Alley's General Store
Categories: Food Convenience Stores Shopping Flowers & Gifts Convenience Stores, Flowers & Gifts [Edit]
State RdVineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 693-0088
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
8 reviews for Alley's General Store
8 reviews in English
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Review from Devon M.
8/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love Alley's. We stopped in a number of times for different items (water, supplies, newspapers, postcards, a stamp, nuts, milk) and always ended up browsing through the variety of fun items in the front of the store. They have great kitchen items, beach supplies, gifts, and beauty items. I like that there's seating out front and also a little attached market with fruits and veggies, along with other local products.
It can be crowded but usually if it's not on the weekend, it's not too bad. Even if it is busy, it's still worth stopping in. -
Review from Will H.
Vineyard Haven, MA
11/14/2011
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. -
Review from Aretha B.
Aquinnah, MA
7/12/2007
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. -
Review from JJ G.
Cambridge, MA
3/27/2006
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. -
Review from Wendy G.
San Francisco, CA
5/17/2007
Finally! I've been looking for a squid-shaped kitchen wisk!
Also, good place to expand your "chicken chucker" collection. -
Review from Fernando A.
Chicago, IL
5/28/2007
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. -
Review from Dorothy W.
Cambridge, MA
9/28/2009 1 photo
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. -
Review from Allison J.
Henderson, NV
7/28/2006
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.
