Martha’s Vineyard in the Offseason Is a Peaceful Escape Worth Taking

It’s hard to believe that in less than 10 weeks, I’ll be a father.

To celebrate this exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) chapter ahead, my wife and I took a baby-moon to Martha’s Vineyard—a place we’ve always loved visiting. Our go-to spot to stay is the Nobnocket Boutique Inn in Vineyard Haven, and once again, it didn’t disappoint.

We couldn’t be more grateful for the inn’s owners, Annabelle and Simon. Originally from London and Liverpool, they’ve made the Vineyard their home away from home, and their warmth and hospitality make every stay special.

This marks my 10th consecutive year visiting the island, but this time, instead of our usual Memorial Day Weekend trip, we had to push it up a bit due to our baby’s due date. And honestly? Early spring on the Vineyard might just be my new favorite time to visit.

The weather was perfect—not too hot, not too cold, just right. While a lot of seasonal shops and restaurants were still closed for another week or two, the ones that were open got us by just fine. Island life already moves at a slower pace, but in early spring, it feels even more relaxed in the best way possible.

We ate well, as always.

Offshore Ale Company in Oak Bluffs was the perfect spot to kick back with a home-brewed ale and some next-level pub fare. If you go, trust me on this—get the mashed potato pizza.

For something more upscale, Alchemy Bistro & Bar in Edgartown was worth every penny. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the fine dining experience and atmosphere made it worthwhile. I went all in on the surf and turf with filet mignon medallions and lobster meat. No regrets.

If you’re looking for a quicker bite, La Choza Burritos on Main Street in Vineyard Haven is a solid choice. I also had my sights set on a slice from Giordano’s, but unfortunately, they weren’t open yet. The throwback Gatorade in a can made up for it.

With this year marking the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the island is expected to be packed with tourists this summer—right around when I’d normally visit. Honestly? I’m not mad about missing the crowds.

One piece of advice if you’re planning a trip in early spring: bring your own car aboard the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole. Ubers are scarce this time of year, and having our car made things much easier (and saved us from pricey ride-share fees). The extra 55-minute drive from New Bedford was well worth it.

Of course, this trip wasn’t just about food and logistics—it was about relaxing.

My wife caught up on some much-needed sleep, and I fully embraced the art of doing nothing. I spent hours lying in bed, watching Bruce Almighty. A few times, I felt the urge to get up and explore, but then I remembered—we’ve already done it all. This time, we were just here to soak in the island’s peaceful off-season vibes.

Growing up, I had never heard of a "baby-moon," but after this trip, I’m glad we jumped on the trend.