BEST OF THE VINEYARD

While votes were courtesy of our readers, the reporting is by HJ Bernstein, Susan Catling, Tom Dunlop, Kim Heath, Jim Miller, Nicki Miller, and Joyce Wagner.

You may notice that we’ve included the designation “close runner-up” this year. This indicates not only when the runner-up received one to five votes less than the winner – but who needs to keep looking over their shoulders till next year’s vote!

On the water

Best Place to Kayak: Sengekontacket

A day on Sengie can range from a peaceful drift past Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary to surfing the tide change at either bridge opening, according to paddler Carolyn “Chick” Dowd, who adds that Menemsha Pond is “the ideal location for your summer full-moon paddle. In August the phosphorescence is so amazing, you’ll find it hard to leave.”

Best Fishing Spot: Menemsha

Maybe it’s the cutthroat competition on the jetties that sets a fisherman’s heart to racing. Or the bluefish blitzes making their way down the beach. A little less insane than runner-up Wasque-of-the-rips, a little safer, the ability to actually glimpse the bounty. Day or night, Menemsha gives it up.

Best Bait and Tackle Shop: Coop’s Bait and Tackle

Best Fishing Charter Boat: Skipper Party Boat

John Potter’s Skipper takes off from Oak Bluffs for half-day fishing trips, private charters, and fishing-optional evening cruises to watch the sun set over the Elizabeths. If you prefer to leave from the historic fishing village of Menemsha, try one of the runners-up.

Best Sailing Charter Boat: Arabella Sail Charters

A day trip to unspoiled Cuttyhunk aboard the speedy Arabella catamaran will make you feel like you just landed in a Ralph Lauren photo shoot. Dress appropriately. The pirate-themed Mad Max offers trips down-Island to peer at waterside estates and watering holes.

The active life

Best Bike Rental: Martha’s Bike Rentals

Cycling is a great way to experience the Vineyard, and at Martha’s or Anderson’s, you can walk off the ferry (either in Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs) and be pedaling almost before you touch dry land. Martha’s will even deliver a bicycle anywhere on the Island.

Best Fitness Center: Vineyard Tennis Center, Workout and Spa

We like the Workout, because it’s as sleek as you want it to be, and the staff are eager to help the wimpiest Clark Kent or Lynda Carter turn into Superman or Wonder Woman, with a little patience and some sweat. The Mansion House is all about location - and the clean waters of the pool for laps or water aerobics.

Best Nature Walk: Cedar Tree Neck

Cedar Tree Neck is worth the bumpy ride in to see streams, ponds, beach, and cliffs. A hilly walk, but few places offer a better variety of scenery. Felix Neck is easier to get to, and the birding is magnificent at this Mass Audubon property.

Best Place to Fly a Kite: Ocean Park

You’d think South Beach would win for the stiffness of the ocean breeze, but the prevailing southwesterlies put most of the Atlantic panorama at your back. Ocean Park gives you a little less wind yet offers a view of Nantucket Sound.

On the town

Best Bar/Pub: The Newes from America

The cozy, historic Newes feels like a pub should feel. The wooden nickels, the pickled pepperoncini, and the daily specials at reasonable prices all make it a favorite of both visitors and Vineyarders. Offshore combines a wonderful atmosphere, house-brewed beer, and live music. Just toss your peanut shells on the floor.

Best Place to Hear Live Music: Outerland

It’s big. It’s friendly. It’s a real club. Outerland has something for everyone. Folk to funk to Latin. And ya’ wanna laugh? Don’t forget The O’s comedy nights. Offshore Ale, low-key and intimate, has great beer and their famous barrel of free peanuts.

Best Live Band: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish

We know a mild-mannered four-year-old who, upon seeing Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish live for the first time, jumped up and couldn’t stop dancing. She’s not the only one. This band knows how to kick it.

Best Movie Theater: Edgartown Cinemas

Discreetly shoe-horned into downtown, Edgartown Cinemas provides an oft-welcome connection to off-Island pop culture in a comfortable, modern setting. The historic Capawock offers a more Islandy experience, often with art-house films.

Best Charity Event: Martha’s Vineyard Community Services’ Possible Dreams Auction

Although Art Buchwald won’t be the auctioneer this year, Possible Dreams is still the best place to bid on a fabulous, celebrity-filled adventure. Houses on the Move abandons its dinner and discussion theme this year to become Housing on the Tube, a four-day event including a telethon on Plum TV.

