Island
History
- The Island of Martha's Vineyard is a jewel of many facets. It
is the largest and, thought to be, one of the most picturesque
islands in New England. The Vineyard is shaped like an irregular
triangle, 
approximately
twenty miles in length and nine and a half miles at its widest
point. Located just a few miles off the southeast coast of Massachusetts,
the island is easily accessible by airplane or ferry. It is comprised
of six towns, three of which are referred to as "Up-Island" (Aquinnah,
Chilmark & West Tisbury), and three of which are referred to as
"Down-Island" (Edgartown, Oak Bluffs & Vineyard Haven, which is
also known as Tisbury).
The Vineyard
still offers a great deal of open space and rolling fields,
as well as ponds and marshes, which are now protected by conservation
restrictions. We are fortunate to have retained much of the
charm and character that the first inhabitants found so appealing,
though it's a fragile commodity.
The Wampanoag
Indians were the original inhabitants of Noepe, now known as
Martha's Vineyard, and date back about seven to ten thousand
years ago. There were numerous sachemships on the island, but
the Aquinnah Wampanoags are the only ones who continue to live
here today.
To trace
the first white man's discovery of Martha's Vineyard you have
to consider a couple of different theories. One of the popular,
but hard to prove, theories deals with the Norsemen. In Icelandic
lore, there are references made to the discovery and 
exploration
of America, including the discovery of a land referred to as
Vinland (Wineland), which was named because of its abundance
of grapes. It is believed that Leif Ericsson, a mariner in the
eleventh century, was the first to sail this hemisphere, and
it is quite possible that he was the first white man to discover
this as yet unspoiled island.
The most
commonly told story begins when Bartholomew Gosnold, an English
mariner, set sail from Falmouth, England in 1602, to explore
the shores of the new world. He sailed around Cape Cod and up
the southern shores of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, mistaking
them for the mainland.
Gosnold
landed on the larger island of Martha's Vineyard after exploring
and naming the Elizabeth Islands. Although the Wampanoags called
the island "Noepe", Gosnold dubbed it "Martha's Vineyard", named
for his daughter Martha and the presence of wild grapes on its
shores. Upon exploration of the island, Gosnold discovered "Lakes,
ponds and streams of the purest water, bushes bearing edible
berries, tree growth from which hung fruit filled vines, while
birds and animals were everywhere."
On
October 13, 1641, Thomas Mayhew purchased Martha's Vineyard,
Nantucket and the Elizabeth Islands from Sir Ferdynando Gorges
and the Earl of Stirling.
Under Mayhew's
orders to colonize the island, the English first settled on
the east end of Martha's Vineyard in 1642. During the first
ten years of the settlement there were approximately three thousand
Indians on the island and not more than three dozen whites.
The first
semblance of a government of record was in 1653 when Martha's
Vineyard became a colony of New York. Today Dukes County is
comprised of the six towns on Martha's Vineyard and Gosnold
(Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeth Islands). Each town has its own
government, police force and fire department.
Aquinnah
- Until recently, the Town of Aquinnah had been known as Gay
Head. The name Gay Head was thought to have been given because
of the multi-colored clay cliffs at its head that spill into
the Atlantic. The name was changed back to its original Indian
name of Aquinnah in 1998. Many descendants of the original Wampanoag
Indians still reside in Aquinnah.
The clay
cliffs for which the town is known were created by glaciers
during the Ice Age. There have been many fossils found as the
cliffs have eroded over the years, however it is now illegal
to remove clay or anything else from the cliffs for fear of
causing permanent damage to this magnificent natural formation.
One of
the first lighthouses in America was built on 
the
cliffs of Gay Head in 1799. In addition to the breathtaking
views of the Gay Head cliffs, Aquinnah has many beautiful vistas,
private beaches (for town residents only), and one public beach,
Moshup Beach, located off Moshup Trail. Aquinnah is located
on the western-most point of the Vineyard.
Chilmark
- The up-island town of Chilmark is known for its rolling hills
and magnificent views. Ancient stonewalls gracing the countryside
are a common sight in this New England town. Chilmark's coastline
is very dramic, ranging from the sloping sandy beaches of the
south shore to the rocky coast of the north shore.
The town
of Chilmark was named for Chilmark, England, the ancestoral
home of Thomas Mayhew's wife. For centuries Chilmark consisted
mainly of farmland and the tiny fishing village of Menemsha.
Menemsha is now world renowned for its subtle beauty and traditional
New England charm. In addition to being a classic New England
fishing village, it is one of the only harbors on the east coast
where you can watch the sun set into the sea. Among the best
features of Menemsha are the dock-side fish markets where you
can have your lobsters cooked to go, or pick up some of the
freshest seafood imaginable.
