Things are really progressing with getting back to a somewhat new normal on Martha’s Vineyard and the shores beyond. All the pandemic business restrictions are being lifted in Massachusetts on Memorial Day Weekend. With all these changes, a lot of people are wondering What To Expect For Summer 2021 On Martha’s Vineyard Post Pandemic. We thought it would be a good time to see what summer might look like.
What To Expect For Summer 2021 On Martha’s Vineyard Post Pandemic – Events
There are some events that are on the calendar. Two very big ones include the opening of the Flying Horses Carousel (Memorial Day Weekend) and the Martha’s Vineyard Ag Fair (August 19th – 22nd). Also, it has been said that Illumination Night will be happening as well in some capacity. It is so wonderful to have these iconic Vineyard happenings back!
Other events/experiences include the reopening of the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market (June 12th), Beach Road Weekend (July 23rd – 25th), the Chilmark Flea (June 30th), Pirate Adventures, and the Oak Bluffs Open Market opens Memorial Day Weekend, and Sundays in the Park — music at Ocean Park begins that Sunday as well. More things to come too!
There are a number of things that have been canceled including the August Oak Bluffs Fireworks. However, those were called so long ago, something could change. The Edgartown 4th of July parade and fireworks are canceled, having just been called on Monday, May 17th.
What To Expect For Summer 2021 On Martha’s Vineyard Post Pandemic – Restaurants And Dining Out
After a challenging season last year, many restaurants (old and new) face a new set of challenges — the staffing shortage and reconfigured seating. As with many other locations across the country, the Vineyard is experiencing an extreme shortage of restaurant help, right when we are expecting a record number of visitors. Advance reservations, at least a week or two, are recommended for all restaurants (that accept them).
With this new restaurant reality in mind, we hope that people remember that staff at restaurants, stores, hotels, farmer markets, etc., are doing the best they can. The whole island is short on workers. However, businesses are excited to welcome people back, and working hard to make summer magical.
One great dining trend coming back for the summer season is expanding outdoor dining. Last year was such a success that it is back! Edgartown has already set theirs up — Rockfish, Rosewater, Port Hunter, and Détente are all open and ready to go.
Some new Martha’s Vineyard restaurants to visit this summer include Flavors MV, Tigerhawk Sandwich Co., Breakfast at Atria, and Katama Kitchen (formerly The Right Fork Diner). These are just a few of the newest restaurants to hit the Martha’s Vineyard foodie scene.
What To Expect For Summer 2021 On Martha’s Vineyard Post Pandemic – Beaches
Public beaches are business as usual. However, for the beloved Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beach, managed by The Trustees, it’s similar to last year. Passes to Long Point are only available online during the summer season. Passes go on sale each Wednesday for the following week. Click here for more info.
As in every year, you have to buy an Over Sand Vehicle permit to drive on the beach at Cape Poge, Wasque, and Norton Point. Click here to purchase your permit, and also check with The Trustees for the most up-to-date beach closures (erosion, nesting birds).
Most specialty town beaches like Lucy Vincent in Chilmark and Lambert’s Cove in West Tisbury will be closed to non-town residents beginning in June, and requiring town beach stickers for resident beachgoers.
Island beaches were such a wonderful place of refuge for so many last year and this year they are going to be again! We’re hoping for a summer just as glorious weather-wise as 2020.
What To Expect For Summer 2021 On Martha’s Vineyard Post Pandemic – Shopping
Many retailers have already opened for the season, with shipments of merchandise coming in almost daily. Shop owners will be following all Mass State guidelines, so you can feel safe shopping.
Some new shops to visit this season include: The Green Room Shoes, where the LeRoux specialty food/oil shop was in Vineyard Haven; Botanical Beauty on North Summer Street in Edgartown (offering clean beauty products and treatments); Stefanie Wolf Designs has a great new larger space on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs; and Kyn, where Edgar was in Edgartown. These are just a couple of the newest options to enjoy a little retail therapy during this summer.
What To Expect For Summer 2021 On Martha’s Vineyard Post Pandemic – Public Transportation
One exception to the lifting of pandemic restrictions in the state is on public transportation, which includes the Steamship Authority and other ferry service lines. As of now, “Face coverings will still be required for all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations).” The link to the state’s webpage with all the info: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements.
What To Expect For Summer 2021 On Martha’s Vineyard Post Pandemic – Outdoor Activities
Regarding outdoor activities, the choice is yours whether to mask up or not. Social distancing is still encouraged which tends to be possible in many of the outdoor settings on the Vineyard. There is so much to do — bike riding, paddleboarding, kayaking, trail hiking, and more. There is so much to explore on Martha’s Vineyard! Come ready to have a fun summer! Be sure to download the Trails MV app for great outdoor walking and hiking suggestions.
*Please note that some businesses and places may still require masks at their businesses.
Thank you for reading our On Point MV blog. We hope you enjoy your Summer experience on the Island, and let us know if we can help in anyway.
For ideas on what to do on Martha’s Vineyard this summer, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List. This is our ongoing curated video collection of the best Martha’s Vineyard vacation experiences and first-hand travel adventures. From exploring the island by tall ship or biplane to touring its African American Heritage Trail and historic lighthouses to discovering the best beach walks, sunsets, and farm-to-table adventures, the Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List is your ultimate insider guide. Click here to see the entire video library.
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As of now, illumination night 2021 hasn’t been determined!
We hope it will happen.
I just heard that last night at the MVCMA is looking like Illumination Night may be a go (from their newsletter). She exciting!