Insider’s Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Activities

In-Season Martha’s Vineyard Activities

1. Stroll (or Jog) North Water Street. Beautifully renovated captains’ homes date to when Edgartown was a major whaling port called Great Harbour. Don’t miss the Emily Post House garden at 34 Fuller Street. The famous advocate of all things mannerly summered there from 1927 until her death in 1960. She wrote often of her garden, especially her Dahlias, which are still lovingly tended by the current owners.
2. Climb Edgartown Lighthouse. Saunter down to Edgartown Lighthouse, take a tour and climb to the top for the best view of Edgartown Harbor.
3. Tour Chappaquiddick’s East Beach. Ride the On-Time Ferry and meet the van on “the Chappy side.”  Take an over-sand vehicle tour of beautiful East Beach, learn about the natural history of this unique location and tour Cape Poge Lighthouse – the lighthouse that visitors rarely see as it’s ONLY accessible by beach vehicle or boat! Talk about “insider!”
4. Be a Jaws Groupie. “It’s only an Island if you look at it from the water,” is Brody’s infamous line from Jaws, which was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard in 1974.  Ask us for a Jaws tour map and we’ll point out the most recognizable movie locations. Then, take Brody’s advice and get out on a boat. Options abound – from a short ride around the harbor on a launch to a full-day adventure on the high seas. See some of our suggestions on our Beaches and Boating page.
5. Revel in Beach Nightlife. Ride out to Menemsha, join the throng on the beach, and picnic in the stunning light of the setting sun. Revel in the party atmosphere as children play, impromptu jam sessions break out, music fills the air, and new friends are made. Let us call ahead to Larsen’s Fish Market to arrange a take-out New England Clambake of lobster, clams, corn on the cob and all the fixin’s.
6. Hop on a Bus. If this is your first Martha’s Vineyard visit (or even if it’s not), we highly recommend a bus tour to hit island highlights. Our favorite is the brightly painted Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing Bus. The company offers a 2½-hour tour with a ½-hour stop at the Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse. The Cliffs are a protected National Historic Landmark and the lighthouse was made from clay bricks culled from the site. Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society on School Street displays the lighthouse’s original 1856 Fresnel Lens. You’ll learn a lot of Island lore (as well as hear wonderful anecdotes from a great group of knowledgeable drivers!)
7. Explore Oak Bluffs. As eclectic as Edgartown is refined, Oak Bluffs offers tons to keep you entertained as well as fascinating history. Don’t miss the ‘Gingerbread Cottages’ in the Campgrounds.  These brightly painted, ornately carved cottages were built by the Methodist Church campers during the mid 1800’s.  The Tabernacle, the physical and spiritual center of the Campgrounds, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is still home to weekly church services in July and August, and host of cultural events throughout the summer.
8. Ride the Carousel. Another Oak Bluffs must-see is the Flying Horses Carousel. Housed in a dark red building near the Steamship Authority terminal, it’s the oldest operating platform carousel in America.  Don’t forget to reach for the Brass Ring to win a free ride (you’ll understand once you get there).
9. Feed Your Inner Chocoholic. Make a pilgrimage to a little cottage in Chilmark – home to decadent Chilmark Chocolates. These handmade chocolates are one of the Island’s best-kept secrets. Only available at 1 or 2 locations on Island (nope – no website!), you queue up (there’s ALWAYS a line), and shuffle through the tiny store to pick out your selections. Trust us – it is worth it. Our weakness is the milk chocolate butter crunch (which is featured on the Snowball Dessert at Chescas).
10. Relax! That’s our Number One tip. Give in to the quieter island pace, reconnect and enjoy. Stop by the concierge desk if you need help or ideas.