Best Summer Event: Oak Bluffs Fireworks

What could match the grandeur, the magnificence, the lavishness of the Oak Bluffs fireworks? The Island’s biggest pyrotechnics display each year is here, with room for everybody, and it never disappoints. (Note: If you like your light displays a little quieter, see runner-up.)

Shopping

Best Antiques Store: Tisbury Antiques

If you weren’t looking for it, you might drive right by Tisbury Antiques. Don’t. This down-Island shop boasts an eclectic collection of exotic and unique items including furniture, linens, jewelry, and decorative pieces.

Best Art Gallery: The Granary Gallery

A high-end emporium of art and antiques, the Granary Gallery has been around forever and is worth the trip to quiet West Tisbury. The charming Dragonfly Gallery is in the heart of the Oak Bluffs Arts District.

Best Bookstore: Bunch of Grapes

Interestingly, our two bookstores have the same street address - but in different towns. Bunch of Grapes has won this category for years running, and this is no surprise, since it’s the biggest bookstore on the Island. Of course, at either store, you can get friendly, personal assistance from many a kind clerk.

Best Gift Shop: Rainy Day

Best Unusual Gifts: Trader Jack’s

Rainy Day is chock-full of lovely items that aren’t necessarily embossed with a lobster, seashell, or sailboat. Of course, if you’re looking for nautical, you’ll find that too. Trader Jack’s pirate-themed inventory could be classified as more of the less-refined but full-of-fun variety. A tub of toy lobsters lurks right inside the door.

Best Jeweler: CB Stark Jewelers

Consistently taking the prize in our annual honors, CB Stark designs and produces outstanding works in gold, silver, and platinum. Its Island-themed collection is second to none.

Best Package Store: Our Market

Our Market, on the Oak Bluffs harbor, would have a great view if it had windows. But it doesn’t. What it does have is beer, wine, liquor, mixers, and munchies in a convenient location. At Al’s, pick up an ÒAl’s PalsÓ bumper sticker.

Best Video Store: Island Entertainment

Island Entertainment has that indie caché. This is where to find the movie that was up for Best Documentary at the Academy Awards. Or that groovy old sixties TV show now on DVD.

Clothing

Best Women’s Clothing Store: The Green Room

A cute little skirt and flouncy top for window-shopping. A colorful two-piece for the beach. A shapely dress for that romantic dinner. Both our winner and runner-up offer outfits for whatever your day or evening have in store.

Best Men’s Clothing Store: Sundog

Madras sport coats, sharply pressed chinos, the smell of new leather wallets and belts. Above a staircase, a photo of Bogey with a cigarette, flanked by Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall. Sundog is Orvis with a real sense of place.

Best Children’s Clothing Store: Kiddo’s

Kiddo’s opened just last year at the Tisbury Marketplace and already has become a favorite place to buy fashionable, comfortable kids’ clothing. For infants to age six, you’ll be delighted with the selection - for your own kids or for gifts - and it’s also got great toys, diaper bags, and even equipment.

Best Shoe Store: Brickman’s

Brickman’s has been the Island’s department store forever! And it’s got shoes you can actually wear on the Island: boat shoes, sneaks, sandals, and boots, from Keds to Saucony, Merrells to Uggs.

Best T-shirt: Trader Jack’s

Often the Black Dog wins this category for its now-iconic canine tees, but this year, Trader Jack’s rallied the troops to vote for its pirate-themed “It’s All About the Booty” shirts.

The best eats

Best Breakfast Restaurant: ArtCliff Diner

ArtCliff has been the ArtCliff since 1943, but now it’s fancy. High-end foodies won’t be disappointed. For more old-fashioned diner food, hit the booths at Linda Jean’s. Both are great for people watching.

Best Lunch Restaurant: Linda Jean’s Restaurant

Linda Jean’s is the place to go for those burgers, fries, and pieces of pie. Or the fried scallops plate. Or maybe the pot roast and mashed potatoes. Mmm. It’s diner food, served friendly, with reasonable prices - and the kind of place you’ll see your friends and neighbors.

Best Dinner Restaurant: Sweet Life Café

Sweet Life is fine, fine dining - contemporary Franco-American. And so intimate. The best alfresco ambience. For French cuisine, L’Étoile satisfies without flogging you with butter; and Lambert’s Cove Inn offers good food with swanky dŽcor. All pricey, but what can you do.

Best Sunday Brunch: Coach House

The key at the Coach House is: all you can eat raw bar! But there’s also a great view, white tablecloths, nice staff, and intimate seating. And for $22.95, there’s also eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast, lox and bagels, soup, salad, artisanal cheeses, and mounds of desserts.

