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He coached your tee-ball team, helped you struggle through that high school chemistry homework, and was the first to offer a hand on college move-in day. For one weekend (and one weekend only) — let the Dad jokes slide. This Father’s Day, give dad a gift that doesn’t fit in a box. From catching that legendary fish to chowing down on his favorite meal, the best Father’s Day ideas on the island are the moments that will be replayed on that reel of favorite family memories.

 

If You Bought Dad a New Golf Bag: Play Putt Putt With Pops

Mom may prefer her tea time, but the best Father’s Day ideas on the island swing toward tee time. For golf aficionados, a long walk on one of our Martha’s Vineyard greens is as relaxing as a day at the beach (and a few of the best happen to be right here in good old Edgartown). Reserve a spot at Edgartown Golf Club for picturesque views of Vineyard Sound between each swing. If dad prefers the greenest of the greens, direct the golf cart toward Vineyard Golf Club. Not only is this walking course the newest on the island, it’s also one of the only 100% organic golf courses in the U.S.!

 

marthas vineyard fishing
Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism via flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

If You Bought Dad a Tackle Box: Reel in a Father’s Day Catch on a Bigger Boat

Leave those minnows at home — we’ve got bigger fish to fry on Martha’s Vineyard. If Dad’s been reminiscing about gearing up the tackle boxes and hitting the river, he may be fishing for one of the best Father’s Day ideas on the island. Save a spot with Tomahawk Fishing Charters to chase the big fish with local fishing legend Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop. The hunt for seabass and blue marlin will keep dad on his toes, and he’ll return home, telling friends that he went fishing on a charter that has seen the likes of Keith Richards and James Taylor.

 

If You Bought Dad a Grill: Indulge in Foodie Inspiration

They say the best way to learn is through experience, and we heartily agree when it comes to cooking. Dad may fancy himself the grill master back home, but some of the best grillin’ grub inspiration is waiting on Martha’s Vineyard. Treat Dad to Fella’s On Union in West Tisbury for Backyard BBQ. Between chicken, ribs, and pulled pork grilled right on the patio, he’ll return home with more than a few new menu items to recreate.

 

If You Bought Dad a Peanuts and Cracker Jack Snack Box: Catch an MV Sharks Game

Take Dad out to the local ball game. The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks are a collegiate baseball team that play from June through the beginning of August — wooden bats and all! As part of the Future Collegiate Baseball League of New England, you may be watching some of the next drafts to Major League Baseball. Hop on board as fans by sharing a baseball game at The Shark Tank, located on the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School grounds.

 

MV Sharks Baseball | Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism via flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

No matter how much planning goes into bringing the best Father’s Day ideas to life, some of the most priceless moments are spent simply hanging out together, having a drink at your Martha’s Vineyard hotel.

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We feel sorry for folks who don’t get along with their neighbors — because we love ours! Oak Bluffs is a leisurely seven miles from Edgartown and easy to get to by car, bus, or bike. On your visit, carve out some time for swimming, sightseeing, and sweets with a few of our favorite things to do in Oak Bluffs.

 

See the Sights on a Bike

oak-bluffs-sign
Photo: Amy Meredith via flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

No car? No problem! Save your visit for a day with clear skies and get there by bike in about half an hour. Follow Beach Road from Edgartown to Oak Bluffs for a scenic route along the waterfront and Caroline Tuthill Wildlife Preserve. Keep an eye out for the Jaws Bridge along your journey! Keep pedaling until you take a left onto Tuckernuck Ave where you’ll spill out into Circuit Avenue — the hub of fun things to do in Oak Bluffs.

 

Go for a Seasonal Swim

Martha’s Vineyard beaches are the bread and butter of every island vacation, and Oak Bluffs is home to one of our favorites. Joseph Sylvia State Beach (simply “State Beach” if you want to be in-the-know) boasts two miles of sandy bliss. The shallow waters and generally gentle waves make this one of the best options for swimmers and families with floaties in-tow.

 

Be a Tourist

First-time visitors have a few must-see sights to add to their list of things to do in Oak Bluffs. Keep your camera or phone at the ready as you stroll through the Martha’s Vineyard Campmeeting Association. You’ll recognize the iconic collection of brightly colored, intricately designed Gingerbread Houses and The Tabernacle. When your feet need a break, take a spin on the Flying Horses Carousel (America’s oldest!) to see how many brass rings you can collect.

 

Delight in Downtown Shopping

oak-bluffs-circuit-avenue
Photo: 6SN7 via flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs is a shopper’s paradise, so carve out plenty of time to pop into all of the shops here. You’ll find familiar island names like Vineyard Vines and The Black Dog alongside local gems like The Lazy Frog game store or the eclectic Craftworks craft store. Hopefully, you’ve saved room in your suitcase for souvenirs because you’ll find a dozen island gift shops along the avenue. There’s space for one more coffee mug in the cabinet, right?

