Martha’s Vineyard farms offer unique experiences

MASSACHUSETTS | MARTHA’S VINEYARD

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Loving the Land

A farming tradition is being revitalized on Martha’s Vineyard

By Valentina Valentini

FISHERMEN HAVE BEEN A staple on Martha’s Vineyard for centuries. But over the last decade, the island known for surf, sand and summers full of beachgoers has experienced a bit of a farming boom.

“It’s really weird and wonderful,” says Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of

Commerce . “I think it stems from many young people embracing the concept of knowing where food comes from and knowing that the community, both year-round and seasonal, support(s) local farmers.”

The Farm Institute

LISA VANDERHOOP

As an island, sustainability is always a top priority, and it’s been enthusiastically promoted with food: produce, poultry, dairy, baking, shellfish and fisheries. On any given Saturday, the island is teeming with people biking or driving from one farm stand to another to gather their favorite items. The West Tisbury Farmers Market is extremely popular, with vendors offering samples galore of old favorites and new products.

Here are a few farm and food experiences worth trying on your next visit to the island:

Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt has been hard at work since 2013 reviving a centuries-old island tradition. A decade

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MASSACHUSETTS | MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt collection

North Tabor Farm

prior, Heidi Feldman and her husband, Curtis Friedman, bought the soil-poor farm and went to task with creative ways of not just making a living, but providing sustenance for locals and visitors as well.

Since its beginnings, Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt has grown exponentially, now selling wholesale to New England retailers and individuals worldwide. “We’re proud to bring an honest and unadulterated product to those who … put their trust in the stewards of the land and sea,” says Feldman.

Make a special point to observe the gathering of the saltwater. The collectors use moon cycle, tide, current, weather and wind to determine when to go collect

Oyster Farm Tours tasting

Whiting Farm

MARTHA’S VINEYARD SEA SALT; PROVIDED BY FARM. FIELD. SEA.; RANDI BAIRD; CHRISTINE SARGOLOS

the sea salt. Call or check the website for details.

Farm. Field. Sea. is a small group of local food entrepreneurs who create experiential and educational events to highlight eating locally, sustainability, culinary tourism and agritourism. Last year, they launched oyster tours .

On the boat tour, visitors get to learn how the oyster farming process works and taste the oysters on-site.

Farm, Field. Sea. also creates experiences at The Farm Institute, North Tabor Farm and Whiting Farm.

Morning Glory Farm is a Vineyard staple. Established in 1975 by Jim and Debbie Athearn , it’s been family-owned and operated ever since. The family’s farming roots on the island date back to the 1800s, and Morning Glory provides the island with 65 acres of vegetables and small fruit, beef, poultry, eggs and gorgeous flowers. The farm stand store is open every day from May through December and its annual, free and open-to-the-public Strawberry Festival (June) and Pumpkin Festival (October) are not to be missed.

The Grey Barn and Farm is a traditional New England farm with a little bit of everything, but its backbone is dairy production. It specializes in organic cheese, eggs, meats and vegetables. Last fall, the farm added fresh-baked organic breads made in a European tradition. “We were very interested in doing bread, but we didn’t want to build a bakery and hire someone at random,” says co-owner Eric Glasgow about hiring a baker who grew up on the island, left for training and returned. “The bread has kept people coming into the farm stand.”

Glasgow and his wife, Molly, have developed world-famous cheese, but their roots are still homegrown. It took only one visit two summers before moving there in 2009 to cement the Glasgows’ hopes of settling down after living abroad for work.

Their farm stand is open every day of the year, and they offer tours of varying levels, ranging from a basic walkthrough to see the animals to a cheese-making demonstration .

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MOUNT LAFAYETTE Height: 5,260 feet above sea level Location: Franconia Range in the White Mountains Noteworthy: Lafayette made the New England 50 Finest list because of its amazing 360-degree views and easy accessibility to the parking lot. There are also several waterfalls along Lafayette’s popular Falling Waters Trail, including Cloudland Waterfall, Stairs Falls and Swiftwater Falls.

