For Emma Duffy’s June 2024 bachelorette party on Martha’s Vineyard, maid of honor Samantha Shubert planned an itinerary that made the most of what the Island has to offer, while also ensuring everyone had a relaxing and fun time. From their home base in Vineyard Haven, the group of friends went out for meals, hit the beach, strolled through downtown Edgartown, and enjoyed a few specially planned events.
The first took place on Friday afternoon when they set up a picnic in the yard of their Airbnb complete with blankets, pillows, flowers, a cheese tray, and an Aperol spritz station. Instead of worrying about capturing the day, and wanting to be in the moment, the group surprised Duffy by hiring Island photographer Sam Brooks. “I’m so glad to have these photos [of the picnic] that we will look back on forever,” said Shubert.
Another memorable event took place on the final night, when private chef Spring Sheldon came to their rental property for an at-home lobster bake. “This was such an incredible experience,” Shubert said. “It allowed us all to wind down, reflect on the weekend, and spend quality time with each other.”
While it’s important to book activities in advance, Shubert had one piece of advice for those planning a bachelorette or bachelor party on the Island: don’t overbook. “Leave a few hours of each day open for people to do whatever they want,” she said.
From spending time on the water to relaxing at a spa, farm tours to food and drink tastings, there are plenty of activities on the Island that are perfect for a bachelorette or bachelor party. Here are some ideas to create a fun – and memorable – weekend for everyone.
Sail Away
Enjoy a day out on the water with a sailing charter. Don’t forget your drinks, snacks, and sunblock!
Catboat Charters offers two-hour sailing excursions for groups up to six on a historic twenty-nine-foot catboat.
Pick-up in Edgartown Harbor
catboatcharters.com, 508-524-6903
Island Girl Excursions has trips for six people (up to twelve can be accommodated with a “two boat float”) on a twenty-seven-foot Albemarle Dual Console to destinations including Cuttyhunk and Nantucket. Charcuterie can be provided for an extra fee.
Pick-up in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven Harbors
islandgirlexcursions.com, 774-563-8323
Martha’s Vineyard Leisure Charters provides voyages aboard a twenty-six-foot Hydra Sports power boat for up to six people. Options range from half-day to full-day trips, and even an “unplugged” cruise for those wanting to leave electronics on the shore.
Pick-up at Lagoon Pond, Vineyard Haven
mvleisurecharters.com, 508-696-5252
Gone Fishin’
If you want more excitement on the water, book a fishing charter to catch some black sea bass, fluke, scup, and more. All charters provide gear and bait.
Kismet Outfitters specializes in guided fly-fishing trips either from shore, a fleet of boats, or even paddleboards. Half-day or full-day options are available.
204 Upper Main Street, Edgartown
kismetoutfitters.com, 774-549-5921
Skipper/Vineyard Sound Charters can take up to forty people aboard a fully equipped wooden boat for either morning, afternoon, or sunset fishing during the summer months.
Pick-up in Oak Bluffs Harbor
mvskipper.com, 508-693-1238
Tomahawk Charters offers half-day and full-day trips aboard a thirty-five-foot Carolina Classic, which fits up to six people. Looking for bigger fish? Book a full-day offshore charter or an overnight voyage to the Canyons.
Pick-up in Menemsha Harbor
tomahawkcharters.com, 505-645-3201
A Seaside Pairing
Enjoy the freshest possible raw bar by touring an oyster farm – and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Island’s booming aquaculture industry too. While ice and water (and oysters!) are provided, you can bring your own beverages.
Cottage City Oysters offers one-hour tours of the company’s operation off Eastville Beach in Oak Bluffs for up to twenty guests.
Pick-up from Owen Park, Vineyard Haven
cottagecityoysters.com, 508-299-7745
Tours of Signature Oyster Farm in Edgartown’s Katama Bay last an hour and a half and can accommodate up to six people.
Pick-up at Katama Landing, Edgartown
signatureoysterfarm.com, 774-563-0950
Photographer: Sam Brooks
Get Crafty
These creative activities are good options year-round (and are bad-weather proof).
