The season of lobster rolls and ice cream cones may be behind us (although we could go for a taste during even the chilliest months) but a Martha’s Vineyard visit in the fall is nothing short of sensibly celebratory. From sipping on seasonal lattes to letting loose at fall festivals, we’ve got four ways for you to celebrate fall in style on your island getaway.
Start Digging into Comfort Foods
Here on Martha’s Vineyard, island dishes are about as comforting as waves crashing ashore — and any Edgartown restaurant open during the shoulder season is bound to have a menu item to entice the fall foodie. You can’t go wrong pairing an autumn afternoon with a brioche and brie grilled cheese alongside a bowl of seasonal soup at The Grille on Main. For dinner, head over to Lucky Hank’s for a signature Hank’s autumn steak or a seafood-inspired serving of lobster macaroni and cheese.
Take Your First Sip of Hot (or Cold) Seasonal Drinks
We know we aren’t alone here: feeling fall in the air makes us twice as likely to double-tap photos of lattes on Instagram. If your favorite way to celebrate crisp days ahead is with a steaming mug of magic, you’re in luck — Martha’s Vineyard is home to some of the best coffee spots around. Pair a good book with a hot chai tea latte at Behind the Bookstore right on Main Street in Edgartown, or add a little pep to your step with a double shot of espresso in a creamy Vienna Latte from Espresso Love on Church Street. If a coffee craving happens to hit during an outing at Oak Bluffs, the infamous fall-favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte is served 365 days a year — alongside a full menu of organic, fair trade coffee — at Mocha Mott’s.
Although the love of lattes will always be a seasonal staple, we can’t overlook a pint or two with Bad Martha Brewing mere minutes from our front door. Celebrate fall with a taste of one of their seasonal brews, like Oktoberfest or the Pumpkin Pie Bock.
Put Your Fall Fashion Forward
Island weather during autumn can be finicky and unpredictable — it could be tee shirt weather one day and sweater weather the next. All the better, since one of our favorite ways to celebrate fall is by adding a new staple to the wardrobe. Vineyard Vines is so close you can wave to them from our front porch — and also run over for first dibs on the latest arrivals in island-style sweaters, scarves, or flannel. If you venture a visit to The Black Dog General Store on Main Street, be prepared to leave sporting a stylish knit hat, puffer vest, or full-zip sweater perfect for a breezy beach walk.
Take Part in a Feast of Fall Festivals and Activities
Autumn is nearly synonymous with festival season across the board, and Martha’s Vineyard in no exception. When these crisp days roll into town, we celebrate with a bounty of seasonal celebrations. Fall visitors can always look forward to the oompah music of an island Oktoberfest, savory spirits at the annual Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival, and plenty of pumpkins for the pickin’ at Morning Glory Farm.
With all the fall frolicking to be had on the island, don’t forget to look up a bit earlier in the day to set your sights on the even more vivid autumn sunsets that visit our skies. Better yet, take it all in from one of our favorite sunset watching spots: atop the Edgartown rooftops on the Vineyard Square Hotel veranda.
