Martha's Vineyard: The Ideal Summer Place

Martha's Vineyard, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean is an island that wins everyone's heart!

If you long to transport yourself to a place that feels magical and so very inviting, an island on the Atlantic Ocean waters named Martha's Vineyard is where to go. This idyllic island in the state of Massachusetts appeals to all ages and for good reason. There's plenty of things to do and no matter where to you find yourself on the "Vineyard" you'll be enchanted by the beauty and charm of the island. Whether you choose to camp, be pampered at a luxury bed or breakfast, choose a gorgeous Airbnb home for your stay or experience hosteling at the islands affordable youth hostel, you'll love hanging out on the "Vineyard." Bicycling, boating, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding....sports abound on the island. You can be an outdoor adventurer or just sit back on a lounge chair at one of the breath-taking beaches on the island. Culture abounds with opportunities to enjoy art galleries concerts, festivals, movies, and plays. The moment you step off the ferry or plane you know you've arrived at a vacation destination that feels like the pages of a fairytale. From the adorable gingerbread cottages and the oldest carousel in America called "Flying Horses" in Oak Bluffs to the fishing village of Menemsha for tasty seafood, to the sophisticated Edgartown with its stately homes to the cliffs of Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard will mesmerize you. Watch your stresses melt away as you relax on this island dotted with beaches, farmland, lakes, and relaxing picturesque towns. Martha's Vineyard is a vacation paradise and you'll love it so much that you'll yearn to return and return again.

How did Martha's Vineyard get its name? Most sources claim that is was so named by Bartholomew Gosnold back in he 1600's because of the large number of wild vines that he found on the island. He probably named the island Martha after his daughter whose name was Martha.

Martha's Vineyard has six different towns:

Aquinnah, is known for its clay cliffs, Gay Head Lighthouse, and Moshup's Beach.

Chilmark, has the photogenic fishing village of Menemsha, a haven for tasty seafood and lovely sunsets.

Edgartown, has a charming town center and the popular Katama (South Beach).

Oak Bluffs, is known for its Methodist Campground, multicolored gingerbread cottages, and "Flying Horses" carousel.

Vineyard Haven, is the main port of entry by ferry and offers an array of shops and restaurants.

West Tisbury, with its wide open spaces is the rural section of Martha's Vineyard. The annual fair takes place every August in this region and the well stocked Alley's General Store is located here.

Before you select your favorite part of the island, explore the entire island by bicycle, car, and foot. Nine miles wide and twenty six miles long, Martha's Vineyard will captivate you with its amazing beauty and interesting attractions. 

OAK BLUFFS: 

Although I love the entire island, my favorite town is OAK BLUFFS. I'm absolutely mesmerized by the National Historic Landmark, "Wesleyan Grove." Commonly known as "The Campground," this 34 acre part of Martha's Vineyard is renowned for the iconic iron Tabernacle and the adorable colorful Gingerbread Cottages originally built in the 1860's and 1870's. There are 318 cottages to admire as you walk through the grounds of the campground and everyone of them has its unique charm. These homes are some of the most photographed homes in the U.S.A. and for good reason. Truly an idyllic storybook setting. 

Isabella's Beach House is a bed and breakfast that's located directly across the beach. It's walking distance to the ferries and downtown Oak Bluffs. The inn has nine guest rooms and two suites. 83 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

The Oak Bluffs Inn is an elegant bed and breakfast and very close to the Methodist Campground. This pink clapboard house has ten rooms and offers lots of amenities; continental breakfast, complimentary beverages and snacks, private baths, an outdoor patio and wraparound porch, off street parking and so much more. It's the ultimate place to stay in Oak Bluffs. 64 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Summercamp Hotel, overlooks Oak Bluffs Harbor. A summer-camp inspired hotel in a 19th century building. Retro-designed rooms, camp canteen, a wraparound porch with rocking chairs, lawn games, and a recreation hall add to the appeal of a perfect summer place. 70 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Oak Bluffs Beaches: 

Oak Bluffs Town Beach at Seaview Avenue is located in the heart of town. Free parking.

State Beach at Seaview Avenue  has warm, sandy, shallow waters.  Free parking.

The Jetty Beach has low surf and is set on warm waters of the Vineyard Sound. 75 East Chop Drive.

33 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs

Flying Horses Carousel is the nation's oldest platform carousel. Since 1884 the Flying Carousel has been operating in the town of Oak Bluffs. Ride on a stationary carved wooden horse with manes and tails of real horse hair and brightly painted and fixed to the rotating platform by a metal post. Rides cost $3.50 per person.

Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium, add some sweetness to your stay in Oak Bluffs with handmade, old fashioned family recipe candies, chocolates, gelato, and ice cream. Located at 20a Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Linda Jeans, is an island favorite for both locals and visitors. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located at 25 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs

Lookout Tavern is known for its lobster rolls. Their diverse menu includes everything from battered and fried seafood to burgers, sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. Located at 8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Mad Martha's Homemade Ice Cream, summer just isn't summer without a scoop or two of ice cream. Located at 12 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

MV Salads, made to order salads, featuring locally grown produce and locally caught seafood.

55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Reliable Market is a full service supermarket in business since 1947. They carry fresh cut meats, bread and dairy, groceries, gourmet products, a deli, and health and beauty aids. Located at 36 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

JUNE is here, long sunny days and the beginning of summer. Martha's Vineyard is beckoning. Whether you arrive by ferry or plane, once you're here, you won't want to leave. Enjoy your summer days on magical Martha's Vineyard. You'll soon find out that "There's No Place Quite like MARTHA'S VINEYARD."

Vineyard Ferries:

The Steamship Authority operates year round and has ferries running all day long during the height of summer. Ferries from Woods Hole, MA (Cape Cod) to Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. 

Hy-Line Cruises from Hyannis, MA (Cape Cod) to Oak Bluffs.

Island Queen from Falmouth, MA (Cape Cod) to Oak Bluffs.

HAPPY SUMMER FROM MARTHA'S VINEYARD!