When the island’s spectacular sunshine takes a break and the rain comes down, here’s what to do on Martha’s Vineyard.
By Diane Alter
Rainy days on Martha’s Vineyard won’t put a damper on your trip to the island. There are always plenty of things to do rain or shine. Here’s a dozen ways to spend a showery day on MV.
Shopping: Martha’s Vineyard is a shopper’s paradise. Visit Third World Trading Co. in Oak Bluffs for unique jewelry and clothing from exotic countries. Trader Fred’s in Edgartown offers a plethora of off-price famous name clothes, footwear, fishing and camping gear, beach accessories and much more. For the finest in silver jewelry visit Whatever Sterling in Edgartown. For statement jewelry pieces visit Dockside Jewelers in Oak Bluffs. Inside the Dockside Mall you will find The Black Dog General Store and Outlet, the Christmas Cottage, Sugar Rush Candy Shop, and some other treats. And for even more sweet indulgences, head up Circuit Ave, which is jam-packed with one-of-a-kind boutiques and stores, to the island’s iconic Good Ship Lollipop.
Eating: There is no shortage of places to eat and drink on Martha’s Vineyard, and many of these spots offer fantastic ocean views—breathtaking even when the island is clouded by inclement weather. The Lookout, Coop de Ville, and Fishbones in Oak Bluffs are a must. In Edgartown, visit the Seafood Shanty for unrivaled views and food. The Wharf in Edgartown is the island’s hands-down favorite sports bar. And for good, old-fashioned comfort diner food hit the Edgartown Diner.
Indoor Games: The Dockside Mall offers a number of indoor games. The Video Arcade on Circuit Ave. is another option. The Barn Bowl and Bistro offers bowling, food, and libations.
Massages: Destress, reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and just enjoy an hour so with a restorative massage at the Mod Spa in Edgartown.
Merry-Go-Round-Ride: Try to catch the brass ring for a free ride, or just see how many rings you can snag at once at The Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest operating platform carousel in America, located in the heart of Oak Bluffs.
Fishing: Feel the exciting tug on your fishing pole when you drop a line from the covered docks at the Edgartown Harbor.
Island Tour: Tour the island’s six spectacular towns in comfortable air-conditioned buses, with funny and interesting commentary, when you take one of the several island tours available.
Book Stores: Peruse Edgartown Books and Vineyard Haven’s A Bunch of Grapes (a frequent stop for the Obamas when they visit) for the latest bestsellers. Then settle down on the front porch for a good summer’s read.
Movies: The Edgartown Entertainment Cinemas show first-run movies in Dolby stereo surround sound. Don’t forget the popcorn and Milk Duds at the concession stand.
Public Libraries; Check out the various town’s public library for special summer events, such as reading series, art exhibits, guest speakers and even musical instrument instructions.
Museums: The Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Edgartown offers a constantly changing calendar of exhibits and special events. The Edgartown Fire Museum is a “hot” spot. And don’t forget the Cottage Museum in Oak Bluffs.
Art Galleries: MV is an eclectic mix of artists and craftspeople. Thankfully, their works are on display at various galleries peppered across the island at places like The Granary Gallery, North Water Gallery Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks, Night Heron Gallery, and the Eisenhower Gallery.