Best Burger: Offshore Ale Company

Imagine a juicy, half-pound, hand-formed patty on a ciabatta roll. Mouth watering? Now you know why Offshore is a winner. Also, the beef is freshly ground every day.

Best Pizza: Giordano’s Restaurant

When hunger hits, the pizza at Gio’s is as close as the ten-minute parking in front of the window. We take ours up the hill, so we can watch the ferries and the ever-changing parade of people. Or you can sit inside with air conditioning; your choice. Lattanzi’s is the best for grown-up pizza. Order in your best high-school Italian.

Best Coffee Shop: Mocha Mott’s

Mocha Mott’s wins this category for the third year in a row. Could it be the second location that gives Mott’s the winning edge, by spreading that good coffee karma over two towns? At Espresso Love, look out for a special flavored latté to go with a big piece of chocolate or coconut cake.

Best Deli: Humphreys

At Humphreys, you can buy lunch for two: two people, two meals, two lunches over two days. Those sandwiches are BIG. Favorites are the Gobbler (Thanksgiving meal between bread) and the Cuban (pressed pork). P.J.’s is a great, quick option for both cold and hot sandwiches.

Best Place to Get Picnic Food: Soigné

Fill your basket or cooler with elegant imported cheeses, patés, dips, spreads, prepared salads, and scrumptious brownies; Soigné’s got it all. Humphreys also does great picnic food and is a favorite among year-rounders for its massive sandwiches and reasonable prices.

Best Takeout: The Net Result

Fresh sushi from the waters around Martha’s Vineyard: What a concept! Plus salads, chipotle wraps, and fried whatever - but the freshest you can get. If you’re up-Island, though, grab some fried oysters, fried zucchini, or popcorn chicken at The Bite.

Best Caterer: V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons

Jaime and her four male offspring owe their continued success to a variety of factors, including their use of fresh, local ingredients, their attention to detail, their love of cooking, and their commitment to service. They equate their catering to “going to a really nice restaurant.”

Best Source for Fresh Island Produce: Morning Glory Farm

From asparagus in the spring to pumpkins in the fall, this is the largest daily purveyor of Vineyard produce. Handwritten signs note what is grown in Morning Glory’s fields or comes from another grower, on the Island or off. The Farmer’s Market is more of a festive environment to meet smaller growers.

Seafood picks

Best Chowder: The Net Result

After the vote, we decided to see for ourselves, so we headed to The Net Result and have to agree: It’s the best chowder we’ve had. Thick, creamy, so flavorful, and something to chew in every spoonful. This is, of course, a hotly contested category, so we’ll continue to taste chowders around the Island.

Best Clambake: Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co.

Sitting on the beach eating lobstah and chowdah is supposed to be fun, and Bill Smith’s team of “senior Clambakers” will take the stress out of hosting the New England tradition. Of course, if you want to go formal, they can do that too.

Best Fish and Chips: Sandy’s Fish and Chips at John’s Fish Market

We figured Sandy’s must have a secret ingredient that makes it soooo good, but Sandy says no, “just the TLC that it’s cooked with.” We love the fresh, crispy, large portions. The Net Result has a popular fish and chips special every Friday during Lent.

Best Fish Market: The Net Result

The Net Result is the biggest, and the lobsters are right there for the kids to enjoy. Owner Louis’s sister Betsy is at the helm up-Island. Larsen’s was opened in 1969 by their fisherman dad, also called Louis. It’s the Vineyard’s Royal Family of Fishmongers.

Best Lobster Roll: Grace Episcopal Church

Sit-down or take out, for $13 you get a “no fillers” lobster roll, chips, and a drink. For about twenty years, Grace Church has been hosting this Friday night feast that serves hundreds each week. Last year’s high was 889. The Net Result and the Seafood Shanty are the best option for other days of the week.

Best Seafood Restaurant: Home Port Restaurant

Admit it, you think it’s too commercial, but you love it anyway. Is it the drive up there, the sunset, or just being up to your elbows in dripping butter as you eschew the bib and dive in to your lobster? Inside or outside on the patio, it’s still the favorite. Or as one voter put it, “The one in Menemsha but I can’t remember the name, yikes.”

Sweet treats

Best Bakery: Humphreys

Two words: Belly bomb. It’s big, it’s cream-filled, and it’s chocolate-topped. There’s a jelly and powdered-sugar version too. Later in the day, try the cupcakes or big, old-fashioned, homemade cookies. With a Humphreys in every down-Island town, you won’t have to work very hard to get there.

