Tag Archives: Grange Hall

Martha's Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Artisans, Things To Do, West Tisbury

Why Is the Grange Hall in West Tisbury So Special?

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Grange Hall in West TisburyLike beautiful, historic buildings? Then the Grange Hall in West Tisbury is a must-see. This historic post-and-beam building, constructed in 1859 by the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, housed the Agricultural Fair until 1994. In 1997, the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust purchased the property and restored it to its present (beautiful!) condition.

These days, the Grange Hall hosts a variety of events, and is even a popular spot for wedding receptions. It recently hosted an antique show, an all-Martha’s Vineyard artisan fair, and the West Tisbury farmers’ market. In summer, the farmers’ market is open every Wednesday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The winter market operates on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can view a complete schedule here, along with a listing of the dozens of vendors providing their delicious goods. Be sure to stop by and sample freshly-made chocolates, tea, and perhaps even stock up on some locally made jam.

After the Grange Hall in West Tisbury…

After you’ve explored the Grange Hall, why not explore some other historic West Tisbury sites? Stop by the Old Sculpin Gallery and view artwork crafted by some of the Vineyard’s finest artists. If you time it just right, the gallery hosts an All-Vineyard Art Show, featuring prizes for oils, pastels, watercolors, collages, and photography. They also offer workshops for parents and children in drawing, etching, and various forms of painting. You can learn more about the Old Sculpin Gallery by visiting their website.

How magical is Martha’s Vineyard? It has Flying Horses! Flying Horses is an authentic 19th century carousel located in Oak Bluffs. It is, in fact, America’s oldest platform carousel, and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Rides cost a mere $2.50, but all jockeys have the chance to win a free ride if they can catch the brass ring. Stop by and enjoy a whirl on this beautiful (and unique) piece of American history!

We urge all visitors to check out the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust website. The Preservation Trust currently owns and maintains twenty properties on Martha’s Vineyard, ranging from art galleries, to old general stores, to farms, libraries, churches, and more. One of their properties, the Village Green in Edgartown, has served as a common green space for 350 years. Today, it is a small park, and connects four commercial streets. Give the Preservation Trust website a look and plan a few daytrips around this beautiful island.

In short, the Grange Hall in West Tisbury is just one of many beautiful buildings to see.  If you’re coming, be sure to reserve your accommodations through Sandpiper Rentals. Our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals are ideal for relaxing and unwinding in between all of the great activities you can participate in during your time on the island. Our rental properties are located all over Martha’s Vineyard, so you can choose to stay on your favorite part of the island. Whether you want to be right in town or more isolated, we have the perfect rental for you. Our homes are all unique, yet they all offer comfortable accommodations and luxurious amenities. Visit our website to check availability and learn about all of our services!

Activities, Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Towns, West Tisbury

Martha’s Vineyard Artisan Festivals

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aghall

The ‘Ag Hall’ West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard

One of the many things that makes Martha’s Vineyard so special is the sense of community. People here are supportive and really know how to pull together. And one of the places that we see this evidenced is with the Vineyard Artisans.

Mission Statement

Since 1995 the mission of the Vineyard Artisan Festivals is to promote Island Art & Craft. It is a link between the Island community and the Arts, providing an opportunity for both new and established Island artisans to show and sell their work.

There are so many things I love about that mission statement, but most of all, that the festivals are extended to established and new artists. Because just because you’re new to showing your work, or young, or changing careers does not mean that you aren’t amazingly talented – and I love that everyone gets the chance.

That said, the festivals are always phenomenal! Set up both outside and inside the Grange Hall (the big holiday shows are in the Ag Hall – pictured above!) in West Tisbury, artists set up their wares, talk to visitors and, generally just have a great time. The highlight from this weekend’s first show? Toddler beds that are the exact replicas of the Steamship ferry boats – with working lights and horn! Totally amazing by Bill Moore!

The festivals feature jewelry, wampum, clothing, paintings, photography, weaving, glass and more. Not to be missed!

Here is this 2009 schedule!

12th Annual Summer Festivals

June Sundays, July Sundays, July Thursdays, August Sundays, August Thursdays, September Sundays
Grange Hall, West Tisbury 10 -2 each day
rain or shine with great food and free parking!

14th Annual Labor Day Festival

Labor Day Weekend – September 5-6
Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury 10 – 5 each day

6th Annual Columbus Day Festival

October 11. 10 – 4 pm
Grange Hall, West Tisbury

13th Annual Thanksgiving Day Festival

Thanksgiving Weekend – Nov. 27 – 28
Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury 10 – 4 each day

2nd Annual Holiday Festival

December 12. 10 – 4
Grange Hall, West Tisbury

Image courtesy of Slapjack
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.