Best Bookstore: Bunch of Grapes
35 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-2291, bunchofgrapes.com
Runner-up: Edgartown Books
44 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8463, edgartownbooks.com
Looking for something to read by a local author? Or a national bestseller? (Or both?) Better book it to Bunch of Grapes, where the selection of Island titles is hefty and the sales staff is super knowledgeable. Edgartown Books has two floors of novels, cookbooks, and children’s tales, plus a café out back and rocking chairs on the front porch. Keep an eye out for signings at both stores.
Best Bait and Tackle Shop: Coop’s Bait & Tackle
147 Edgartown-West Tisbury Road, Edgartown, 508-627-3909, coopsbaitandtackle.com
Runner-up: Dick’s Bait & Tackle
108 New York Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-7669
It doesn’t matter if you just need to make a quick stop for bait or are looking to book a full-service charter, Coop’s Bait & Tackle has absolutely everything you need to reel in a big one. The staff at Coop’s is always ready with expert fishing advice, and stays informed about weather, tides, and fishing regulations. Dick’s is a must-stop shop for the Island’s avid fishermen and beginners alike.
Best Children’s Clothing: Basics Clothing Company
24 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-8819, basicsclothingcompany.com
Runner-up: Rainy Day
66 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1830, rainydaymv.com
At Basics, the clothing selection is anything but. You’ll find party dresses, button-downs, overalls, tiny tunics, jeans, and mini accessories – clothing so cute we wish it came in adult sizes. Runner-up Rainy Day has got your little ones covered with coveted brands like Hatley and Southern Yankee. You’re bound to find an adorable outfit, with a cute little rain slicker to boot.
Best Flowers: Morrice Florist
149 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0392, morriceflorist.com
Runner-up: Flowers by Donaroma’s
270 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8366, flowersbydonaromas.com
Don’t just stop and smell the roses. Stop and smell the tulips, hydrangeas, and delphiniums at Morrice Florist in Vineyard Haven. Check the website for a list of year-round workshops, where you can learn about different types of flowers and how to arrange them. Donaroma’s provides a range of services and beautiful bouquets for any occasion.
Best Garden Center/Nursery: Donaroma’s Nursery
271 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-3036, donaromasnursery.com
Runner-up: Jardin Mahoney
45 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3511, jardinmahoneymv.com
From azaleas to zinnias, Mike and Janice Donaroma and their team have been enhancing Island landscapes for nearly forty years. Their services include garden design, hardscapes,
irrigation, lighting, floral design, maintenance, and more. Donaroma’s specializes in “Island style,” which combines organic materials and Vineyard-grown perennials. Fans of Jardin Mahoney appreciate the knowledgeable staff, quality products, and helpful advice.
Best Gift Shop: Rainy Day
66 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1830, rainydaymv.com
Runner-up: Alley’s General Store
1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-0088, mvpreservation.org
Cards, candles, carafes, home décor galore! If you want it, Rainy Day has it – and probably with an unexpected twist. Buying a gift is easy with so many options at hand (although choosing from so many options can be difficult). At Alley’s General Store you can pick up a gift while buying your milk, bread, boogie boards, and tools. True to its name, as a general rule, you can find almost anything.
Best Hardware: Shirley’s Hardware
374 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-3070
Runner-up: Granite
242 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Edgartown, 508-627-3232
Shirley’s Hardware still has everything you’re looking for, and they’re still making keys! It’s your one-stop shop for hammers, nails, laundry baskets, and grilling items. Runner-up Granite is well stocked with shelves of spray paint, clocks, rakes and...the list goes on (and on and on).
Best Home Goods Store: LeRoux at Home
62 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0030, lerouxkitchen.com
Runner-up: Rainy Day
66 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1830, rainydaymv.com
Good, better, best – that’s the philosophy behind LeRoux’s award-winning stocking strategy to ensure customers have a variety of choices. The Vineyard Haven store is chock full of everything you need, and plenty of items that you’ll covet. If it’s a chic home good, gift, or excellent greeting card you’re looking for, Rainy Day parts the clouds.
Best Jeweler: CB Stark Jewelers
53A Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-2284
10 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-1260, cbstark.com
Runner-up: Claudia
51 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8306
34 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-5465
From charms to traditional wampum, CB Stark Jewelers’ timeless designs have been a hallmark of Island life for fifty years. Mark your Vineyard memories with a new charm every summer. Claudia presents a dazzling variety of designs from local and big-name international designers, plus high-end accessories and perfumes.
Best Men’s Clothing: Green Room
71 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6888, vineyardsurf.com
Runner-up: Sundog
41 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5254
Plaid button-downs, Patagonia fleeces, Quiksilver board shorts, and everything in between is what you’ll find at the Green Room in winter, spring, fall, or summer. Sundog in Edgartown also has great finds, including tailored basics for a night out on the town and outdoorsy brands for a hike up-Island.
Best Pharmacy: Leslie’s Drug Store
65 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1010
Runner-up: Conroy Apothecary
459 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-7070
82 Pennacook Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-0700
Service at the counter is prompt and personable, but that’s not the only reason Leslie’s Drug Store is the Best of the Vineyard winner. The aisles are stocked with school supplies, magazines, adhesive tape, and a fantastic nail polish selection. Conroy Apothecary’s staff is friendly and professional, and each location has a great selection of natural bath products in addition to first aid and medical supplies.
Best Shoes: Green Room
71 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6888, vineyardsurf.com
Runner-up: Basics Clothing Company
24 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-8819, basicsclothingcompany.com
Frye, Mia, Hunter, Clarks, Toms, and Dansko aren’t members of a rock band. They’re shoes sold at the Green Room, and trust us, this selection of steppers is off the charts. Basics also keeps a well-stocked lot, with labels like Uggs, Sketchers, Adidas, and Frye.
Best Women’s Clothing: Green Room
71 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6888, vineyardsurf.com
Runner-up (tie): Basics Clothing Company
24 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-8819, basicsclothingcompany.com
Slate
11 North Summer Street, Edgartown, 508-939-1908, slatemv.com
If you’re on a denim hunt, book it to the Green Room – you’ll find Sevens, Levis, Citizens, and True Religions aplenty. While you’re there, try on some North Face gear and browse the wide selection of leather goods. Slate in Edgartown guarantees one-of-a-kind fashion, including loop scarves made on-Island. Over in Oak Bluffs, Basics sells maxi dresses, casual T-shirts, sweaters, and accessories – proof that you don’t need to go off-Island to score a killer outfit.
Best Art Gallery: The Granary Gallery
636 Old County Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-0455, granarygallery.com
Runner-up: Eisenhauer Gallery
38 North Water Street, Edgartown, 508-627-7003, eisenhauergallery.com
Whether you are a buyer or a browser, the Granary Gallery has enough art to satisfy a collector or looky-loo. Wander the field to look at sculptures, or head inside the red barn to see the diverse works on display. At the Eisenhauer Gallery, painters, jewelers, and sculptors can find space.
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