Best Candy Store: Chilmark Chocolates

Go ahead, sample the goods at Chilmark Chocolates, but be prepared to take some home. Whether you fancy milk, white, or dark, you won’t be able to resist the temptations. At the Ice Cream and Candy Bazaar, the little ones will fancy the Fun Dip, Pop Rocks, candy necklaces, and bubble gum.

Best Ice Cream Shop: Mad Martha’s

Mad Martha’s scoops are creamy, but not heavy . . . and they’re really, really tasty. Feeding a crowd? Try the Pig’s Delight (order with an “Oink”) - a dozen scoops with myriad toppings and mounds of whipped cream. For offbeat flavors - lobster ice cream, anyone? - and the most options, get thee to Ben and Bill’s.

For the home and garden

Best Florist: Donaroma’s Nursery and Landscape Services

Donaroma’s flowers are dolled up in baskets, vases, ceramic animals, but it wouldn’t matter if they were in No. 10 tin cans, the arrangements are just downright beautiful. But when the cheerful Morrice delivery person comes in the door . . . Who are the flowers for this time? Surprise! For me? I didn’t think you remembered.

Best Garden Center/Nursery: Donaroma’s Nursery and Landscape Services

Just wandering around Donaroma’s greenhouses makes us happy. We go there sometimes just to look - like it’s the mall off-Island. But the plants all whisper, “Buy me! Take me home!” And we do. At Vineyard Gardens, we’ve never been able to stump the pros with any garden question so far . . . and we have many.

Best Landscape Company: Landscope Landscape Construction

Our readers aren’t the only folks who think Landscope is the best. The Island outfit was recently honored by the Boston Society of Landscape Architects and has had work featured in Architectural Digest.

Best Hardware Store: Shirley’s Hardware

From wallpaper remover to potholders, from bolt cutters to mini-Checker cabs for youngsters, Shirley’s is more like a general store - stocked with just enough of anything you might ever need.

Best Home Furnishings: Island Home Furnishings

For such a small Island, Island Home Furnishings’ pair of shops (located across the street from each other) have a remarkably wide selection of home furnishings and accessories at reasonable prices. Check out the great inventory of outdoor furniture.

Best Interior Decorator: Julie Robinson Interiors

A specialist in custom upholstery and window treatments, Julie Robinson has helped many people on the Vineyard create houses they love to come home to. Mary Rentschler emphasizes a Vineyard look, simple and uncluttered, bearing in mind Vineyard-specific issues like mildew and insects.

Best Real Estate Company: Coldwell Banker/ Landmarks Real Estate

Despite some real heavy-duty competition, it’s the sixth consecutive year Landmarks has held this title. A commitment to customer service, a vast knowledge of Island real estate, and the national resource of Coldwell Banker have made it hard to beat.

Services on-Island

Best Auto Repair Shop: Cars Unlimited

A great bunch of trained technicians keeps this family-owned business consistently on top of its game. An Island institution since 1987.

Best Bank: Martha’s Vineyard Co-operative Bank

A perennial winner, the Martha’s Vineyard Co-operative Bank is your prototypical, friendly bank, with a small-town feel. And our first- and second-place winners, serving the Island for ninety-nine and fifty-two years, respectively, have announced plans to merge.

Best Hairdresser: Bouclé

And the winner is: Bouclé - again! This is one popular spot for cuts and coloring. Even informal surveys of friends and friends of friends show this to be true, and for years. But word on the street is that this category may soon have a usurper: Watch out, Bouclé, that Maggie Mae is on her way!

Best Taxi Service: AdamCab

AdamCab has been winning awards since its days with owner Adam Wilson. Since its purchase four years ago by Colin Butler, it continues to maintain its rep for fair pricing, punctuality, courtesy, and knowing where you’re going and the best way to get there. And now they take credit cards.

Where to sleep

Best Hotel: Harbor View Hotel

Both of these hotels have great locations, but they are quite different. The Harbor View is a short walk from the bustle of town and quietly looks out to the Edgartown Lighthouse and Chappaquiddick. The Mansion House sits in the heart of Vineyard Haven, with ample views of the new ferry Island Home.

Best Bed and Breakfast: Hob Knob Inn

A casual elegance pervades the high-end Hob Knob Inn, where most rooms have king-size beds - all with cotton linens. The Thorncroft’s in-room hot tubs and fireplaces certainly back its promotion as the most romantic getaway on the Island.

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