Martha's Vineyard Jaws Tour: Walk the Real Amity Island with a Local Guide
Take a guided Jaws tour of Martha's Vineyard with local guide Mike Currid. Walk the real Amity Island in Edgartown and book the "Amity" Walking Tour.
Vineyard Haven's Main Street is the year-round commercial hub of Martha's Vineyard, with a character distinctly different from Edgartown or Oak Bluffs. Where Edgartown feels upscale and polished with whaling captain mansions, and Oak Bluffs' Circuit Avenue caters to tourists with nightlife, Vineyard Haven is a working town with an artsy, local sensibility. Many businesses stay open year-round.
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Shopping on Main Street
Vineyard Haven’s Main Street runs up from Five Corners: bookshops, chandlers, and some of the island’s best browsing.
- Bunch of Grapes Bookstore (23 Main St): Independent bookstore since 1964, over 60 years on the island. Fiction, nonfiction, local authors, children's section, and frequent author events.
- Brickman's (8 Main St): Established since 1913. Clothing, footwear, sporting goods, and toys.
- C.B. Stark Jewelers (53A Main St): MV charms, pendants, custom jewelry for over 40 years.
- The Green Room (71 Main St): Menswear for 30+ years; sportswear, shoes, surf gear.
- Rainy Day (66 Main St): Home goods, island-made products, MV-themed items.
- LeRoux at Home: Three floors of kitchen goods and tableware. Companion shop LeRoux Gourmet across the street.
Restaurants and Cafés
Down at the harbor end, the Black Dog and a row of cafés look out over the working docks.
- Toccopuro Coffee (15 Main St): The island coffee chain bought the longtime Mocha Mott's building after that cafe closed in January 2026, with plans for a coffee shop in the space; Mocha Mott's continues in Oak Bluffs.
- Delicious MV (22 Main St): French pastries, coffee, ice cream.
- Waterside Market (82 Main St): Year-round market and café with organic/locally sourced food.
- The Attic: Elevated tavern above Waterside Market with cocktails, steak, and seafood.
- Mad Martha's Ice Cream (48 Main St): Locally made ice cream since 1971.
- Black Dog Tavern (20 Beach St Extension): Founded in 1971 by Captain Robert Douglas. Year-round with harbor views. Not on Main Street but a short walk toward the ferry.
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First Friday Events
Free community outdoor arts and culture events held the first Friday of each month, June through October, plus December. Features an art market with local makers on Main Street (10 AM–2 PM), live music, food trucks, silent disco, and bonfires at Owen Park (5 PM). A great way to experience the local community.
Dry Town History
Vineyard Haven was historically a dry town dating to Prohibition. Restaurants were BYOB for decades. In 2008, a ballot vote on allowing beer/wine tied 690–690 and did not pass. Voters gradually approved alcohol: beer/wine at restaurants in 2009–2010, full liquor in 2017, and service without requiring food in 2022. Current status: restaurants serve beer, wine, and full liquor. Chilmark remains the last dry town on Martha's Vineyard.
Getting Here
Vineyard Haven is Martha's Vineyard's year-round ferry port. The Steamship Authority terminal is steps from Main Street. Getting around without a car is easy with the free VTA bus.
Exploring the town? Start with our complete Vineyard Haven guide: food, beaches, parking and the local rhythm, all in one place.
Island Tip of the Day · Timing
Visit Edgartown on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Same beautiful town, maybe 30% of the weekend crowds. Most restaurants have availability without reservations.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general guidance only and was accurate at the time of writing. Beach conditions, hours, prices, lifeguard schedules, ferry fares, and business operations change frequently and without notice. Ocean swimming carries inherent risks including rip currents, undertow, and cold water shock. Always verify current conditions with official local sources before your visit. MV Vacation assumes no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience resulting from the use of this information. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, supervise children at all times near water, and follow all posted safety signs.
