In a new series, Jeff (my husband!), aka “Big Dog” (that’s a story for a different time) lists his top 5 favorite activites / must-do’s (in no particular order) from our weekend on Martha’s Vineyard.
1. Black Dog Tavern (Vineyard Haven) – tradition. Robbin and I go for breakfast here every time we hit Martha’s Vineyard. The main restaurant is right on the beach in Vineyard Haven, really good breakfast menu. Plus, it is one of the first spots you come across when you get off the ferry.
2. Aquinnah beaches and cliffs of Gayhead – 30-40 minutes from Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. Worth the drive (or bus ride). ‘Gram worthy secluded beaches that have not been built up.
3. Bad Martha’s Brewery (just outside Edgartown) – they have a great outdoor patio with lawn games and Bimini ring toss. Quick aside – I do not lose at lawn games. The brewery isn’t as packed as Cisco Brewery on Nantucket but it is still a lot of fun. The ferries to island serve Bad Martha and I always get a Vineyard Pale Ale on the way there to set myself up for the weekend.
Great story about Bad Martha’s origin (that naughty little siren): In 1602, mischievous winds drove Bartholomew Gosnold’s ship to Martha’s Vineyard. He scoured the island for ingredients to brew ale for his crew. Alas, he found none and he fell asleep on the shore. Under the light of the moon, he awoke to a sensuous mermaid with jet black hair and a devilish grin. Sitting at the water’s edge, she beckoned to Gosnold. The closer he got, the further she swam away – tempting him to follow. So he did. Finally, he found himself in a field brimming with lush island grapes. These would be perfect for wine he thought. But nay, he was a good Englishman, so these grapes became the secret ingredient for a robust, refreshing beer. Gosnold never saw the mermaid again but went to his grave wondering if he ever saw her at all.
4. Backdoor Donuts (Oak Bluffs) – a can’t miss late night stop. Cash only fresh donut spot located in the parking lot behind M.V. Gourmet Café & Bakery (hence backdoor) in Oak Bluffs. Open from 7pm – 12:58am and there is always a line. Get the apple fritter. If you don’t make the late night tradition window, the bakery is also great for breakfast the next morning.
5. Island Alpaca Co. (Vineyard Haven) – quick drop in at an Alpaca Farm to mix it up a bit from lamping all day at beaches. 5 bucks and you get to pet some alpacas. Fun stuff. Spent the drive back to Oak Bluffs explaining to Robbin why it would be bad to buy an alpaca for our backyard. Reason one – if you buy one you have to buy two because “alpacas get lonely…”.
