Samantha’s Guidebook
Must See & Do
The best and freshest seafood on the island. They have a great raw bar which you can take over to the beach and watch the sunset. They also sell fish caught by my brother and his boat, the F/V Little Lady. Tip: you can place your order ahead of time so you don't have to wait in the inevitable long lines.
48 locals recommend
Larsen's Fish Market
56 Basin RdThe best and freshest seafood on the island. They have a great raw bar which you can take over to the beach and watch the sunset. They also sell fish caught by my brother and his boat, the F/V Little Lady. Tip: you can place your order ahead of time so you don't have to wait in the inevitable long lines.
Renting our homes gives you the option to obtain a beach sticker for the duration of your stay through the Town of Chilmark. This is a resident's only beach and one of my all-time favorites!
13 locals recommend
Lucy Vincent Beach
Renting our homes gives you the option to obtain a beach sticker for the duration of your stay through the Town of Chilmark. This is a resident's only beach and one of my all-time favorites!
Another local only beach option is Squibnocket. You'll need to obtain a pass during peak season to have access to the beach.
7 locals recommend
Squibnocket Beach
Squibnocket RdAnother local only beach option is Squibnocket. You'll need to obtain a pass during peak season to have access to the beach.
Flying Horses Carousel
15 Oak Bluffs AveHistoric and fun place to bring the kids!
Take a stroll through the historic Campground! "he 318 whimsical Victorian cottages found in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard are an exceptionally well-preserved collection of Methodist camp meeting houses. Laced with fanciful gingerbread details in an array of shapes and colors, they also happen to be the most adorable homes we have ever laid eyes on."
31 locals recommend
Martha's Vineyard Camp meeting Association (MVCMA)
80 Trinity ParkTake a stroll through the historic Campground! "he 318 whimsical Victorian cottages found in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard are an exceptionally well-preserved collection of Methodist camp meeting houses. Laced with fanciful gingerbread details in an array of shapes and colors, they also happen to be the most adorable homes we have ever laid eyes on."
A must stop for great pies and local produce morninggloryfarm.com
47 locals recommend
Morning Glory Farm
120 Meshacket RoadA must stop for great pies and local produce morninggloryfarm.com
Food scene
A great spot for breakfast, coffee or a sandwich and local provisions. This is only 5 minutes from the house
33 locals recommend
7aFoods
1045 State RdA great spot for breakfast, coffee or a sandwich and local provisions. This is only 5 minutes from the house
Excellent soft serve and sundaes! Take it to go and walk down the historic docks of Menemsha while you take in the sunset. One window sells ice cream, the other sells fast/casual foods.
14 locals recommend
Menemsha Galley
515 N RdExcellent soft serve and sundaes! Take it to go and walk down the historic docks of Menemsha while you take in the sunset. One window sells ice cream, the other sells fast/casual foods.
Check in with them for updated hours and offerings. It's a beautiful spot to have brunch or dinner.
Beach Plum | Inn & Restaurant
50 Beach Plum LnCheck in with them for updated hours and offerings. It's a beautiful spot to have brunch or dinner.
Breakfast, sandwiches, pizza, salads and a popular porch hangout. Also everyday basics, fresh produce and specialty foods. (5 miles)
33 locals recommend
Chilmark General Store
7 State RdBreakfast, sandwiches, pizza, salads and a popular porch hangout. Also everyday basics, fresh produce and specialty foods. (5 miles)
This is the closest grocery store to our house. There are two locations, the other is in Vineyard Haven
26 locals recommend
Cronig's Up-Island Market
469 State RdThis is the closest grocery store to our house. There are two locations, the other is in Vineyard Haven
State Road
688 State RdAwesome food, relaxed atmosphere! Check their website for details.
North Tisbury Farm
632 State RdThe Newes From America
23 Kelly StGreat Burgers and Craft Beer - small pub
If you love garlic and are craving Italian, check out Jimmy Seas!
9 locals recommend
Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta
Kennebec AvenueIf you love garlic and are craving Italian, check out Jimmy Seas!
The Red Cat Kitchen
6 Kennebec AveGreat food and drinks!
Awesome sandwiches and donuts. We recommend the Turkey Gobbler! Call ahead ordering is suggested.
8 locals recommend
Life at Humphreys
Awesome sandwiches and donuts. We recommend the Turkey Gobbler! Call ahead ordering is suggested.
The Black Dog Tavern
20 Beach Street ExtensionGreat spot for brunch!
L'Etoile Restaurant
22 N Water StGreat Food & Drinks if you're feeling fancy
Espresso Love
17 Church StGreat food for to go or sit-down in their outdoor garden
Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium
20a Circuit AveIce cream and fudge!
