delicious this clam chowder is. The texture is just right - not too thin nor too thick.  Photo: Marnely Murray Offshore Ale Company located in Oak Bluffs - one of the island’s local breweries, Offshore Ale is a great spot to grab a cup of clam chowder and a tall glass of locally made beer. Their chowder is on the thinner side, made with all the traditional chowder ingredients. This cup also had a TON of clams in it - not diced, but larger chunks of clams, making it for a good bite.  Photo: Marnely Murray The Wharf Pub in Edgartown - the most recent first place winner of the island’s Annual Great Chowder Contest, this chowder is a bit thicker so if you’re looking for a thicker chowder this is it. It’s quite rich and buttery, with bits of bacon and celery within the cup. Another delicious option on Martha’s Vineyard!
 Harbor View Hotel, a year-round classic, closed for renovations until spring 2019. Some might think that Martha’s Vineyard is a seasonal location, where you only visit during the spring and summer, but winter is also one of the best times to visit the island [if you love the cold weather, of course!] Because in all honesty, it’s still New England so the weather will be cold but we can assure you that it’s well worth it because there is so much fun to have in the winter!  Charlotte Inn
 Discovering Martha’s Vineyard in the off season is such a treat and we think it’s just such a gorgeous time to explore the snow covered island. Martha’s Vineyard in the winter is filled with activities such as trail walking, local shopping, and quite honestly - the island is also the ideal winter retreat for creatives like artists and writers.
As you plan your winter getaway to the island, make sure to read a few of the articles below to get you ready to explore: Unexpected pleasures of Martha’s Vineyard in the winter by the Boston Globe Martha’s Vineyard, off-season by the New York Times The Vineyard in Winter by Smithsonian Magazine Top Ten Things About Vineyard Winters by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine What to Do on Martha’s Vineyard in the Off-Season by We Are Not Martha |
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Complete Guide to Martha's Vineyard.
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