My First Day in Martha’s Vineyard: Tina Knowles, Lobster Rolls and Back Door Donuts

Martha’s Vineyard had been on my travel list for a while, and I was excited to finally experience the island for myself. Between the beautiful scenery, Black culture, great food and all the events happening during the summer, I knew this wouldn’t be an ordinary getaway.

And baby…Day 1 did not disappoint!

Flying Directly From Philadelphia

I took a quick direct flight from Philadelphia to Martha’s Vineyard. Was it expensive? Absolutely! But I had some Amex points to burn, so I decided to use them and enjoy the convenience. Otherwise, I probably would have driven and taken the ferry.

When we arrived, I discovered that the Martha’s Vineyard Airport was under construction. The temporary waiting and baggage claim areas were underneath what looked like a giant party tent.

Imagine my shock! LOL.

It wasn’t quite the glamorous island arrival I pictured, but it definitely gave me something to talk about.

Exploring Edgartown—and Meeting Tina Knowles!

One of my favorite partners in shenanigans, Fee, was already on the island, so I headed to Edgartown to meet her.

We decided to take a nice, leisurely walk into the main part of town. It wasn’t a particularly long walk, but we severely underestimated how hot it was outside. By the time we reached Main Street, I was ready for some air conditioning!

But the heat became the least important part of the story because, while walking through town, we bumped into Tina Knowles!

Yes, Beyoncé’s mama!

She was incredibly gracious and sweet and even stopped to take a picture with me. It was such an unexpected and exciting way to begin my first day on the Vineyard.

My First Lobster Roll

Edgartown is exactly what you might imagine when you picture a charming New England town. You’ll find gift shops, colorful boutiques, Lilly Pulitzer-style stores, ice cream shops and beautiful views around nearly every corner.

We ended up having lunch at a seafood restaurant near the marina. The restaurant also had a rooftop with beautiful views, but after walking around in the heat, I was extremely grateful for a table inside with air conditioning.

I ordered my first lobster roll, served warm with melted butter.

It was delicious and absolutely stuffed with lobster. If every lobster roll is going to taste like that, I can already tell this could become an expensive new habit.

Would You Try Lobster Ice Cream?

After lunch, we stopped at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium for ice cream. I chose maple pecan, which was very good.

The shop also sells lobster ice cream made with real lobster pieces. Naturally, we spent several minutes trying to convince someone—anyone—in our group to sample it.

NO ONE TOOK THE BAIT.

I love lobster, and I love ice cream, but I’m not convinced those two things need to be together!

An Inspiring Afternoon at Union Chapel

After exploring Edgartown, we hopped into a Lyft and headed to Oak Bluffs to meet Rae, Tennille and Ansley.

We attended Truth Under Fire: Defending Black Women Journalists and Freedom of the Press at the historic Union Chapel. Rehema Ellis moderated the panel, which featured Joy-Ann Reid, April Ryan, Errin Haines and Christina Greer.

The conversation was powerful.

The women spoke about the attacks they have faced while questioning the White House and holding powerful people and institutions accountable. They also discussed the importance of protecting Black women journalists and supporting independent media.

I left the panel feeling informed, motivated and genuinely inspired. It was also a reminder that Martha’s Vineyard offers much more than beautiful beaches and parties. There is a rich cultural and intellectual community here, especially during the summer.

Our “Garden Shack Chic” Cottage

After the panel, we finally headed to the cottage where we would be staying.

When we first pulled up, I’m not going to lie—it was giving a little “garden shack chic.”

But when we walked around to the entrance, we were completely blown away.

The cottage sat directly on the lagoon, and the view was absolutely beautiful. It turned out to be the perfect place to sit outside, drink coffee, talk, relax and unwind.

It was a good reminder not to judge your Martha’s Vineyard cottage from the front!

Drinks, Dancing and Back Door Donuts

After relaxing for a while, we got dressed and headed back out for the evening.

We stopped by Inkwell Beach Club for drinks, music and dancing. It was a fun introduction to the Vineyard’s social scene and a great way to spend our first night on the island.

Of course, we couldn’t end the evening without visiting Back Door Donuts, one of the most talked-about late-night stops in Oak Bluffs.

We arrived just in time, but they only had honey-dipped donuts left.

That was perfectly fine because, baby…that donut was warm, soft and melt-in-your-mouth good! After an already eventful day, it was the perfect way to end the night.

My First Impression of Martha’s Vineyard

Our first day included a surprise celebrity encounter, my first lobster roll, an inspiring conversation with some of the country’s most influential Black women in journalism, a waterfront cottage, drinks, dancing and a warm late-night donut.

What more could I ask for?

Martha’s Vineyard immediately felt like a destination where culture, history, food, relaxation and fun all come together. This was only Day 1, and I already understood why so many people return to the island year after year.

Stay tuned for Day 2 of my Martha’s Vineyard adventure!

Would you try lobster ice cream—or are you sticking with a traditional flavor like me? Let me know in the comments.