Alley’s General Store

Okay, «Oldest Store in Martha’s Vineyard». It’s charming, kitschy, and an eclectic blend of hardware store, general store, mini-​grocery, and tourist trap. You can buy all kinds of whiz-​bang children’s toys here, postcards, picnic foods, and tools for small repairs around the house. If you had a shopping list for board games, a light brite, local fudge, hairspray AND bug spray, and an allen wrench, you could find all of that here. It’s just weird and fun.
Fun little historic destination, and a great place to pick up tourist trappings and snacks on the way down-​island.

So outside of OB and Vineyard Haven really, when you need something you usually trek to your town General Store and as far as I know, this is for West Tisbury.
You can literally spend HOURS poking around in here, just looking at the stuff they have on display. While organization doesn’t seem like Alley’s strong suit, I find it fun to come here on a non-​beach day and just wander around aimlessly buying I bunch of crap I most likely don’t need but seems fun as hell at the time. Kitchy trinkets and odd stuff aside, you have a pretty solid food selection and can find staples like bug spray, firewood, toiletries, basic hand tools, etc.

Alleys was a terrible experience– the service was terrible; however, the store was very charming. The teenagers behind the counters did not take their jobs seriously and were running around the store tripping and knocking over my small children. They also offered peanut-​chocolate to my two year old child that was found on the floor, covered in dust; and on top if that, he has severe peanut allergies. With lots of options on the vineyard, I will not make the mistake of visiting alleys again. Sad excuse of a store.

Yeah, it’s fine but I totally don’t get what all the fuss is over this place.

I hear about this place every time I come to the island. This is the oldest store on Martha’s Vineyard. I heard a lot of famous people visited here and it is located in West Tisbury. They had a lot of items and supplies. The staff was friendly and helpful. Nice store.

Alley’s is a living legend, a general store that delivers the warm feelings and the humdrum necessities of what a New England general store ought to be. They sell heirloom tomatoes, and they sell rat poison. They sell island blueberries, and they sell wooden clothespins. They sell the New York Times at the cover price. More often than not, what you want you’ll find — and you’ll always get a sense of the better angels in the Vineyard’s nature.

After ten months of getting my coffee, pastry, and newspaper daily at Alley’s, I must say they are friendliest store in the country!
It is a historic General Store with both convenience items, grocery, and sundries — even hardware. Chances are if you need it and are up-​island they have it.
But, it is so much more. They have beach supplies, selves of kitsch, fun stuff for your vacation shopping. I even found a large hardwood rolling pin for about $ 10 bucks. In season there is a farm stand out back.
Prices are island prices, but it is good to know that your purchasing from the The Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. The trust owns, preserves, and operates Alley’s and 17 other historic island destinations.
One thing to note, the location is 1041 State Road in West Tisbury, not Vineyard Haven. It is a little bit up the road in the village center of «West Tis». It across the road from a bus stop and easy to get to by car or bus. The the Field Gallery is across the street. And, the old Grange Hall nearby. Also operated by the MV Preservation Trust, the Grange Hall is home to Artisan’s and Farmer’s Markets in season.
So, visit Alley’s on your Vineyard vacation. It is a must see place. And, enjoy very thing else West Tisbury has to offer.

Alley’s is just a perfect little paradise. Why do we have so many places like CVS and Starbucks now and so few places like Alley’s? It’s country store perfection, complete with front porch, all kinds of goodies for the kids and necessities for the home, a creaking front door and food for the hungry. Assorted selection of candy and ice cream for the kids keeps them satisfied, postcards and souvenirs for out of town visitors, old fashioned necessities for families like kites, hula hoops, and must have kitchen treats.
But it’s not merely a place to buy things. Take some time and sit on the front porch. Watch the people come and go. Take in the ambiance of a quiet little town where Alley’s lights glow all year round. Aging farmers, passionate fishermen, students, artists, writers, lawyers… they all put their feet up on the front porch at Alley’s, stretch a little, give opinions, discuss the local news and meander off. It’s fascinating to me how the old fashioned and welcoming environment of Alley’s makes just about everyone adopt a relaxed attitude, even if it’s just for a brief moment. Alley’s provides a dose of friendly island hospitality whenever you need a little comfort and companionship– and some cool gadgets, penny candy or the local papers. Stop in and sit a while. You will not forget how pleasant it feels. And who knows? You might make some new friends or get asked out on a fishing expedition.

Alley’s General Store is fantastic! It is the oldest operating retail business on the island. Doors opened in 1858 to supply Vineyarders with the stuff of life. The staples.
Now it is mostly a kitchy, charming stop on your way to or from up island. Rock on the porch with a soda. Browse their awesome retro-​feel toy collection. Look at the awesome post card and gift card selection. Get a sugar fix and a box of nails! Rent a vhs movie!
So awesome. You can’t be in there and be in a bad mood. This place is like the contents of one big christmas stocking.

This is a great little stop over between buses 6 or 5. I also found it to be a nice place to fill up on supplies if you are riding your bike.
There is a hammock in the front that was occupied everytime I passed. So if you need some hammock action this could be your place.
They also had ears of corn, wraps and subs for takeout.

Finally! I’ve been looking for a squid-​shaped kitchen wisk!
Also, good place to expand your «chicken chucker» collection.

This place is so cute! It’s a general store with some beach-​oriented groceries. I spotted Uma Thurman here dressed down with her kids and looking amazing.

If there is a «hot spot» in trendy, downtown West Tisbury, this is it.
Head out for coffee and the paper, pick up a glow in the dark squeaky toy and a modern salad bowl, and then hang in the swing on the porch and watch the traffic for the Farmer’s Market pile up.