Vineyard Haven is a seaside village on Martha’s Vineyard. Located on the Northside of the island, Vineyard Haven is easily accessible by boat, ferry, or plane. With ocean views, quaint inns, and delicious food, Vineyard Haven should be added to your summertime travels this season. Let’s check out why the foodie should take a trip to Vineyard Haven.
Getting to Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is located off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. For people like us, who live in Downtown Boston, the fastest way to get down to the Vineyard is to hop on a 20-minute Cape Air flight. Cape Air has so many routes each day to and from the Vineyard, you can even do a day trip if need be! However, there are also ferries available from Woods Hole in Falmouth, MA. So if you are looking to get from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard, your options are to either fly from Logan Airport or drive down to Woods Hole and take the ferry.
Where to Stay in Vineyard Haven
A trip to Martha’s Vineyard should be relaxing and luxurious, and a stay at the Nobnocket is just that. Located just steps from downtown Vineyard Haven, the Nobnocket is the boutique hotel to choose.
Run by a husband and wife team, this charming little hotel espouses contemporary island living, with chic modern interiors and spacious outdoor lounge areas. The rooms have all the modern amenities the luxury traveler requires, including sleek bathrooms and Frette linens. The team has gone completely touchless for check-in and check out, and yet there is still that sense that you have the innkeepers’ full attention throughout the stay. Breakfast is included and there are lots of places to enjoy this start to the day, including a fully outdoor and covered patio.
The Nobnocket is a lovely home base for a trip to Vineyard Haven as it is removed from the hustle and bustle of town, but conveniently located near shopping and dining.
A Meal Worth Making the Trip to Vineyard Haven
After you’ve settled into the fabulous Nobnocket, grab a reservation at nearby Garde East. Perhaps the only true fine dining restaurant with a waterfront view on the island, Garde East is a must for the foodie. With its menu changing every week, the team keeps things seasonal, local, and delicious! Their chef’s tasting menu is five courses and their wine list is quite impressive as well. Those things combined with the gorgeous views make for a memorable evening.
On our recent visit to the island, we were lucky enough to try the chef’s tasting menu. The amuse bouche was a perfect bite of yellowfin tuna and after our palates were successfully warmed up the first course of chilled melon soup was a delight. These first bites set the tone for the ocean and farm to table dinner. The next courses consisted of pork belly and halibut, with scallops as the main course. Our waiter recommended just the perfect bottle of Chablis to pair with our meal and sipping a perfectly chilled bottle by Domaine Laroche while enjoying the sunset over the water made for a magical evening.
The ambiance, the food, and the service were all top-notch at Garde East, making it a must for any foodie’s trip to the island!
What to Do on Martha’s Vineyard
There is so much to do on Martha’s Vineyard. From heading to the beach to shopping to dining to exploring, there is something for everyone but here are a few things you have to check out:
Sharky’s Cantina
The perfect post-beach spot to hit up for some casual bites and fun drinks is Sharky’s! With locations in both Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this island classic is a must for anyone who loves TexMex and margaritas.
Island Alpaca
If you need a break from the beach, head to Island Alpaca to visit some furry friends. These adorable Alpaca are so friendly and the team at Island Alpaca offers tours and visits with the animals.
Martha’s Vineyard Bike Rentals
Finally, Martha’s Vineyard is known for its bike paths and trails, so any visit has to include a little seat time. Grab a bike rental at RW Cutler Bike Shop and get exploring! Day, weekend and week bike rentals are available.
Thank you to the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce for helping to make our recent trip to Vineyard Haven possible! For more information on visiting Martha’s Vineyard be sure to visit www.mvy.com!
And for more local travel ideas, be sure to read our other New England travel blogs about traveling to Nantucket and where to go on Cape Cod.
