Local farms on Martha’s Vineyard

Approximately two hours from Boston is the island of Martha’s Vineyard, and within its 100 square miles lay dozens of local farms. Bursting with fresh produce, furry farm animals, and delicious handmade treats, these farms are worth taking the ferry from the mainland!

Best farm to grab lunch

Located between Edgartown and West Tisbury, Morning Glory Farm has been the go-to farm for island families since 1975, when James and Deborah Athearn decided to grow vegetables and fruits on the 55 acres they owned. Still a part of the Athearn family, Morning Glory Farm now supplies fresh produce, as well as their own grass-fed beef, lamb, pork and fresh eggs.

If you’re on the island during summer or fall, it’s a great stop if you’re a big supporter of Meatless Mondays. Their salad bar is unlike any other you’ve ever seen: sweet greens picked that morning, whole-grain salads with soft herbs from their greenhouse, bean salads that would make any picnic jealous, and about a dozen or more salad toppings. At around seven dollars a pound, you’ll definitely get a great value, along with the good feeling of feeding your body a wholesome meal.

• Located: 120 Meshacket Road, Edgartown, MA 02539
• Open: June to October

Best farm to create a cheese platter

If you find your way up-island in the town of Chilmark, be sure to stop by Mermaid Farm and Dairy. Run by Allen Healy and Caitlin Jones in collaboration with their family, this 35-acre farm is a feta lover’s paradise. Famous for this cheese using local milk, Mermaid Farm feta will change the way you think about this iconic cheese. This fresh feta isn’t harsh like most, but smooth and tangy, with a well-rounded saltiness that would pair perfectly with some of their seasonal vegetables. Grab some of their raw milk for breakfast, as well as their yogurt — both great options to start your day on the Vineyard.

• Located: 9 Middle Road, Chilmark, MA 02535
• Open: Year-round, from dawn until dusk

Best farm to spend an entire day

Coming to Martha’s Vineyard with the entire family? No worries, because everyone from little 2-year-old cousin Marla to Grandma Anne can find a task to volunteer in at The FARM Institute in Katama. Since 2000, it’s been educating children and their families on what sustainable agriculture entails and how important it is to our lives. Summer Farm Camps at the Institute include crafting, cooking, carpentry, fiber arts, and hands-on farm work, depending on the age of the child. Become a farmer for a day and learn how to take care of cows, sheep, and pigs! Not only educational, this farm sells produce, grass-fed meats, and some of the best eggs on the island. If you’re around on July 20th, attend their Meals in the Meadow, an annual gala event featuring local restaurants and their fresh produce and meats.

• Located: 14 Aero Avenue, Edgartown, MA 02539
• Open: Year-round, with Summer Farm Camps when in season

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