💭 What’s Overhyped and What’s Underhyped on Martha’s Vineyard
A local POV on what gets too much attention on MV, and what deserves more!
I recently asked a group of islanders what they think is overhyped and underhyped on Martha’s Vineyard. I wasn’t too surprised by the answers. Most of the “overhyped” picks had the same thing in common: they were places or experiences that used to feel easier, quieter, or more nostalgic before they became major visitor stops.
The three most common answers I heard were Back Door Donuts, Menemsha sunsets, and Jaws Bridge. To an extent, I agree. What used to feel like a best-kept secret now often comes with long waits, crowds, and more planning. They were all once beloved by locals, found by the internet, and now they’re things many islanders have complicated feelings about.
That doesn’t mean the popular things are bad. It just means the local version of “best” is often different from the visitor version of “best.”
That’s why an islander probably isn’t telling friends to visit in August, or sending them to Nomans on a Friday night in July when parking is a nightmare. They know the best of the island is often felt when you have a little more breathing room. Some of the most popular things on MV are popular for a reason. But popularity changes an experience.
Each June when the “Best of the Vineyard” votes are announced, I get a sinking feeling that what the masses vote for as the “best” doesn’t always feel true to what is best to my family.
Here are a few things that feel underhyped to me, that may resonate with you:
🛍️ Vineyard Haven Shopping
When visitors come and spend the day doing a shopping haul with their girlfriends, they usually end up in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. But Vineyard Haven’s independently owned shops are incredible. I’ve never found a kitchen store I love as much as LeRoux, I’ve never found a shoe store with friendlier attendants than Green Room. Nantucket’s Hospital thrift has nothing on the deserving Chicken Alley. Do NOT skip this.
🌅 Walks on East Chop
I see 20x more pictures of Edgartown Lighthouse than I do of East Chop Light and it’s always boggled my mind. What a stunning walk to get there, what a picturesque view of the ferry arriving, and what a quiet escape from the crowds.
🥣 Ferry Chowder
Hundreds of locals agree that the ferry chowder is not to be skipped. No one said it was homemade, but it’s better fare than anyone would expect from a moving vehicle.
🌿 Mytoi Gardens
Rent a bike, take the car ferry, and bike your way to Mytoi on Chappaquiddick. The ride is perfectly flat, picturesque, and such a hidden gem. If you came to MV for a retreat, this is a quiet and stunning spot. Obviously, wear bug spray.
🧦 Permethrin Clothes
For every new CNN headline that’s released about ticks, I really can’t understand why we are spending so much time talking about tick bite prevention without talking more about permethrin-treated clothes. You can buy clothes that are already treated, or treat the clothes you already have for protection. We have Insect Shield socks, but if you enjoy spending time outdoors, this solution is wildly under-advertised.
🪨 The Rocks, Fossils, and Minerals on Up-Island Beaches
This is tricky because so many of the up-island beaches are private, and you can’t get close from the Cliffs Overlook, but boy do we take for granted how stunning the cliffs are. You can visit so many beaches on the East Coast and never see the stunning clay you see (but should not touch) at Lucy Vincent, Moshup or Squibnocket.
🌾 Farm Stands
Foodies talk a lot about restaurants, but MV farm stands are way better than what many restaurants have to offer. You should be going out of your way for the freshly grown food, fangirling over the locally made sausage, and stocking up on honey. Morning Glory, Beetlebung, North Tabor, Ghost Island, Norton Farm, Mermaid Farm are not stops you’ll find off-island in the way they’re ingrained to local culture here.
⛴️ Sunsets from the Ferry
What a beautiful place to enjoy the sunset. Book the sunrise or sunset boat. It’ll truly help you romanticize your whole life ❤️
I could go on. But I want to hear from you: What’s overhyped to you? What still feels underhyped?
You hit most of my favs!
Love the VH love I’m seeing here! Truly feels like the locals town. Great events happening year round: First Fridays, TisScary Halloween, Tis the Season for holidays, and reviving NYE traditions. The VHBA and VH Harbor Cultural District are doing great work under the “Visit Vineyard Haven” umbrella!