The definition of a fabulous vacation is not always one filled with itineraries that have you racing from one tourist attraction to the next. Some of the best, and most memorable, getaways are often the ones spent in peace and quiet. Allowing time to pass without knowing you have to hail a taxi in the next five minutes to make the dinner reservations you made three weeks ago is what vacationing is all about. Imagine spending time with your best friends, catching up on some much-needed R&R while spending time away in a unique and beautiful landscape like Martha’s Vineyard.
Once a glacier, The Vineyard (as the locals call it) has become an offshore gem. With 6 quaint towns to discover inside the Island’s approximate 100 square miles, you’ll find beauty around every bend. Offering breathtaking scenic views atop the Gay Head Cliffs, scrumptious, fresh seafood and endless, sandy beaches it’s no wonder why many call this paradise.
With a plethora of parks, trails and beaches, Martha’s Vineyard is a haven for outdoor activities. Rent a boat for the afternoon and enjoy a little bit of life at sea. The saltwater air will refresh your body and soul. Or you could try something a bit subtler like taking a kayak or canoe out on any one of the Island’s numerous freshwater oases. For all the fisher-women, there are miles of coastline perfect for onshore or offshore fishing. So, grab a pole and some bait and enjoy the seascapes while waiting for your next great catch. In the mood for a picnic? With the Island full of nature trails and parks, having a picnic is nearly a must-do here. Want to get your pulse pumping, but don’t want to miss any time catching the scenery? Combine sightseeing and exercise with an invigorating bike tour of Martha’s Vineyard. Afterwards, get your yin and yang in order at the only Japanese Garden, called Mytoi Gardens, located in Edgartown. With so much outdoor recreational activities available, when will you have time to relax?
You could slow it down and breeze through each town at your own pace. You’ll discover that they each have their own personality and uniqueness.
Edgartown was the site of the first colonial settlement on Martha’s Vineyard. Strolling down Main Street the history will come alive in the Architecture of the Greek Revival Houses (rows of homes left behind by whaling captains from the early 19th century) or the Old Whaling Church (now known as the Performing Arts Center). Here you’ll also want to explore the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers scheduled activities year round.
Once called “Cottage City”, Oak Bluffs is a town most famous for the famous “gingerbread houses”. These homes were once tents used by religious followers to witness the gospel in the 1800’s during the religious revival era. Now they are treasured by the historical society for their Iron-Work Architecture, and have become a staple of the Oak Bluffs community.
If you are taking a ferryboat to Martha’s Vineyard, most likely you’ll be docked at Vineyard Haven/Tisbury. Here the air is filled with aromas from the local restaurants. You can wander in and out of the local shops and take time to enjoy views from the harbor. Shopping on the Island is a truly UNIQUE experience, as you will be pleasantly surprised to know chain stores are not located anywhere around. This makes for perfect gift shopping to find one-of-a-kind items for any occasion.
West Tisbury is known for Cedar Tree Neck Nature Preserve where the pristine woods and ponds are homes to many species of birds. Watch them in their natural habitat as you stroll along the walking paths, then head out to the shoreline for some amazing picturesque views of the sea.
Chilmark is another beautiful town best known for it’s rolling hills and farms and Menemsha Creek, which is a place where fresh seafood is brought in off the boats and can be purchased on the spot.
No matter what, you won’t want to end your vacation without seeing the breathtaking Gay Head Cliffs, located in the town of Aquinnah Cliffs. The views of this amazing natural wonder will astonish you. This will be a great photo opportunity; so don’t forget to bring the camera!
What kind of trip to an island would it be without precious beach time? Pack up you’re your beach gear and head out to any one of the many beaches – Menemsha Public Beach, Lighthouse Beach or maybe check out East Beach, just to name a few. Walk up and down the beach, kick back in a chair and read a book or talk with your girlfriends. Some of the best girls talk ever is done on a beach. There’s something so open and fun about a girl’s beach time that leads to some awesome girl talk!
So, enjoy your vacation at Martha’s Vineyard. You’ll find your days will be spent doing some sightseeing, hitting the beach and eating some of the most succulent seafood ever. At the end of the day you’ll sit outside with your girlfriends, breathe in the quiet, cool air coming off the ocean and think: Can life get any better than this?
For more information contact:
Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce.
