Farm stands and the Farmers' Market
If you plan to stay on Martha's Vineyard longer than a couple of days, why not set out on a treasure hunt to track down and enjoy some of the natural goodness grown right here on the Island?

Farm stands abound on Martha's Vineyard, varying in size and scope.There is the simple sunflower cart on Herring Creek Road which displays a sign asking shoppers to help themselves to a bunch of sunflowers for $5. On the other hand one can visit Morning Glory Farm to choose from among the many home grown fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods from other parts of the Island.

A few other stops on your journey around the Island can yield some of the best strawberries and tomatoes from Thimble Farm, fresh milk in old fashioned bottles from Nip'N'Tuck Farm, beans squash, peas and potatoes from Norton Farm or Hillside Farm and "pick your own flowers" from Whippoorwill Farm.

Of course not everyone has the time or transportation to hit all of the farm stands around the Island so the West Tisbury Farmers' Market brings the farmers and their goods to you. In the high season it is open each Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon and Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. at the Old Agricultural Hall on South Road in the center of West Tisbury, by Alley's General Store and across from the Field Gallery.

Locals and visitors turn out in droves to choose from the best produce, flowers, herbs, jellies and baked goods you can find on Martha's Vineyard. Along with these traditional items, vendors at the Farmers' Market have introduced Vietnamese spring rolls, wheatgrass juices, gourmet sundries and hand dyed yarn.

Whether you choose to shop for some of the highest-quality organic vegetables to complement a home cooked meal or you want to sample some of the ready-made items at the Farmers' Market as a snack during your outing, you won't be disappointed with what you find.

Purchasing products directly from the people who make or grow them has become rare in our modern society, but while on Martha's Vineyard you can join in an old tradition which heightens our sense of sharing and community.

©1999 Best Read Guide/Martha's Vineyard
P.O. Box 66 (34 S. Summer St.) - Edgartown, MA 02653