Most folks already know this but I think it bears repeating: when visiting a new place, always ask a local what their favorite hotspots are. Afterall, these folks know every nook and cranny of their stomping ground, and you just might strike gold. Here are some tips from one dynamic Islander who has been a part of the community for most of her life.
Dr. Lisa Butler Grain is a mother of two, a retired orthodontist, and the founder of a new beauty company called French Barrelettes, which focuses on hair care and beauty. “Unfortunately, I didn’t consider myself an entrepreneur 30 years ago, when I was building my practice of orthodontics, which is what many physicians and dentists do when they become doctors and hang their shingles, regardless of a business background. Historically, doctors and dentists were pioneers in the entrepreneurial arena,” Grain said. “Thirty years later, I feel comfortable calling myself an entrepreneur in a very different area — the beauty, hair care, and fashion space — which is so exciting to me.”
Grain grew up summering here, eventually meeting her husband David Grain, founder and CEO of Grain Management. “Both David’s family and my family have been coming to Martha’s Vineyard since the late 1940’s,” Grain said. “His family spent the winters in New York and summers in Vineyard Haven, until his parents retired to the Island full-time and brought David to attend MVRHS. My family originally hailed from Washington, DC where my cousin, Senator Edward Brooke, led the family charge north. He then became a U.S. Senator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and built a home in Oak Bluffs. Although David and I somehow never met during our Vineyard summers, we were destined to meet. Our families knew each other in New York City. This Vineyard bond “sealed our deal.”
Lisa and David got married 31 years ago in an intimate ceremony at the Unitarian Church in Vineyard Haven. “Shortly thereafter, we built a home in Chilmark, where our daughter, Chelsea, and our son, David spent every summer growing up.” Although the Grains loved Chilmark and Quansoo Beach, some years ago they built a home in West Chop with visions of creating an amazing backdrop for their daughter’s wedding one day. “We dreamed that she, too, would get married in Vineyard Haven.”
Grain’s dream was realized last summer when she and her husband hosted their daughter’s wedding at their home. It was so fairytale-esq and lovely that it graced the pages of vogue.com, and highlighted the essence of everything Martha’s Vineyard has to offer.
Speaking of the essence of the Island, below are some of the hotspots that resonate with Grain, and might just resonate with you:
Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven is at the top of Grain’s list. “The museum is my favorite place. It’s the heart and soul of the Island,” Grain said. “It weaves the tapestries and tells the stories of the Island, its people, and its rich and diverse history and culture. To visit the Museum, is to understand the voice of the Island. This is a must do.”
S&S Kitchenette in Vineyard Haven is another must-do for Grain. “It’s more than an eclectic coffee shop with great scones,” Grain shared. “It’s an artist collective of sorts, where evening venues change with the wind. There could be a visiting chef for a chef’s table meal, or a live music and sips night.” Follow their instagram to be in the know. instagram.com/sskitchenettemv.
Is shopping your jam? Then visit one of Grain’s most beloved shops: Timeless Boutique at 26 Main Street in Vineyard Haven. “Gerta and her beautiful daughters bring Paris and Italy to Vineyard Haven. Artfully curated Italian linen and cotton dresses, beautiful cashmere sweaters, fabulous woven bags with gemstones are just a few of my favorite picks,” Grain said.
Now get out and explore the Island!
Interested in learning more about Lisa Butler Grain? I know. She’s pretty darn cool. Luckily you can follow her on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/lisagrain and Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelisagrain
