Bunch of Grapes
The Vineyard nurtures a surprising number of independent bookstores. For everything from island-related titles to beach reads, stop in Dawn Braasch’s cheerful Bunch of Grapes in Vineyard Haven or browse the two floors at Edgartown Books in Edgartown before grabbing coffee at the backyard café.
Chappaquiddick Ferry
Take a breezy ride on the small three-car Chappaquiddick ferry. It’s a short trip to the rural island, which locals call “Chappy.” Take your bike across for some two-wheeled exploring. As you pull back into Edgartown Harbor, you can almost hear the da-dum da-dum of the Jaws theme music—the blockbuster was filmed here in 1974.
The Net Result
This friendly fish market and restaurant in Vineyard Haven will steam a lobster for you while you wait at one of the picnic tables outside. It also ships any of its local seafood, so you can share your island sojourn with those you left behind.
Once in a Blue Moon
In Edgartown, this gallery-like shop offers a selection of European clothes, contemporary jewelry, and fine art. The no-iron pants from Scandinavia are perfect for travel, and the reversible jackets made with Indian kantha cloth work well in fall weather.
Rosewater
If it’s too pretty to stay indoors, pick up a picnic lunch and a canvas tote to carry it at this deli-meets- boutique, across from the Charlotte Inn. On the way out, shop for everything from crystal decanters to dog bowls.
