Tips from Your Local Bankers: What to do while visiting Martha’s Vineyard!

For New Englanders, an island getaway is closer than you may think – right in our backyard (or the ocean, if you prefer). Martha’s Vineyard is a popular tourist spot for all ages.  Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a week-long vacation, our Martha’s Vineyard-based colleagues offer their recommendations for the best places to eat, see, and shop

When Should You Visit?

When you think of Martha’s Vineyard, summertime likely comes to mind. Yet, our local experts say fall is actually the best time to visit. In mid-to-late September, seasonal restaurants are still open but are far less busy. But if a mid-September getaway doesn’t quite work with your schedule, try visiting the island during the holiday season – Edgartown is magical come Christmas time.

Best Places to Eat:

Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a cup of coffee to fuel your next adventure, or a relaxing sit-down meal, our colleagues have you covered. We’ve curated a list of all their favorites.

• Rebecca Tilton, our Edgartown Upper Main Branch Manager: No trip is complete without getting breakfast at Outermost Inn or The Waterside.
• Beau Begin, Vice President and Financial Consultant: Save room for ice cream, because you’ll want to try Ben & Bills in Oak Bluffs and Ice Cream & Candy Bazaar in Edgartown.
• Venessa Walters, South Water Assistant Branch Manager: Toccopuro in Edgartown is the best coffee you can get on the Island!

For a sit-down meal, there are several excellent options:

If you’re craving seafood, be sure to try:

• • Atlantic (Edgartown)
  • Lookout Tavern (Oak Bluffs)
  • Coop Deville (Oak Bluffs)

If you want to try New American cuisine, check out:

• • Atria (Edgartown)
  • The Red Cat Kitchen (Oak Bluffs)
  • The Attic (Vineyard Haven)

If American food sounds more up your alley, visit:

• • Rockfish (Edgartown)
  • Nomans (Oak Bluffs)
  • Eleven Circuit (Oak Bluffs)

If you want to eat like a local, check out Martha’s Vineyard Hidden Gem Restaurants:

• • The Woods at Lambert’s Cove Inn (West Tisbury)
  • Behind the Bookstore (Edgartown)
  • Dos Mas (Oak Bluffs)
  • Linda Jean’s (Oak Bluffs)

If you are looking for some great pastries or a coffee, check out:

• • Cozy Corner (Edgartown)
  • Rosewater (Edgartown)
  • Catboat Café (Vineyard Haven)
  • Mocha Motts (Oak Bluffs & Vineyard Haven)
  • Back Door Donuts (Oak Bluffs)
  • Nats Nook (Vineyard Haven)
  • Aquila (Aquinnah)

Best Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard

Besides eating some delicious food, there are several fun activities to experience on Martha’s Vineyard.

Go to the beach (duh!)

Beaches are a main feature of Martha’s Vineyard. For those who are on a budget, it’s a free all-day activity. The water is warm in the late summer, which is a bonus if you are looking to go after Labor Day.

The beach is great for a variety of reasons, from a way to entertain the kids to a great place to meet up with friends and relax.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and pack a lunch to maximize your time in the sand!

Boating and fishing

If you prefer to be on the water instead of the sand, you might consider boating as an activity. Fishing is also a fun way to spend the day.

Hit the Golf Course

What is more relaxing than golf? Martha’s Vineyard has two public courses, Farm Neck and Mink Meadows. Both courses offer water views. If you travel in the ‘shoulder’ season (May, June, September, October), you’ll get great pricing, as well.

 

PRO TIP: There are some local shops and favorite spots that still only accept cash - like Mocha Motts or the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs (Highly recommended by Lisa Doering MacKenty CFP® Vice President and Investment Consultant) for example. It’s always good to check beforehand which restaurants and activities are cash-only, but fear not - there are plenty of ATMs for your convenience.

 

 

Instagram-worthy sightseeing

Whether it’s to capture the perfect photo or just to enjoy the scenery, Martha’s Vineyard is beautiful. If you’re looking for some of the best views, check out:

• At The Gay Head Cliffsand Gay Head Lighthouse (Aquinnah) you can catch a breathtaking sunset. While everyone should see these visual treasures, our experts warn that it’s about a half-hour drive from Vineyard Haven.
• Peaked Hill Reservation(Chilmark) is the perfect place to enjoy a hike. This is the highest point of the island at 311 feet above sea level. From here you can see Nomans Land Island, the Aquinnah peninsula, Menemsha, and even Buzzards Bay in the far distance.
• North Water Street in Edgartown provides incredible views of the harbor and will lead you right to the Edgartown Lighthouse.
• Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown offers great ocean views, and it’s located along Nantucket Sound.
• Sunset at Gay Head/Aquinnah
• Lambert's Cove Beach
• Hike at Brickyard Menemsha Trail
• Mytoi Japanese Garden at Chappaquiddick
• Carnegie – Museum in Edgartown
• Island sports – Jet skiing, parasailing
• Flying Horses Carousel (Oak Bluffs)
• Visit MV Museum, watch the sunset in Menemsha, take a walk downtown Edgartown

In any town on the Vineyard, you’ll find plenty of character. Take some time to explore and you’ll find numerous shopping choices from big brands to local boutiques. A favorite is Edgartown, where you can take a stroll down Main Street and find some great treasures to take home. You also can check out Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs for a great mix of retail shops.

 

Some Favorite Shops to Check Out:

• Suka – (Edgartown)
• DUNE – (Edgartown)
• Boneyard Surf Co. – (Edgartown)
• Summer Shades – (Edgartown)
• Backwater Trading Co – (Edgartown)
• Sanctuary – (Oak Bluffs)
• Basics & Eastaway Clothing (Oak Bluffs)
• Lazy Frog – (Oak Bluffs)
• Greenroom – (Vineyard Haven)
• Rainy day – (Vineyard Haven)

Before you fall in love with one of the Vineyard’s famous gingerbread houses in Oaks Bluff, bookmark this article about whether it’s better to rent or buy a vacation home.