 

Pick Up a Pick-Me-Up

More interested in treating yourself to something tasty than something tactile? Oak Bluffs has a number of ways to indulge the sweet and savory visitor. Pick up a pint of Vineyard-brewed beer at Offshore Ale Company, and share a pie from their wood-fired pizza menu. On a hot summer day, you’ll have your pick of ice cream shops to grab a scoop like Mad Martha’s, Ben and Bill’s, or the new Rosie’s Frozen Yogurt (an island first!). For treats baked to perfection, drop by Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Cafe’ & Bakery for cupcakes, donuts, and apple fritters (a local favorite).  

 

Visit East Chop Lighthouse

If you’re conducting your own Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse tour, you can check one of the five off the list here. One of the top things to do in Oak Bluffs is pay a visit to the historic East Chop Lighthouse. While the structure itself is commanding on its own, the beautiful backdrop of Vineyard Haven Harbor makes this bluff even more picture-perfect. If you play your cards right, you can witness a photo-worthy sunset alongside a peek inside the lighthouse.

east-chop-lighthouse
Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism via flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

Once your day trip has concluded, bring your souvenirs (real or story-form) back to the Square. Relive the best parts of the day’s adventures over a drink at Chesca’s or catch up on some much needed R&R tucked away in the comfort of your room.

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Fellas, there’s enough room on this island for bachelorette and bachelor parties to go down. Whether you’re saying “I do” here or simply looking for a low-key destination to spend time with the boys, we’ll help you out with Martha’s Vineyard bachelor party ideas that’ll pull the guys away from their man caves and onto the island.

 

Farm Neck Golf Club Bachelor Party Ideas
Farm Neck Golf Club | Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism via flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Take a Swing Before Exchanging Rings

It’s all about friendly rivalry on this bachelor party outing. Martha’s Vineyard has a selection of greens where golf aficionados can tee off against each other in a round of nine (or perhaps a “Caddyshack” and “Happy Gilmore” quote-off?). Plan in advance if you’d like to take a secluded swing at the Royal & Ancient Chappaquiddick Links course or earn bragging credit by playing the same course as former Presidents at Farm Neck Golf Club.

 

Reel in (Another) Great Catch on a Fishing Excursion

You can take that “plenty of fish in the sea” saying literally now that you’re officially off the market. Put the phrase to the test and hook Striped Bass or Bluefish aboard the 31 ft. Mary Sea fishing charter, courtesy of Menemsha Blues Charter. If you’d rather save all the best catches for you and the guys, reserve an entire boat from The Skipper in Oak Bluffs, and bring your own cooler filled with food and brews to enjoy while you wait for a bite.

 

Reminisce About the Good Ol’ Days with a Classic Night Out

Sometimes the best bachelor party ideas are the ones that make you feel like a kid at heart. If the microphone and stage are calling your name, channel your inner rock star during an island karaoke night (but don’t be surprised if a video sneaks its way into that Best Man speech). To take it back even further, head to The Loft Nightclub in Oak Bluffs. A self-proclaimed “playground for adults,” it’s easy to spend hours here between the array of pool tables, pinball machines, and board games.

 

Get Your Heart Racing with an Island Adventure

If a little adrenaline rush is missing from your list of bachelor party ideas, we can fill it fast on the water. Venture over to Joseph A. Sylvia State Beach, and take leap of faith off the iconic Jaws Bridge (you’ll know it by the crowd of people waiting to dive in). If you’d rather spendtime riding the waves, head to Wind’s Up in Vineyard Haven to glide across the water during a windsurfing lesson. To up the ante even more, weigh your adventure options at Oak Bluffs’ Ocean Sports. Kick it up a notch with jet ski rentals, or experience the feeling of flying during a parasailing or flyboarding outing.

 

Flyboarding Bachelor Party Ideas
Take flight and try flyboarding! Photo: Hans Vollebregt via flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

Say “I Brew” to a Martha’s Vineyard Bar Crawl

Spend your days by the water and save that energy for some island nightlife. Start the evening by fueling up with a good beer and full meal at Offshore Ale Co. in Oak Bluffs. You can choose to hit a few more bars in that area, but we suggest heading back to Edgartown if you want to create a true bar crawl within walking distance of your hotel. Begin at the refined Port Hunter for a whiskey drink, and mosey your way to The Seafood Shanty by 10 PM if you plan your trip around one of their themed parties or DJ nights.
Before getting too caught up in the excitement of brainstorming bachelor party ideas, find the right Martha’s Vineyard hotel to designate as your crash pad. The beachfront may be relaxing to snooze on during the day but it’s far from an ideal option for spending the night.

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Fishermen-tested, visitor approved. We don’t find it fishy that Menemsha is home to some of the best seafood spots on the island. Fishing families have been docking their boats along the historic harbor for generations, stocking the markets and shacks with the freshest catches of the day. To reel in a tasty Vineyard experience during your stay, call your order through the window of one of these walk-up seafood shacks around the island.

