History
Mad Martha’s has been a key part of Martha’s Vineyard since 1971. According to local legend, the shop was named after an island girl who accidentally left cream outside on a cold winter night. When she found it frozen, she began experimenting with flavors and sharing her creations. This happy accident grew into the beloved ice cream shop now found on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, just steps from the Flying Horses Carousel.
What They Serve
The shop makes over 20 homemade ice cream flavors that highlight local ingredients and partnerships.
Popular Items
- Apple Fritter: Vanilla ice cream mixed with cinnamon-spiced apple chunks and pieces from a local donut shop
- MV Sea Salt Caramel: Caramel ice cream with salt harvested from Martha’s Vineyard’s shores
- Sinful Chocolate: Rich dark chocolate base with Heath bar chunks
- Menemsha Mint Oreo: Mint ice cream filled with Oreo cookie pieces
They also offer rotating vegan options and fruit sorbets for those with dietary needs.
What to Know Before You Go
- Open seasonally from April to October
- Located right on Circuit Avenue near the Steamship Authority terminal
- Now accepts credit cards and mobile payments
- Lines can stretch onto the street during peak hours
- Near other Oak Bluffs attractions
Why People Love It
Mad Martha’s has become part of the social fabric of Oak Bluffs. They partner with the local baseball team and source ingredients from island businesses. Families have made post-dinner trips to Mad Martha’s a summer tradition for generations, often combined with visits to nearby attractions. The shop’s vintage signs and checkered floors add to its timeless summer appeal.