The renovation has irreparably destroyed the character of this place and with it, my childhood memories. I had to run out of there quickly. Never going back. Might as well have turned it into a Pottery Barn. Alley's Store R.I.P. read more

The store manager (Rhonda sp?) was screaming at two young workers for almost 15 minutes. She cursed at them. At one point she threw a box at one of them, hit them, and said "sorry, thought you were looking". Not a place for my family or my money. This type of abuse needs to stop. The person at the cash register said it was "his cousin" and she has been this way for years. If you witness this please call: Vineyard Trust (they own Alleys): 508-627-4440 read more

I called to ask if they had a large sponge, and the woman said they had sponges, "I'm busy" and hung up on me. I still don't know if they have "large sponges", Very very rude. Unacceptable!!! So the place used to be "if we don't have it, ask for it" as the sign outside indicated, and it was the clutter mania in there that everybody loved. you could get virtually anything! We always had fun shopping there, and always walked away with something useful or whimsical, or just plain practical, like a tool, or putty, or to get some keys made up. Now it's a boring, sterile boutique. Management has changed, and sadly not to their benefit. Sorry, I miss the old staff. Teens could get their feet wet in retail, and the folks were kind and funny. This is not the Alleys General everybody loved. read more

I walked into Alley's General Store and automatically felt like I had walked into an old general store in the heart of the Green Mountains in Vermont. It was a pleasant surprise because I didn't think something like this existed on Martha's Vineyard. After all they don't make general stores like this any more. Thankfully this general store isn't a yuppified version of a traditional general store. It is the real deal. They have a little bit of something for everybody: Food. Cold beverages. Toys. Trinkets. Etc.. read more

Alley's used to be amazing... best store on the island; cluttered, eclectic, and perfect. And then this spring some idiot decided to completely redo it and make it into some touristy nonsense. Now Alley's is like every other store on the Vineyard. Instead of candy... kale. Instead of fun... kale. Don't go here unless you want to be depressed and broke. read more

New management. Coffee not what it used to be. Get essentials but pay for it. Not the old school general store it was 5 years ago. Trying to be more current but lost the sauce read more

Why are people so intent on fixing something that isn't broken? For over 150 years this store has been part and parcel of West Tisbury and beyond serving its community, young and old, with care, insight and pride. After booting our beloved store manager, Rhonda, out the generic makeover by the Preservation Trust ended up being the fiasco we knew it would be. So much for "preservation". Now we wait, with bated breath, for the new managers, owners of a virtual franchise of expensive home goods stores to have their finger miles from the pulse of the community. 4 varieties of garlic crushers, martini stirrers, $90. tea kettles....No thanks. What we need is: fresh veggies, a gallon of milk, the Sunday paper, scotch tape, ant traps and the occasional hammer. If you care to get it right, how bout a survey we year-rounders can contribute to. read more

What happened to the old alleys? Seems like inventory cut in half - there were empty shelves and the front room that used to be filled with books and stickers and coloring books is now a room of stuffed animals. The kids stuff skews very young and there are way fewer practical items you expect to see in a general store. Used to be such a unique place, filled to the brim with pretty much anything you could need. Now it's kitschy beach items - melamine lobster platters, scented candles and cocktail mixers... missing the old, quirky, full-of-character store that my kids always begged us to take them to for our first stop in MV. Sad to see it's turned into just another cookie cutter tourist trap. read more

The previous posters nailed the description quite well....the store was quite sterile and had some extremely rude staff. I was scanning through one of their books, which explained the historical significance/common architecture from different regions of the Vineyard, I was looking for a gift for my parents. When scanning through the first book, a retail clerk came up to me and asked me to stop looking at the book unless I was going to buy it. I was taken a back and immediately reacted that I wasn't looking to buy anything because of the rude reaction from her. If you want people to buy things, you should allow patrons to look at the merchandise. read more

Alley's General Store is fantastic! It is the oldest operating retail business on the island. Doors opened in 1858 to supply Vineyarders with the stuff of life. The staples. Now it is mostly a kitchy, charming stop on your way to or from up island. Rock on the porch with a soda. Browse their awesome retro-feel toy collection. Look at the awesome post card and gift card selection. Get a sugar fix and a box of nails! Rent a vhs movie! So awesome. You can't be in there and be in a bad mood. This place is like the contents of one big christmas stocking. read more

Alley's is just a perfect little paradise. Why do we have so many places like CVS and Starbucks now and so few places like Alley's? It's country store perfection, complete with front porch, all kinds of goodies for the kids and necessities for the home, a creaking front door and food for the hungry. Assorted selection of candy and ice cream for the kids keeps them satisfied, postcards and souvenirs for out of town visitors, old fashioned necessities for families like kites, hula hoops, and must have kitchen treats. But it's not merely a place to buy things. Take some time and sit on the front porch. Watch the people come and go. Take in the ambiance of a quiet little town where Alley's lights glow all year round. Aging farmers, passionate fishermen, students, artists, writers, lawyers....they all put their feet up on the front porch at Alley's, stretch a little, give opinions, discuss the local news and meander off. It's fascinating to me how the old fashioned and welcoming environment of Alley's makes just about everyone adopt a relaxed attitude, even if it's just for a brief moment. Alley's provides a dose of friendly island hospitality whenever you need a little comfort and companionship- and some cool gadgets, penny candy or the local papers. Stop in and sit a while. You will not forget how pleasant it feels. And who knows? You might make some new friends or get asked out on a fishing expedition. read more