MOUNT MADISON Height: 5,366 feet above sea level Location: Presidential Range of the White Mountains Noteworthy: Exploring Madison offers spectacular views, but the hiking is difficult. In bad weather, winds above the tree line can easily exceed 100 mph, and hypothermia is a danger even in summer, according to the Dartmouth Outing Club.

MOUNT MONROE Height: 5,372 feet above sea level Location: Presidential Range of the White Mountains Noteworthy: Named for President James Monroe, it’s the fourthhighest mountain on the 4,000 footers list for New Hampshire (out of a total of 48).

MOUNT WASHINGTON Height: 6,288 feet above sea level Location: Sargent’s Purchase within White Mountain National Forest Noteworthy: This is the highest peak in the northeastern United States and the most topographically prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River. It’s known for extreme and erratic weather. On April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded a wind speed of 231 mph at the summit, the world record from 1934 until 1996.

Ryan Mercer writes for the Burlington (Vt.) Free Press NEW HAMPSHIRE | HIKING

Mount Madison Mount Lafayette

Mount Monroe

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VERMONT | VERGENNES

Lake Champlain

ALEXANDRA JONES The city of Vergennes

BOB SCHATZ

Daily Chocolate

JENNIFER ROBERTS

By Alexandra Jones

YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD of Vergennes, and in some ways, it’s no wonder. It’s Vermont’s smallest city in population, with an area of just two square miles , but the size of this petite municipality is inversely proportional to its charm. With a standout restaurant row, a beautiful historic setting and a location that’s convenient to Lake Champlain, little Vergennes offers big fun.

USA TODAY’s 10Best lists these attractions you won’t want to miss:

SIP ON LOCAL CRAFT CIDER Some of Vermont’s best cider is made at Shacksbury, not far from downtown Vergennes’ Main Street strip . Stop by the tasting room to sip a glass of Shacksbury’s pleasantly pink rosé cider or cans of Vermonter, made with local apples. For more locally made beverages, hit up Otter Creek Brewing and Woodchuck Cidery in nearby Middlebury. PICNIC AT OTTER CREEK Otter Creek is more than the name of a beer brand. It’s a real creek that flows through Vergennes and surrounding communities. Visitors can relax outdoors and dine in view of the cascading waters of one of the state’s largest rivers. There are also nearby trails to hike where otters still reside .

HIT LAKE CHAMPLAIN FOR FRESHWATER FUN The “sixth Great Lake” is less than half an hour from downtown Vergennes. Head to its shores for swimming, fishing, birding, kayaking, boating, water skiing, camping and more. Access the water at Button Bay State Park or Kingsland Bay State Park in nearby Ferrisburgh.

INDULGE YOUR SWEET TOOTH Tucked below street level just off the town’s main drag is a chocolate lover’s paradise. Head to Daily Chocolate to sample bonbons and barks handmade by owner Jen Roberts and her crew of chocolatiers. Then, pick up some decadent gifts for your friends back home. Don’t miss Daily Chocolate’s bestselling lemon-lavender white chocolate bark, shot through with tamari almonds and lavender buds. Looking to cool off with dessert? Soft-serve maple creemees and farm-to-spoon scoops in flavors like orange cardamom and green tea await at Lu Lu Ice Cream .

GET ACTIVE OUTDOORS Vergennes is a quick, scenic drive from outdoor destinations offering lush wooded trails, seasonal birdwatching and stunning vistas. Mount Philo offers access to its 968-foot summit — with an unmatched view of pastoral farmland, Lake Champlain and New York’s Adirondack Mountains — via a hiking trail, or you can walk (or drive) up the paved access road for an easier trip to the top. Check out the ruins of the aptly named Grand View Hotel on Snake Mountain in Addison for a more moderate hike .

10Best.com is your source for what’s tops in travel, food and culture, providing inspiration to explore the world around you.

