|
|
Martha's Vineyard is the second largest island on the eastern seaboard
(behind Long Island, NY). This means it is indeed a large island,
26 miles by 14 to be exact. With six towns, dozens of beaches large
and small, salt and freshwater ponds, a state forest, and even another
island (Chappaquiddick) there are hundreds of miles of trails, roads,
and shoreline to explore. Below are some suggestions for your enjoyment
and also some links of sources for much more information. |
|
 |
To
the beach!
There is a beautiful beach in every direction. No Vineyard visit
during summer should be done without a bathing suit along! From
the clear green sandbar swimming of Silvia State Beach between Oak
Bluffs and Edgartown, to the rough breakers of the South Shore at
Katama and Chappaquiddick, Vineyard beaches will amaze you. The
farthest from Ride On is a 20-mile ride to Aquinnah, formerly known
as Gay Head. There you enjoy the view from the lighthouse overlook
over the multi-colored clay cliffs, or visit the public beach at
their base. "Zach's Cliffs" is just below the lighthouse
on Moshup's Trail road. You can park your bike or moped off the
road at the public lot (for a small fee) and walk down the pathway
to a stunning unique beach. Be forewarned: there are some nude bathing
areas a mile north along the point.
Shopping
Each of the island towns offers Island shopping, galleries, restaurants,
and more. The three major towns offer the most variety: Oak Bluffs,
Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven. But other towns offer unique places
of interest like the Field Gallery of outdoor sculpture in West
Tisbury, or MV Pottery and MV Glassworks in Chilmark, the fishing
village of Menemsha, and the tribal shops of Aquinnah, just to name
a couple. We have maps with many of these businesses marked for
you to discover.
Dining
There are over a hundred eating establishments on the Island. A
global variety of cuisine hosted by quiet, waterview, garden or
about any type of location you can imagine. Alcohol is sold only
in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, but the other town's establishments
allow "brownbagging". Bon apetit!
Touring
You can spend an entire week and still not see most of the quaint
and special locations on Martha's Vineyard. If on a bicycle, there
are miles of bikepaths that wander in and around the Island. If
on a moped, you have the opportunity to travel to many distant locations
that a bicyclist may not be conditioned to reach. An amazing tour
for both takes you from Oak Bluffs towards Edgartown along a 6-mile
barrier beach habitat. Once in Edgartown, you can park and walk
along historic Captain's houses, catch a bite to eat overlooking
Edgartown Harbor, then hop the "On Time" ferry to Chappy,
where you can then ride to the Atlantic beaches of Wasque Point
and Cape Poge. Whatever the destination, we have maps and more suggestions
on how to get there.
Links
The Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce
- our local business website
Martha's Vineyard Online - chock
full of information, a Vineyard info portal site
The Gazette and MV
Times newspapers - news, schedules, and special events listings
The Steamship
Authority site - schedules and information
The Island Queen ferry
from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs (passenger only)
Cape Air - flights into Martha's Vineyard Airport
Budget Car Rental of Martha's
Vineyard
Jim's Package Store - fine
wines, beer, and liquor delivered to your door at no extra charge
Oak Bluffs Marina
- information if coming by boat
|
|
