Shop Talk : Only on the Vineyard
By Katryn Yerdon
Published: December 24, 2009
When you travel off our rock, and people ask where you live, you can see the envy in their eyes as you reply Martha's Vineyard. We should remind them that the beautiful vistas and wonderful villages are not the only reason to envy us. We have a bountiful array of unique products and wares that you can only find here.
A sample of the offerings from Rickard's Bakery. Photo by Lynn Christoffers Here's a subject that I'm sure you readers have your own ideas about: special discoveries, favorite items and how you use them. Maybe it's one of Dan Waters's distinctive hand designed cards that you frame instead of send. Maybe it's one of the CDs recorded by one of our talented Island musicians, such as Angel Russell and Adam Howell's "Bird," that you send to remind someone about the Island. Drop a note to Shop Talk to share your finds.
Island's Own makes the most amazing variety of natural beauty and body care products. From their floral scented hand lotions to bug repellant, you will feel great about taking care of yourself naturally while supporting a local business. Their full line of products can be found at Alley's General Store in West Tisbury and Morning Glory in Edgartown, just to name a few.
Local food flavorer Cherrilla Brown started By the Sea Salt, which has grown into quite a selection of salted herb mixes that you can use on veggies, fish, poultry and just about anything that comes out of your kitchen. Their newest blend, Jose Can You Sea Salt, is a tangy, zesty, kicked-up version of the original and packs just enough heat to bring a smile to your face!
Rickard's Bakery, a newer addition to our bakeshops, is quickly becoming a popular resource for many Island cooks, offering everything from sourdough boules to Russian Black Bread (yum) to an extravagant selection of pastry. Rickards has just opened a retail shop in Vineyard Haven, off of State Road behind Vineyard Grocer.
Murdick's Fudge, while started on Mackinaw Island in Michigan, has really made their home here on the Vineyard. With stores in Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown, it draws visitors and Islanders alike, especially during the holiday season. For many the tradition of getting a slice of peanut butter fudge in their stocking is like getting a sweet slice of heaven for Christmas, which never seems to make it to see the New Year! Sorry to say that if you did not get your fudge already, hope that Santa remembered you, otherwise you will have to wait till spring to get your special fix.
I named just a few special Vineyard treats, but there are many more. Chilmark Chocolates, an Island must have, is only available by a personal visit (they do not ship).
And handcrafted, hand woven, hand carved items, photos and paintings by Islanders each offer singular Vineyard-made treasurers. Jeri Dantzig's beautiful fused glass pieces, for example, are fabulous as are Ayn Chase's hand-painted lampshades depicting Island scenes. Chilmark Pottery is an annual destination trip for many of us. I would challenge anyone who lives here regardless if it is seasonal or year-round, to not be able to find one of its functional pieces in an Island kitchen.
Shoppers: Send your ideas and suggestions