Mad Martha's Edgartown
7 N Water StIce cream and fudge!
Atlantic
2 Main StA great spot for on the harbor dining, music and drinks
The Wharf
3 Main StLocal Bar, 'late night' crowd and occasionally live music
The Port Hunter
55 Main StGreat food, fun atmosphere and music
Among the Flowers Cafe
17 Mayhew LnGreat brunch but be prepared to wait.
Sightseeing
A beautiful place to explore or watch the sunset. Parking is fairly limited and there is only one road out to Gay Head/Aquinnah so plan accordingly.
49 locals recommend
Gay Head Lighthouse
15 Aquinnah CirA beautiful place to explore or watch the sunset. Parking is fairly limited and there is only one road out to Gay Head/Aquinnah so plan accordingly.
Take in stunning views of the Vineyard Sound, Clay Cliffs, Lighthouse and the Elizabeth Islands. There are also a few local shops and cafe's run by the Tribe (Wampanoag).
51 locals recommend
Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook
31 Aquinnah CirTake in stunning views of the Vineyard Sound, Clay Cliffs, Lighthouse and the Elizabeth Islands. There are also a few local shops and cafe's run by the Tribe (Wampanoag).
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connections to this Island and its diverse heritage. You can visit the museum, take a yoga class, listen to music, enjoy the sprawling lawn for a picnic - visit their website to find out events and openings.
https://mvmuseum.org
46 locals recommend
Martha's Vineyard Museum
151 Lagoon Pond RdThe Martha’s Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connections to this Island and its diverse heritage. You can visit the museum, take a yoga class, listen to music, enjoy the sprawling lawn for a picnic - visit their website to find out events and openings.
https://mvmuseum.org
Outdoor Fun
Pond View Farm has been the longest continually operating riding facility on Martha's Vineyard for over fifty years. It is situated beside West Tisbury Great Pond on Martha’s Vineyard Island. Its acres of wood-fenced paddocks offer some of the most breathtaking views on the island. If you're traveling with horse enthusiasts, or kids who want a pony ride this is the spot! They do not offer trail rides.
Pond View Farm
69 Pond View Farm RdPond View Farm has been the longest continually operating riding facility on Martha's Vineyard for over fifty years. It is situated beside West Tisbury Great Pond on Martha’s Vineyard Island. Its acres of wood-fenced paddocks offer some of the most breathtaking views on the island. If you're traveling with horse enthusiasts, or kids who want a pony ride this is the spot! They do not offer trail rides.
If you're up for a hike in the woods, this quick 1.5 mile trail will lead you down to the beach on the Island's North Shore, overlooking the Vineyard Sound and Elizabeth Islands. Just remember that getting back to the car is a bit of an uphill climb.
23 locals recommend
Great Rock Bight Preserve
37 Brickyard RdIf you're up for a hike in the woods, this quick 1.5 mile trail will lead you down to the beach on the Island's North Shore, overlooking the Vineyard Sound and Elizabeth Islands. Just remember that getting back to the car is a bit of an uphill climb.
The Farmers Market is open rain or shine on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at the Grange
Hall. (1.5 miles away) www.wtfmarket.org
Grange Hall station
The Farmers Market is open rain or shine on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at the Grange
Hall. (1.5 miles away) www.wtfmarket.org
A 300 acre sanctuary that winds through marshes, ponds and eventually leads to a beautiful beach (this is a conservation area so eating and swimming at the beach are prohibited) sheriffsmeadow.org/property/cedar-tree-neck
6 locals recommend
Cedar Tree Neck
A 300 acre sanctuary that winds through marshes, ponds and eventually leads to a beautiful beach (this is a conservation area so eating and swimming at the beach are prohibited) sheriffsmeadow.org/property/cedar-tree-neck
Rent kayaks and canoes and launch them in the Chilmark Pond: www.bookaboatmv.com (6.4 miles)
Book-A-Boat
Boathouse RoadRent kayaks and canoes and launch them in the Chilmark Pond: www.bookaboatmv.com (6.4 miles)
North Shore Charters
24 Basin RoadMartha's Vineyard's oldest & best fishing charter!
http://bassnblue.com
Located just around the corner from our house, Grey Barn is a local farm that produces organic artisanal cheese. They offer farm tours and have a great farmstand where you can purchase their beef, pork, eggs, fruits, veggies and of course their cheese. Thegreybarnandfarm.com (.8miles)
22 locals recommend
The Grey Barn and Farm
22 S RdLocated just around the corner from our house, Grey Barn is a local farm that produces organic artisanal cheese. They offer farm tours and have a great farmstand where you can purchase their beef, pork, eggs, fruits, veggies and of course their cheese. Thegreybarnandfarm.com (.8miles)
Big waves, great sandy beach and open to all! Just beware of the undertow and the occasional jelly fish
15 locals recommend
Katama Beach/ South Beach
555 Katama RdBig waves, great sandy beach and open to all! Just beware of the undertow and the occasional jelly fish
Feeling adventurous? Jump of the 'famous' Jaws Bridge at State Beach on the Edgartown/Oak Bluffs line.
