Category Archives: Food

Families, Food, Kids, Martha's Vineyard

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard

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There are tons of great restaurants on the island, but if you’re traveling with kids you’ll need to know where to get an inexpensive, good, fast meal…and luckily the island has many wonderful options.

Oak Bluffs
Sharky’s Cantina was voted Best Family Restaurant this year and it’s no surprise. Meals are quick, tasty and there’s a great kid’s menu – complete with bottomless drinks and a free shark toy! They are now located in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Linda Jean’s is a great Oak Bluffs restaurant that will easily have something for everyone in your family. Make sure you don’t miss out on their absolutely wonderful pancakes! Call 508-693-4093 for more info.

The Slice of Life is a less expensive version of some of the fancier Vineyard spots featuring a great selection of carefully prepared food, incredible pizza and one of the Island’s best burgers! They are currently located in Oak Bluffs, but opening a second restaurant in West Tisbury in the summer of ‘09. Call 508-693-3838 for more info.

Pomodoro serves every family’s favorite – PIZZA! This Oak Bluffs eatery has a great selection of pastas and salads and their huge dining room means you’ll get a table a little faster than some of the smaller spots. Take out is also available. Call 508-696-3002 for more info.

Vineyard Haven
The Art Cliff Diner in Vineyard Haven is a favorite with locals and summer folks alike. It is one of the island’s most loved restaurants for its always fabulous food and funky décor. There can be a wait and the hours can change so call ahead and bring your appetites – you won’t be disappointed! Call 508-693-4093 for more info.

Edgartown
If you are staying in town, The Quarter Deck Restaurant may become your kids favorite places for a meal and when you see how quick and easy it is to get the fried clams, burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, it may become one of your favorites too. Call 508-627-5346 for more info.

The Wharf is one of the only pub-style eateries on the island. Parents will love the family orientated atmosphere, the great local seafood and the very reasonable kids menu (including a $4 PB&J).

The Grill on Main is a more upscale family restaurant but you’ll love the new Prix Fixe menu and extensive wine list. A good way to eat well and bring the kids along.

West Tisbury
Fella’s Takeout run by the famous Fella’s Caterers, is a favorite for breakfast sandwiches and yummy, inexpensive take away lunches that are perfect for picnics. Call 508-693-6924 for more info.

The Scottish Bakehouse is officially in Tisbury, but it’s seconds away from the town line and it’s decidedly not in Vineyard Haven, so I’m listing it as West Tis. They have a pretty full menu of egg sandwhiches, stir-fries and salads which are amazing, but the baked goods are out of this world. Breads, muffins, croissant, brownies, pies, coffee cake, cake…I could go on and on. There are a few picnic tables outside, and there’s a great little porch, but mostly this is a pick up and take home kind of place. Call 508-693-6633 for more info.

Chilmark
You’ll find really good pizza at the Chilmark Store as well as huge sandwiches and fresh salads. The store is very crowded at lunch so call and order ahead if you’re planning to feed a big group. But, one of our favorite things? Hanging out on the big porch, rocking in oversized rocking chairs and lazing the afternoon away post-beach…

Menemsha
The Galley in Menemsha is a great place to take away a quick meal to eat on the beach or you can enjoy it on their back deck that looks out over the fishing boats. The Galley not only has a great, inexpensive menu with lots of choices, it also has ice cream! Call 508-645-9819 for more info.

Also in Menemsha is the world famous clamshack of Jaws fame – The Bite. This traditional clam shack has won its share of awards for their delicious fried clams, but don’t stop there – they’ve also got fried scallops, oysters, calamari, etc. and one of the freshest fish sandwiches you’ve ever tried.

The Homeport is another option for sunset dinners. Eat in the restaurant and enjoy fresh lobsters and corn as well as panoramic views of Menemsha pond or order from the “Back Door” and take that same food with you down to Menemsha beach.

Activities, Edgartown, Food, Kids, Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, Quiet Getaways, West Tisbury

Biking, Kayaking and Hiking on Martha’s Vineyard

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While everyone knows the Vineyard is beautiful, the beaches get most of the attention. However, the island has miles of bike trails, inlets, ponds & bays and acres of forests and meadows to discover. Unlike most areas of land the size of our island, the topography, climate and environment change often and dramatically as you move across Martha’s Vineyard. To really experience all the island has to offer, I suggest that you bike, kayak and hike whenever you can.

Biking. Some visitors are surprised at how big the island actually is (100 square miles) so unless you’re a super experienced biker, you may not want to try to bike the whole island in one day. While cars are very kind to bikers throughout the island, we also have a wonderful bike path that goes through the towns of Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, including the State Forest.

Kayaking. Getting around in kayaks can be a little tricky but there are some great kayak tours that will get you to the places you wouldn’t be able to go otherwise. The Trustees of the Reservation offer both walking and kayaking adventures on several different parts of the island.

Hiking. Walking, perhaps, lends the most in depth view of the island. You can determine your own pace and you can get as close to the land and its wildlife as possible.  The Vineyard has some amazing places for hikes such as Felix Neck Wildlife Sacutary in Edgartown, Cedar Tree Neck in West Tisbury, spots managed by The Trustees of the Reservation and the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission.

Events, Food, Martha's Vineyard, West Tisbury

Weekly Events at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury

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Located in the heart of West Tisbury, the historic Grange hall, built in 1859, has recently been restored and is the site for great events all season. Beginning in late June and continuing through September, stop by the Grange Hall for one of three weekly events: The Farmer’s Market, The Artisan’s Fair and the Antique Association Show. All events operate rain or shine and there is ample free parking. Dogs are allowed, but expected to be kept on a short leash.

The Farmer’s Market operates on the grounds of the Grange Hall on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am – noon. Local farmers from all over the island sell their freshest produce here and beautiful cut flowers are for sale everywhere. You can also get tasty homemade pestos and salsas or enjoy and fresh-squeezed lemon or limeade made for you right on the spot. Food is not all that’s available at the Farmer’s Market, sheep farmers also offer their wool yarns and products and the local Alpaca farm has a stand too – complete with friendly alpacas for you to pet. The long line you’ll see at the first stand is for egg rolls and believe it or not, they are worth the wait. The two options (cold roll or fried roll) are equally good – as are the spicy noodles and seaweed salads.

The Artisan’s Fair on Thursdays and Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm features local artists from all over the island. Here you’ll find artists and craftspeople selling everything from their beautiful painted landscapes and ceramic plates and bowls to batik clothing to handmade brooms and gorgeous jewelry. Stalls are set up both outside on the grounds and inside the Grange Hall as well. Make sure to come back more than once as different artists feature their work at different times throughout the summer.

The Antique Association Show operates on Fridays from 9 am – 3 pm and is one of the most loved antique shows on the island. Here collectors and vendors come together to sell and buy some of the island’s remarkable antiques. Nautical items abound as do wicker and cane. You’ll find small household items like plates, cutlery and lamps and you’ll also find larger pieces such as desks, windows and chairs. Both the outside grounds and inside the hall are filled to the top with items for both the collector and the novice to enjoy. Make sure you stop and talk to the vendors as well. They are all very knowledgeable and you’re certain to learn not only historical facts about their wares but some great island history as well.