The Hidden Vineyard
 

A Guide to Martha's Vineyard 

Martha's Vineyard, the largest island in New England, lies seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod. The island is nine miles wide and 23 miles long and has 124.6 miles of tidal shoreline. There are three up-island towns, Gay Head (Aquinnah), Chilmark and West Tisbury and three down-island towns, Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. 

Aquinnah: At the far western end of the Island, the town of Aquinnah boasts spectacular Atlantic Ocean beaches with beautiful towering cliffs of red and orange clay. Formed by years of erosion, the cliffs have astonished visitors and scientists alike, with history told by amazing array of ancient fossils. Its legendary lighthouse stands majestically above the cliffs, with fascinating tours of its interior a popular tourist attraction. 

Chilmark: One of three towns located in the area known as "Up Island", the town of Chilmark offers some of the most breathtaking views of unspoiled land, rolling meadows, and brilliant sea. The town center is marked by a lovely church, as well as a general store featuring a spacious down-home porch where visitors and natives alike gather throughout the day to feast, chat and share the latest local tidbits. 

Vineyard Haven: Also known as Tisbury, the town of Vineyard Haven is an active commercial center throughout the year. Home to delightful inns, large and small, it opens its welcome arms to the influx of travelers arriving by ferry to the Island. Vineyard Haven's Main Street includes a variety of eateries and an array of shops catering to the tastes of any visitor. The Vineyard Haven harbor is an active and lovely sight and was once one of the most heavily sailed ports in the world. At the top of Main Street, one can enjoy the serene passage of sailboats from Owen Park, with its charming small beach, playground equipment for the tots, and the Liberty Pole landmark. 

Oak Bluffs: With something for everyone, the unique town of Oak Bluffs features whimsical Victorian "gingerbread" cottages built in the 1800s, which vie with one another for charm and originality. In the 1800's, before it was known as Oak Bluffs, the area was a center of revivalism among members of the Methodist and other religious faiths. Hundreds flocked to the Island to enjoy sermons and sunshine, pitching tents for temporary shelter. Over time, these tents were replaced by permanent cottages, most of which circle the open-air and recently renovated Tabernacle. Oak Bluffs has a wonderful harbor and along Sea View Ave offers some of the Island's most incredible ocean vistas. In addition to relishing the many restaurants and shops, visitors enjoy concerts in Ocean Park and rides on the Flying Horses, the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country, its horses hand-carved in New York City in 1876. 

Edgartown: The streets of Edgartown, the Island's first colonial settlement, are lined with upscale shops, art galleries, fine restaurants, and historic churches. The stately houses, many of them carefully restored sea captains' homes, are surrounded by well-manicured lawns and blossoming gardens. Some have lovely views of the Edgartown harbor. Built in 1843 at the height of the whaling industry, the famous Old Whaling Church with its six majestic columns commands Main Street and now serves primarily as a performing arts center. Directly south of Edgartown is an area known as Katama, featuring contemporary vacation homes and a three-mile public barrier beach called South Beach, with surf on one side and protected salt pond on the other. 

In addition to the separate towns on the Vineyard are many smaller communities and sub-divisions many with their own private beaches. If you buy carefully, you too can have access to you own up-island private beach. 

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