Tag Archives: Martha’s Vineyard Farmers market

Events, Food, Martha's Vineyard, West Tisbury

Weekly Events at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury

Leave a comment


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.

Activities, Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs

Fishing on Martha’s Vineyard

Leave a comment

If you fancy yourself a fisherman or fisherwoman (or want to become one) you’ll be thrilled with all the options you have here on Martha’s Vineyard. There are no required permits needed to cast your line, however you do want to observe town limits for fish size and amount. For more information, talk to experts at local tackle shops like Larry’s Tackle in Edgartown (508-627-5088), Dick’s Bait and Tackle in Oak Bluffs (508-693-7669) and Menemsha Bait and Tackle in Menemsha (508-645-2901). These shops will also be able to provide you with whatever gear you need including tide charts and maps of island fishing spots as well as good advice on which fish you can expect to find off which shores.

There are a number of wonderful fishing spots on the island. Some favorites are:

The inlet and jetties of Lake Tashmoo. This is a great spot for beginners since there are plenty of small striped bass to be found (and even some big ones). It is less crowded than other fishing spots and it is one of the island’s most beautiful locations.

State Beach and Big Bridge. State beach is one of the cleanest and best public beaches for swimming in the Northeast. It’s also a great place to find many of the small and big fish that swim the island’s shores. Fishing fanatics can spend a lovely day at the beach and then watch the sunset while casting their lines directly off the beach or off the adjacent Big Bridge that crosses the Oak Bluffs/Edgartown border. Look out for lots of stripers and false albacore.

Menemsha. Menemsha is one of the last working fishing villages on the island so it would make sense that it’s also a great place to catch a lot of fish. Home to a beautiful public beach and a wide variety of restaurants, fish markets and shops, it’s a great place for the whole family to spend a day. Fishing from the beach or the jetties can yield scup, fluke, bonito and false albacore.

For more information on island fishing, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Association’s great website.

Chappaquiddick, Chilmark, Edgartown, Food, Menemsha, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury

Where to Shop for Food on Martha’s Vineyard

Leave a comment

As you plan your vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, your mind is, most likely, already lying on the beach – probably not shopping at the grocery store. But one of the greatest benefits of renting a house on the island is that you don’t have to dine out for all of your meals or rely on hotel restaurant hours. Your house comes equipped with a complete kitchen – so you can eat your lobsters whenever you like.

Here’s where to shop for groceries:

Down Island
Stop and Shop (Vineyard Haven and Edgartown)
Two convenient locations for this good old, standard supermarket, includes a large organic/natural section and features competitive prices.

Cronig’s Market (Vineyard Haven)
A Vineyard landmark with everything you need. Cronig’s has a great organic/natural section, supports the Island Grown Initiative (Buy Local!) and carries many local items – food and body care. Healthy Additions, found in a separate building to the left of the main store, is stocked with natural snacks, health and beauty products.

Reliable Market (Oak Bluffs)
Classic family store in its 3rd generation, known for its great meat and fantastic butcher and conveniently located in the heart of Oak Bluffs on Circuit Ave.

Katama General Store (Edgartown)
A perfect stop on the way to the beach with groceries, a deli and even catering services.

The Chappy Store (Chappaquiddick)
Right on the main road, about 2 miles from the ferry. Just the basics and sandwiches for the beach.

Up Island
Up Island Cronig’s (West Tisbury)
Smaller version of the Vineyard Haven store conveniently located in West Tisbury – perfect for up-island renters who choose to stay on the quiet side of the island. Up Island Cronig’s has everything you need.

Fiddlehead Farm (West Tisbury)
Great produce, much of it organic, and tasty specialty items with a european flare like crackers, cheeses, sausages and sauces.

Alley’s General Store (West Tisbury)
Right in the heart of town, basic groceries plus all the old-fashioned general store amenities and charm including toys, games and beach fare.

West Tisbury Farmer’s Market (West Tisbury)
Not a ‘store’ in the classic sense, but offering an incredible spread of island grown produce, meats, baked goods, infamous vietnamese springrolls, medicinals and crafts every Saturday and Wednesday all summer. Don’t miss it!

The Chilmark Store (Chilmark)
Staple groceries and goods attached to an island-renowned pizzeria and deli. Pull up a rocker on the front porch and watch life at Beetlebung Corner float by.

Menemsha Market (Menemsha)
Small, quaint and full of little treasures, just like Menemsha. Goods for the beach and books for kids included. Perfect for the groceries and pie when you are all the way up-island.

Tea Lane Caterers & The Phantom Chef (Chilmark)
If you don’t feel like cooking, don’t have time to get to the market or you’re planning a party, call Chef Dee Smith, the Phantom Chef. The food is amazing and the gourmet drop-off meal service is the perfect compliment to your Vineyard vacation.