 

The Bite in Menemsha

Photo: Ernest McGray, Jr. via flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

There may be a line to wade through outside, but it’s well worth the wait for just one crunchy bite from a fried clams order. Actually, come to think of it…maybe that’s how The Bite coined its name. One of the most classic seafood shacks on the island, this cash-only joint takes orders through a screened door and has a canned soda vending machine as their sole watering hole. The popular fried clams come overflowing in a cardboard box (oil stains and all!) and can cause cravings strong enough to single-handedly inspire another Vineyard visit. If clams aren’t your favorite food, opt for a bowl of clam chowder that’s so tasty visitors buy it by the quart to bring back home.

 

Quarterdeck Restaurant in Edgartown

Located right by Memorial Wharf and the Chappaquiddick ferry dock, hungry Edgartown visitors can curb seafood cravings at the Quarterdeck Restaurant. From whole belly clams to crispy fish tacos, this little walk-up stand highlights seafood favorites alongside classic American fare. If the battle between a burger and lobster lunch is going to war in your stomach, compromise with a lobster burger. Grab your order and head to the nearby picnic area to munch with a view of the Edgartown Lighthouse.

 

Home Port in Menemsha

A restaurant in the front and a raw oyster bar in the back, the Home Port Restaurant in Menemsha isn’t like the traditional seafood shacks on Martha’s Vineyard. We’ll give it a pass though, because you do have the option to order excellent food from a window. Head around to the back of the building to order quick fixes from the Back Door menu. Whether you’re in the mood for lobster bisque or an entire 1-1/4 lb. boiled lobster, the menu has a seafood selection to satisfy every palate.

 

Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha

If any of these walk-up seafood shacks battled for a spot on the Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List, Larsen’s Fish Market may just be the lobster that comes out on top. From the busy order window, you can request a selection of famous market eats like steamers, chowder, or stuffed quahogs. Plop down on an overturned crate (if you can find one) to enjoy your catch or settle on a spot closer to the water to take in the busy harbor views. We can guarantee you won’t be leaving this spot without a full belly or a fresh cut of fish from the market.

 

 

Shuck Shack in Oak Bluffs

Between the gingerbread cottages and Circuit Avenue shopping, there’s so much to see in Oak Bluffs that it can be easy to overlook lunchtime. When the stomach rumbles start up and you need food fast, head to the Shuck Shack on Circuit Avenue Extension. You’ll find a full raw bar selection along with locally caught oysters, mahi-mahi, and other delectable seafood dishes. Visit on a Tuesday to take advantage of lobster specials or stop by during the summer to catch live music by the harbor.

 

Are any of these savory seafood shacks going on your to-dine list? For more Martha’s Vineyard dining indulgences to fill up your visit, bring your craving questions to the Square for our ultimate island foodie suggestions.  

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From ages six to 76, seeing animals awakens the kid-at-heart in us all. You won’t find a zoo or aquarium on the island (though to be fair, nature’s aquarium has us surrounded) but fans of the furry, feathered, or scaled aren’t out of luck. Your kids won’t come home begging for a puppy after these Martha’s Vineyard animal encounters, but they may ask for an alpaca instead.

 

Head Out to Pasture at The FARM Institute

Telling your kid that their room looks like a pigsty doesn’t have the same effect if they don’t understand the reference. Time to change that! The FARM Institute in Edgartown is dedicated to connecting people with agriculture, and one way to accomplish that is through hands-on learning. Take a one-hour morning Chore Tour between September and May to lend a helping hand during animal encounters with the farm’s cows, pigs, sheep, or chickens.

 

Bring the Binoculars for Birding

Blue heron at Caleb Pond. Photo: Bill Brine via flickr (CC BY 2.0)

If you have an avian fascination (they do descend from dinosaurs, after all) then pack the binoculars for a birding expedition. One viewing option you can’t miss are the osprey nesting platforms strewn throughout the island. Look up for a chance to view osprey or fledglings during the spring or summer. During a winter visit, head to Norton Point Beach on Chappaquiddick to seek out snowy owls along the sand.  

 

Animal Encounters at Island Alpaca

Are alpacas really as soft as they seem? There’s only one way to find out and Martha’s Vineyard is the best place to make it happen. Head to Island Alpaca in Vineyard Haven to see the herd in all their glory. To get the full experience, we recommend taking a workshop like Alpaca Discovery for a hands-on experience feeding, cleaning, and even walking these four-legged furballs.

 

Photo: David Berkowitz via flickr (CC BY 2.0)

 

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

Admired locally for some of the best island hiking trails around, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is another chance place for animal encounters on Martha’s Vineyard. A variety of habitats encompass the 350-acre property, from fields to salt marsh, where visitors may glimpse wildlife during their own explorations. An additional Nature Play area features butterfly and bird gardens full of winged wonder, and the sanctuary also has a Discovery Room with snakes, turtles, and hands-on activities to take part in.

 

Some animal encounters on Martha’s Vineyard are guaranteed while others require a bit of sightseeing skill and luck. If you cross paths with any creatures during your stay, share your story with us at the Square. We’re a pet-friendly place but we don’t often get to see barnyard buddies at our front desk.

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