Dear friends of ours introduced us to Martha’s Vineyard a few years ago. As a west coaster, the island always sounded something like a fantasy. Where one would hob knob with the likes of presidential families vacationing in large compounds most of us would never experience. What we discovered was a bucolic island of country roads, quiet beaches, and roadside farm stands. It is such a joy to be invited to spend some time with cherished friends in their little slice of heaven on the island.
A few days spent on Martha’s Vineyard is so peaceful and relaxing compared to the fast pace of home. It’s a place where people are neighborly and courteous. When we arrive on the island, it usually takes us a day to get into the groove of graciousness here. It’s the kind of place where small country roads lead to stop signs where drivers are politely challenging one another to go first. As if everyone is saying “no, please, after you” even as you meet at an intersection. I love these sort of pleasantries and miss them when we leave the island.
In this edition of the 2 Days series, I some of the delicious eats, beautiful beaches and small shops we’ve explored and enjoyed on Martha’s Vineyard. If you have a favorite, I’d love to hear!
Where to Eat
- State Road
- Beach Road
- Little House Cafe
- Home Port
- 7a foods
Where to Play
- Lucy Vincent Beach
- Menemsha Beach
- Lambert’s Cove
- Squibnocket Beach
Where to Shop
- Chilmark General Store
- Edgartown Boutiques
- Bettlebung Farm
- Chilmark Pottery
- Rosewater (new to me – can’t wait to check it out!)
Where to Stay
We are lucky enough to stay with friends on the island, but if we were staying on our own here’s where I’d recommend:
- Beach Plum Inn
- Lambert’s Cove Inn
- AirBnB
We absolutely fall in love each time we visit. Last summer, I dreamily envisioned a quiet full-time life on the island. My husband is used to that whenever we visit a place I fall head over heels for, he knows this California girls would never last a winter in Massachusetts, but goes along with the dream nonetheless. It’s the part of me that wants to live off the land and homeschool my children. Then they start to fight and I get hungry and the dream meets reality. For now, we are grateful for time spent with generous friends enjoying the peaceful idyllic charm of Martha’s Vineyard.
You can read more about our adventures on the East Coast in New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. or the complete 2 Days Series.
I absolutely love reading about your time in MV!
I am from Cape Cod and have visited / blogged about this special island quite a bit! I think Lucy Vincent is one of the best beaches anywhere.
Other favorite eats: Chilmark Tavern, Aquinnah Shop Restaurant, Mememsha Fish Market, Red Cat Kitchen
Thank You for adding some of your favorites too!