As the Island continues to come alive with Spring and gears up for Summer, more and more changes are happening. Vineyard Haven is really experiencing a revival of sorts. While I was once worried about the empty store fronts, I am now hopeful and looking forward to visiting downtown a lot more.
Breakfast & Lunch on the Lagoon
I had mentioned in February that Island favorites, Josh & Angela Aronie, were going to be opening a new eatery in the former Che’s Lounge space. Those plans have changed. The Aronie’s are teaming up with Saltwater Restaurant, in the Tisbury Marketplace, to bring us breakfast and lunch – similar to what was available at Menemsha Cafe with the addition of a great selection of baked goods.
It has been a couple of years since Saltwater offered breakfast. Though it has become known for its dinners, I imagine that Saltwater will quickly become a hotspot during the day too. I know that it was worth the drive to Menemsha Cafe for Josh’s breakfast, and now that he’ll be in the next town over, I am thrilled to not have to go so far.
As of now, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Aronie’s culinary treats at the end of this month. On a side note, I hope they have wi-fi. What a great spot to grab something to eat and work while enjoying the view of the lagoon.
No More Golden Dragon
Since Stop & Shop in Vineyard Haven is planning to renovate and expand, and it owns the space behind the pharmacy and where Vineyard Haven’s only Chinese food place could be found, the Golden Dragon, there have been some interesting developments. As you may have read in the MV Times, Golden Dragon was evicted because of rent due, but it plans to open elsewhere in town. I know not everyone like GD, but I enjoyed the occasional General Tso’s, so I’ll keep an eye out for the new location.
Where Will Midnight Farm Go?
With the old Bowl & Board space no longer an option for the iconic Midnight Farm, one cannot help but wonder where they may end up. Perhaps the old Bramhall and Dunn space? That’s my hope – it brings the store to Main Street, and offers a good amount of space for its eclectic collection of furniture and fashion. Stay tuned…
Just in Time for Spring
Bespoke Abode, the store belonging to well-known Island interior designer, Liz Stivng Nichols, has moved to a larger space on Main Steet. Bespoke Abode has taken over the space where Hannah B used to be. This is a fabulous space for this home furnishings store which has some of the most amazing finds for your home, and they also carry Martha’s Vineyard Furniture Company, a line of custom Eco-friendly furniture.
I am particularly fond of their Destination collection. Bespoke Abode will be opening this week. I would definitely stop by, and be prepared to fall in love with a number of items. Also, soon I will be doing a post or two dedicated to Liz, her interior design work, custom furniture, and Bespoke Abode.
Sweet Treats Coming in May
Sweet E’s, in the process of moving to its new home, has firmed-up an opening date, May 15. Though excited to have it open, and have even more sweet treats to offer, I wish it was open for Mother’s Day! Being that I have a weakness for cupcakes, it’s always nice to have a reason to have one. Guess I’ll just have to make a special trip on the following Tuesday. For more info on what we can see with this new store, check out my post, Even Sweeter….Sweet E’s Cupcakes Expands In Vineyard Haven
Scrimsaw in Vineyard Haven
As I was heading to Waterside Market for a coffee and to do a little work, I noticed that next door there was a new business opening, AquaNaut, Vineyard Time and Scrimshaw. Planned opening date is Thursday April 5th, I am interested to see what the store will feature as far as scrimshaw goes. With Edgartown Scrimshaw Gallery no longer open, it will be nice to still have a store that features this historical maritime craft. Currently, the windows are covered with Cronigs paper bags, and no one answered when I knocked on the door. So, I guess we’ll have to see.
New Ways of Pampering
The Spa at the Mansion House is getting a new lease on life with new owner, Yvonne Dennis Stewart, and is sporting a new name, MV Spa Innovation. Though hosting a grand opening in June, changes are happening as we speak, with new paint on the walls, and some serious revamping to the space, to make it their own.
MV Spa innovation is currently open and offering a full menu of services with some incredible products including, Aveda haircare and skincare, Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup, Phytomer Sea Mineral skincare line, and many more.
Krtisty Bergantim, the spa manager shared their new message with me, “let us Relieve, Relax, and Revive you.” Sounds good to me! This Summer, the spa is planning to offer a full bridal package with make-up and hair, and an anniversary package for lovers needing a relaxing get away, in addition to all their other services.
More Vineyard Haven Business Updates
Apparently the space that once housed Beetlebung Coffee is going to remain vacant for a while. Currently, there is no one moving in. I will miss Beetlebung, but their new location in Menemsha is opening May 1st. It will be nice to be able to grab a caffeinated beverage for those amazing sunsets.
La Cave du Grenier is now going to open in mid-May. Check out One Cellar I Want To Visit On Martha’s Vineyard for more details.
Centre Street is becoming a street catering to beauty, with the addition of BB Salon and Nails By Yvonne. It will be nice to have additional options for beautifying ourselves this Summer.
If you look into the windows of the old Bowl & Board building, you can see that there is work being done, and we’re still waiting to hear if Bunch of Grapes is indeed moving on in.
On a sad note, Tyler & Tallulah, the European inspired children’s boutique, is closing it’s Main Street doors. Look for trunk shows and other opportunities for enjoying Beth Vages’ selection for fabulous children’s clothes.
Even the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce is getting a significant face lift this year! Check out the photo below.
Stay tuned for more Vineyard Haven updates as we venture further into the Spring season, and we get to enjoy all these changes.
{ 2 comments }
On Thursday, April 5th,
In Oak Bluffs, this past Sunday, April 1st, The 
When you walk into the building, which is still undergoing renovations, you are immediately charmed by the new space. The colors are engaging, the black and off-white floor is classic, and I am particularly fond of the details on the ceiling. Though the chairs, black and beige cafe chairs, and tables, dark brown with black trim, are still en-route, you have a good sense of what to expect – a warm, welcoming Parisian bistro smelling of fresh baked bread.
There are a lot of changes happening in downtown this year. It seems as though Vineyard Haven is experiencing quite a revitalization, and a number of those empty storefronts are going to be filled. When 
So, if it is indeed true that Bunch of Grapes is moving after 40 years, it would be quite a change for Main Street. I imagine that many long-time clients would be shocked and many will have mixed feelings about such a big change. Though I really enjoy its current space, I adore Bunch of Grapes and think that anything they do, will only be to better the store and offer more to its customers. So why not?
What are the sure signs of Spring on Martha’s Vineyard? To some, it’s the song of the pinkletink, 
But just one day into Spring, and already nothing says it quite like, sunny and 70° at Lucy Vincent Beach in Chilmark.
And yes, those are families at the beach today, with swimsuits, sunblock, sand toys, towels, and beach chairs. Actually, they said they’ve been at the beach everyday so far this week, and plan to come all week.
By the way, we stumbled upon this sunny Spring ritual as the Point B team was nearby photographing some new 
With the first day of Spring, March 20th right around the corner, it’s nice to watch the Vineyard come out of its state of muted hibernation. Though our Winter wasn’t terrible, many of us are just ready for it to be over, and there is a noted level of excitement all around. Luckily, there are lots of things we love and love to do happening now.
