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Unspoiled seaside settings, rolling hills, and a relaxed tempo have lengthy attracted guests to the shores of Martha’s Vineyard. This is, in spite of everything, a small island; a splendidly rural place to get pleasure from drives on nation roads. Its 87 sq. miles is an oasis of old-world allure and pure magnificence in equal measure, with each a summer season season and year-round inhabitants.
Located about 4 miles off the southeast coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, quaint cities and recent ocean breezes carry hordes of holiday makers yearly. The two famously photogenic cities of Martha’s Vineyard embrace Oak Bluffs, with its colourful Victorian gingerbread homes, and Edgartown, with its stately brick houses.
The island of Martha’s Vineyard is split into two most important sections: the extra populated “down-island” cities of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown, and the extra rural “up-island” cities of West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah. Home year-round fishermen and farmers, creatives and entrepreneurs, tradesmen and academics — and a LOT of attorneys and surgeons in the summertime — a powerful sense of neighborhood and distinctive character is the draw for a lot of to make a house right here.
Martha’s Vineyard is a superb place to partake within the easy pleasures of strolling, biking, fishing, boating, crabbing, beachcombing, grilling, or just studying a e-book underneath a tree.
And right here’s one thing to know: regardless of its identify, Martha’s Vineyard doesn’t really include any vineyards, a lot to the chagrin of wine lovers (and my husband particularly). But worry not, there may be loads of wine to drink, and a whole lot of different issues to do in these six great Martha’s Vineyard cities.
Best Towns on Martha’s Vineyard
Every single city on Martha’s Vineyard could be very family-friendly, however Oak Bluffs has some pleasant children’ points of interest just like the carousel.
Oak Bluffs is the city with the gingerbread homes, and the island takes nice satisfaction in these architectural gems.
If you need to have a lot of issues to do close by, I like to recommend staying in Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, or Vineyard Haven. These are essentially the most hopping cities.
Chilmark, Aquinnah, and West Tisbury are quiet, rural spots that are perfect for a spot to recharge. Perhaps most quiet is Chappaquiddick Island, with no shops on-island.
Oak Bluffs
The down-island city of Oak Bluffs is one in every of Martha’s Vineyard’s most well-known (and most photographed!) spots. Well-known for its charming gingerbread cottages, historic websites, and great seashore roads, this city gives enjoyable points of interest for guests of all ages.
Several Steamship Authority ferries from Woods Hole dock right here in Oak Bluffs, in addition to the passenger-only ferry with direct service from Hyannis. Definitely take day trip to go to the long-lasting gingerbread homes, a necessary cease for each customer! These charming cottages painted in vibrant hues make a formidable sight that by no means fails to thrill.
Circuit Avenue is the primary avenue, stuffed with pleasant spots to buy and eat. Ocean Park gives an inviting seven acres of inexperienced house the place guests can stroll, play Frisbee or get pleasure from a picnic lunch. Plus, stay music and fireworks happen right here each August!
Inkwell Beach is a small however well-liked seashore, with turquoise waters and a protracted historical past of being a haven for Black American residents and vacationers. The light bay-side waves make this an incredible alternative for youths.
And maybe the most effective children’ exercise in Martha’s Vineyard is right here in Oak Bluffs: the Flying Horses Carousel, one of many longest operating repeatedly working carousels in America! Children of all ages love using its horses. And for individuals of all ages, right here you’ll be able to store in boutiques, get pleasure from bars and coffeeshops, and absorb loads of native island companies.
Edgartown
Located on Martha’s Vineyard’s japanese finish, Edgartown boasts among the island’s most elegant and historic houses, many courting again to when whaling was at its peak within the nineteenth century. These homes have been superbly restored, making Edgartown an exquisite place for a stroll.
Edgartown gives loads of charming retailers on Main Street, with the whole lot from ladies’s attire and artwork galleries to sweet shops lining its downtown district. Explore the various array of eating choices, with eating places resembling The Seafood Shanty, with breathtaking ocean views and among the island’s greatest clam chowder, and The Wharf, with an inviting bar and scrumptious basic diner dishes.
Just a 10-minute stroll from the city middle is without doubt one of the most particular lighthouses on the island, Edgartown Lighthouse, often known as Harbor Light. Built in 1828, it was really as soon as on a man-made island only a quarter-mile off-shore, however a brand new seashore fashioned in 1939, connecting the lighthouse to the mainland.
