Our Top 5 Favorite Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard
When most people think of Martha’s Vineyard, they think of beaches, flip flops, sandy towels and rosy summer nights. While the island is definitely a place to make some summer memories, it also has much to offer in other seasons.
Before you start planning your trip, keep these few things in mind:
- There are a variety of great transportation systems on the island – from buses to bikes – so consider leaving your car behind. Leaving your car behind also means leaving behind the stress of having to find a parking spot once you’re on the island! There are several parking lots near the Woods Hole ferry where you can leave your car for the day, but remember guests of the Sands of Time get to stay in our lot for free!
- Pack some layers. Consider a light jacket or sweater for the ferry ride over and for the evenings after the sun has set.
- Don’t forget your water bottle. Sure there are going to be plenty of restaurants where you can stop in for a refreshment, but you never know where the day is going to take you (there’s so much to do!).
In the fall…
The “Gingerbread Cottage Village” is one of the quaintest walks you’ll ever take. One of the most popular attractions on the Vineyard, you might consider waiting till the off-season to take your own stroll through the village and experience the magic of their whimsy.
These gingerbread cottages are actually a collection of Methodist camp meeting houses. All 318 are laced with their own array of unique details, shapes and colors.
Keep the whimsy going with a visit to the Flying Horses Carousel. It is one of the nation’s oldest platform carousels and features a collection of antique carved horses with real horsehair mains and tails. As you ride round to the Wurlitzer Band Organ playing tunes on original paper rolls, keep an eye out for the lucky brass ring.
Stepping off the carousel you can follow your nose right across the street to Martha’s Vineyard Chowder company. There you can grab a cup of the “best chowder in Cape Cod” or some fresh bay scallops and head for the beach. Spread out a blanket and enjoy as you meditate on your day of enchanted sights.
In spring…
There’s still a crisp in the morning and night air during spring – but, it’s a crisp that makes your morning coffee and your evening beach walk sweater seem cozier.
The milder weather may offer you some beach time midday, but use the cooler hours to explore the Vineyard’s natural beauty, blooming flowers and budding trees.
There are many options for exploring:
- Grab a map of hiking trails and land conservancies throughout the Vineyard.
- Cruise over 40 miles of bike paths.
- Rent kayaks or paddle boards and enjoy the Vineyard’s spring foliage from a different angle.
In the height of summer…
When your boat enters port in the middle of June or July, you may be overwhelmed by the whir of people zipping by on bikes, waiting in line for buses, popping in and out of shops, or slinging towels over their shoulder as they race to the beach. We highly recommend spending a part of your day amongst all this excitement, but then why not sneak away to soak in a somewhat quieter area, an area often referred to as “a seemingly timeless place [with] vintage postcard imagery.”
We’re talking about the working fishing village of Menemsha. Here there are no private beaches or massive estates, and not a single person in a hurry. Only a small beach, some fish shacks and cheap eats.
In Menemsha you can grab yourself a fresh fish sandwich, sit on a bench and watch the lobster and fishermen at work. You might even try your own hand at fishing – it won’t be hard to spot the best locations. Young and old alike are lined up along the jetties at all hours of the day.
Season after season, the Vineyard never fails to disappoint. Here are just a few extras, you might not want to miss.
When it rains…
If you forgot your rain jacket, there’s plenty to do indoors on Martha’s Vineyard. Start with a visit to the Martha’s Vineyard museum. Get some history and learn about the different areas or attractions you might want to check out the next day when the rain lets up.
You might also like the Featherstone Center for the Arts, where you can spend hours browsing local artwork or check out one of their weekly events or classes.
Rain also provides an opportunity to really slow down and enjoy a long meal at one of the Vineyard’s many restaurants. Find a restaurant with a covered porch or fireplace and settle in for a delicious array of seafood.
At night…
There’s nothing like a fresh donut in the morning, but there’s also nothing like a fresh one at night! If there’s something you definitely shouldn’t miss on Martha’s Vineyard, its Back Door Donuts. From the classics like glazed, chocolate iced, and jelly to the creative twists such as maple bacon, butternut crunch or coconut, you’ll have a hard time deciding which treat to cap your night with. Not a donut fan? They have apple fritters and cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven too!
The back door – yes the back door – is open from 7 pm to 1 am.
Start Planning Your Martha’s Vineyard Vacation
Trying to pick our favorite things to do on the Vineyard was quite a challenge. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the variety of attractions and activities too, give our front desk a call. We’re always happy to make some recommendations more tailored to your family’s idea of a good time.
For a brief overview on each of Martha’s Vineyard’s most popular areas, click here. Our hotel is near the Woods Hole ferry that will take you to a few of these, so we’re also glad to help you find your way once you’ve arrived.
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