After ten months of getting my coffee, pastry, and newspaper daily at Alley's, I must say they are friendliest store in the country! It is a historic General Store with both convenience items, grocery, and sundries - even hardware. Chances are if you need it and are up-island they have it. But, it is so much more. They have beach supplies, selves of kitsch, fun stuff for your vacation shopping. I even found a large hardwood rolling pin for about $10 bucks. In season there is a farm stand out back. Prices are island prices, but it is good to know that your purchasing from the The Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust. The trust owns, preserves, and operates Alley's and 17 other historic island destinations. One thing to note, the location is 1041 State Road in West Tisbury, not Vineyard Haven. It is a little bit up the road in the village center of "West Tis". It across the road from a bus stop and easy to get to by car or bus. The the Field Gallery is across the street. And, the old Grange Hall nearby. Also operated by the MV Preservation Trust, the Grange Hall is home to Artisan's and Farmer's Markets in season. So, visit Alley's on your Vineyard vacation. It is a must see place. And, enjoy very thing else West Tisbury has to offer. read more

If there is a "hot spot" in trendy, downtown West Tisbury, this is it. Head out for coffee and the paper, pick up a glow in the dark squeaky toy and a modern salad bowl, and then hang in the swing on the porch and watch the traffic for the Farmer's Market pile up. read more

Came back with my kids who had such memories of this store-- only to meet possibly the rudest cashier who proceeded to insult and embarrass my daughter because she was excited to see it had the same candy as when she was little. Bad experience. read more

Okay, "Oldest Store in Martha's Vineyard" . It's charming, kitschy, and an eclectic blend of hardware store, general store, mini-grocery, and tourist trap. You can buy all kinds of whiz-bang children's toys here, postcards, picnic foods, and tools for small repairs around the house. If you had a shopping list for board games, a light brite, local fudge, hairspray AND bug spray, and an allen wrench, you could find all of that here. It's just weird and fun. Fun little historic destination, and a great place to pick up tourist trappings and snacks on the way down-island. read more

Utterly and completely agree with previous posters who note that the new management has ruined Alley's. The old store was crammed full of stuff, all higgledy piggledy. I always enjoyed the porch, where the old West Tis codgers would hang out and chew the fat. Alas, no longer. No one wants to hang out on the porch, which has been denuded of everything except some overpriced herbs. Inside it's worse -- painfully trendy and expensive (no joke, they charged me $1.90 for 6 pieces of candy). If you are from Park Slope, you will love it here. As for the rest of us -- thanks for ruining an island institution. read more

I mean who doesn't want to be a kid again? Stopping here for half an hour can transport you back to childhood in a good way. A Gumby doll and a Whoopi cushion washed down with an old fashioned sweet treat is a great way to start the weekend or chase a rainy beach day away!! read more

Finally! I've been looking for a squid-shaped kitchen wisk! Also, good place to expand your "chicken chucker" collection. read more

Interesting. One of my favorite spots in Chilmark Still has that wonderful ambience but the sandwiches are thin and kind a lite side. Smoke salmon on a bagel had more cream cheese then anything. Very surprised. Great spot for coffee I'll try another bfast sandwich tomorrow. read more

This is a great little stop over between buses 6 or 5. I also found it to be a nice place to fill up on supplies if you are riding your bike. There is a hammock in the front that was occupied everytime I passed. So if you need some hammock action this could be your place. They also had ears of corn, wraps and subs for takeout. read more

Alley's is a national treasure. Since Nathan Mayhew blindly opened shop in 1858, Alley's General Store, as Albion Alley and family eventually renamed it, has been open to the public from 7 AM until 6 PM (7 PM in the summer) every day, every year, for almost 160 years. As such, Alley's is the oldest business on Martha's Vineyard, and as "dealers in everything," I guarantee that you will find something at Alley's that you just can't live without. This is a classic country store, complete with an honest to goodness U. S. post office inside. It may cost a few bucks more at Alley's than going to the franchise places, but it's worth every penny. Step back in time and wander the aisles, buy something and share in the cultural history of the Vineyard. If you're hungry, go to 7a Foods (formerly Back Alley's) for takeout breakfast or lunch. You won't regret it! read more

My kids loved exploring the store, old time feel of a general store.

Alley's is a living legend, a general store that delivers the warm feelings and the humdrum necessities of what a New England general store ought to be. They sell heirloom tomatoes, and they sell rat poison. They sell island blueberries, and they sell wooden clothespins. They sell the New York Times at the cover price. More often than not, what you want you'll find -- and you'll always get a sense of the better angels in the Vineyard's nature. read more

Love coming here to buy little things on our trip. Parking is not fun, but looking around the store is

I hear about this place every time I come to the island. This is the oldest store on Martha's Vineyard. I heard a lot of famous people visited here and it is located in West Tisbury. They had a lot of items and supplies. The staff was friendly and helpful. Nice store. read more

Alleys was a terrible experience- the service was terrible; however, the store was very charming. The teenagers behind the counters did not take their jobs seriously and were running around the store tripping and knocking over my small children. They also offered peanut-chocolate to my two year old child that was found on the floor, covered in dust; and on top if that, he has severe peanut allergies. With lots of options on the vineyard, I will not make the mistake of visiting alleys again. Sad excuse of a store. read more

This place is so cute! It's a general store with some beach-oriented groceries. I spotted Uma Thurman here dressed down with her kids and looking amazing. read more

I come to the vineyard every year a couple of times. One of my first destinations is a visit to the Alley Store. I haVe always loved the unique merchandise selection and the quirky atmosphere. The last couple of times I have really been disappointed with the rude behavior from the associates that are working. My most recent visit on June 17th will be my last. The owners summer hire selection is definitely going to hurt business. I would only hope that they revisit their hiring standards in the future. One bad employee can ruin a good thing. read more