Beachgoers will recognize Katama Beach (often known as South Beach), situated within the Katama space of Edgartown going through the Atlantic. It’s a barrier seashore, with an intensive stretch of white sand that extends for greater than three miles, good for shell fishing or simply strolling with household and mates. Keep in thoughts that the sand will get slender at excessive tide.
At close by Katama Bay, Signature Oyster Farms permits you to take a tour of its native oyster farms. You’ll have a possibility to stroll on oyster beds and witness how these scrumptious bivalves are harvested earlier than having fun with an idyllic, farm-to-table lunch.
North of city, Joseph Sylvia State Beach, often called State Beach to locals, is a wonderful place for swimming. This sandy seashore was used because the setting for the 1975 film Jaws and boasts miles of sandy shoreline for guests to get pleasure from. You can soar off the Jaws Bridge, too!
On high of having fun with a seashore expertise, guests to Edgartown must also discover a few of its historic landmarks, together with Vincent House Museum and Old Whaling Church. Both of those historic museums present fascinating insights into this island’s previous.
Chappaquiddick Island is technically a part of the city of Edgartown and takes only one minute to get to on the tiny Chappy Ferry, which might match just some vehicles. That mentioned, I believe it’s greatest to discover Chappaquiddick by bike — it’s small and flat, discovering parking is way simpler, and also you gained’t have to attend within the automotive line for the ferry.
On Chappaquiddick you’ll be able to go to Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and its eponymous lighthouse; you may as well try East Beach, go to the Mytoi Japanese Gardens, or benefit from the infinite expanse of sea at Wasque Point (pronounced WAY-squee).
Vineyard Haven
Vineyard Haven is the generally used nickname for the city of Tisbury (totally different from the city of West Tisbury, which we’ll point out additional down). Located on the North Shore of the island, the Steamship Authority ferry stops right here, nevertheless it’s completely price lingering a little bit!
Much like Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, Vineyard Haven has a bustling environment with a lot of issues to do. However, whereas the opposite two cities really feel tremendous tourism-oriented, Vineyard Haven feels prefer it’s designed for the numerous locals who name this city dwelling.
Vineyard Haven can also be the placement of the Nobnocket Boutique Inn, the place I cherished staying throughout my time in Martha’s Vineyard! (More on Nobnocket under.)
Downtown Vineyard Haven is a stunning place to wile away the afternoon hours procuring, whose walkable downtown seems to be simply as timeless because it did many years in the past. Be certain to cease by Waterside Market for lunch to gas up beforehand; they served a large BLT that knocked my socks off.
The Black Dog Tavern, an iconic and world-famous Vineyard institution, has the most effective chef-crafted entrees, good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here in Vineyard Haven you may as well go to The Black Dog Store, and Black Dog Bakery (which has nice cookies).
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum provides you with invaluable perception into the island. (It’s additionally an incredible wet day exercise on the Vineyard.) Discover the wealthy historical past and vibrant heritage of Martha’s Vineyard and its environment on this museum, situated in an 1890 Victorian marine hospital. Exhibits characteristic lighthouses in addition to these devoted to the Indigenous Wampanoag individuals.
Lighthouse completionists can cease by the West Chop Lighthouse — whereas this one isn’t open to the general public, it does function a beautiful picture opp! It’s a few 30-minute stroll from.
If you may have time, do attempt to see a manufacturing at Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse. Located on Church Street, they placed on a pleasant number of occasions all year long.
Read More: A Visitor’s Guide to Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard
West Tisbury
West Tisbury, one of many up-island cities on Martha’s Vineyard, is an idyllic and tranquil village. Comprised of acres of State Forest, serene seashores, and considerable farmland, its New England village allure is preserved by way of basic shops, white church buildings, submit places of work, and family-run farms.
The relaxed and comfy vibe makes it really feel like a rustic city and is dwelling to an intensive vary of domestically produced items. Fresh produce, do-it-yourself soaps and lotions, handcrafted wooden furnishings in addition to some nice eating places can all be had. Refuel at Woods Restaurant at Lambert’s Cove, which serves island-inspired meals.
Shopping at Alley’s General Store is a should. As one of many oldest repeatedly working retailers on Martha’s Vineyard, yow will discover it behind a historic barn with a grey shingled roof. Since 1897, this stoop-to-porch institution sells the whole lot you might have considered trying throughout your go to.
This rural agricultural neighborhood gives quite a few points of interest which can be each free and cheap. One such attraction is Long Point Wildlife Refuge, an previous prairie remnant now dwelling to globally uncommon crops and wildlife; additionally that includes sandy seashores, coastal ponds, and small lakes good for chook watching.
