The Essense of Up-Island any people don’t realize just how big, and just how rural, Martha’s Vineyard really is, particularly the western side, known to locals as “up-Island.” Up-Island boasts a slower pace coupled with the beautiful scenery of West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah. Here’s a few of our favorite up-Island things to do, see, and eat. Charlie Utz District that includes clay cliffs, a small gathering of shops and eateries operated by members of the Wampanoag Tribe, a Cultural Center depicting the history and contributions of Town members, a stunning public beach and a historic red brick lighthouse that is open to the public Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Menemsha is a small, classic New England fishing village located in the town of Chilmark. Featured in the movie JAWS, it retains its authenticity with a line of fishing boats, rustic fresh fish markets with prepared foods enjoyed harborside, and a small beach most popular for a summer sunset over an unobstructed section of the Vineyard Sound, making for one of the best sunsets on the east coast. Be sure to grab a lobster dinner or some clam chowder at one of the local fish markets, and don’t forget to bring your favorite beverage with you, as Chilmark is a dry town, but allows for BYOB. Peter Simon Peter Simon The Allen Farm. Martha’s Vineyard’s oldest continuously working family farm, the Allen Farm in Chilmark’s made up of 100 acres of rolling pastures and meadows outlined by historic stonewalls, overlooking Chilmark Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. The Farm has always been farmed organically as evidenced from the taste of the grassfed lamb and their intricate hand-woven woolens. Up Island Culinary Scene. The Chilmark General Store is a popular place to grab a slice of their famous pizza, intended to be enjoyed on their large porch which often becomes a common place fo celebrity sightings. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday in summer you’ll want to visit the West Tisbury Farmers Market, the Island’s delicious open air market. For the freshest seafood, head to Menemsha and enjoy some seafood by the seashore. Sandwich lovers want to make a point to stop at 7a Foods in West Tisbury, a popular farm-to-take-out spot that makes some of the best sandwiches around. Marnely Murray Not to be missed: Up-Island beaches and hiking trails are some of the most pristine on the Island, and are generally less crowded. While a few do have parking restrictions in summer, all are accessible mid-September through mid-June. The Polly Hill Arboretum is a botanist’s paradise, with rare trees and shrubs from around the world set among stone walls, meadows, and fields. The Field Gallery is distinctive for its outdoor sculpture gallery, home to the whimsical sculptures of founder Thomas Maley. Head across the street for a stroll through the historic Alley’s General Store. Deaf Heritage Tour: In the 19th and 20th centuries one in four residents in Chilmark had hereditary deafness, earning the town the quote “everyone spoke by hand.” Deaf Island residents were valued members of the community, and hearing residents conversed with their deaf neighbors in Martha's Vineyard's distinctive form of sign language, that, with time and exposure away from Martha’s Vineyard, evolved into American Sign Language. Visit the Chilmark Public Library and the Martha’s Vineyard Museum for additional information, and download a guide to the Deaf Heritage Tour at mvy.com/deafheritagetour. 2020 -21 Travel Guide 117 M Aquinnah: Located on the westernmost edge of the Vineyard, the scenery is breathtaking. This impressive National Natural Landmark is so exquisite it was recently named the most beautiful place in all of Massachusetts by Condé Nast Traveler. Natural and man-made assets make up a Cultural ITINERARY
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