Menemsha's peaceful public beach lures vacationers with to-die-for sunsets that go hand in hand with carry-out lobster and shucked shellfish from nearby fish markets (Larsen's is an island fave). At the very end of Basin Road, craggy fishermen talk shop at the Menemsha Texaco as young anglers eye the merchant's selection of candies. Across from the harborside gas station, iPhone-armed photogs are drawn to “Swordfish Harpooner,” a bewitching 17-foot-tall sculpture situated amid sea grass-topped sand dunes.
Shopping
Blink as you turn onto Basin Road and you'll miss Menemsha's small, but quaint commercial hub. While you won't exactly be able to “shop 'til you drop” in the isolated fishing village, there are a few places where you can pick up necessities, apparel and souvenirs. The short list of retailers includes an antique store; the Harbor Craft Shop (31 Basin Rd.); leisurewear retailer Menemsha Blues (2 Basin Rd.); longtime women's boutique Pandora's Box (4 Basin Rd.); and Beetlebung (24 Basin Rd.), filled with graphic tees and other merch stamped with sea-inspired designs.
