Even in the thick of the fall season, we can still smell the salty, ocean air of Martha’s Vineyard. From the fishing village of Menemsha to the beach at Aquinnah and the farms of Chilmark, there’s something idyllic around every turn of the island. And the food, shops and architecture? Also all amazing. We recently caught up with maven of all things beautiful, Lucy Cuneo, to talk MV and get her take on what she and her family enjoy most during their visits.
A wedding photographer and blogger, Lucy’s style is undeniably chic. We’re sure you’ll love her recommendations, from which farm you should start the day at, to where to shop for the best textiles on the island. And when she talks about the magnetic pull of Martha’s Vineyard, we’re sure you’ll agree once you’ve spent time on the meandering beaches, rolling farmland and picture perfect villages.
Give us the lowdown on Martha's Vineyard!
Martha’s Vineyard is an island off the coast of Massachusetts with a small year round community and very large summer contingent. The island is a celebrated summer vacation destination made famous by the Kennedys and more recently by the Obamas. It features many long beautiful sandy beaches, countless miles of rolling farmland that often overlook the sea, hiking trails, bike paths, ponds and more.
Why should travelers put Martha's Vineyard at the top of their getaway list?
The wild and natural beauty, the sense of escape, privacy and freedom. The irresistible charm of a New England coastal community in bloom plus fun shopping, exploring, adventures and fantastic food.
What kind of traveler would enjoy the area the most?
It's well suited to many types of travelers, each town has its own distinct personality.
Edgartown makes for a charming couples weekend with great shopping, food and picket-fence garden envy (just take a stroll down any of the lanes off the main stretch).
At the other end of the spectrum, Menemsha is a traditional New England fishing village dripping with rustic charm and is a favorite for lobster-roll lovers (head to Larsen’s Fish Market, but BYOB!).
Families can enjoy farm visits and tours. Our son enjoys the alpaca farm, the Grey Barn tour, and petting the goats at the Native Earth Teaching Farm in Chilmark. We also love picking up a slice of pizza from the Chilmark General Store and eating on the porch en route to the beach up island. Those looking for active vacations are well served too: offshore fishing, road biking, and surfing of the highest quality are widely available, lessons and all.
What are some must see/try spots around town?
We love the beach at Aquinnah and hanging around in Edgartown, which is growing into a really fun resort destination. My favorite shops there are Slate and Salt, and I love eating at The Covington. My favorite restaurant on the Island is State Road, it’s a real splurge but so memorable, especially cozy for an autumn visit.
I met my husband sailing out of Vineyard Haven, and would recommend that trip for anyone! I love Magnetic North (open in summer) and the The Beach House shop is full of great textiles.
Most days, we pick up our supplies from Morning Glory Farm (which also has great grab and go and a salad/soup bar which we frequent). The produce is often island grown and is out of this world, and they bake the most incredible pies, cookies and quiches.
What is your favorite part about Martha's Vineyard & ultimately why you keep coming back?
The Island has a magnetic pull. I remember feeling homesick for it after my first stay at age 13. I have spoken to other “islanders” about this connection to the island and all agree. It’s hard not to wish to return after spending time there. And, I am particularly grateful for that pull because it led me to meeting my husband who sailed over from England who also fell in love with the island.
I think that we keep coming back because we share a deep love of the ocean and the relationship this island has with it. We are attracted to the strong farm to table culture that the ‘island grown’ community has developed and the incredible spoils from each farm. We value the bucolic privacy of the island, and we would love for our son to grow up connected to these elements while exploring and adventuring to his heart’s content!
