The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha’s Vineyard!

by Nadeen
August 15, 2019
A A
Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard! This island in New England is the perfect place for a summer vacation! Delicious seafood, beautiful beaches and quaint colorful homes!

I had the pleasure of revisiting Martha’s Vineyard this summer after 25 years!! The word that kept coming to mind was “lovely”. This island is just so lovely!! Martha’s Vineyard is located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts and if you have never been please put it on your list! The weather, the people, the food make it the perfect place for a summer vacation with family, friends or in my case a girls getaway. Once you get there, here are my picks for the top 10 things to see and do on Martha’s Vineyard!

1) a) Eating Seafood. It is fresh, it is affordable and it is everywhere!! I had been craving a lobster roll all summer and this was the perfect place to have it! I also delighted in decadent New England clam chowder, lobster bisque and the best fried fish sandwich of my life! My favorite seafood restaurants included Look Out Tavern (the site of the warm sauteed lobster roll below that changed my life), Linda Jean’s and The Net Result. I wrote an entire post on eating seafood on Martha’s Vineyard on Travelnoire.com so be sure to read it here.

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!
Lobster roll at Lookout Tavern

b) Eating donuts at Back Door Donuts. Back door donuts is part of Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Cafe& Bakery in Oak Bluffs. Ordering and eating donuts from their back door is a Martha’s Vineyard tradition. Yes there will be a line but it is so worth it and the line moves fast. The back door is open from 7 pm until 12.58pm so we arrived close to 7 pm. You are able to check out the menu prior to getting to the “back door” to order. The donuts are given to you hot and fresh and they are oh so yummy! Besides donuts the apple fritter is a big hit!

c) Eating at The Black Dog Tavern. Have you ever noticed someone with a Tshirt that has a black dog on it and it says Martha’s Vineyard? The stores are all over Martha’s Vineyard selling cool apparel and then there is the Black Dog Tavern and coffee shop in Vineyard Haven. The tavern is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located on a dock so you can take in great views of the ships and ferries. There is also a new dockside cafe in Oaks Bluffs! Expect seafood items, ribs and large scrumptious desserts! I particularly enjoyed the “Quahog Chowder” made with fresh island quahogs and topped with homemade croutons! (a quahog is a hard clam)

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!
Quahog Chowder at Black Dog Tavern

2) Watching the sunset at Menemsha beach. Beyond beautiful!! This is a tradition on the island and both tourists and locals alike flock to this particular beach to watch the sunset. The colors setting on the ocean were brilliant. Bring your own food and beverages or order from restaurants along the waterfront including fresh lobsters from Larsen’s fish market. I also observed a rather large clam bake on the beach. Fun! Be sure to stay until the sun fully fades away and you will be treated to delightful applause!

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!

3) Visiting the town of Oak Bluffs. This is a bustling area known for it’s

a) quaint and colorful gingerbread cottages,

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!

b) shopping along Circuit Avenue,

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!
c) taking a ride on the Flying Horses carousel which is a US national landmark and the oldest platform carousel in the country.
d) You can then relax on the town beach also known as “Inkwell beach”. Lying on this beach you have the beautiful views of the ocean on one side and the gingerbread cottages on the other.

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!

4) Bike riding around the island. What a great way to take in the amazing views all around you! Being on a bike allows you access to areas cars cannot and it’s a great way to get exercise while on vacation. There are trails everywhere and you can ride inland or along the ocean or the bay. You will notice many bike rental shops and bikers everywhere!

5) Visiting Edgartown. I would describe this town as chic, clean, polished, crisp and “sophisticated”:-). As soon as you enter this area you can tell the difference compared to the more relaxed, almost rural look of the rest of the island. Be sure to take the stroll down to the Edgartown lighthouse! This is mentioned in another topic on this list of the top 10 things to do and see.

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!
Edgartown Lighthouse

6) Eating lobster on the beach. Have you ever done this? After seeing many people do so all week on the island we couldn’t leave without doing the same! On our last day we ordered lobsters from Edgartown seafood and drove out to South beach to relax and indulge in this island tradition. I highly recommend it!

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!
7) Visiting South Beach. Yes they have a South Beach too! Here you will have a full wide beach with soft sand which allows for pleasurable long walks. ( The other two beaches we visited-Menemsha and Inkwell had a lot of shells). There are uninterrupted ocean views and it is less crowded than the town beach of Inkwell.

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!
8) Exploring the Lighthouses.  I have always loved lighthouses and they are all over Martha’s Vineyard! Most are very accessible and the fee to enter is a simple $5. The water views from the Edgartown lighthouse and the Gay Head lighthouse were breathtaking and relaxing!

9) Visiting the town of Aquinnah.  This is the home of the Gay Head cliffs and lighthouse! Well worth the drive no matter where you are staying on the island. It is also home to the Wampanoag tribe. There is a monument and tribal home that contains artifacts and information on their history.

