Martha’s Vineyard is one of my favorite places in the universe. I used to spend the last two weeks of the summer near South Beach just outside of Edgartown. We would take the ferry from Wood’s Hole, and once I could feel the salt air I knew I was heading somewhere wonderful.
We always had a list of things to do there, most of which included just hanging out on the beach, but we also needed food and entertainment!
While the Vineyard does have islanders, the peak season for tourism is usually Memorial Day to Columbus Day. During July and August, you have to pre-book the ferry if you want to bring your car to the island. But you can have a great time even without a car – the Vineyard Transit Authority has a great bus system to get around the island, and the busses stop right at the ferry terminals.
So where do you start? I recommend Oak Bluffs! Oak Bluffs is home to the beautiful gingerbread houses (part of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association). One of my good friends in high school spent her summers there, so I’ve got memories of sitting on a brightly painted porch listening to Red Sox games on the radio. They’re just so gorgeous to wander around! The most famous one is the “Pink House,” so be sure to check it out. After you’ve wandered around there, mosey over to the Flying Horses for a carousel ride. It’s the oldest platform carousel in the United States. If you catch the brass ring, you get a free ride!
From there, head over to Vineyard Haven (or start there if that’s where your ferry goes!). Bunch of Grapes Bookstore is a must do for every bibliophile. It’s independently owned and has been there since longer than I can remember. After you grab your stack of books, head over to the Black Dog Tavern. Dinner is what they’re famous for, but I love the bakery for their sweets.
When you’re ready to explore further, head to Edgartown for some shopping. Be sure to stop at the Vineyard Vines store! Just past Edgartown is a famous beach – South Beach! It’s known for where Jaws was filmed. As you drive there, you’ll pass a few sights from the movie as well.
Before you leave Martha’s Vineyard, you have a few more necessary stops…you simply can’t go to the Vineyard without watching at least one Menemsha sunset. It’s one of the only places in Massachusetts where you get a beach sunset! Before sunset, grab some lobster at The Homeport. It’s where we used to go for my brother’s birthday every year. I’m a huge fan of the strawberry shortcake. Don’t forget ice cream at Mad Martha’s. They have three locations on island. And a famous dessert called the Pig’s Delight. It’s ordered by saying “Oink”!
Places to Stay:
* The Edgartown Inn
* The Dockside Inn
* Mansion House Inn
Places to Eat:
* The Black Dog Tavern
* Mad Martha’s
* The Homeport
Happy Travels!
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