A video, cameos by 2 of our wedding guests, shopping, restaurants, beaches, galleries...this page has got it all if you want to know what to do in your free time on MV!
Edgartown
Eat & Drink
Alchemy: Great bistro and bar, a favorite
The Atlantic: Seafood and chophouse, upscale harbor-front dining and drinking
Chesca's: In the Vineyard Square Hotel, Italian with lots of seafood
The Port Hunter: Brooklyn meets Edgartown (if that is possible), cool casual restaurant/bar that has live music most nights
Atria: Vineyard fine dining, best seats are in the garden on a warm night, check out the more casual Cellar Bar for great burgers
The Seafood Shanty: Go for the harbor view and drinks on the patio
Snack/Grab-and-Go
Mad Martha’s Ice Cream: (also in Vineyard Haven & Oak Bluffs): Do not be fooled by any of the other ice cream shops. This is THE one. Favorite since we both were kids.
Espresso Love: Classic sandwiches and coffees
Rosewater: Gourmet sandwiches, salads, coffees to eat on the patio or take to go
Behind the Bookstore Cafe: Coffee and small menu by day/beer, wine and oysters by night, lots of outdoor seating
Black Sheep: Charcuterie, fromagerie, coffee and to go sandwiches and salads
Murdick's Fudge: (also in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs) Sweet treats for all, watch them make the candy right in the store
Morning Glory Farm: Super-sized farm stand with island produce and amazing baked goods. Bike in from town and eat breakfast at their picnic tables.
Shopping & Galleries
Downtown Edgartown is known for its lack of chains, and some really great independent boutiques.
Shopping picks include Edgartown Books, Portobello Road for gifts, Slate for women's fashion and the grandaddy of all Vineyard Vines stores!
There are galleries all around town, and some of the best are Old Scuplin and North Water.
Things to See & Do
Edgartown Light House & Light House Beach: Iconic New England at its best
Edgartown Town Dock: Head here with your Mad Martha's
Ferry to Chappaquiddick: Rent a bike and ferry across to this island off the island
South Beach: Sprawling Atlantic Ocean beach in Katama. If you bike in from town, stop at the Katama store for snacks and sandwiches.
State Beach: Super-family friendly, Vineyard Sound-side beach. Line up with the kids to jump off the bridge.
OAK BLUFFS
Eat & Drink
20 by nine: Gastropub and craft beer, cocktail whiskey bar
The Red Cat: Local, seasonal, delicious. Tiny restaurant so book ahead.
Offshore Ale: Year-round, peanut-shells-on-the-floor brewpub
Martha's Vineyard Chowder Company: New England fare in downtown OB
Snack/Grab-and-Go
Back Door Donuts: Come to the "back door" of MV Gourmet Cafe & Bakery between 730 and midnight and buy hot, fresh donuts and pastries to go
Skinny Fat's Sandwiches: Not much skinny about them, but they're great
Things to See & Do
Flying Horses Carousel: The oldest working carousel in the US. Catch the brass ring and win a free ride! Bring the kids.
Gingerbread Cottages: Boldly painted, mid-1800s gingerbread cottages are like nothing else you've seen
Ocean Park: Take a stroll, fly a kite, throw a frisbee. Right on the water.
Vineyard Haven
Eat & Drink
The Black Dog: You've seen the t-shirts, now eat at the Tavern- get the chowder. And stop by the bakery for a snack on your way to the ferry.
Art Cliff Diner: Worth the wait, this diner's so good it's got a Zagat rating.
The Net Result: Fish market with lobster rolls and chowder to go
Shopping
Bunch of Grapes Bookstore: Amazing independent bookstore. Trip and Caroline both spent time at the original as kids.
LeRoux at Home: Great home and gift store
Midnight Farm: Carly Simon's eclectic home goods shop
UP-ISLAND
The towns of Chilmark, Menemsha, Gay Head and West Tisbury are a short drive from the main towns. They're full of natural beauty and have a more laid-back vibe.
Alley’s General Store: Oldest store on the Vineyard, full of odds and ends and farm stand out back.
Chilmark Store: Breakfast, pizza, sandwiches, salads and sometimes even Larry David sightings. Grab a rocking chair out front.
Larsen’s Fish Market: In the tiny fishing village of Menemsha. Grab a lobster roll and head over to the beach.
Granary Gallery: One of the best on the Vineyard in a beautiful old barn
Gay Head Light House and Cliffs: Some of the prettiest scenery on the island
NEED MORE VINEYARD TIPS?
Some other solid what to do lists can be found here, here and here.
ENJOY!