10 Great Things to Do on Martha's Vineyard

by Marcia Simon, CTA, APR
 
Martha’s Vineyard, just four miles off the coast of Cape Cod, has become an increasingly popular destination, and therefore more crowded, over recent years. Even so, a day or two can easily trigger the magic power of island life to soothe the soul and take you away from the troubles of the world.
 
A New England gem, about 25 miles long and nine miles wide, Martha’s Vineyard is an easy ferry ride from either mainland Massachusetts or Rhode Island, as well as from Montauk on the east end of Long Island.
 
Whether by car or bicycle, wherever you go on the Vineyard you’re likely to see water along your journey. The island has a whaling history you can still feel –  from the widow walk rooftops looking out over an expansive horizon, to the large metal whale blubber pots that now serve as flower planters that adorn the porches of museums and inns on the island. Fishing today via charter trips is focused on bonita, tuna, shark and marlin (in certain seasons.) It’s quite common to see men with pickup trucks and boys with bicycles packed with fishing reels heading for the water’s edge to surf cast in hopes of snagging a big striped bass.
 
Edgartown, known as the most affluent part of the island, seems a lot more casual today than it was 10 years ago, as millennials with yoga pants and baby strollers outnumber baby boomers in pink pants and pearls. Oak Bluffs attracts more of the drinking crowd, but no matter where you go on Martha’s Vineyard, it’s easy to chill and relax. High season starts right after Memorial Day and goes through September, which has become a big month for weddings on the island.
 
October’s weather is usually still warm, with sweater-weather nights, and weekend hotel rooms offering lower rates and availability.
 
Getting around the island is easy with the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority bus system. They have a few spaces for bicycles. So, whether you take your car, a bike or just walk aboard a ferry to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs, remember to travel light in mind, spirit and luggage.
 
Here are 10 Great Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard

1. Ride a bike – bring it on the ferry or rent one when you arrive in either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. You’ll find wide, scenic bike paths in the busier Oak Bluffs to Edgartown stretch. Cars and cyclists share the roads politely toward the quiet parts of the island from the fishing village of Menemsha and sandy cliffs of Gay Head to beaches of Chappaquiddick.
2. Eat lobster and chowder. Most menus have both as well as fish and chips. A lobster roll in the Vineyard is generally a cold lobster salad stuffed generously into a hot dog bun. Menus may also offer a hot lobster roll with drawn butter. If fine dining is more your style, try Chesca’s in Edgartown.
3. Taste the local beer. The two main breweries are Bad Martha in Edgartown and the Offshore Ale Company in Oak Bluffs.
4. Explore the history and look at lighthouses. The Edgartown Lighthouse overlooks Edgartown Harbor and Chappaquiddick Island. On the far quiet side is the Aquinnah Light by the Gay Head cliffs. You can visit the Eat Chop and West Chop lighthouses as well as others. These are fun bicycling destinations.
5. Go the to the beach. You’re never far from a beach. Inquire at your hotel desk or ask a local to see what’s closest to you. Katama Beach (South Beach) is popular for larger waves and surfing.
6. Go fishing – bring your own equipment or take a day trip on a deep-sea charter boat from the quiet side of the island. Menemsha is the fishing village and most charter captains will filet the fish for you so you can take it home.  
7. Take a tour if you’re not up to self-exploration – Martha’s Vineyard Tours and Excursions, Martha’s Vineyard Tours and Transport and the Edgartown Tour Company are a few of the company’s that will drive you around and show you the sites in either a one, two or three-hour ride that includes some Native American as well as whaling history. The Jaws Tour remains popular, visiting the locations where the classic movie was filmed.
8. Take the ferry to Chappaquiddick. It’s the only way to get there. Cars, bikes and pedestrians are welcome, but getting around Chappy isn’t as much fun without some type of wheels. There are no restaurants and only one general store. The Mytoi Japanese Gardens are relaxing as you meander through native habitat.
9. Bring a book. A rainy day during your vacation pushes you into Plan B. “It forces you to relax,” said our inn keeper. It’s part of island life. Slow down. Enjoy the quiet time.
10. Visit The Carnegie, formerly the old Edgartown Library on North Water Street, and now the Vineyard Trust’s tribute to the whaling life and captains who called this area home. Opened in June 2018, The Carnegie offers free admission and is open from 10 am, Wednesdays through Sundays during summer season. If you’re walking around Edgartown or looking for a light activity on a rainy day, this might fit the bill. It’s small and easy to walk through in a short amount of time. There’s a small gift shop inside with lots of souvenirs and books geared toward children, and ice cream shops are just a few blocks away.

 
Marcia Simon is a writer/blogger, travel agent and principal of MSE public relations. Connect at friendlygrouptravel.com, facebook.com/friendlygrouptravel, @friendsgotravel or send email to [email protected].
​MSE specializes in traveltech, health and wellness. mseusa.com.