MARTHA'S
VINEYARD: A BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE LANDSCAPE
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There
is something magical about the Island of Martha's Vineyard
that makes many want to stay and many more want to visit.
With its miles of beaches, scenic farmland, golf courses,
and fantastic fishing, it is not hard to see what draws celebrities,
politicians, and common folk alike to Martha's Vineyard shores. Whether
for year-round living or seasonal relaxation, the Island of
Martha's Vineyard has something for everyone.
The Vineyard is composed of six towns, each with its own distinctive personality. Edgartown is familiar for its rows of white clapboard whaling houses
from the 1800s. Oak
Bluffs is known for its colorful gingerbread cottages and the Flying Horses Carousel. Vineyard
Haven, or Tisbury, is a quiet retreat with shops and restaurants,
including the famous Black Dog Bakery. West
Tisbury boasts miles of farm land and rolling green hills.
Miles of pristine beach and exquisite Menemsha sunsets define Chilmark. Aquinnah,
formerly Gay Head, offers breathtaking views of the picturesque
Gay Head Cliffs.
The island of Martha's Vineyard is located 7 miles from Woods
Hole off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The population
ranges from 15,000 in the winter to 50,000 in the summer,
not including as many as 25,000 day trippers during the summer
months.
Following is a list of Martha's Vineyard beaches, divided by town:
Aquinnah
- Gay Head Cliffs and Beach (Off-limits)
- Gay Head Public Beach, or Moshup Beach ( $15 parking fee
in summer)
- Lobsterville Beach
- Philbin Beach (Aquinnah residents only)
Chilmark
- Lucy Vincent Beach (Chilmark residents only)
- Menemsha Public Beach
- Squibnocket Beach (Chilmark residents only)
 Edgartown
- Bend in the Road Beach (pictured at right)
- East Beach (Subject to regulations of The Trustees of Reservations)
- Fuller Street Beach
- Katama Beach, or South Beach (Vehicles with permits allowed
on marked trails)
- Lighthouse Beach
Oak Bluffs
- Eastville Beach
- Oak Bluffs Town Beach
- Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Vineyard Haven
- Lake Tashmoo Town Beach
- Owen Park Beach
- Tisbury Town Beach
West Tisbury
- Lambert's Cove Beach (West Tisbury residents only)
- Long Point Wildlife Refuge beach (Subject to regulations
of The Trustees of Reservations)
Following is a list of helpful links and information.
Transportation:
Steamship Authority (www.steamshipauthority.com)
The Steamship vessels travel from Woods Hole, MA to the
Vineyard, docking in both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs.
The boat ride is 45 minutes long. This is the only Martha's
Vineyard ferry service that transports cars, in addition
to walk-on passengers. For peak season travel, be sure to
make your automobile reservations months in advance. Parking
is available on the Mainland for a fee.
Island Queen (www.islandqueen.com)
The Island Queen is a passenger-only ferry that travels
from Flamouth, MA to Oak Bluffs. The boat ride is 35 minutes
long. Advance reservations are not accepted, so arrive at
least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Parking
is available.
Falmouth Ferry Service (www.falmouthferry.com)
The Falmouth Ferry is a passenger-only service that travels
between Falmouth, MA and Edgartown, docking at Memorial
Wharf. The boat ride is 50 minutes long. Advance reservations
are accepted. Valet parking is available.
Hy-Line Cruises www.hy-linecruises.com
Vineyard Fast Ferry (Rhode Island) www.vineyardfastferry.com
Bonanza Buslines www.bonanzabus.com
Cape Air www.flycapeair.com
Town and County Info:
http://www.mvy.com/islandinfo/townandcounty.html
Calendar
of Events:
Chamber of Commerce Calendar http://www.mvy.com/islandinfo/eventscalendar.html
For further general information about Martha's Vineyard, visit
the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce web site, www.mvy.com. |