21 locals recommend
Jaws Bridge
267-125 Seaview AveFeeling adventurous? Jump of the 'famous' Jaws Bridge at State Beach on the Edgartown/Oak Bluffs line.
Mad Max Sailing Adventures
25 Dock Stcatamaran afternoon and sunset sails: madmaxmarina.com
film festivals, film-related speakers, educational programs, and
special events mvfilmsociety.com/
The Martha's Vineyard Film Festival
12 State Rd film festivals, film-related speakers, educational programs, and
special events mvfilmsociety.com/
Take the Chappy Ferry and visit Mytoi, "a secluded world of designed Japanese elegance in this garden of exotic and native plantings that encircle a serene pond"
https://thetrustees.org/place/mytoi/
24 locals recommend
Mytoi Japanese Garden
41 Dike RdTake the Chappy Ferry and visit Mytoi, "a secluded world of designed Japanese elegance in this garden of exotic and native plantings that encircle a serene pond"
https://thetrustees.org/place/mytoi/
To visit this arm of the island you'll need to take the Chappy Ferry (car suggested). Drive out to Mytoi or the barrier beach with its sandy shoreline, Cape Poge, Cape Poge Lighthouse, expansive salt marsh, salt pond, and the infamous Dyke Bridge (which is quite underwhelming). An overland permit may be required, four wheel drive is also required.
26 locals recommend
Chappaquiddick Island
To visit this arm of the island you'll need to take the Chappy Ferry (car suggested). Drive out to Mytoi or the barrier beach with its sandy shoreline, Cape Poge, Cape Poge Lighthouse, expansive salt marsh, salt pond, and the infamous Dyke Bridge (which is quite underwhelming). An overland permit may be required, four wheel drive is also required.
This is the place to be in August when the fair is in town. However, throughout the summer there are exhibitions, farms markets, horse shows, farm animal meet & greet, artisan festivals and more:
https://marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org
9 locals recommend
Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society
35 Panhandle RdThis is the place to be in August when the fair is in town. However, throughout the summer there are exhibitions, farms markets, horse shows, farm animal meet & greet, artisan festivals and more:
https://marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org
Neighborhoods
The fishing village of Menemsha is located in the town of Chilmark. Some of the oldest boats in the fishing fleet set out from Menemsha to fish for fluke, flounder, lobsters and more. We're biased, but the Little Lady which is docked near the Coast Guard Station is the most beautiful. It's also our family boat and has been in our family for generations. She's almost 100 years old and still fishing under Captain Denny.
52 locals recommend
Menemsha
The fishing village of Menemsha is located in the town of Chilmark. Some of the oldest boats in the fishing fleet set out from Menemsha to fish for fluke, flounder, lobsters and more. We're biased, but the Little Lady which is docked near the Coast Guard Station is the most beautiful. It's also our family boat and has been in our family for generations. She's almost 100 years old and still fishing under Captain Denny.
Historic Whaling Homes, Great Restaurants, Shops, Harbor, or just stroll :)
59 locals recommend
Edgartown
Historic Whaling Homes, Great Restaurants, Shops, Harbor, or just stroll :)
Traveler advice
Getting around
Bring Your Car
Our home is located about a 20 minute drive from the ferry in Vineyard Haven, down a long dirt road. While there are plenty of cabs, they can get expensive. You'll want to bring or rent a car.
Useful phrases
Up-Island vs Down-island
Down-island refers to Edgartown, Vineyard Haven (Tisbury) and Oak Bluffs. Up-Island refers to Aquinnah/Gay Head, Chilmark and West Tisbury.
What to pack
Beach Towels & Sunscreen
Unfortunately, we do not offer our guests beach towels. We do suggest you bring your own and plenty of sunscreen. If you forget to bring some you can purchase it at Alleys General Store, Cronigs or the Chilmark Store but...it's $$
Don't miss
Menemsha Sunsets
They are some of the most beautiful, pack a picnic and sit on the beach and watch the sun crest over the ocean.
Book before you go
The Ferry!
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to book a boat reservation for your car. They go on sale in the winter and sell out quickly! Wait lists are almost always honored, but never a guarantee!
Book before you go
Cell Service
The cell reception throughout the island can be very spotty. Wifi at most places is also extremely slow. Be patient!
Book before you go
Wildlife
Be aware that there are ticks on the island, so if you're out in the woods (especially with a pet) be sure to do a tick check. If you leave food out at night, skunks will very likely come for a visit.
Traveling with kids
You Can Rent Gear
http://www.mvbabyrent.com
Getting around
Taxi
There are plenty of taxi's on the island, so if you're planning on heading out for a few drinks do not risk the dark/winding roads. Call a taxi.