Sweet Spot in Oak Bluffs
Ben & Bill’s sits at 20A Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, offering handmade chocolates and creative ice cream flavors. This family business has been sweetening Martha’s Vineyard since 1956, winning over both locals and summer visitors.
What to Know
The shop runs seasonally from April to October, adjusting hours based on tourist traffic. Located on busy Circuit Avenue, it’s easy to find while exploring Oak Bluffs shops.
The business began as Trahan’s Candies in 1956 in Vineyard Haven. In 1988, Paul and Mary Trahan sold the business to their nephews, Benjamin and William Coggins, who renamed it Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium. The Oak Bluffs location opened in 1994, bringing the business back to its Martha’s Vineyard roots.
The Food
Ice Cream
With dozens of flavors to choose from:
- Lobster Ice Cream: Vanilla base with real buttered lobster chunks
- Moose Droppings: Playfully named with chocolate-covered almonds
- Graham Slam: Features graham cracker swirls
- Black Raspberry: A local favorite with tart, fruity taste
They also offer vegan options made with coconut milk and chocolate-dipped waffle cones.
Chocolates & Sweets
Using original family recipes, they make:
- Hand-dipped chocolates
- Truffles
- Fresh fudge
Good to Know
Many families make post-dinner trips to Ben & Bill’s a vacation tradition, often pairing it with visits to nearby Flying Horses Carousel. The shop has become famous for its unusual lobster ice cream, which started as a joke in 1988 but gained a cult following.
The staff includes a mix of local teens, international students, and longtime employees who create a friendly atmosphere.
For visitors wanting a taste of Martha’s Vineyard tradition with a twist, Ben & Bill’s offers both comforting classics and daring flavors.