Ah… Fall on Martha’s Vineyard. A truly magical time. There is a slight chill in the air, but it is just as beautiful as ever. Also, to the surprise of many, there is so much to see and do. After all, Fall is the unofficial festival season on Martha’s Vineyard.
Have Fun With the Locals
The weekend of October 2nd and 3rd, is the Living Local Harvest Festival. This event celebrates the Fall bounty of Martha’s Vineyard, not just food but also amazing local artists and talent.
On Friday night, the Living Local celebration begins with a screening of Island film makers, Liz Witham and Ken Wentworth’s, “Sustainable Vineyard.” It’s a documentary series that talks about the local ecology, from forging to goat scaping. There will be a Q & A with the film makers afterwards.
On Saturday, get ready for a day of fun at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Hall (the Ag Hall) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Here, you’ll sample local foods, hear music from local musicians, watch demos, learn about Island non-profits, and so much more.
There’s lots of stuff for the kiddos too. There will be animals there, flower wreath making, and new this year, a children’s puppet parade, and even a fiddler’s contest. Let’s not forget the pumping carving.
After all the fun, head home for a quick nap and come back for the Community Supper from 5:00 p.m.to 9:00 p.m. It’s a BYO place setting, and drinks that will be tasty with a local pig roast and a ton of veggies (Scottish Bakehouse). There will be beer from my fav, Offshore Ale Co., and music from the Flying Elbows.
The Community Supper is really a great experience and offers people the chance to catch up and enjoy each other after a crazy Summer. Also, the food is always so good and it doesn’t get much more local! Also, it’s only $15.00 per person!
Get Wild
It’s the 6th Annual Local Wild Food Challenge – Martha’s Vineyard. This is another one of may favorite Fall events, and there are some big changes this year.
First, it’s on Sunday, October 11th, not on Monday, and it’s at the Portuguese American Club on Vineyard Avenue in Oak Bluffs, not at the Rod and Gun Club. I’m a little sad about the location change because the view of Sengekontacket is amazing.
However, I think it will be easier for people to get to. The event gets bigger and better each year and the PA Club can handle all the people, contestants, and guests.
At this event, it’s the folks who use the wildest and most creative foods that get the prizes! Last year, I had tempura fried maple leaves that were so delicious, and I have to mention the mole crab bisque. Outstanding.
There’s been squirrel, fried ants, fruits that I didn’t even know existed, and each year offers its share of surprises.
Not only is it for adults, but the kids get involved too. Festival founder Billy Manson does an amazing job organizing this uber creative food spectacular. If you are a foodies, novice or serious, this event is for you. Curiosity piqued? It should be.
To learn more about the Local Wild Food Challenge, check out …..The Local Wild Food Challenge On Martha’s Vineyard Celebrates Its 5th Year In A Tasty Fashion
Time To Wine
Come to the Island and enjoy the 8th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival, October 15 – 18. This four-day festival is packed with events (25 to choose from) featuring local and regional talent, and some of the most amazing wines available.
The festival kicks off with Fresh Off the Farm, a Celebration of Local Farms & Chefs on Thursday, October 15th. This is one event that I make sure to go to every year.
Beautiful wines paired with beautiful food that captures the flavor and soul of Martha’s Vineyard. Meet Island chefs and farmers, and share in dishes to celebrate the bounty of the Island.
Then on for the weekend, the world is your oyster, from Fisherman’s Widow Cocktails to Crsipy & Salty, both at the Grand Tent, to the Grand Tasting on Mayhew, to Oh Shucks at Port Hunter restaurant, and so much more. There is an inspiring selection for you to choose from.
With this event, you “Curate Your Own Delicious Itinerary.”
Last year I went to the Sommelier Throw Down with our own Sam Decker (Sommelier at Atria restaurant), the iconic wine maker Joseph Carr, and Mark Fine.
All three wine experts paired their selected wines with food prepared by Rachel Klein of Liquid Art House in Boston, and they worked hard to get your vote as the best wine for the dish.
By hard I mean, told stories, talked a little smack, made jokes, mingled with the audience. It was so much fun. This year, the chef will be our own Nathan Gould from the Beach Plum Inn in Menemsha. I can’t wait to see what Nathan prepares. he’s an amazing chef.
To learn more about the Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival, check out……..Sommelier Throw Down – Laughs, Wine, Award Winning Chef & More Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival
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Check back right here with the ON POINT BLOG, to see and hear about these festivals actually go for Fall 2015.