Book a flower party with Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s to make bouquets, flower crowns, or specialty arrangements.
270 Upper Main Street, Edgartown
aubreymariadesigns.com, 860-514-6896
Forever MV will come to you for a permanent jewelry party, where delicate chains are custom fit and welded together to create “permanent” bracelets without a clasp. The sterling silver, solid 14-karat gold, and 14-karat gold fill bracelets can also be adorned with a variety of charms.
forevermv.com, 732-887-4185
Plan an art party with Jazen’s Art Studio at their space or at your home. An instructor will lead your group of at least ten people through the process of creating a painting (or other medium, by request). All materials are provided.
220 County Road, Oak Bluffs
jazens.com, 617-733-1904
Celebrate in Good Taste
From cheese tastings and workshops to curated luxury picnics, these culinary activities are delicious options.
The Grey Barn & Farm offers tastings of its famous, locally made cheese and bread for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Add on a farm tour for a full experience.
22 South Road, Chilmark
thegreybarnandfarm.com, 508-645-4854
MV Cheesery will bring a cheese-based event to you, from a build-your-own cheeseboard workshop to a raclette night.
Martha’s Vineyard Picnic offers four packages – original, luxurious, picnic in a bag, and bubble-tent – with a wide range of customizable options for up to twenty picnickers.
Sea’Nic with Amor creates picnics for two to twenty-five guests anywhere you want, be it the beach, backyard, or park.
seanicwithamor.com, 774-563-9893
Raise a Glass
Time for a toast? Try these activities, from cocktail classes to beer flights. Cheers!
Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery offers beer flights and snacks, plus outdoor games and live music.
270 Upper Main Street, Edgartown
badmarthabeer.com, 508-939-4415
Offshore Ale Co. has a wide range of locally made beers (sit at the bar and try a flight!) and a large food menu.
30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs
offshoreale.com, 508-693-2626
Learn how to make a tasty drink (maybe it will even become the “signature” drink at your wedding!) with Social Coast MV’s cocktail classes.
socialcoastmv.com, 508-272-5519
Align Your Chakras
Gather for a workout, some relaxation, or some quality time with furry animals.
For a cute summertime yoga experience, check out Island Alpaca Company’s one-hour yoga with alpacas class in their pasture.
1 Head of the Pond Road, Oak Bluffs
alpacayoga.com, 508-693-5554
Up at Native Earth Teaching Farm, try a one-hour slow flow yoga class with the farm’s pygmy goats in July and August.
94 North Road, Chilmark
nativeearthteachingfarm.org, 508-645-3304, goatyogamv@gmail.com
The Yoga Barn offers vinyasa, yin yoga, and more in a restored New England barn. Contact the studio directly to schedule a private group class.
1 Red Barn Road, West Tisbury
mvyogabarn.com
At Yoga on the Vine, try out hot vinyasa, candlelight yoga, and sound baths. Group classes for various yoga styles can be booked in their studio or at home.
243 Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road, Edgartown
yogaonthevine.com, 617-828-9653
Time to Unwind
From hot stone massages to facials, spa visits have a little something for everyone.
DermaSea offers infrared saunas, cold plunges, and body care services. For a more private experience, DermaSea After Dark can be booked for three to six people to enjoy a variety of treatments.
455 State Road, Unit 13, Vineyard Haven
dermaseamv.com, 508-627-2023
The Mansion House Spa includes an assortment of curated spa treatments, such as scrubs, wraps, facials, and massages.
9 Main Street, Vineyard Haven
mvspainnovation.com, 508-693-2200 x105
Build your own spa day package with Sea Spa Salon featuring massages, facials, mani/pedis, and more. (They can even arrange for a personal driver!)
17 Winter Street, Edgartown
seaspasalonmv.com, 508-627-8953
Spa L’Eau offers a full menu of massages – including CBD and cupping – as well as skincare and nail treatments.
1 Mariners Landing, Unit C, Edgartown
spaleaumv.com, 508-292-1235
