Things To Do In Martha's Vineyard
This past Labor Day weekend was filled with sunshine and good vibes! Martha’s Vineyard did not disappoint, yet again. It’s become a tradition to go each year now. Each year, I discover more places to blog about as well. As I mentioned in my Black- Owned Businesses in Boston and Martha's Vineyard post, I try to explore Black-owned businesses wherever I go and that is why that blog needed it’s own separate post. With that post, I did add on a few more businesses from this recent trip. Please check it out when you get a chance!
With this post, I wanted to keep it general. Believe it or not, Martha’s Vineyard caters to everyone, all ages whether you’re looking for close housing near downtown or if you’re a foodie like me. They even have a strip of bars to hop to if you’re looking for night life.
Housing and Transportation
People always ask where do we stay when we go, each year it varies. This year we booked an Airbnb in Oaks Bluffs that was further away from downtown. Oaks Bluff is one of the more popular islands where the ferry drops you off at. People tend to stay near Nancy’s Restaurant or near the Gingerbread Village area.
You can always take the bus while you’re in MV, but please make sure you have cash for that. We took the bus into downtown from our Airbnb. I love a good day pass because you can bounce around to the other islands within Martha’s Vineyard as well. You’re able to fly to MV airport. I would check for those flights in advance. You can transport your car on the ferry to bring to MV as well. If you don’t bring a car, then you can always Uber or Lyft within the islands.
Inkwell Beach
This Oak Bluffs beach and surrounding area of colorful gingerbread Victorian houses have strong links to African-American heritage on Martha's Vineyard, dating back to the Revolutionary War. You can see the ferries coming in from the beach. People come here to BBQ with their family and friends.
Back Door Donuts
While the back door of Back Door Donuts has become a seasonal icon, the front of the bakery (open during the daytime) offers yummy doughnuts, coffee, and other sweet treats (the apple fritter is a self-attested wonder). The back door offers similar creations, except the doughnuts are made fresh to order. The line is always long. I suggest going as soon as they open in the morning.
Gingerbread Village
These vibrant Victorian cottages are clustered together, each with a quaint and colorful design reminiscent of the house made of gingerbread and candy in “Hansel and Gretel.” These adorable homes are now exclusive summer cottages. In the 1800s, this corner of the island was frequented by a group of Methodists that held annual religious retreats and meetings on Martha’s Vineyard. At the time, they slept in tents during these summer gatherings, but as the camp meetings became more frequent the group built permanent cottages to accommodate them year-round. Today, 300 gingerbread houses remain in the Oak Bluffs Campground, as well as the Cottage Museum at the entrance to the village, which features a prototype cottage furnished as it would have looked in the 1800s. The tabernacle sits in the center of the complex, which still functions as a religious facility.
The Seafood Shanty
The Seafood Shanty is a casual family restaurant located in Edgartown, MA on the island of Martha's Vineyard. They have harbor side seating on 2 floors with 3 decks and 2 full service bars. It’s located overlooking Edgartown Harbor. Pictured: Steamed Lobster
Edgartown Lighthouse
The Edgartown Harbor Light was the first lighthouse constructed at the Edgartown Harbor entrance. This is NOT located in Oaks Bluff. You would have to take the bus to Edgartown. I loved Edgartown because you can spend the day eating and taking a walk to the lighthouse.
Sand Bar & Grille
Located right on Oak Bluffs harbor just steps from the all the Oak Bluffs ferries. The Sandbar is the place for great food, great fun and a great "Island Atmosphere". You can enjoy a delicious meal or relaxing cocktail with your toes in the sand (literally), while the sun sets and the island gets ready for the Vineyard Nightlife. This is also across the street from Vineyard Carribean Cuisine.
The Loft Nightclub
The Loft is Martha's Vineyard's premiere venue for concerts, comedy, DJ's, and private events. This is located in Oaks Bluff. This is just steps from the ferry docks, shopping and hotels. DJ's and concerts 5 nights a week...open year round, this is where visitors and local frequent! This was my favorite spot for nightlife because they have pool tables and a large space to feel comfortable due to COVID.
The Cardboard Box
This location offers American food with a seafood focus & a lively cocktail lounge with weekend DJs. A lot of college students tend to hang out here for nightlife.
Nancy’s Restaurant
Nancy’s Restaurant boasts a beautiful view of the Oak Bluffs harbor from every seat looking out. This full-service 175-seat contemporary restaurant and bar serves lunch and dinner both inside the restaurant, and outside on the deck overlooking the water. Nancy’s is one of my favorite places to eat and Donovan’s Reef is located downstairs for his infamous Banana splits. It is a staple in MV. Pictured: Nancy’s Smash Burger
