Soft as a Grape’s Summer Collection is Blooming at your Local Store
by Brittney Wright
The sign by the front door gives you two options; follow the arrow pointed outside towards the “Real World,” or allow yourself to be pointed in the direction of the “Vineyard.” Choose the latter, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a playground of color, not unlike the blooming hydran-geas that dominate the lawns of nearby vacation homes. From brilliant white and subdued pink to vivid blues, greens, and a signature soft purple, the garden that flourishes inside the familiar Soft as a Grape storefront is a completely unique collection of all things Vineyard. However, you won’t find any flowers here; comfort is the name of the game and their stock of sweatpants, tees, hats, and sweatshirts certainly delivers.
There is nothing dull about Soft as a Grape –– this is evident the second you step across the threshold. It truly does resemble a blooming garden, with pops of color folded neatly into piles or hanging from a handful of racks. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your brother, your newborn niece, or your grandmother, there is something to please any Vineyard-enthusiast here.
“We are the first ones open (8:00 AM) and the last ones closed (11:00 PM) in each town during the summer. Some would say I’m Soft As A Grape for keeping these hours and perhaps I am. We pride ourselves on paying attention to our customers and we are a family friendly busi- ness with family friendly prices I do believe we have the largest collection of CHAPPY Gear…Tees, Sweats, Nautrical signs on Island at our Edgartown store.,” says owner Richard White.
Starting with smaller trinkets, you’re bound to be amused by the selection of sunglasses that range from stylish aviators to downright funky lime green frames. And if you’re looking to make someone jealous of your wonderful vacation, they’ve got a selection of postcards that will deliver the beauty of the island right to your friends’ doorsteps. A number of shelves are piled high with a selection of children’s books about local island treasures, including the Flying Horses Carousal, and recipe books from Morning Glory Farm. Glance upward, and you’ll be rewarded with a smattering of sentimental hand-carved vintage wooden signs. Each proudly states “Meet me at the…” and is finished with an iconic island hot spot; Nancy’s, the Lamppost, and the Sidecar are among the handful.
Situated directly underneath a sign that reads “Meet me at Soft as a Grape” is a multicolored stack of beach towels, striped with every color of the rainbow. Embroidered in cursive on each towel is the name of one of the six island towns; there is also a handful that are branded with the unmistakable shape of the island itself. And if you’re looking to own a little piece of history, make sure that Soft as a Grape is your go-to destination for gear commemorating the Obama’s 2014 visit. “In honor of the president’s visit in August, we will have the largest collec-tion of commemorative Obama 2014 wearables on the Island available in each of our stores. Why not drop by our stores and join in the festivities….where shopping is an experience.”,” says Richard.
The real beauty of this garden of collectibles is found in cloud-like softness of their colorful apparel. Both women’s and men’s sweatshirts come in an extensive selection of hooded, crew-neck, and full zip styles, all proudly brandishing the Martha’s Vineyard label across the front. Sweatpants in sought-after styles, including those with elastic at the ankle and those with-out, are available for men, women, and children. Their incredible stock of t-shirts ranges from iconic Amity Island apparel to the simple favorites featuring the island’s initials, in colors that will match any personality. A line-up of hats is ready for you to choose from; whether you’re looking for that classic blue ball cap or an eclectic pink lid, you won’t have to look far to com-plete your outfit.
Do not be fooled by the playfully colorful interior of any of the Soft as a Grape island storefronts; you won’t find any blossoms inside. However, their selection of luxuriously comfort-able apparel and unique trinkets are ripe for the picking. It is impossible to leave the island with-out that one completely necessary souvenir, so make sure you pick the perfect one from a garden of collectibles grown just for you at Soft as a Grape.
MORE INFO:
14 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, MA 508-696-6800
41 Dock Street, Edgartown, MA 508-627-4048
38 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, MA 508-338-2138