Top 10 Things to See & Do on Martha's Vineyard!
10) Updated 8/2019. Partying at Lola’s is no longer an option. Unfortunately this establishment closed. There is a new restaurant that has taken its place but I have been told its not the same atmosphere. But, there are so many places to go and events that take place on Martha’s Vineyard so you have options. Take a look at this link while doing your planning…

 

As you can tell my friends and I had a wonderful time on this enchanting island!  If you are visiting for the first time or returning I hope my Top 10 Things to Do & See on Martha’s Vineyard will help you make the most of your vacation there! For tips on planning a vacation on Martha’s Vineyard be sure to visit the post “Summertime on Martha’s Vineyard.”

Have you been to Martha’s Vineyard or planning a trip there? If so share your thoughts with us below!

N.S.W.

 

Join over 2k travel enthusiasts on The Sophisticated Life email list & get access to travel updates, exclusive content & offers!

+ Get the Pandemic Travel Checklist FREE

Thank you! Check your email for your checklists!

Tags: beachesedgartownlighthouseslobstersmarthas vineyardoak bluffssummersummertimesunsetsVacation
Previous Post

The Novice’s Guide to Napa Valley!

Next Post

The 12th Annual Run & Shoot Filmworks Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

Boston, Massachusetts, Boston Public Gardens, Boston during the summer, Martha's Vineyard. Things to see & do in Boston during the summer, summertime in Boston
Blog

13 Fun & Interesting Things to Do in Boston this weekend.

September 22, 2019
Hilton Sandestin Resort, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf and Spa Resort, hotel review, gulf coast guide
Blog

Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort: A Fabulous Florida Gulf Coast Vacation!

September 19, 2019
Blog

Travel Bloggers Share Their Favorite Summer Destinations!

September 22, 2019
A Catalina Island Day Trip from Los Angeles! If you are traveling to Santa Catalina Island for a day, this guide will tell you how to get there, how to get around and things to see & do! Do not miss visiting this beautiful island in California!
Blog

A Catalina Island Day Trip from Los Angeles

April 2, 2020
10 Fun Facts About Antigua!
Blog

10 Fun Facts About Antigua!

September 12, 2016
The Runaway Jamaica: Retreat to Wellness, Food & Fun!
Blog

The Runaway Jamaica: A B&B Food Heaven Retreat!

August 1, 2016
Next Post

The 12th Annual Run & Shoot Filmworks Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival!

Restaurant Review: Roy's Hawaiian Fusion!

Comments 7

  1. Shirley Wood says:
    8 years ago

    Oh, I would love to ride the Carousel and visit the cottage houses! Everything just seems so peaceful and pleasant there.

    • nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      It really is!! I hope you make it there!! Thank you for reading and commenting!

  2. Martha's vineyard rentals says:
    6 years ago

    Great post, Nadeen! Thanks for sharing your Martha’s Vineyard photos and tips.

  3. Kallie says:
    6 years ago

    I enjoyed your post! I will be going to Boston with my husband in two weeks! We are taking a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. Thank you for the information!

    • nadeen says:
      6 years ago

      your welcome! have a great time!

  4. Elizabeth says:
    5 years ago

    This is a really great blog post! Thanks for sharing so much information about the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard — I’ve never visited, but I’m really dying to 🙂

    • Nadeen says:
      5 years ago

      Thank you! It is a beautiful place!

No Result
View All Result
Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Wine

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

by Nadeen
December 13, 2021
Wine

2021 Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

by Nadeen
November 27, 2021
  • Welcome to Chicago! The Chi. Chi-town? What comes to mind when you think of Chicago? 
This may be my shortest reel yet but it captures a lot of my quick trip to Chicago over the Holiday weekend! 

1) an amazing stay at the new luxury hotel 🏨 downtown @thelasallechicago part of the @marriotthotels Autograph collection
2) The architecture cruise 🚢 on the Chicago river. It’s such a great way to learn the history of Chicago! 
3) a visit to Millennium Park to grab new pics by Cloud Gate AKA “the bean” 
4) Pictures by “The 🦩Flamingo” the red sculpture 
5) Dinner in Hyde Park at the Black-Owned restaurant @virtuerestaurantchi congrats to @cheferickwilliams for his James Beard award for best chef Great Lakes!
6) Dinner @hugosfrogbar with the insane macadamia turtle ice cream cake! 

I didn’t get any deep dish pizza 🍕 this time but my husbands favorite @parrishu70 (he’s from Chicago) is @giordanospizza and I still need to get to the top of the @willistowerchicago 

Have you been to Chicago? If so what are your favorite things to do there?

