Chilmark (Martha’s Vineyard)

1. The Grey Barn

The Grey Barn is a small, diversified family farm established in 2009 on the island of Martha’s Vineyard on 100 acres of lush green pastures, ancient oak woods and salt air.

• Folks at the Grey Barn raise happy animals and make great artisanal cheese.
• They believe that happy animals make better food and so they start with growing good food for them.
• Their 32 Dutch Belted cows are a heritage breed, well-suited to be raised on grass.
• The land and all of the Grey Barn products are Certified Organic.
• The farm produces and sells a small range of handmade organic cheeses, fresh homemade bread and offers tours of the farm and creamery and cheese tasting to the visitors.
• Where You'll Find it: 22 S Rd, Chilmark, MA 02535, Phone: 508-645-4854

2. Chilmark Public Library

• What is the Chilmark Public Library?
  • Chilmark Public Library is a full-service free library located on Martha's Vineyard.
• How large is the library’s collection?
  • The library holds a collection of 34,000 physical items and over 50,000 digital titles.
• When was the Chilmark Public Library established?
  • The library was established in 1882 as the first public library on Martha's Vineyard.
• Who donated the first books to the library?
  • The library began with thirty-three books donated by Alice Stone Blackwell and her cousin Florence Blackwell Mayhew.
• Where were the first library books kept?
  • The books were originally stored in the Mayhew Brothers' store, across the road from the Mayhew homestead.
• How much did it cost to rent a book when the library first opened?
  • The charge for book rentals was 3 cents per week.
• Where is the library currently located?
  • The library’s present home was originally built in 1790 for Captain William Tilton. It was purchased in 1953, enlarged and renovated, and opened to the public in 1956.
• Where is the Chilmark Public Library located?
  • 522 S Rd, Chilmark, MA 02535
    Phone: 508-645-3360

3. Native Earth Teaching Farm

• What is Native Earth Teaching Farm?
  • Native Earth Teaching Farm is a small working farm in Chilmark, Massachusetts, established by Randy and Rebecca.
• What does the farm produce?
  • The farm focuses on raising healthy and great-tasting food using organic methods.
• What other activities take place at Native Earth Teaching Farm?
  • In addition to farming, they also:
    • Drive tractors and handle farm caretaking
    • Offer consulting services
    • Sell pets and breeding stock
• What is the farm’s mission?
  • The farm's mission is to enrich the soil and connect people to land, food, and agriculture.
• Is the farm open to the public?
  • Yes, the farm serves as a teaching farm, open part-time for educational and recreational purposes.
• What educational opportunities are available at the farm?
  • Rebecca and Randy provide:
    • Classes on farming and agriculture
    • Farm craft demonstrations
    • Guided farm tours
    • A community garden for local participation
• What items are sold at the farm?
  • The farm sells a variety of seasonal produce and handmade goods, including:
    • Eggs and meat
    • Woolen toys and crafts
    • Craft kits
    • A duck cookbook
    • A farm coloring book
• Where is Native Earth Teaching Farm located?
  • 94 N Rd, Chilmark, MA 02535
    Phone: 508-645-3304

4. The Yard, Chilmark, MA

• What is The Yard?
  • The Yard is a dance organization that offers performances by exciting choreographers, residencies for artist groups, and classes for all ages.
• What kind of events does The Yard offer?
  • From June - September, there are weekly events that serve the cultural groups on Martha’s Vineyard, often in collaboration with artists, producers, and other organizers on a regional, national, and international level.
  • Some highlights include weekly dance shows by international and national artists, music nights with local musicians, dance parties, and kids summer programs.
• Does The Yard celebrate Pride?
  • Yes! The Yard hosts an annual Pride celebration every year.
• Are there community classes at The Yard?
  • During the summer, The Yard offers community dance and yoga classes every morning in its beautiful open-air studio, and these classes are open to the public and all skill levels.
• What happens at The Yard in the Fall and Winter?
  • During the Fall and Winter, The Yard presents work in collaboration with other island organizations and at the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center.
• Where is The Yard located?
  • Chilmark is a charming, walkable town. The Yard is a quick 3-minute walk from the Chilmark Public Library.

5. Chilmark General Store

• What is the Chilmark General Store?
  • The Chilmark General Store is a curious cross between a community market, pizzeria, restaurant, deli, and a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.
• Why is the porch so popular?
  • The iconic porch, with its comfortable rocking chairs, is a community hub where friends and neighbors meet for coffee, and celebrities hang out with local workers for lunch.
• Who visits the Chilmark General Store?
  • Children stop by after school for snacks, bikers refuel before hitting the cliffs, business deals are made over coffee and pastries, and travelers come to try the famous pizza.
• What is the history of the Chilmark General Store?
  • Established in the 1900s as E. Eliot Mayhew’s store, the people of Chilmark have long gathered here before stocking up on just about anything.
• What can you buy at the Chilmark General Store?
  • Just like in the past, today’s General Store carries everything: everyday basics, fresh local produce, household necessities, hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner to eat on the porch or to go.
• What makes the food special?
  • The coffee is organic, roasted in small batches, and ground fresh every day.
  • The sandwiches are made with bread from Pain D’Avignon bakery, and their famous pizza is hand-tossed and topped with your favorite ingredients.
• Where is the Chilmark General Store located?
  • 7 State Rd, Chilmark, MA 02535, Phone: 508-645-3739

6. Menemsha Hills

• What is Menemsha Hills?
  • A trip to Menemsha Hills is like walking right onto a set of a dramatic movie. With a rocky shoreline, spectacular vistas all around, and breathtaking views of Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands, Menemsha Hills is truly a memorable place to visit.
• How was Menemsha Hills formed?
  • This protected nature reserve is the result of thousands of years of glacial retreats and advances.
• What kinds of landscapes can you find at Menemsha Hills?
  • Similar to the rest of Martha’s Vineyard, Menemsha Hills is comprised of many different mini environments such as woodland groves, coastal plains, and low wetlands.
• What is special about Prospect Hill?
  • Menemsha Hills is home to the 308-foot Prospect Hill, offering some of the best views in the area.
• Are there trails at Menemsha Hills?
  • Yes! Enjoy the use of many beautiful, marked trails with your family, friends, or even your beloved pooch.
• Can you see other Trustees properties nearby?
  • Yes! You may also see other Trustees properties on Martha’s Vineyard while you're in the area.
• Where is Menemsha Hills located?
  • Trustees Ln, Chilmark, Massachusetts 02535, Phone: 508-693-3678

7. Great Rock Bight Preserve

• What is the Great Rock Bight Preserve?
  • The Great Rock Bight Preserve is one of the best-kept secrets in Martha’s Vineyard—at least as well as secrets can be kept!
• Why is Great Rock Bight Preserve special?
  • It is a relatively quiet and lesser-visited part of the Vineyard, offering a serene escape with relaxing trails and beautiful scenery.
• What types of landscapes can be found at Great Rock Bight Preserve?
  • The preserve features rolling meadows, refreshing woodlands, upland ponds, and even a windy, picturesque beach.
• What is the historical significance of Great Rock Bight Preserve?
  • It is the first stop of the African American Heritage Trail and lies to the east of Menemsha Hills.
• What are some famous features of the preserve?
  • The preserve is named after its large glacial erratic boulder, a stunning natural landmark.
  • It also includes fields formerly owned by Rebecca Cooper, an African American woman who lived on the island in the 18th Century.
• Where is the Great Rock Bight Preserve located?
  • 37 Brickyard Road, Chilmark, Massachusetts 02535

8. Plan Your Weekend Getaway - Chilmark Weather by Month

Weather by month (Source: National Weather Service):