RHODE ISLAND | NEWPORT

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The Right Slice

A pizza lover’s guide to Newport

By Rachael Thatcher

WHILE NEWPORT, R.I., MIGHT not have its roots in pizza, a number of restaurateurs have set out to change that. Each one has introduced a signature style and spin, drawing inspiration from acclaimed chefs, family recipes and Italian traditions. And while they all bring a different piece of pie to the table, one thing they agree on is great customer service and high-quality ingredients. Whether you want crispy Neapolitan for dinner, a gluten-free pie for lunch or maybe a late-night large pepperoni, this guide will point you in the right direction:

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At Antonio’s, you can get an impressive variety of toppings, even a dessert pizza with a Nutella spread . And since Antonio’s sells them by the slice, you can try them all. (OK, well, maybe not all at once.)

The slice counter displays options like Salad Pizza, Mac Attack, Beef Taco and Tortellini Red, along with favorites like classic pepperoni and Veggie Supreme, so customers can take a look at what’s most appealing and decide just how adventurous they’re feeling. antoniospizza.com Karma Pizza Co. satisfies a variety of dietary preferences. You can get your slice of pepperoni and bacon after last call on a Friday night, or you can

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Imbriglio”s Pizzeria Napoletana

VERONICA MUSCH

opt for vegan, gluten-free or even “keto” pizza Saturday if you’re feeling guilty about it.

“Newport’s very expensive,” says owner Paul Duffy. “We’re trying to be one of the few value quick bites you can get on Thames (Street): high quality, good value.”

Duffy says customer interaction is the key to his success. “Here’s my whole mantra: You have to engage your customer. If I’m there, I engage everybody. Tell me about your life over a slice.” karmanewport.com Nikolas Pizza , a longtime staple on Newport’s Memorial Boulevard, is a favorite of locals and tourists alike — in part because of the variety of crusts offered.

“We feature New York–style thin; razors, which are ultrathin; and Chicago-style thick crust. We really cover all tastes and preferences,” says owner Chris Young , whose family has been in the business since the 1920s. The menu has always had a Greek influence inspired by Young’s family, which continues despite a recent revamp.

“On the way out the door, people say it’s the best pizza they’ve ever eaten,” Young says. “That is obviously music to our ears.” nikolaspizza.com At Carmella’s Pizzeria , owner Ken Martin prides himself on the quality ingredients he uses — particularly the handmade sauce for the New York–style pizzas Carmella’s churns out. RHODE ISLAND | NEWPORT

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Carmella’s Pizzeria

KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

“I always loved pizza when I was working in New York. I came to Rhode Island and thought pizza didn’t taste quite right. Here we are, 16 years later, so we’re doing something right,” Martin says.

“I’ve had the same people working for me for 14 years. We do everything made to order. We don’t fry any foods or anything like that,” he adds. “When you have staff that stays, you develop a consistency that’s hard to develop elsewhere.” carmellaspizzeria.com Imbriglio’s Pizzeria Napoletana is new to the scene, opening in April 2019. Operating next to, and under the same management as Sardella’s Italian Restaurant, they’re slinging Neapolitan-style pies.

“We’re kind of unique because the oven was imported from Italy,” owner Richard Sardella says. “We did a lot of research in what makes an authentic Neapolitan pizza. When I say authentic, I mean we use all the ingredients that are required by the pizza guru group in Naples. We use a Caputo ’00’ flour, San Marzano tomatoes , and we follow an old recipe from my grandfather, who was a baker.”

Sardella says this style of pizza is best eaten fresh on the premises. If you opt for takeout, put it in the oven at 350 degrees, and it will come back to life within minutes. sardellas.com/imbriglios-resto-bar

— Rachael Thatcher writes for newportri.com.

LAST LOOK | VAST VIEWS

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NUBBLE LIGHTHOUSE

Enjoy the peaceful scenery around the Nubble Lighthouse, which stands on the shores near York, Maine. Although the 19thcentury structure is not open to the public, it’s a picturesque place for picnicking, fishing, scuba diving, photography and even weddings. Seals, gulls and other wildlife can be seen from the shores, and a small gift shop is open from April to October.

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