I love vacations, and this year’s vacation at Martha’s Vineyard was extra special. It was more of a reset for me and my family, and it was a great reset. We went the last week of June through the first week of July. The Vineyard was lively, but still tranquil. Most of the visitors travel to the Vineyard in late July and August. I was very strategic about the time we would travel there because I did not want to have to stand in lines waiting to eat or not be able to eat at all because reservations were filled for the best restaurants. There was no crowd, just peace and quiet.

We traveled all over the Vineyard — Oak Bluffs, Chilmark, Aquinnah Cliffs, Meneshma, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown. We stayed in the historic Highland neighborhood in Oak Bluffs. I didn’t realize we were vacationing in a piece of history. The neighbors were amazing and were so warm and friendly. It reminded me of home. We walked everywhere because our house was close to Circuit Avenue. The neighbors would be out working in their yards or sitting on the porch and would stop and talk a while. I love this place!

LOOKOUT TAVERN

Our first stop on the Island was Lookout Tavern. I wanted to get a good lobster roll, and no they are not all created equal.I ordered the warm lobster roll (you can also order a chilled lobster roll). It is claw and knuckle lobster meat sauteed in butter. The lobster rolls are usually served with chips. At Lookout Tavern, the rolls are served with Lookout’s housemade chips. The lobster was warm and buttery, and the chips were just as delightful. I ate every bite.

My family ordered the Fisherman’s Platter, which consisted of whole belly clams, shrimp, haddock, and scallops.

Lookout Tavern has a great location right across the street from from the beach. You can sit, eat and people watch during your time there.

I enjoyed Lookout Tavern, but nothing could have prepared me for the savory soul food at Black Joy Kitchen.

BLACK JOY KITCHEN

Black Joy Kitchen was voted Best of the Best 2026 on Martha’s Vineyard. Every year, local businesses compete for this coveted award. You walk in to a DJ spinning 70’s, 80’s and 90’s music. He was so friendly. He gave both of my girls huge rings that light up. When we arrived the place was packed. You saw generations sitting at tables. I was able to take a few pics when we were getting ready to go because we were there until after they closed at 3 p.m.

There is a bruch beverage menu, which contains both cocktails and mocktails.

I love their menu. We ordered two of the 2 meats and 3 sides platters, and it was more than enough food for us and the kids.

We ordered the ribs, chicken, greens, potatoes, mac and cheese, and shirred chive eggs.

This macaroni made me so happy, and those greens tasted like my Grandma Velma’s collards.

My oldest loves eggs, so she had to order the eggs, which were delicious. I think it was the chive that took the flavor up a notch. We did not leave anything on this plate.

Friends, I have no complaints. I am so happy we stopped by. Check them out if you are ever in Oak Bluffs. The staff is friendly, and dining here is an experience!

NANCY’S

We walked past Nancy’s every day as we headed to the shops. Nancy’s sits right on Church’s Pier. You could sit on the patio by the water as you ate.

Nancy’s also has great seafood. Remember I told you about the lobster rolls — you can order warm or cold lobster rolls. I ate a warm lobster roll at Lookout Tavern, but I wanted to try the cold one with mayo. I must say this was the best one I had eaten. It costs less than Lookout Tavern and just tasted better. The lobster roll at Lookout Tavern was also delicious, but I think I like the cold one better.

Service was quick. You just walk up, choose your items from the menu, order your food and wait for your number to be called.

Nancy’s is a local and tourist favorite. You must visit Nancy’s if you visit the Vineyard!

LARSEN’S FISHMARKET

Last but definitely not least is Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha. Menemsha is a small fishing town on Martha’s Vineyard. People drive here to watch the sun set. It took us about 30 minutes to get here from Oak Bluffs, but please note that there are no traffic lights on the Vineyard, and the fastest speed limit I drove on the Island had to be between 40 and 45 mph. So, everything takes a little longer to get there. The locals stated that in August, it can take over an hour to get most places because of the traffic from the visitors.

The seafood is fresh. They sell clams, scallops, lobsters, shrimp, fish, clam chowder, and so much more.

Their chowder is the best. It is chunky and seasoned just right. I wish I had ordered a bowl instead of a cup. It was the best I have ever had!

Larsen’s only sells water. If you want anything else to drink. you had to walk next door to the Texaco station, stick your head through the window and tell them what you want to drink.

They also had the old fashioned gas pumps, and yes, gas was that expensive on the Island.

The sky had been clear all day until we sat there waiting to see a beautiful sunset. Well, we tried, but the clouds moved in.

If you have never set foot on the island, then you have to visit soon! It was a peaceful stay, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I love seafood, and the Vineyard does not disappoint. Until next time…