Tag Archives: Vineyard Haven

See True Beauty at the Island Art Gallery in Vineyard Haven

Island Art GalleryVisiting Vineyard Haven?  Why not check out the Island Art Gallery, located at 66 Main Street?  This art gallery-cum-framing shop features photographs and paintings depicting Martha’s Vineyard’s stunning architecture and landscapes.  Artwork genres include oils, watercolors, acrylics, and artprints.  Stop by and discover the artists’ beautiful interpretations of an equally-beautiful island.

In a past blog post, we discussed the picturesque Edgartown Lighthouse.  The Island Art Gallery contains a collection of beautiful photographs and paintings of this elegant landmark.  In fact, four of the five Martha’s Vineyard’s lighthouses are represented in the gallery in some form (Edgartown, along with Gay Head, East Chop, and West Chop).  Pick your favorite town on Martha’s Vineyard, and browse through dozens of works handcrafted by local artists.

After you’ve explored the gallery, head out to dinner at one of Vineyard Haven’s outstanding restaurants.  The Little House Café, located at 339 State Road, won Martha’s Vineyard Magazine’s “Best Lunch” poll in 2014.  The café uses only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in crafting sumptuous meals (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available!).

If you’re looking for a great dining experience with a view, head to the Black Dog Tavern.  This tavern overlooks the harbor and offers a variety of seafood and non-seafood options (everything from clam chowder to racks of ribs).

What’s a trip to Martha’s Vineyard without some time on the water?  If you haven’t already, check out the picturesque Lake Tashmoo, located just minutes from downtown Vineyard Haven.  The lake offers visitors a variety of fun options, such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing.  However, if you’re with that special someone, we recommend you charter a sailboat for a sunset cruise.  Many of these charters allow you to bring your own food and drink aboard, and ruby-red Pinot noir goes nicely with the brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds of a Martha’s Vineyard sunset.  This is a popular outing, so be sure you reserve your sunset cruise today!

After an afternoon in Vineyard Haven, enjoy a show at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse.  The Playhouse, established in 1982, features a wide variety of plays, ranging from William Shakespeare’s classics (Romeo & Juliet, Henry IV, Henry V, and Julius) to award-winning modern-day works by such playwrights as Barney Norris, winner of the 2014 Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright.  It seems like The Playhouse always has something going on (even in the lobby!), so it’s worth visiting their website’s Now Playing page.

Read reviews of the Vineyard Playhouse

No trip to Martha’s Vineyard is complete without a great accommodation. 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!

Vineyard Playhouse Shows Shouldn’t Be Missed

Love theater? ChecVineyard Playhousek out the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, located in beautiful Vineyard Haven, MA. The Playhouse, built in 1833, served a variety of purposes in its early life: a public meeting house, an Episcopal church, a Masonic lodge, and more. In 1982, Eileen Wilson and Isabella McKamy founded the theater and, in 1993, moved it to its current Church Street location. Since then, the building has been completely renovated and restored, and even expanded to better serve the cast, crew, and guests.

The Playhouse features a wide variety of plays, ranging from the Bard to modern-day tales by promising young talents, like Barney Norris. Mr. Norris won the 2014 Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright. In April 2015, the Playhouse featured his play, “Visitors,” which The Independent called “a play made with love.” Fans of classic works will enjoy productions by Shakespeare (King John, Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, Henry IV, Henry V, Julius Caesar, and more) and Tennessee Williams. If you’d like to learn more about their productions, visit The Vineyard Playhouse’s Production History.

The excitement at the Vineyard Playhouse extends beyond the stage; the Marilyn Meyerhoff Lobby hosts a variety of fun events throughout the year. This October, the lobby hosted a Poetry Café. The $10 invent included a beverage, a slice of pie, and, of course, readings from local poets. It’s also a popular spot for book releases and stories. Be sure to keep an eye on the Lobby Events page.

If you’re there in the summer, be sure to check out The Fabulists. The Fabulists are a troupe of Playhouse actors performing hilarious script adaptations for children every Saturday during the summer. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and the laughs are guaranteed! Visit The Fabulists webpage to learn more.

Speaking of children, the Vineyard Playhouse also offers Theater Arts Camp. If you’re heading to Martha’s Vineyard for a week in summer, why not enroll your kids in a fun-filled theater experience? The camps are for children ages 7-13, and run from early July through late August (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.). You can view their contact information here.

Come out and join the fun at the Vineyard Playhouse! You never know who might appear! At one single play, the premier of Edward Beck’s “Sweetened Water,” the Playhouse hosted actress and former Miss America Vanessa Williams, actress Amy Irving (Carrie, Yentl, Traffic), and fashion designer Kenneth Cole.

If any (or all) of this interest you, we encourage you to read the Vineyard Playhouse’s theater news and reviews page.

And if you’re heading this way, 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!

5 Top Vineyard Haven Restaurants

Amy Meredith / Vineyard Haven / Flickr
Amy Meredith / Vineyard Haven / Flickr

Vineyard Haven is home to many great restaurants that are favorites with the locals and others visiting Martha’s Vineyard. When staying on Martha’s Vineyard, make sure to try the many great restaurants in Vineyard Haven. There are many options in the area that include fresh seafood, delicious breakfast items and anything in-between. Take a look at the five top Vineyard Haven restaurants.

Copper Wok
This very popular restaurant is a great location to go for Chinese food. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Copper Wok has a large menu and features generous portions. There are several sushi options that are incredibly fresh and delicious. The Copper Wok features a friendly atmosphere and affordable prices which makes for a great meal out for lunch or dinner. Take out is always available if you want to eat at home.

Blue Canoe
Head to the Blue Canoe for a delicious meal with a great view and a great atmosphere. There is great indoor and outdoor seating that makes for a good lunch spot and a terrific dinner destination. Try the traditional clam chowder or the crab cake spring rolls as an appetizer. Fresh lobster and other great seafood are on the menu complete with classic staples like filet mignon and Cobb salad. This waterfront grill is a short walk from the ferry dock in Vineyard Haven and is a great spot to try.

Little House Café
Voted the “Best Lunch” on the Vineyard by the 2014 Martha’s Vineyard Magazine poll, the Little House Café is a cozy spot for coffee in the morning with fresh-baked goods to a scrumptious lunch or a fantastic dinner. Using high quality ingredients, the little House Café strives to make a unique and delicious meal. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available as well, making this a great spot to stop at anytime during the day.

Art Cliff Diner
The Art Cliff Diner is one of the most popular spots for a meal in Vineyard Haven. The food is always fresh and well-prepared. With delicious breakfast food, there are many creative options while the crepes and French toast are great selections. It’s a small and cozy spot so there can be a line to get in at times but the food is worth the stop!

Black Dog Tavern
The Black Dog Tavern has long provided great meals for the residents of Martha’s Vineyard. The restaurant overlooks the water so you can watch the ferry depart and arrive. Enjoy a cozy, relaxed and rustic atmosphere that has a menu with selections like roast chicken and grilled marinated steak tips. The Black Dog Tavern provides breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure to also head to the bakery and café which has take-out breakfast and lunch items.

Vineyard Haven has many great spots to stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When staying in Vineyard Haven or on Martha’s Vineyard, let Sandpiper Rentals help you find a terrific place to stay so you can enjoy the great restaurants that Vineyard Haven has to offer!