But a roadside stand of trees—Beetlebung Corner. The magic of the Island is strong at this up Island crossroads, located at the center of Chilmark. We take our name from this spot.
Settled by sheep farmers and mariners 300 years ago, Chilmark is rich with landscape and seascape beauty, and old Island culture. Farmer’s walls run along the roads and through meadows and woods that once were fields for grazing. Throughout town, fresh discoveries appear like scenes in a movie. A tabletop honey stand, a farmstead, deer leaping past livestock, heirloom tomatoes for sale with self-serve tackle box register, a gurgling stream snaking through the woods.
It is a rural ocean culture. Grassy plains and pristine shoreline at Squibnocket. Fine sand and surf at Lucy Vincent. Crashing waves and salt mist thick enough to intoxicate at Stonewall. The people and traditions are dear. The creek at Menemsha and its friendly fishmongers. Chilmark Chocolates, handmade. Pizza on the porch at The Chilmark Store. Chowder at sunset at the Home Port. Littlenecks and beer at Squid Row. Early morning eats at Menemsha Café. Evening indie films at the Community Center. This place stays with you.
While in Menemsha, check out Beetlebung Coffee House and Beetlebung Dry Goods across the street from The Bite and next door to Captain Scott McDowell’s Copperworks.