#chicagotravel #downtownchicago #visitchicago #chicagoeats #chicagorestaurants #milleniumpark #cloudgate #chicagobloggers #luxurylifestyle #blacktravelfeed #blackwomentravel #blacktravelgram #traveltuesdays
  • 🤣🤣. Just a reminder to still #maskup 😷and use your hand sanitizer and don’t travel if you are sick!

I have been traveling/flying about twice a month and I’m still surprised how many people are not wearing masks. People, kids, children, babies are still getting COVID-19 and being hospitalized for it. 

Get vaccinated, get your boosters. There is no guarantee that new strains won’t pop up. 

I am cautiously optimistic and I’m looking forward to finally doing more international travel but I plan to still take precautions. 

But can we talk about how funny and cool 😎 this @usher meme and performance is?!! Has anyone seen his Vegas show? Decades later and he is still an excellent performer! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

#instagrammemes #usherraymond #covid19memes #blackdoctorsmatter #blackdoctorswhitecoats
  • Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸🇺🇸weekend from CHICAGO!!
Did you really go to Chicago if you didn’t get a picture of “the bean” Actually called Cloud Gate. 
But on a Holiday weekend why was I still shocked 😳 to see lines to enter Millennium Park?!! 
A lot of content creators get up at sunrise 🌄 to get pictures without crowds and get those “Instagram vs Reality” shots. I don’t have that lol I only have the REALITY shots because I am a night owl and nocturnist and I can never get up early! 
Thank goodness the line went fast and I got my pics in 20 minutes although with lots of people in them. 

I have been here several times before but when I come to Chicago I ❤️ seeing it and capturing new pics. It’s like going to Paris. I always have to go by the Eiffel Tower. Like duhhhhh

#cloudgate #cloudgatechicago #milleniumpark #4thofjulyweekend🇺🇸💥🇺🇸 #4thofjuly2022 #happy4thofjuly🇺🇸 #blacktravelmovement #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire
  • ***MIAMI Save for your next trip to Miami Design District! 
We had the most delicious Mexican food @tacombi 
A lot of the restaurants in this area were pricy and had long lines but Tacombi is a casual Mexican eatery with Art Deco decor and savory authentic eats! 
Try the 
 🍉 margarita 😋😋
 🥑 chips & guacamole 
🌮 Baja crispy fish
🌮 Chicken tacos 
🌮sweet potatoes 🍠 and black bean 🫘-so unique!
🌽 corn esquites 

Thanks to @key2mia and @blacktravelsummit for picking such a delicious restaurant for the tour! 

#miamidesigndistrict #mexicanfoodporn #miamirestaurants #mexicaneats #foodbloggerslife #luxurytravels #culinarytravel #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire #hardlyhome
  • It’s still June 30th in Chicago and I couldn’t let the month end without saying #happypridemonth🌈 
To all my LGTBQIA friends and followers #loveislove🏳️‍🌈
We all should have the right to be who we are, love and marry who we want. 
Equal rights for everyone. 💞 

#happypride🌈 #pridemonth2022 #happypridemonth🏳️‍🌈 #gaymarriage #equalrightsforall
  • 📸📸📸 @iamslepton did his thing during the @key2mia tour during @blacktravelsummit 
How often do you use a professional photographer when you travel? I don’t do it often enough!
My husband and I did a professional photo shoot for our second anniversary in Paris and the pictures were beautiful. Since then we have been taking our own or rather mostly I have been taking selfies lol 
But there are so many options now. We used @flytographer but @airbnbexperiences also has options. The pics are so much nicer. 
I ❤️ these! They were taken in the Miami Design District which is a great backdrop! 

#photoshoot #miamidesigndistrict #luxuryphotography #luxuryphoto #fashionphotographers #luxurytraveler #luxurylifestyles

Black-Owned Businesses

black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,

Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

September 22, 2021
black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,

Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

April 27, 2022
atlanta black-owned restaurants, black-owned restaurants in atlanta, atlanta restaurants, brunch in atlanta, atlanta restaurants

45+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

May 15, 2022
black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

50+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

March 15, 2022

Explore the U.S.A

photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu

Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

March 21, 2022
asheville travel guide, things to do in asheville north carolina, places to stay in asheville, where to eat in asheville north carolina

The Ultimate Guide of Things To Do in Asheville, North Carolina!

September 22, 2021
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers! Everything you need to know to attend this magical event! Includes information on purchasing tickets, preparing for the event, costs and what to expect at Diner en Blanc!

Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers!

September 19, 2019
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

April 2, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

black owned brunch spots in atlanta, black owned restaurants in atlanta, brunch in atlanta

Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Atlanta

April 27, 2022
photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
black-owned businesses, gift guide, holiday gift guide, wine gifts, wine apparel, wine books, wine and spirits, 2021 wine and spirits holiday gift guide featuring back-owned businesses

2021 Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 27, 2021
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life