Martha's Vineyard

The world-famous summer resort island of Martha's Vineyard is set just to the south of Cape Cod, off the Atlantic seacoast, and includes Chappaquiddick Island in its designated area. Its 15,000 permanent residents are crowded out each summer by the arrival of an estimated 60,000 visitors.
By contrast, its original settlers, the Wampanoag Indians, numbered only 313 in 1764, when records were first kept during Martha's Vineyard's early colonial history.

Martha's Vineyard is a beautiful vacation spot as well as home to many. I have only visited Martha's Vineyard once but I enjoyed it very much and hope to visit again this summer. The island is very large so if you are planning to stay for just one day you most likely will not be able to see all that Martha's Vineyard has to offer. Between the beaches, shopping, dinning and sightseeing you could spend up to a week here and still not have enjoyed everything that there is to experience.
 
The beaches on Martha's Vineyard are beautiful! There are many that you can visit. Keep in  mind that water temperatures usually do not peak until mid-August. You can also visit The Gay Head & East Chop Lighthouses which recently turned 150 years old and 130 years old, respectively.  These represent two of a total of five lighthouses scattered along the Vineyard and Nantucket sounds. There are also many unique shops to visit in Oak Bluffs as well as Edgar Town.

Surrounded by the sea and rich in farmlands and open fields, Martha’s Vineyard is perfectly placed to offer a wide choice of foods and fun places to enjoy it.  Start your day with fresh baked goods from any one of Martha’s Vineyard’s fine bakeries.  From bread to biscuits, scones to soda breads, you’ll find any number of ways to satisfy your morning appetite!

For lunch and dinner you can crack open a lobster right on the shore up in Menemsha or atop fine china in any number of restaurants thrughout Martha’s Vineyard.  Relish a brown bag full of fresh fried oysters while strolling on the pier in Oak Bluffs or enjoy them on the half shell on a deck overlooking the harbor in Edgartown.  Warm yourself with chowder or cool down with a fresh salad composed of crisp greens, picked fresh the same morning.

Not to be overlooked are Martha’s Vineyard’s farm stands and Farmer’s Markets.  One of the summer’s most popular activities is paying a visit to the West Tisbury Farmers Market and other open markets that take place throughout the week and throughout the Island. Shoppers will find the freshest and best produce that Martha’s Vineyard farmers have to offer along with baked goods, pantry items and more.