Do you have a favorite memory from Martha’s Vineyard or another beach community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Heading to Martha’s Vineyard this summer? Aside from relaxing on the beach, my next favorite things to do on the popular, historically Black vacation island are eating and shopping. Whether heading to the island to visit family, check out the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, or be dazzled by Grand Illumination Night, the island is a magnet for Black vacationers. It boasts a large number of Black summer home owners. Black-owned businesses, new and old, can be found all around the island.
While vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, here are some Black-owned businesses to explore so that you can prioritize shopping Black while on vacation, the same way you do at home.
Island Life Studio
Town: Oak Bluffs
Owner: Real estate broker, Nya Clarke, is a third-generation Martha’s Vineyard Islander.
Hometown: Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Business Specialty: Art gallery and clothing boutique with unique beach and resort wear, accessories and art from local and off-island artists.
Known for: Bohemian beach-vibe dresses and caftans, handmade and from around the globe.
Website: mvIslandlifestudio.com
C’est La Vie
Town: Oak Bluffs
Owner: Roger Schilling runs the store with his wife, Jennifer Schilling
Owner’s Hometown: Paris, France
Business Specialty: Boutique selling unique gifts, jewelry, and books. African-American-themed Martha’s Vineyard sweatshirts, t-shirts, and specialty gifts for adults and children are available.
Known for: Licensed Martha’s Vineyard and Inkwell-themed Black fraternity and sorority apparel.
Website: facebook.com/cestlaviemv
Jubilee Oak Bluffs
Town: Oak Bluffs
Owner: financial tech pioneer, Kahina Van Dyke, who also owner of three hotels on MV: Inkwell Beach House, Narraganset House, Dunmere Cottage
Owner’s Hometown: Albany, NY
Business specialty: Gift shop selling items celebrating African American culture, including books, art, jewelry, soaps, candles, scarves, clothing
Known for: Oak Bluffs landmark wallpaper and Kimonos with African American themes
Website: jubileemv.com
Lennox and Harvey General Goods
Town: Vineyard Haven
Owners: partners and design veterans, Eric Coles and Mark Chung, are grandsons of Lennox and Harvey
Owners’ Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Business Specialty: Home goods store selling everything from clothes to shoes, to kitchen gadgets, furniture, linens, books and greeting cards
Known for: Interesting chic designer kitchen, bar and bathware
Website: LennoxandHarvey.com
Biscuits
Town: Oak Bluffs
Owners: Christopher Arcudi and his wife, chef Celeste Elser
Owners’ Hometown: Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Business Specialty: Small eatery serving Southern breakfast and lunch dishes
Known for: Chicken and biscuits
Website: mvbiscuits.com
Chef Deon’s Kitchen
Town: Oak Bluffs
Owner: Chef Deon Thomas
Owner’s Hometown: Jamaica, WI
Business Specialty: Authentic traditional Caribbean food including jerk chicken, curry goat, turkey wings and more
Known for: Jerk chicken
Website: chefdeon.com
Edgartown Diner
Town: Edgartown
Owners: Chef Ralston and wife Mavis Francis
Owner’s Hometown: Jamaica, WI
Business Specialty: All American breakfast, lunch and brunch cuisine with Southern and Caribbean inspirations
Known for: Milkshakes
Website: edgartowndiner.com
Eleven Circuit
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Town: Oak Bluffs
Owner: Chef Ralston and Mavis Francis
Owner’s Hometown: Jamaica, WI
Business Specialty: Restaurant and bar/nightclub serving American breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Southern/Caribbean twist
Known for: Stuffed Snapper
Website: facebook.com/ElevenCircuit
Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine
Town: Oak Bluffs
Owner: Chef Newton Waite
Owner’s Hometown: Jamaica, WI
Business Specialty: Take-out only, traditional Jamaican specialties.
Known for: Ackee and Saltfish, Oxtails.
Website: vineyardcaribbeancuisine.com
Cousen Rose Gallery
Owner: Art Curator Zita Cousens
Owner’s Hometown: Lowell, MA
Business Specialty: Art gallery, one of the oldest on the island
Known for: Art/artist events. Emerging and notable Black artist exhibits.
Website: cousenrose.com
Knowhere Art Gallery and sister gallery Center of Knowhere
Town: both in Oak Bluffs
Owner: Director and curator Valerie Francis
Owner’s Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Business Specialty: Gallery
Known for: Curated artist events and the emerging BIPOC artist program “In the Paint.”
Website: knowhereart.com
Inkwell Haven
Town: Oak Bluffs
Owner: Financial tech pioneer, Kahina Van Dyke, who is also owner of the boutique Jubilee Oak Bluffs.
Hometown: Albany, NY
Business Specialty: Sister inns located in Oak Bluffs: The Inkwell Beach House, gingerbread-style Narraganset House Bed and Breakfasts, and the historic Victorian Dunmere Cottage Inn.
Known for: Charming historic Victorian homes with vineyard cottage chic decor and beachfront views (Inkwell Beach House and Dunmere Cottage)
Websites: InkwellBeach.com, NarragansetHouse.com, DunmereHouse.com
Do you have a favorite memory from Martha's Vineyard or another beach community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
