Martha's Vineyard is well-known as a beloved vacation spot and travel destination. After all, its natural beauty and vibrant culture are enough to inspire Barack Obama, Bill Murray, and David Letterman to summer there.
Many come to Martha's Vineyard for its legendary sailing. Each year, new and well-trained sailors alike come to Martha's Vineyard to experience the legendary catboats.
Others come to Martha's Vineyard for its iconic, historic landmarks. The Flying Carousel horses at Oak Bluffs are over 100 years old, being a long-standing fixture of early Coney Island before finding their permanent home in Martha's Vineyard.
Martha's Vineyard shopping is just as much of a reason to pay a visit. Whether you're an antique aficionado or a fashionista in search of world-class boutiques, you'll want to pack your vacation shopping checklist and make your way to the coast!
To help you plan your getaway and prepare your vacation shopping budget, we've put together a guide to shopping at Martha's Vineyard.
Boutiques In Martha's Vineyard
We'll start our Martha's Vineyard shopping guide by mentioning its boutiques. Boutiques are always a popular choice for travelers and tourists on the lookout for something distinctive and unique. Boutiques are unique and one-of-a-kind by their very nature.
There are notable boutiques located all over the island. If you're on the prowl for upscale fashion when doing some Edgartown shopping, make sure to stop by Bryn Walker. There's also a location for Vineyard Haven shopping if that's closer to where you are.
Bryn Walker is well-known for blending fashion and comfort. This makes it an excellent stop if you need to pick up something for your trip, whether devouring your beach reads or Beluga caviar.
If you're looking for a boutique that's native to Martha's Vineyard, don't miss Slate in Edgartown. If you're looking for the latest fashions that you would see anywhere from Malibu to Madison Avenue, you must drop into Slate's picturesque maritime storefront. That's just the start, though.
Slate's shimmering array of little gifts, knick-knacks, jewelry, and trinkets have something for everybody. Their selection of elegant bath and body products would feel right at home at a day spa on Rodeo Drive. Their enamel pins and colorful wall decorations feel more like something from a funky art gallery, on the other hand.
The World's Greatest Gift Shop
Martha's Vineyard is like the world's greatest tourist town. It only makes sense they'd have the world's greatest souvenir shop. Travel mugs and snow globes are just the beginning of what you can find at Alley's General Store in West Tisbury.
Alley's General Store has been serving Martha's Vineyard since they opened in 1858. It's the go-to spot if you need a gallon of milk or loaf of bread. There's also a respectable selection of Martha's Vineyard memorabilia, so make sure you stop if you're looking for a keepsake t-shirt or postcard to send back home.
One of the great things about Alley's General Store, which is a good example of the island's culture as a whole, is the accessibility and openness. Social ranks disappear on the Vineyard, as it's a place where people go to get away from the hubbub and limelight, no matter who they are.
You might find yourself bumping into Meg Ryan when reaching for the maple syrup. You might chance upon Carly Simon when you're buying some Double AA batteries. You might even be able to ask her who, in fact, that song was about after all.
Martha's Vineyard For Foodies
When you're on vacation, you want to experience all the finest things that life has to offer. You don't necessarily want to have to eat at expensive restaurants every night, though (although you can certainly do that in Martha's Vineyard.)
You don't want to have to subside off of camping supplies, either, though. Have no fear, Martha's Vineyard is stacked with upscale grocers, supermarkets, and farmer's markets.
You get all three at the same location at Morning Glory Farms in Edgartown, for instance. Don't let the rustic exterior fool you, you won't find better-baked goods or fresh produce anywhere. Make sure to try their quiches or herby biscuits if you're looking for material for your postcards.
You won't find nicer people, either. It's no wonder Morning Glory Farms has been the glory of Martha's Vineyard since the early '80s.
Even the General Stores seem like something you'd find in Paris in Martha's Vineyard. Katama General Store sounds like something you'd find at the end of a dirt road, but don't let names deceive you. They pride themselves on offering some of the most upscale cuisines for every occasion.
