Much like the island itself, shopping on Martha’s Vineyard is anything but ordinary. Freed from big-name brands and tiresome malls in favor of family-owned boutiques and quaint town streets, shoppers have a wealth of options for finding that one-of-a-kind Vineyard memento from jewelry to home décor to fashion.
Here are some of our favorite shops on the island, including specific items you don’t want to miss:
Home Décor: Bespoke Abode
Shopping at Bespoke Abode will accentuate your home with the distinct flavors of Martha’s Vineyard and coastal New England. Opened by Liz Stiving-Nichols as a stylish mix of reclaimed and refined, this Main Street favorite offers ocean-inspired home furnishings, custom accessories, and original wall art perfect for your beach home or as a memory from the Vineyard. Chic and charming, it’s a must-see for those with a soft spot for home décor.
Must See: A Nautical Compass Pillow
Bath and Beauty: Vineyard Bath Co.
Inspired to recreate the essence of Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown’s Vineyard Bath Co offers a dedicated scent for each of the island’s five main towns. The result is a locally sourced line of bath and beauty products allowing buyers to—quite literally—bring a piece of Martha’s Vineyard home with them. Family owned and operated, it’s the realization of a group of summer visitors who, like many of us, never want to leave this beachside paradise.
Must Try: Oak Bluff Body Butter with scents of sandalwood and carnation
Chocolate: Chilmark Chocolates
Set in a small house just beyond the main Chilmark store along 19 State Road, Chilmark Chocolates is not to be missed by sweet tooths visiting The Vineyard. Creamy, delicious, and available in dozens of flavors and combinations, all the chocolate is handmade in-house and reigns as a timeless favorite among candy connoisseurs living on the island. Stock up while you can, as this delightful shop doesn’t sell online and won’t ship outside Martha’s Vineyard.
Must Try: Milk Skip’s Chips Coconut Clusters
Jewelry: Claudia Jewelry
Nestled on the corner of Main St and Summer St, Claudia Jewelry epitomizes the unique, handmade accessories unique throughout Martha’s Vineyard. From large statement jewelry to intricately designed rings and bracelets, here you’ll find exquisite works by local artisans and noted designers alike—including Alexis Bittar NYC, Seaman Schepps, Talisman, and many more. It’s been a local favorite since 1971 and definitely worth a stop.
Must See: Natural seashell earrings adorned with gems, by Seaman Schepps
Fashion: Mikel Hunter
Photo credit: Anthony Esposito
From high-end clothing to contemporary accessories and art pieces, Mikel Hunter is Edgartown’s go-to destination for luxury style and apparel. Fashion by NYC designer Nellie Partow and opulent knit wear for men and women by Lars Andersson are juxtaposed by the fine art of painters Terry Rodgers, Tom Stephens, and Dan Vanlandingham just to name a few. There is also a wonderful array of jewelry, hats and accessories for all. This is the brick and mortar location for a thriving online store offering the latest in both men’s and women’s fashion. Many of the items on display are not available online, giving you extra incentive to swing by for a preview.
Gifts: Rainy Day
A staple of Vineyard Haven since 1973, Rainy Day is the gift shop of choice for locals seeking elegant household accessories and unique presents inspired by the sea. Be it locally sourced sea salts, beachy ornaments, handcrafted glassware, or summer-fragranced incense, there’s no telling what you’ll find (and love) in this quintessential MV outlet tucked along Main Street.
Must See: Island Outline Wood Ornament by MacLeod Woodworking
Flowers: Morrice Florist
For a colorful bouquet to brighten up your beach house this summer, look no further than the island’s oldest flower shop: Morrice Florist, founded in 1940. Continuing the legacy of founder James Morrice—who grew all his flowers in a green house along State Road—current owner Emily Coulter offers a beautiful selection of floral arrangements available in every color imaginable. She also creates customized orders for events, from weddings to special occasions.
Must See: The “Milk Bottle Romance” Bouquet
Books: Bunch Of Grapes
Voted the best bookstore by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, this independently owned collection not only carries quality reading material from a variety of writers—many of which are local—but also hosts several author events throughout the year. Located at the heart of Vineyard Haven, it’s the perfect place to gain some inspiration while vacationing, catch up on the latest releases, or discover a new read for the beach.
Acessories: Portobello Road
Inspired by London’s Portobello Road flea market, this quaint boutique in Edgartown offers a wide array of eclectic items from books and local artwork to signs, photos, and rustic antiques. It’s everything you never knew you needed, yet suddenly find yourself craving—especially if you’re on the prowl for a unique gift stamped Martha’s Vineyard.
Candy: Good Ship Lollipop
Named after the iconic Shirley Temple movie, this old-fashioned candy store is as sweet as they come. It’s located on Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs and functions like a true French-inspired confiserie, with a giant selection of chocolates, fudge, confections, and, naturally, handcrafted lollipops. Store owner Marguerite Cook recently added a colorful section of toys and souvenirs, making it even harder to resist for families with children.