Each Summer, Island businesses wait to hear if they’ve won the coveted Best of the Vineyard.
Winners are announced at a party to celebrate the winners and the runner-ups, and of course, it’s a great reason to get together with businesses and their owners from all over Martha’s Vineyard.
This year’s party was at Dreamland in Oak Bluffs. The place was packed, and full of seriously happy folks. The drinks were flowing, the laughter everywhere, and people were dressed to have fun. It was great.
Best Real Estate Company – Point B
Point B Realty received its first nomination for Best Real Estate Company. We were named runner-up and given the honor of the “Best of” title, along with use of the Best Of The Vineyard logo.
Not a bad achievement and accolade for a young company, just celebrating its fifth year this summer. We are honored to have such amazing support. There are a lot of agencies on the Island, and it’s wonderful to be recognized by the community.
Some Of The Food Best Of Winners
One of the best parts about Best of the Vineyard is seeing if your favorites won. You can’t help but feel a little proud when those that you voted for do win.
Some of my favorites did win. For Best Burger, Atria won, and how can anyone dispute that title? Burger night is one of the best things happening on Martha’s Vineyard during the off-season. They also won Best Fries too, which I think might tie with Alchemy’s.
For Best Breakfast, the Art Cliff won. Even though I haven’t gone there too much yet this summer (not good at waiting), Gina’s food is some of my favorite around. I’ve never had anything from there that disappointed. Usually I am wishing I was alone so I could lick the plate.
For Best Sushi, just look at the cover of the July issue of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine and you’ll know who won that, the Lookout Tavern. I do love the sushi there, and the view is pretty great too.
I have to mention that Offshore Ale won three “Best of” awards, Best Year Round Restaurant, Best Bar/Pub, and Best Family Dining. Owners Phil and Colleen McAndrews work hard along with their staff to make it such a special place.
Also, I wanted to mention that Best Takeout went to Bangkok Thai Cuisine, and I am guilty of getting takeout from there way more than I should. I can’t help it though, the Fresh Rolls are so tasty.
Retailers Who Shined
C.B. Stark won for Best Jeweler and I have to say that the staff there is pretty outstanding, as is some of the beautiful jewelry. I like to add things to my wish list there, so my hubby doesn’t have to struggle with gifts for me. I’m picky.
Rainy Day got Best Gift Shop — but of course. How can you even walk out of the store without buying anything? Owner Heather Kochin finds the best stuff. There is always something catching my eye.
Best Men’s Clothing Store, Best Women’s Clothing Store, and Best Shoes all went to the Green Room. Though I love many stores on the Island, the Green Room is one of my favs. I like the clothes and love the jewelry and the staff. They make me laugh.
Events & More
Christmas in Edgartown received the honor of Best Off Season Event. This event gets better and better each year. I think Sydney Mullen’s (Edgartown Board of trade) expression shows the joy. Of course, we’re a little biased, because don’t forget that the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite (sponsored by Point B) is part of this bigger event.
Best Charity Event was Taste of the Vineyard, and for anyone who has ever gone, you know why it wins every year. It’s like prom. Everyone is dressed to the nines, in a celebratory mood, and then doesn’t see each other until after the summer, because we’re all so busy.
Of course the Martha’s Vineyard Ag Fair won Best Summer Event. What’s summer without the Fair? Now that I have kids I love it even more. Seeing it through their eyes and not just eating my way through each day has brought me a lot of joy. The only sad thing it that it also means summer is almost over.
These are only a few places and things honored. I could go on and on about the winners of Best of the Vineyard. It’s fun to reflect on all the things and places that you and others love about Martha’s Vineyard.
When I first moved here, I used the magazine as my guide for my summer bucket list, and now I feel like a seasoned pro with all my favorites that I’ve discovered through trial and error.
Best of the Vineyard is a fun way to celebrate Island business and of course the sign looks great on the wall and websites too. It’s also a great time to catch up with friends before the craziness of summer is in full swing. Congrats to all the winners and runner-ups. Let’s see what happens next year…….
To flip through all the top picks, look for the July issue of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine. You can also check the results on the Martha’s Vineyard Magazine’s website.
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