I’m A Fashion Editor Who Spends Every Summer On Martha’s Vineyard—These Are My Go-To Spots

Martha’s Vineyard has been my second home for as long as I can remember—literally. My relationship with the island started when I was two years old, when my parents brought me here for the first time. Decades later, the second I hear the ferry horn carrying me back, I’m transported straight back to that little girl who fell in love with the island.

I come to Martha’s Vineyard for serenity, peace, fulfillment, and a little reminder to slow down. But, as a fashion editor, I can’t help but always be on the lookout for the next designer, artist, or creative, even when I’m “off the clock” on the island. That same instinct is what inspired me to co-found studioQL, a creative hub for artists and makers working across art, sound, film, fashion, photography, and technology. At its core, it’s about creating a space where multidisciplinary creatives can connect, experiment, and make something new. And naturally, I had to bring that energy back to the island for an inaugural exhibition, Anchors & Currents. 

Along with hosting the event this summer, when I’m on the island, I’m not interested in doing the obvious. I want the lobster roll that’s actually worth the drive, the beach that makes you forget your phone exists, the place to find a last-minute dress when you absolutely need one, the galleries where you’ll discover your next favorite artist, and most importantly, rotting in my Aunt Tonya’s basement. 

So, consider this my personal map of Martha’s Vineyard—the places I return to, the spots I’m always telling my friends about, and a few I’d almost rather keep to myself. Here’s my ultimate Vineyard IYKYK guide.

Free-est: The perfect selection of the chicest beachwear from bikinis to dresses. 

Respoke: Here, they upcycle designer scarves into the chicest sandals. 

Nell: I can always find something at Nell in Edgartown, has a great selection of designers

Miio: New to Edgartown with the finest Italian leather.

Edgartown Bookstore: The perfect selection of novels to children’s books with the cutest nooks to sit and read. 

Soul: Has the best sandals and they import their stuff from Greece and they have the best dresses that tie at the waist and flare out. 

Rags: Here they have the cutest sweaters, and they carry super light airy dresses perfect for the summer. 

Ethos: The chicest summer dresses to keep you looking elegant all vacation long. 

Salte: Chic clothing selects and home finds to perfectly fit the New England summer aesthetic.  

For Jewelry & Accessories: 

Claudia Jewelry: The perfect vintage finds, little charms with a large selection of all types of jewelry. 

Soul Gems by Maria: Maria sells the most perfect, chicest selection of diamonds and a plus as it’s Black-owned.

Biscuits: The smothered biscuits are a Martha’s Vineyard staple; the line is long but worth every second of the wait. 

Backdoor Donuts: For the best apple fritter you’ve ever had, stop by here for a late-night treat. 

Nancy’s: Where Sasha Obama had a summer job as a teen, not only is the food amazing but the indoor-outdoor vibe for the great drinks from bartender Donovan Clarke you’re almost sure to run into a familiar face here. And offering Uber Eats to order ahead of time. 

Sailor: Nestled on the corner of the Edgartown harbor, Sailor is a chic date spot for the perfect lunch.

MacPhails: One of the best Lobster rolls on the Island. 

Lookout Tavern: For a view of the ocean and a delicious crab cake come here. 

Ocean Club: This is my go-to for a fine dining select on the island. 

The Pelican Club: For the best sushi selects on island stop here for a chic dinner in the garden.

Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine: As a Trinidian and Guyanese girl this is my one stop shop for all things Caribbean food. 

Seafood Shanty: Nestled in downtown Vineyard Haven for a beautiful view of the Marina and fresh seafood selections.  

Giordanos: The best pizza you’ll have in your life.

Vineyard Homemade Icecream: For a sweet treat and refreshing bite of ice cream. 

Fat Ronnies: For a juicy burger and a late night bite.  

Sand Bar: If you like karaoke, this is the place you need to be. 

Flavas: When I want to hear dancehall and soca music and dance this is where I come. 

Inkwell Beach House: It used to be the loft, but is now renovated to be the Inkwell Beach House, where many parties are held throughout the month of August. 

Nomans: The only place to be on Friday nights with DJ Smooth B. This is the generational party, welcoming kids, teens, young adults, and adults alike. What used to be called Lola’s, now Noman’s, is also loved by the community as the best day party on the island.

studioQL Anchors & Currents Exhibition: My collective is showing a group of artists at the Inkwell Beach House on August 14 + 15.

Featherstone: Currently championing the next generation of artists by showing the RISD Emerging Artists on view through 

The Long Gallery: This Harlem-based gallery headed to Martha’s Vineyard for the month of artists showing an amazing group of artists including Mikelane Thomas. 

The Center of Knowledge Gallery: Right now they have a show called the Reach of her Brush with many amazing artists. 

The Faraway: It blends laid-back New England coastal charm with upscale, modern boho-botanical style for the chic traveler.

Winnetu: A more private stay located on South Beach nestled in the hems of grass come here for a quiet getaway. 

The Harbor View Hotel: A full service hotel with different cottages along the property located in downtown Edgartown this is a favorite to many. 

For me, I prefer to drive up from New York and bring my car over on the ferry from Woods Hole. While rideshare is available on the island, it can be limited, especially when you’re venturing beyond the main towns. And with plenty of dirt roads, beach days, and off-the-beaten-path stops, I always opt for a truck. My choice? The Audi SQ7—spacious enough to handle the terrain, but not so big that it feels cumbersome.

If driving isn’t your thing, Martha’s Vineyard is also incredibly easy to get to, with flights from cities throughout the Northeast taking less than an hour.

The Nude Beach in Aquinnah: Cover yourself in clay, leave your inhibitions behind, and make your way to this secluded stretch of shoreline nestled beneath the cliffs.