WHAT A NICE LIBRARY!…read more We were visiting the island with 2 kids the weekend before Halloween. It was rainy and I had found the library was having a Halloween party. Not going to lie over the last few years I have been to a few library parties and Oak Bluff took it up a notch! Their decorations were creative! Some purchased, some hand made. They made a tunnel for the kids to crawl through with decorations inside! There was a massive spider web with a word intricately placed inside it over a large window. There were do many hands on things to do... Halloween twister, decorate a bag, coloring, ball toss, the maze, etc... The staff were dressed up, they served cider, popcorn and treat bags for every child. There were stickers, and sticky hands and jeez! What a great party for the kids! On another note, the library is spectacular! Outlets available on every table, super clean, organized, spacious... I wish my library was this nice! Kudos to the staff and thanks for making our kids smile!

A new library…read more The first library in Oak Bluffs was started way back in the 1880's. In fact the town wasn't even called Oak Bluffs back then but was still referred to as Cottage City. As with most small town libraries the books really didn't have a permanent home but were moved around and stored in different buildings throughout the years. Finally in Oct. 2005 the library finally got a new home, the first time the library was ever in a building that was designed and built especially as a library. Obviously someone gave a lot of thought and effort into the the place because it is stunning. Even though it is a new and very modern building it's absolutely beautiful on the outside and in. Roomy, spacious and bright, the perfect place to relax and enjoy reading a book or doing a bit of research. All the facilities of a much larger library are present but it still has cozy little spots and special areas emphasizing it's island heritage. Of course the librarians are friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant and are more than willing to help with any problem you might have. Oak Bluffs Library is a great example of how a new and very modern library doesn't have to be mundane and boring but can still be unique and special.

We joined a 12 hour Viator day trip to Martha's Vineyard with New England Trips,tour operator…read more The bus picks you up from your hotel, drives you to the Ferry at Wood Hole which departs to Oak Bluffs. We chose to not join the 3 hour island tour and instead wander at our own pace. We walked out to the farthest point with the Atlantic Ocean on our left and charming homes with interesting roof tops, gardens and some already vacant or boarded up for the season. Likewise many stores, bakeries, fudge and ice cream shops were closed up too. We ate at the Lookout and shopped at the Sanctuary gift store. It's probably better to come visit when people are here at their summer homes and businesses are booming. We had been watching the weather forecasts for two weeks and it was our good fortune and second try at coming to Martha's Vineyard was a success. Coming from Hawaii the brilliant display of fall foliage is breathtakingly beautiful. I love seeing pumpkins on porches or wreaths on doors. Oak Bluffs had whale tops on weather vanes, widow's perch on top of roofs, some 3 storied homes. One part of town stood a gazebo surrounded by possibly Canadian geese with their trail of droppings on sidewalks. Came upon their post office but no postcards to be seen around town to send to the grandkiddies. Nice town to visit for a day in October. Our bus driver was right, no sooner were many passengers on our bus nod off to Lalaland.

Bustling in the Summer [Martha's Vineyard MA]…read more From the Town of Aquinnah we hopped on the VTA Bus #13 to take us to the Town of Oak Bluffs! wow! this town is hopping! Total contrast to the old world charm of Edgartown and the vast fields at Aquinnah. Oak Bluffs is a party town and you can't miss spots to dine, drink and feast here plus places to see, explore and experience. We strolled along Circuit Avenue where shops, restaurants and bars, ice cream and coffee shops, clothing stores, and little boutiques lined up the street... we did a little shopping here for souvenirs. We stopped by the the Flying Horses Carousel. We saw kids-of-all ages and adults riding the carousel. The horses are hand carved and whoa, wait... are those real horse hair tails and manes??? And are there tiny lead animals embedded in their glass eyes? wow! By now it was already nearing 6:00p and we were getting a little worn out from the day's activities. We've been up since 7:00a and still had to drive to the ferry. There were attractions we missed seeing including the 19th-century gingerbread cottages at the Oak Bluffs Campground. Ugh!! So disappointed we didn't stop by here. We also missed checking out the East Chop Lighthouse also in Oak Bluffs. Maybe another reason to come back because a day trip just wasn't enough. Review #3030

One of the top galleries on the Vineyard, this well curated collection lives upstairs on Main…read moreStreet in Vineyard Haven and is a huge favorite for art lovers. The owner is very knowledgeable, with a strong interest in textiles, ceramics and crafts. She travels during the winter in order to find new emerging artists, but she also features the best local artists. Prices run the gamut from affordable to out of sight. Openings are fun and friendly. The staff is really helpful, too. This gallery has stood the test of time, and it deserves a shout out. If you enjoy discovering new artists and meeting new people, come to an opening at the Shaw Cramer Gallery. I'll see you there.

This farm was absolutely amazing and unique! The alpacas are friendly and allow you to pet them,…read morestaff was friendly, and the gift shop is riddled with things made from the alpaca fur from the farm. Prices are high but rightfully so

This is such a unique experience! First time on the vineyard and I got a bunch of recommendations…read moreto go here ! It is a quick stop but so worth it ! I was greeted by these beautiful Alpaca. I've never seen one before in person. They let you pet the Alpaca, also be mindful to not aggravate them or get super close or they will spit . There are signs everywhere to give you a warning . lol thankfully no spitting happened when I was present . There where was a baby alpaca , they are so cute almost wanted to take one home . They have a cute gift shop where do you can get a bunch of goodies made out of Alpaca fur . The girls working there where super informative and provided very insightful information about the Alpacas .

Nice place to catch unique screenings of films. I love the atmosphere. Everyone is jovial and…read morewelcoming.

