Martha’s Vineyard is a large island off the coast of Massachusetts that is popularly known as a summer tourist destination. The island is divided into 6 towns, the names in parenthesis are alternative area names that are generally interchangeable with their official names: Tisbury (Vineyard Haven), Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, West Tisbury, Chilmark (Menemsha), Aquinnah (Gay Head). You’ll find that many street and area names pay tribute to the island’s Wampanoag Native American heritage, who once populated the island. It is unknown who exactly “Martha” is, it is speculated that it could be named after either the daughter or mother-in-law of English explorer Batholomew Gosnold who sailed to the island in 1602.
Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce: http://www.mvy.com/
Martha’s Vineyard on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha’s_Vineyard
Related Day Trips:
Activities:
Attractions:
- Gay Head Cliffs – There’s a plaza at the top where you can grab some food and do some souvenir shopping. Go there around sunset, there’s a balcony where you can watch the sun fade across the ocean.
- The Lighthouse in Aquinnah – The Lighthouse is open for tours and I hear the views from the top are spectacular. I did not get a chance to take a tour but I have heard good things.
- Moshup Beach – This is the beach near Gay Head cliffs and the Lighthouse, famous for its beautiful clay cliffs that reflect red and orange, quite a site. MV Beaches
Lodging:
- The Kinsman House – A charming Bed & Breakfast in Vineyard Haven run by Doreen, a friendly, long-time resident. It’s within walking distance of the Vineyard Haven Ferry but I would take a bus if you dock in Oak Bluffs. http://www.mvy.com/Guest-Houses/Kinsman-House
Restaurants/Lounges:
- The Atlantic (Atlantic Fish & Chop House) – Fun atmosphere and scenic views near the water. The food was mediocre and expensive and the service was on the slow side. It would be a good place to get some drinks with friends. http://www.atlanticmv.com/
- Faith’s Seafood Shack and Sushi – This cute seafood stand is located on Gay Head cliffs in the plaza. Prices are decent and the food tasted fresh. The muscles were great. http://www.faithsseafoodshack.com/
- M.V. Bagel Authority – A delicious bakery located in Vineyard Haven. They serve breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The kale soup was the soup of the day during my visit, it was tasty. M.V. Bagel Authority on Facebook
- Waterside Market – The breakfast at Waterside Market is excellent. They use fresh ingredients and cook everything perfectly and it’s easy on the wallet too! http://watersidemarket.com/
- The Wharf Pub & Restaurant – They have a large pub area with enough open space to double as a dance floor. I went during an event called “Scaryoke” (scary karaoke), it was fun and the DJ was hilarious. The drink prices are pretty standard, no deals here. http://www.wharfpub.com/
