Top 10 tips for Vegans on Martha’s Vineyard

Visiting new places is always a fun experience, but if you’re living a vegan lifestyle, it might be a little more complicated than just walking into a restaurant and ordering a meal. For those that are plant-based and planning a trip to the Vineyard, we have the top ten tips for vegans - where to eat and shop, plus a few local tips from vegan islanders! ​

1. Visit local island farms
The island is has dozens of local farms (seen here in this handy MV Farm Map) and they are the best place to stock up on ingredients, produce, and vegan snacks. If you are lucky enough to have rented a summer home or Airbnb and have a kitchen, purchasing local ingredients is an easy way to stay vegan while on vacation while supporting the local farming industry.
 
2. Take a cooking class with local cookbook authors
Martha’s Vineyard is a wealth of information and one of the best things about it is that we have some incredible chefs and cookbook authors right on island hosting some incredible cooking classes. Catherine Walthers is one of them and her cooking classes aren’t just vegan - she offers a variety of classes, so there’s bound to be one that you’ll love! 

3. Eat locally made chocolate
If you’re a chocolate lover, you’re in for a treat because award-winning chocolate can be found right on island, made by the ladies of Not Your Sugar Mamas. This vegan, dairy free, refined sugar free chocolate is some of the best you’ll ever taste - plus if you’re craving something more than chocolate, swing by their organic cafe in Vineyard Haven for vegan breads, snacks, and meals to-go!
 
4. Order an Iced Mint Latte (with almond milk!)
Nothing is more refreshing in the summer than walking own Main Street Edgartown with an iced mint latte from Behind the Bookstore. Order it with almond milk and you’ll know what we mean - the combination of strong espresso, fresh mint syrup, and creamy almond milk is just the thing! 

Photo: Mila Lowe

5. Discover the deliciousness of the farmer’s plate at Lighthouse Grill
Lighthouse Grill, the restaurant located inside the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, is led by chef Richard Doucette and is a great place to dine if you’re looking for a creative vegan dish. Their farmer’s plate is chef inspired and focuses on local produce.
 
6. Wake up to acai breakfast bowl at Smooth Moves
Nothing will energize you more than stopping by Smooth Moves and having one of their acai bowls while chatting with one of the owners is always a fun way to kick off the day.

Photo: Marnely Murray

​7. Indulge in a chef-led tasting at Red Cat Kitchen
Call Red Cat Kitchen ahead and order the chef tasting courses - make sure to mention you’re vegan and the chef will delight you with carefully crafted courses that will entice your senses. Just make sure the entire table orders the tasting - it’s worth it!
 
8. Stock up on vegan baked goods at Scottish Bakehouse
Scottish Bakehouse’s head baker is one of the most creative culinary geniuses on island and her and her team always have a few vegan baked goods in the case ready to be devoured. Perfect to bring to a beach day!

Photo: Marnely Murray

​9. Slurp on green juices from Blissed Out
The original juice and smoothie bar on island, Blissed Out has smoothies, juices, and shots to get you ready to take on the day. They focus on all organic produce, making their juices some of the best on island.
 
10. Join the “Vegan on the Vineyard” Facebook group
Do your research before even setting foot on island by joining the Vegan on the Vineyard Facebook group. Connect with local vegans, ask questions on where to make dining reservations, and share recipes using local ingredients!