Thursday Night: Martha’s Vineyard

Sunset in Menemsha Bay (Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism/Flickr)

Ah, Thursday night — the only truly social night of the week. It’s the night when babysitters are booked, friends convene, and drinks are imbibed. There are no family obligations to fulfill, no amateurish weekend crowds to elbow through — and the possibilities are endless. The night starts after work and ends whenever you want. In any city. All over the world. This week, we give you Thursday Night: Martha’s Vineyard.

Clay cliffs and lighthouse in Aquinnah (Photo: Jason Paluck/Flickr)

5 p.m.

Of all the beautiful places to watch the sun set, there are none quite like the view from Menemsha, a charming little fishing village on Martha’s Vineyard. On a clear day, you can witness the sun’s descent into the ocean’s horizon. Stop by local seafood restaurant Home Port for a bite beforehand. Everything is fresh, as you can imagine, and while Home Port is the place for a great lobstah roll, you really can’t go wrong with any of the dishes listed. Order from their “Back Door” menu and enjoy dinner on the beach while waiting for the sunset show. You won’t be disappointed.

Related: Thursday Night: Portland

Fresh lobster at Home Port (Photo: Home Port/Facebook)

8:30 p.m.

Grab your dancin’ shoes and head over to Lola’s for live music, good conversation, and good food. The musical acts are always on point, with each night bringing a different flavor. Lola’s has been an island staple since its opening in 1994.

Related: Thursday Night: Fort Lauderdale

Regardless of whether or not you’re a dancer, this is the place to be. Sit at the bar and take in the scene, but let’s not forget the food! You’ll want to try a Cajun-inspired appetizer or two like the Twisted Shrimp Mac ‘n’ Cheese or the Pecan Fried Chicken Breast With Jack Brandy Gravy.

Live music at Lola’s (Photo: Lola’s Martha’s Vineyard)

10:30 p.m.

If you’re ready to get the party turned up, head over to Circuit Avenue, a main strip in Oak Bluffs that’s filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. You’ll want to stop in at Lampost. Every Thursday, there’s a DJ playing hip-hop, Top 40, and house music. The upper level of this nightclub has a dance floor that’s usually packed with islanders. However, if you’re looking for something a little more mellow, the lower half of this nightclub offers just that. With great bartenders and billiard tables, this is a terrific place for a simple nightcap.

Dancing the night away (Photo: Zach Repko/Flickr)

Midnight

By now you may have worked up an appetite. There’s nothing quite like a juicy burger to satisfy those late-night munchies, and Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar has the best. With a selection of over 20 toppings and each patty freshly made — no frozen, gray meat here — the possibilities are endless.

Fat Ronnie’s (Photo: Ravelle Worthington)

12:30 a.m.

You will want to make Back Door Donuts your last stop of the night. Trust us. These donuts are no joke. And neither is the bakery’s last call. Doors close promptly at 12:58 a.m. Just as the name implies, these delicious treats are sold from the back door of Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Café & Bakery. All of its donuts are a divine bite of heaven, but nothing compares to the fresh, hot apple fritters. These babies are slightly bigger than the average person’s palm and so yummy, you’ll want to go back for seconds tomorrow! Or better yet, buy an extra to go with your morning cup o’ joe.

Apple fritter from Back Door Donuts (Photo: Ravelle Worthington)

Sunrise in Vineyard Haven (Photo: Quinn Dombroski/Flickr)

Ravelle Worthington is a writer living in NYC. Follow her on Twitter @ravmo for musings on health and wellness, travel, and baked treats!

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