A Season of Change in Oak Bluffs: History, Restoration, and Something New on the Menu
If you’re staying with us at the Oak Bluffs Inn this season, you’ll notice something right away: Oak Bluffs is always evolving. Some changes are subtle, others more visible, but all of them add to the character of the town.
This year, two places in particular capture that mix of history and fresh energy. One is a landmark that has stood for over 150 years. The other is a familiar restaurant space that’s been completely reimagined.
Union Chapel: A Historic Landmark Still in Motion
Just a short walk from the Inn, Union Chapel has been part of the town’s story since 1870.
It was originally built to serve a growing and increasingly diverse summer community. At the time, Oak Bluffs was expanding beyond its Methodist camp meeting roots, and there was a need for a shared, non-denominational place of worship. Union Chapel filled that role, opening in 1871 with its now-iconic octagonal design and tall spire.
One detail many visitors don’t realize: the chapel was Built on Stilts. This wasn’t just an architectural quirk. It helped stabilize the structure on sandy ground and allowed for better airflow beneath the building, which was especially important in the coastal climate.
From the beginning, Union Chapel was more than a church. It quickly became a gathering place for the community. That tradition continues today.
During the summer season, the chapel hosts a range of events, from Sunday services to guest speakers and live musical performances. Visiting musicians and vocal groups often perform in the space, taking advantage of its unique acoustics and intimate setting. It’s not unusual to hear everything from classical pieces to gospel and contemporary music echoing through the building on a warm evening.
Ongoing preservation and construction work help keep the structure safe and usable while maintaining its historic charm. These efforts ensure that Union Chapel remains not just something to look at, but something to experience.
A New Chapter on Circuit Avenue: From Dos Mas to Esh
Not far from the chapel, another transformation has taken place.
The former Dos Mas has officially morphed into Esh.
The change goes well beyond the name. Over the past months, the space has been fully renovated, creating a warmer, more refined interior. The layout has been updated, the bar redesigned, and the overall feel shifted from casual quick bites to a more relaxed, sit-down experience.
And the concept has changed just as much as the design.
A Fresh Menu and a Different Kind of Dining Experience
Esh is taking a broader, more modern approach to its menu. Moving away from The Mexican theme of Dos Mas, the kitchen now leans into a more contemporary American style with seasonal influences.
Guests can expect thoughtfully prepared dishes, a rotating selection, and a menu that feels a bit more elevated while still being approachable.
One of the biggest additions, especially for Inn guests, is breakfast service. Esh will be serving breakfast throughout the summer, making it an easy and appealing option to start your day before heading to the beach or exploring town.
In the evenings, the atmosphere shifts. The space takes on more of a lounge feel, with softer lighting, a more relaxed pace, and a setting that encourages you to linger a little longer. Whether you’re stopping in for dinner or just drinks, it’s designed to feel like a place you settle into rather than pass through.
What It Means for Your Stay
Part of what makes staying in Oak Bluffs special is how easy it is to experience both its history and its changes at the same time.
You can spend your morning walking past Union Chapel, taking in a piece of 19th-century architecture that still hosts live music and community events. Then, just a few blocks away, you can sit down in a newly transformed restaurant that reflects where the town is headed next.
That balance is what defines Oak Bluffs. It’s not frozen in time, and it’s not trying to be something else. It simply grows, season after season.
And this summer, there’s a little more to discover than usual