They're particularly well-loved for their "beach blanket buffets," where you can get the most exquisite finger foods your imagination can conjure. If the idea of imported deli meats, olives, and cheeses sounds like the perfect accompaniment for a day by the waves, make sure to drop into Katama General Store if you're near Edgartown.
Antiques On Martha's Vineyard
Nothing gives a sense of a place and its history as its antique stores. First of all, you're not likely to come across those antiques anywhere else unless you're specifically browsing for such a thing on eBay. Secondly, antiques tell the unspoken history of a place and its inhabitants that you won't find in any history book or newspaper.
If you're looking for some unique Martha's Vineyard antiques, you might start with some Vineyard Haven shopping.
The most striking, and most unique, of Martha's Vineyard antique stores is Pyewacket's. Their motto is "The antique & the unique, the esoteric & the familiar", which should tell you everything you need to know. There's something for everybody at Pyewacket's, and you won't find any of it anywhere else.
Even better still, many of the wares you'll find at Pyewacket's are extremely affordable, especially for their quality. Whether you're looking for an antique Radio Flyer wagon or bicycle or a local traffic sign, you'll find it at Pyewacket's. You can even get your tarot cards read!
It's also where you'll find Nochi, which splits the difference between a one-of-a-kind antique store and an upscale clothing boutique. Nochi's been a staple of Vineyard Haven shopping since 2003 when it was opened by Sofya Nadelstein and Molly Finkelstein.
This is in large part due to the fact that Nochi doesn't seem like an upscale shop. It's wide open and bright and warm and friendly. You're greeted by a smile and a friendly hello, even if you've never set foot in there before.
This is a reflection of the climate all over Martha's Vineyard. Whether you're doing some Oak Bluffs shopping or browsing the world-class shopping in Edgartown, you'll get the same warm, friendly treatment while shopping at Martha's Vineyard.
Shopping In Edgartown and Oak Bluffs
Since we've mentioned both on numerous occasions, we're going to sign off on our Martha's Vineyard shopping guide with a quick note about Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. If you like to shop, either one is reason enough alone to spend a season in Martha's Vineyard.
Edgartown, in particular, has enough shopping attractions to fill a guidebook all on its own. Whether you're looking for stylish clothes for your kids or the latest ladies' fashion worthy of the red carpet, you'll find it in Edgartown.
Consider Nell/20 Main, with its mixture of fairytale whimsy, glamor, and elegance. You can find everything from eveningwear to shoes to housewares at Nell. You could probably spend three months in this shop, alone.
Of course, one of the joys of being on vacation is being able to let your hair down. If you tend towards the monochromatic in your day-to-day life, drop by Lilly Pullitzer's In The Pink shop. Pullitzer's well-known (and well-loved) for her colorful prints. If you're looking for an outfit to match the Cape Cod sunrises, you'll find it at In The Pink.
Oak Bluffs is also home to some of the Vineyard's most upscale shopping. There's plenty of family-friendly fares, too, though, so make sure to stroll down there during your visit.
In Oak Bluffs, you'll find plenty of iconic Martha's Vineyard-style shops. There's plenty of upscale fashion to be had, of course. There are also antique and curio shops where you'll find a lavish assortment of items reflecting Martha's Vineyard's nautical history.
You'll find tons of cute, picturesque shops like the Christmas Cottage in Oaks Bluff, too, of course. If you're looking for a keepsake or a souvenir that will become a cherished family heirloom, make sure to stop in and take a look at Christmas Cottage.
As you can see, Martha's Vineyards shopping is some of the finest you'll find in the world. It's the perfect accompaniment to the legendary beaches and lush forests, the glittering restaurants, and gleaming art galleries.
You'll need to stay for two seasons to even scratch the surface!
Ready For Some Martha's Vineyard Shopping?
We'll be happy to have you! Whether you're looking to explore world-class Martha's Vineyard shopping or to rub elbows with former Presidents, you'll find it all on Martha's Vineyard.
If you're ready to book your trip and explore all Martha's Vineyard has to offer, get in touch with us today to book your stay!
