Oh, the cape and islands. Once a small town centered around the whaling industry, then sleepy fishing villages, Martha’s Vineyard today may as well be the center of the universe come late July. Fifteen years ago, when I first came to the Vineyard, I remember learning that if you visited in September or October, you were part of the secret in-crowd who knew that the fall was the perfect time to visit. Fewer crowds, beautiful weather. You almost had the place to yourselves.
Today, of course, fall on the Vineyard is a well-known event. 2019, however, has been my first spring on the island, and it is glorious. Granted, you may get some rain. But if you plan it right, then you will be treated to glorious weather with nary a tourist in sight. Read on for the top five reasons why spring is the new island fall.
Glorious island drives without the traffic. Any Vineyarder knows that, come summer, a simple drive from Vineyard Haven to Edgartown is anything but. Better plan a good playlist and bring your A-game in patience because you’ve got a slow drive ahead of you! In the spring you can cruise the entire island with no hangups aside from your typical sunday drivers. Island drives are one of my absolute favorite things to do, and we often cruise around checking the different beaches and stopping here and there for snacks or a quick exploration.
ALL. THE. BEACHES. In the off season, no one really cares if you are on a private beach or not. No one is here yet to care. If you’ve never seen the majestic clay cliffs at Lucy Vincent, or hunted for marbles on marble beach, now is your chance. If you are really brave, throw on a 5 mil and try your luck surfing squibnocket. Rent a jeep with a beach sticker and go have a bonfire out on Chappy. Bonfires are also better in the cool spring air.
The shops are back open and you get first dibs! I personally love Slate in Edgartown. The owner is lovely and so helpful and picks the best clothes. I love to get some good shopping in before the crazy crowds arrive. Same goes for their home store, Salte, and the surf shops—Green Room and The Boneyard—they are fully stocked and just waiting for you!
Restaurants and cafes! Try all the restaurants without the craziness. Personal favorites are Beach Road and La Sofitta in Vineyard Haven, and Alchemy in Edgartown. Bonus points at Alchemy, because you get to see work by my favorite Vineyard Artist, Terry Crimmen. In Edgartown hang out for breakfast, coffee, lunch or afternoon rosé at my personal favorite, Behind The Bookstore Cafe.
Speaking of artists, plan a visit for the opening Vineyard Artisans show and you can do all of the above PLUS see what the local Vineyard Artists have been busy creating all winter. Memorial Day Weekend at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury.
BONUS reason—IF you come by boat, you will actually get a last-minute mooring or even dock space. Call ahead to Edgartown Harbormaster or the Black Dog Wharf and most Spring weekends you will get lucky. We have had some of our best boating experiences around Martha’s Vineyard in the late spring. We even picked my middle son’s name one glorious June day while cruising through Cape Pogue, listening to Van Morrisson. You see? Magic happens here in Spring!
Edgartown Lighthouse on a glorious spring day
