Chilmark

Facts:
Population approximately 866
The town officially incorporated on September 14, 1694
Zipcode: 02535
Chil is the abbreviated town initials and how it is often referred to by locals.
2021 Tax Rate: $2.91

The town has a land area of 19.0 square miles (49.3 km²)
Chilmark has the highest point on Martha’s Vineyard, at the 311-foot (95 m) summit of Peaked Hill.

Chilmark is mostly residential with rolling hills, stone walls, farms, and large private houses. Menemsha harbor is in Chilmark looking out across Vineyard Sound.

In-season, Chilmark town center has a buzz. There are two town hubs for Chilmark – the inland town center, and Menemsha. The inland town center comprises the Chilmark General Store, where you stand to meet some well-known people, sit on the front porch with a coffee and read the newspaper, grab a slice of pizza for lunch. This part of town also has the Chilmark Tavern Restaurant, the Chilmark Library, the Chilmark Community Center – home to many Island events including the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, the Chilmark Elementary School, Chilmark Police Department, Fire Station, Town Hall, and Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank. Sadly Chilmark Chocolates as we know it ended their 30+ years in business at the close of 2019. A few mins walk from this town center and you’ll find The Yard–a home for Dance and the performing arts, and the Chilmark Church.

In summer, annual Chilmark event highlights include the Chilmark Flea Market every Wednesday and Saturday late June through Labor Day. The Chilmark Road Race is a prestigious run along Middle Road, check their website for details and to register to run. The annual Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival screens films at the Community Center every Wednesday.

Chilmark Town Center Essentials: Chilmark Police Department, Chilmark Elementary School, Chilmark Community Center, Chilmark Library, MV Savings Bank, Chilmark Church.

Menemsha is another town hub in Chilmark. Its beach is a popular destination and has all the amenities you’d need, as well as a gas station, and coffee from Menemsha Texaco. Menemsha is home to many local and family-owned seafood take-out businesses offering their fresh catch, lobster rolls, and clam chowder, as well as fishing boats often selling fresh seafood directly from their vessels. There is also the Galley for sandwiches, and soft-serve ice cream, the Homeport Restaurant–reservations recommended and who also have “Back Door” menu options to get your dinner and take it to Menemsha Beach to catch the sunset. Get to Menemsha early and do some shopping from the local stores while you wait for the sunset.

Menemsha Essentials: Gas Station, Coast Guard Station

Annual Events:
Chilmark Flea Market
Chilmark Road Race
Chilmark Firefighters‘ Community Barbecue
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

Essentials:
Coast Guard Station
Police Department
Fire Department
Chilmark Elementary School
Chilmark Library