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Guidebook Martha's Vineyard
Location/Region: Cape & Islands
Geographical Description: Island 7-miles from
the southern coast of Massachusetts
Climate: Moderate with four seasons; January
mean temperature is 29; July mean temperature is 73
Population: 14,900 winter / 150,000 summer
Area History:
Ancestral home of the Aquinnah Wampanoag. Explored by
Batholomew Gosnold in 1602. Settled shortly thereafter. Notable for its
sea- and whaling- ports in the 19th century.
Cultural info:
You might find yourself with a case of déjà vu while
walking through Island towns; the Black Dog Tavern, Admiral Benbow Inn,
names surely familiar to those who as children read and dreamed over
Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island; while the stately
Captain's homes hugging the Edgartown harbor front may evoke memories of
Melville's Moby Dick. Or spend a misty autumn late noon wandering
Edgartown's town cemetery where tombstones tell the tale of men lost at
sea in pursuit of other whales under Captain's other than Ahab.
Hawthorne too touched this Island. Some say his Hester Prynne was a
Vineyard girl and that she and her child lie quiet now among the
chestnuts and cypress of Great Harbor's graves. The Martha's Vineyard
Historical Society; Preservation Trust and Cottage Museum all offer an
opportunity to view the Island's past. Also of interest is The Oak
Bluffs Methodist Campground which offers a wonderful opportunity to view
colorful cottages decorated with gingerbread style woodwork. This small
but vital community within a community was born over a century ago when
evangelists held summer meetings amongst the tents of their summer
congregations.
What to see and do:
Aside from the obvious recreational opportunities
offered at Island beautiful beaches and surrounding waters, Martha's
Vineyard has long attracted artists every medium. Photographers,
sculptors and painters have found the Vineyard to be a rich in
inspiration and welcoming in ambiance. Up island and down, many local
artists exhibit both in private studios and galleries. They have
captured the Vineyard in its many moods and in a variety of palettes.
Whether their preference is for representational or abstract art,
collectors who visit the Island will have much to peruse.
This in turn has resulted in a proliferation of
galleries and upscale restaurants in what has fast become the new 'arts
district' of this Island town. For those inclined to the outdoors,
biking, golf and hiking are perennial favorites. Summer and the holiday
season bring farmers markets artisan fairs. When the sun goes down,
theater, concert and dance performances of every description are
available to choose from: Shakespeare in the amphitheater, vintage movie
events and comedy improv name just a few. Shopping, antiquing and
gallery hopping are also popular activities
Tips on visiting:
September and October are the Island's golden months.
Typically the days are clear, sunny and often retain the warmth of
summer. While the Island is still very much open for business, its
beaches and other recreational spots are uncrowded and the ambience is
relaxed and easy.
State/Area Trivia and Interesting or Little Known
Facts:
Spring on Martha's Vineyard is heralded by a small
tree frog called a pinkletink (or peeper) whose high pitched call can be
heard at night in the early days of spring.
For
information about accommodations, recreation, dining and much
more in this area and many other US destinations, take a moment
to visit our US Travel Directories:
