Shopping
Alley's General Store (1041 State Rd.) gets a lot of traffic. Even President Obama and brood have browsed the cramped aisles of this one stop shop covered in gray cedar shingles and fronted by a small, but welcoming porch. While Alley's claim to fame is being the oldest operating retailer on Martha's Vineyard, the longtime merchant keeps customers coming back by selling anything and everything one could possibly need during a stay on the island. Cereal? Check. Earth-friendly cleaning products? Check. Also in stock: hipster-approved temporary tattoos, lemon zesters, Ray-Bans, taffy, souvenir mugs, girly scented candles and ocean-themed toys for the kiddies.On the opposite side of State Road is the sculpture-strewn lawn of the Field Gallery & Sculpture Garden , established in 1970. Founder Thomas Maley's smile-inducing statues coax passersby inside the barn-like building, where three galleries showcase paintings, photography and more.
Several other art-centric businesses are nearby. They are somewhat spread out within the tiny town of West Tisbury, so if you have a car, drive. From the Field Gallery, head north to The Granary Gallery at the Red Barn (636 Old County Rd.), which deals in contemporary art by local artists as well as weathered island antiques. Next, watch glassblowers in action at Martha's Vineyard Glassworks (1078 State Rd.), a rustically modern studio enhanced by its farm-like setting. Finally, finish up the art tour at Chilmark Pottery (145 Field View Ln.). A word of warning: Rows upon rows of mugs, pots, bowls, vases and other ceramic creations mean it will be pretty much impossible to leave empty-handed.