Polly Hill Arboretum gives an exquisite place for picnicking on Martha’s Vineyard, that includes a sublime oak tree in addition to different species planted to resemble its pure surroundings. This was one of many quietest and most serene locations I visited on the island.
Finally, Long Cove Pond gives among the island’s most breathtaking landscapes, whereas additionally serving as a superb location for snorkeling and fishing.
Chilmark
The south shore city of Chilmark gives each magnificence and tranquility harmoniously. There is loads to do and see with its fellow up-island neighbors of West Tisbury and Aquinnah.
One factor I really like about Martha’s Vineyard is visiting native farmstands for domestically made produce. One of the most effective is The Grey Barn and Farm in Chilmark, which makes wonderful cheeses and likewise has loads of recent produce, a bakery, and a butcher store. Need a pick-me-up? Chilmark Coffee Roaster is a well-liked spot for each locals and guests.
While mountain climbing and admiring nature’s splendor are rewarding experiences, kayaking or crusing at Nashaquitsa and Stonewall Ponds is one other improbable possibility.
Many island guests flock to look at the sundown at Menemsha Beach at Menemsha Village — its waters develop into painted in hues that rival a few of New England’s most gorgeous and romantic sunsets! Surrounded by giant rocks, this seashore gives stunning and peaceable environment. Rent a motorbike, or simply come down with some seashore chairs to affix everybody else because the solar dips down.
Menemsha Hills Nature Reserve needs to be included on any itinerary to the island. Just exterior Chilmark, this protected 211-acre reserve boasts various mini-environments resembling woodland groves, coastal plains, and low wetlands, in addition to breathtaking views of Vineyard Sound and Elizabeth Islands from 308-foot Prospect Hill!
Aquinnah
Aquinnah is the westernmost city on the island, and was previously often called Gay Head. It is the cultural dwelling of the Aquinnah Wampanoag nation and options a lot pure magnificence, together with gorgeous over-water sunsets at Moshup Beach (my private favourite seashore on Martha’s Vineyard!).
If you’re searching for issues to do in Aquinnah, most individuals come to go to the Aquinnah Cliffs, a protected, multi-color pure surprise. Both the cliffs and the seashore are off-limits resulting from their delicate nature, however you’ll be able to view them from the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook. I like to recommend visiting at golden hour, simply earlier than sundown, once they mild up in vivid colours (this was when the picture above was taken).
A go to to the Aquinnah Cultural Center is a should — and gives a beautiful historical past of the Indigenous peoples of Martha’s Vineyard. This museum is price a go to and strolling distance from the cliffs lookout and Moshup Beach.
Looking for an unbelievable view over the Atlantic Ocean? Climb to the highest of Gay Head Light, one of many Martha’s Vineyard lighthouses you’ll be able to go to.
Long Point Wildlife Refuge is an idyllic pure space, which as soon as fashioned a part of an island prairie ecosystem, now boasts a unprecedented assortment of crops and animals — plus a number of seashores and a two-mile mountain climbing path to your enjoyment.
Where to Stay on Martha’s Vineyard
For a quintessential Martha’s Vineyard keep, Nobnocket Boutique Inn will handle you. I completely cherished my keep right here.
Located on a quiet avenue in Vineyard Haven, house owners Simon and Annabelle Hunton present excellent service from the second you step into the property. Chic, trendy furnishings accentuated with elegant paintings make you’re feeling like pampered royalty with out the pomp and circumstance.
The visitor rooms exude a quiet magnificence with consolation firmly in thoughts. The Nobnocket achieves that delicate steadiness of a contemporary, trendy aesthetic whereas maintaining the environment cozy. Thoughtful design touches may be discovered all through, from the plush mattress linens to the inviting wainscoting within the loos.
Most boutique inns provide complimentary espresso, tea, and even board video games within the foyer, however the Nobnocket ups the ante by providing a little bit of port, whiskey, or brandy, together with mild snacks, simply in case you fancy a night nightcap. When you need to stretch your legs, an expansive yard gives the perfect spot to calm down, dine exterior, or stroll the attractive grounds.
But the Inn’s breakfast is the wow issue right here! Every morning is totally different, often starting with a artistic fruit parfait earlier than transferring to the primary occasion. This can embrace waffles with a tasty topping resembling mango and sherbet, avocado toast with egg and pancetta, or creamy bread pudding topped with recent berries. All are paired with Chilmark Coffee’s domestically roasted beans, tea, and juice.
There’s even a turndown service with cookies! No higher solution to drift off to dreamland.
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