The Oak Bluffs Inn is conviently located at the end of Circuit, Ave.
Zephrus in Vineyard Haven serves a lite fare menu all day.
Some of the best shopping on the Island is on Main Street, Vineyard Haven.
Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts
The Vineyard is a beautiful – and quirky – place that you can enjoy on a range of budgets for a range of reasons. However, a lot of the best finds on the Island are a little more under the surface. Lucky for you, we've already done a lot of the digging for you.
It's time to lockdown where you're going to stay, where you want to eat, and where you want to shop. The Vineyard is made up of six towns. However, most of the action can be found in the three down-Island towns of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. This doesn't, by any means, suggest that you should discount the bucolic beauty of Up-Island where gorgeous homes and open spaces draw visitors looking for a break from city life.
Sleeping: Where to Rest Your Head
If you’re ready to go all-out, the Harbor View Hotel and Resort or the Charlotte Inn – both located amongst the historic homes of 19th century whaling captains – are good places to splurge. The Harbor View boasts ocean views and kids programs, while the Relais & Chateaux Charlotte Inn is known for its turn -of-the-century authenticity.
For mid-range hotels the Oak Bluffs Inn and the Madison Inn will both put you at the center of everything in Oak Bluffs. The Mansion House on Main Street, Vineyard Haven also has the convenience of a downtown location – plus a great gym and the only non-privately owned indoor pool on the Island.
If you’re looking for accommodations at a great price there are two motels on Island ready to meet your budget. Both located in Vineyard Haven, the Vineyard Harbor Motel has a great location on Vineyard Haven’s historic harbor, and the Harbor Landing is in downtown Vineyard Haven with sundeck, bbq grills and a common kitchen.
Dining: Feast on This
When it comes to your gastronomic needs, Martha’s Vineyard is ready to exceed your expectations. Atria on Upper Main Street, Edgartown has a varied menu with influences from around the world, while Le Grenier on Main Street, Vineyard Haven has a traditional French menu that has not changed in twenty-six years. l’etoile in Edgartown, an intimate restaurant with contemporary French fare, has the reputation as the finest of fine dining Vineyard establishments.
For great food that won’t put you over your monthly Amex limit try Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs. The Island’s only microbrewery, Offshore has great truffle fries, and Portobello pizza. Café Moxie in Vineyard Haven also has reasonable prices and fantastic ambience.
For an inexpensive meal, check out Linda Jean’s on Circuit Ave. for good, comfort food in large portions. Or visit Sharky's, a fun Mexican cantina with great drink specials also on Circuit.
Shopping: Get Your Spend On
The Black Dog t-shirt has become one of the most popular emblems of the leisure lifestyle. If you want to pick-up your Black Dog gear on the Island you can do so in any of the three major towns.
If you’re more partial to fish than mammals, Menemsha Blues has another popular Island t-shirt with a bluefish on the front to remind you of your time on Vineyard Sound.
For a unique boutique experience, check out Midnight Farm, Pandora’s Box and Chica You’ll never want to shop in a mall again. For more great boutiques and stores check out our Shopping Guide.
After Dark
The after-hours on Martha’s Vineyard might seem a little scaled back if you’re used to big-city nightlife. But really, with our 12:30am closing time it just means you’ve got to get out and have your fun early. Balance, known as a celebrity hot spot, is back in Oak Bluffs. The Cellar Bar at Edgartown's Atria is another classy option with live music and warm ambience.
If music is what you’re after then Outerland at the airport is your best bet. Nationally known acts take on the stage at the Island’s only nightclub.
Beyond that it’s Oak Bluffs and Edgartown for the bar scenes; Edgartown’s traditionally known to be more preppy and OB has the reputation of being a little rowdier.
Your Day in the Sun
The Vineyard is famous for its beaches, and so if you’re here in the sunny season that’s probably a big part of the reason. State Beach on Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown is a great family beach with small waves, and not terribly hard to find parking. Be sure to jump off the second bridge – you’ll always wish you had if you don’t. South Beach in Katama (an area of Edgartown) is another great beach if you’re looking for a little more surf and more of a see and be seen atmosphere.
For hiking be sure to pick up a map of the Land Banks properties since over one-third of the Island is under preservation. Maps are available at their headquarters on Main Street, Edgartown, or from their website.
For the boaters, remember that many fishermen offer half-day or daylong fishing trips and there’s also no shortage on day cruises, and motorboat, jet ski, or kayak rentals around the Vineyard. Island Water Sports and Wind’s Up are good places to check in with about rentals, and Mad Max is a popular Catamaran tour out of Edgartown.
Congratulations on beginning to plan your first trip to the Island. It's a very special place, and we're sure you'll leave with your own stash of secret spots and wonderful memories.
I was eleven years old when
I was eleven years old when I was up to Martha Vineyard and I throught it very beauityful I love Hancok's Candy I was at her house where she made it. I also remenber the Meth. Church in Town we stayed at a Aunt's House down the street from there. I would love to get one of Hancok's Butter Creams again.
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