Interior designer, Ariel Ashe, of NYC-based design studio Ashe Leandro, shares an exclusive insider's guide to her 'second home' - the New England haven, Martha's Vineyard.
BY ARIEL ASHE | AUGUST 2023
Classic houses, Martha's Vineyard © Elizabeth Cecil Photography
One half of leading US design firm, Ashe Leandro, Ariel Ashe divides her time between busy, cosmopolitan living in New York and the decidedly more wholesome Martha's Vineyard, where she and her husband have a farmhouse in laid-back Chilmark.
Ariel shares her favorite local spots for a restorative, nature-filled break on the island, including the best local farm shops, markets, beaches, galleries and oysters.
The Charlotte Inn, Edgartown © Elizabeth Cecil Photography
Where to Stay
The Charlotte Inn, Edgartown: An award-winning inn, built in 1866 for a whaling ship owner. The property has been meticulously maintained and manicured.
Hob Knob Inn, Edgartown: A cute and charming spot. Built in the 1800s, Hob Knob Inn is a classic Gothic Revival inn with beautiful rooms and a spa.
The Menemsha Inn, Chilmark: On the quieter side of the island, The Menemsha Inn has water-view rooms and lovely cottages overlooking the fishing village of Menemsha. It's a fun and popular spot; people return here year after year.
Mermaid Farm © Elizabeth Cecil
Island Ferry © Elizabeth Cecil
Charlotte Inn © Elizabeth Cecil
Gingerbread Houses © Elizabeth Cecil
Tea Lane Farm © Elizabeth Cecil
North Tisbury Farm © Elizabeth Cecil
Larsens Oysters © Elizabeth Cecil
Charlotte Inn © Elizabeth Cecil
North Tisbury Farm © Elizabeth Cecil
North Tisbury Farm © Elizabeth Cecil
Where to Eat
State Road, West Tisbury: An up-island tavern (pictured, top) where the burgers are amazing and the produce fresh and local.
Larsen's Fish Market: Larsen's sits on the docks in Menemsha, an old fishing village. We go there to buy fish for dinner and usually end up sitting outside with some oysters and BYOB. There really isn't a more charming setting anywhere.
Mermaid Farm + Dairy: Farm stand shopping is the way to go on Martha's Vineyard. Mermaid Farm produces the world's best feta and yogurt from their own dairy cows.
North Tisbury Farm © Elizabeth Cecil Photography
Where to Shop
Tea Lane Farm: Tea Lane Farm grows the most amazing flowers. My favorites are the early June Foxgloves.
North Tisbury Farm + Market: This lovely farm sells gourmet groceries, baked goods and coffee. I like to go early and sit outside with an iced coffee and muffin.
Grey Barn: Grey Barn produces amazing cheese from their own cows, and bakes beautiful bread, pastries and croissants.
West Tisbury Farmers Market: This sets up every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer. My favorite things to buy are the Vietnamese cold rolls and Yommi popsicles for my daughter. And salt rock chocolate!
Allen Farm Sheep and Wool: This farm shop stocks local knits, Irish sweaters, gifts, lamb from their own herd and eggs from their many breeds of chickens.
Winter Street Gallery © Elizabeth Cecil Photography
What to See & Do
Winter Street Gallery: A contemporary art gallery with amazing summer shows. They ran an exhibition last year called Sea Show, featuring works by Gertrude Abercrombie, Dike Blair, Katherine Bradford, Robert Longo and many others.
Polly Hill Arboretum: A 70-acre public garden filled with rare trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world. I love the Monkey Puzzle trees. They look so strange on the East Coast, but so beautiful.
Beautiful Beaches: Lucy Vincent Beach is the most beautiful beach in Martha's Vineyard, although it’s only open to Chilmark town residents and their guests. If this doesn't apply, visit the lovely Menemsha Beach - especially at sunset with Larsen's oysters.
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