Amazing theater. Went here to see "Sonic Sea" which was a super informative story about noise…read morepollution in the ocean. There was a beautiful reception with lots of free goodies. The theater itself is surprisingly large with a clear screen and some of the comfiest movie theater seats I've ever sat in.

Small town theater... with big professional shows!…read more Are you looking for something to do at night while staying on the Vineyard? Then perhaps try the Vineyard Playhouse. They don't have shows playing every night of the week. However you can check their schedule online and see if anything is playing on your night of interest. The play I watched was top notch. It was played out by big professional actors from the mainland. The theater building itself is cute as a button. Downstairs is a mini cafe and a tiny art gallery. Upstairs is the actual theater room which holds only 90 seats. Everything is clean and immaculate. You can reserve your tickets on their website or grab them at their on-site box office shortly before the show. Tickets are around $50 each and they're discounted to $30 starting one hour before the show. The discounted tickets are called "rush" tickets and purchased by cash only. If you plan on grabbing the rush tickets then you run the risk of experiencing them all sold out. I took that gamble and was successful at gettng my rush tickets. Yay.

Small town theaters sometimes get a bad rap but this little spot has kept me and my family…read moreentertained for years with some of the best theatre we have seen anywhere. Most of the time (there are a few exceptions) you will not be cringing with agony as want-to-be Broadway stars overact and over-emote. Instead you will be amused, touched and inspired by the performances. Sometimes you get to see some really big names here which is lots of fun. Keep an eye open for announcements of readings which take place in the summer and can give you chance to see a very big STAR, if you are into that. All of the seats are good, as it is so small, and there's always a very supportive audience. Look around closely and you might get a glimpse of Julie Taymor, Woody Harrelson, Tony Shalhoub or Ted Danson and Mary Steenbergen. They serve snacks in the lobby during intermission but there's nothing memorable. (Dry cookies in plastic wrap.) Save your appetite and go out somewhere fun after the show. This theatre also puts on shows at Christmas and works with local school groups during the year. They have a pretty loyal following on the island and lots of islanders enjoy working back stage on lights, sets, costumes and so on. They also have an amphitheater just outside of town which provides a lovely setting for various Shakespeare productions that tend to feature a local cast of local high school graduates who stick with the theatre bug. Some of them are actually pretty good. Bring bug spray, a beach chair and some wine or rum punch which will all make your evening even more special. Way to go, Vineyard Playhouse.

I have been here twice now. A great art film theater with wonderful seats, nice clientele, and an…read morearray of film options. Just saw 10 short films in their Manhattan Shorts showing. Highly recommend.

The MV Film Society (note that they confusingly have another Yelp page, probably dating from their…read moredays as a nomadic organization) really deserves a commendation for building the Film Center into an indispensable and highly enjoyable island resource over the last five years. Well worth keeping an eye on their diverse schedule of films and what might be coming ahead. Always has a personal touch at the screening/event itself, with introductory comments from artistic director Richard Paradise and/or one of his capable associates. Modest selection of concessions available in the airy lobby, which also includes local art available for display and purchase.

Poor customer service. They are unable to do a simple task of finding the correct mail box, the…read moredismiss neighborhood concerns, and are rude along with it. Working in restaurants growing up, I know how it feels to be approached by customers so I make sure to be calm and clear when I address a concern. They dismiss concerns about them delivering the mail to the wrong mailbox. They suggested we got a PO Box and I thought it would help since they were having staff issues during the pandemic. It was a very convenient excuse because now my regular mailbox is filled with 4-6 of my neighbors mail. And mine can not be found. As a struggling contractor on the island, I survive based on checks being sent to me. They have lost several checks and then dismissed my concerns about correcting the issue. I do not support the US Post Office in Vineyard Haven and I recommend finding other solutions for mail. Regardless of the load on this office, they have not been able to handle it. Off season and during Covid when they had assistance from Southborough.

things have been worse. but now they are so so so much better! could go as far to say the best. the…read moreisland is hard place to distribute so much mail with so little resources and so many old people wanting stamps paying by traverls check wanting to pick up a ups package that was actually delivered to the oak bluffs PO becuase their house lives on the zipcode border that it can be real crap shoot to go the post office but Christian King and others at the VH Post office make it work

I visit the center frequently to attend the figure drawing classes. They have excellent models and…read morethe class is attended by people who share ideas and sometimes supplies. The newest building has several classrooms and an awesome gallery. The gallery shows change frequently and feature various artists and themes. The property has an outside stage for performances, pastureland, outside sculptures, grassy gardensand there are adjacent hiking trails.

Featherstone is a lovely nonprofit arts center located in a few old buildings on a former horse…read morefarm right in the middle of the island. Established in 1996, Featherstone has quickly found its footing as a resource for classes, exhibitions, musical events, poetry readings, community events and opportunities to purchase artwork by island artists. There are classes for children and adults that include ceramics, printmaking, photography, creative writing, oil painting and more. Some of the classes are one time only and others last for several weeks. Take your pick. Special events include a chocolate festival and a Christmas shopping opportunity. Poetry readings in the summer have become amazingly great, with nationally known poets like Billy Collins and Jorie Graham. (Note that the island poets also show up and read their poems.) There is also a flea market every Tuesday throughout the summer, and some fabulous Musical Mondays when you can listen to the local musicians who are surprisingly talented. You stretch out on the lawn, swat away at the island's vast and hungry mosquito population and listen to bluegrass, jazz or folk music performed by your island neighbors. It's easy going and relaxed. Free classes for teenagers after school are especially exciting. Featherstone is not far away from the High School and the Y, making car pooling a snap, but island teens are also used to hitch hiking if they have no car. Some of the instructors are much better than others, but that is the case at any small arts organization like this. Just do your research and find out more about the teacher, as you would do for any class, right? It's nice to see Featherstone flourishing in a gentle and creative way here on the island.