I was born and raised on an island–well, technically, at least. Manhattan is surrounded by water, but you can easily forget that.
Today, I am a true “island girl.” Every summer, we look forward to vacationing with
friends on Martha’s Vineyard. We split a rental house with another couple to keep it affordable, and we truck in as many groceries as possible in car trunks and coolers, including BJ’s-sized cartons of blueberries, grapes, and cherries, as well as parmesan cheese, spices, and sauces. 
Groceries that are expensive on the mainland are astronomical on the island. Our
friend, who is a year-round islander, supplies whatever we forget. Most nights, we sip wine and cook dinner as a team, and each couple watches the other couple’s kids for a “date night” at one of the high-end restaurants.
We love the Vineyard because it is one of the few remaining places where life slows down. Cell reception is spotty so you can’t check your work e-mail at the beach, and the kids are forced to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. The island has only a handful of chain stores or restaurants. Because island access is controlled and the Vineyard has miles of beaches, they tend to stay pristine and uncrowded, even during peak months.
No trip to the Vineyard would be complete without a visit to Larsen’s Fish Market in 
Chilmark. Larsen’s makes some of the best clam chowder I’ve ever had. I also recommend the fresh oysters and steamed mussels and clams. Larsen’s is rustic-
you eat on benches and crates right next to the dock, but it’s difficult to find fresher seafood. The fishermen pull up right behind the market to unload the morning catch.
Just watch out for opportunistic seagulls. I had to stare this guy down—a useful skill I learned dodging cab drivers on that other island of mine.