Chilmark
has many beautiful beaches, two are for Chilmark residents only
(Squibnocket and Lucy Vincent), however Menemsha Beach is open
to the public. Chilmark also boasts some of the highest property
evaluations in the state, yet has one of the lowest tax rates.
West
Tisbury
- West Tisbury is a quaint New England village with many historical
points of interest. It has large tracts of unspoiled land, much
of it still used for farming. The center of town still has the
old country store (Alley's) as its centerpiece, along with the
Congregational Church, the Old Mill Pond, the Grange Hall and
the Town Hall.
West Tisbury
was once a stopover on the long trail from one end of the island
to the other by horseback or horse 
and
buggy. Today West Tisbury is best known for the Farmer's Market
and the Agricultural Society Fair.
West Tisbury
is home to Lambert's Cove Beach, one of the most beautiful on
the north shore. Also, the Trustees of Reservations own a large
south shore beach which is available to members of the Trustees
of Reservations.
Edgartown
- Edgartown is a scenic seaport village. Many of the beautiful
antique homes that line the streets of this charming community
were built in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The
main section of town is graced with stately captain's homes
that were built when Edgartown was a prosperous whaling community
during the 1800's. The massive "Old Whaling Church" that dominates
Main Street was built in 1843 and is a well-known Vineyard landmark.
Chappaquiddick
Island is one of the most beautiful parts of Edgartown. With
gorgeous beaches and hundreds of acres of preserved land it
provides a habitat for many endangered species of plants and
wildlife.
Modern-day
Edgartown is a delightful place to while away a lazy summer
day browsing thorough its many shops or dining at any of its
fine restaurants. Take a stroll down by the docks and you'll
see why Edgartown is best known for its yachting community.
Oak
Bluffs - Oak Bulffs is known the world over for its
"gingerbread houses", built on the site of the original Methodist
summer camp meetings in the 1800's. Today the Tabernacle and
many beautiful gingerbread-style cottages are located in the
area known as the Campgrounds.
Oak Bluffs
is also home to the "Flying Horses" carousel, the oldest operating
carousel in the United States. Its horses were hand-carved in
1876 and the manes and tails are made of real horse hair. Each
horse has a unique name, and choosing your favorite is half
the fun.
Oak Bluffs'
Ocean Park is among the town's big attractions. Concerts are
regularly held in the gazebo during the summer months, and the
August fireworks held by the park are fabulous.
The main
streets of Oak Bluffs are lined with arcades, shops, and restaurants.
Oak Bluffs is one of two ports on Martha's Vineyard where the
Steamship Authority docks, however, Oak Bluffs is not used in
the off-season.
Vineyard
Haven
- Tisbury, named for Tisbury, England, birthplace of Thomas
Mayhew, is better known as Vineyard Haven. The port of Vineyard
Haven is home to the Steamship Authority year-round. Vineyard
Haven's harbor is one of the most beautiful on the island and
offers up a bit of history. In the 1800's most of the coastwise
shipping traveled through the Vineyard Sound and Holmes Hole,
as it was called then, was a good port for anchorage.
The town
has many scenic spots and points of interest. To this day Vineyard
Haven is the center of year-round trade, as it is the only port
on the Vineyard used by the Steamship Authority in the off-season.
Martha's
Vineyard is a beautiful and diverse island. It is an exclusive
summer resort community for many who vacation here, and for
the rest of us it's home. We hope you'll come visit, enjoy its
beauty and help preserve it for future generations. "Martha's
Vineyard is an island-separate, but never equaled."
Back
to Top
Arabella
Catamaran - The 7-mile sail to Cuttyhunk departs from
our dock in Menemsha, the only up-island port 
and
home to the greater part of the Vineyard's fishing fleet. We sail
west across Vineyard Sound, past Dogfish Bar and the Spectacular
Gay Head Cliffs. The perspective of these colorful clay cliffs
from the water is truly unforgettable.
Ayuthia
Ocean Yacht - Come with us for the traditional sailing
experience on a truly classic, all teak ocean yacht. We cater
to individuals and small groups.
Big
Eye Charters - Fishing the best of the Atlantic - Martha's
Vineyard, Massachusetts, May 15th to October 30th. Featuring
Tuna, Marlin, Shark, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito and False
Albacore.
Chicama
Vineyards - Our vineyard, located on the terminal moraine
left by the glaciers which formed the island, is nestled in
the woods of the small town of West Tisbury, along the agricultural
center of the island.
Crow
Hollow Farm Horseback Riding - Welcome to Crow Hollow
Farm, a new horseback riding facility located on the island
of Martha's Vineyard. Crow Hollow lies in the middle of 20 acres
of woodlands and meadows accented with cedar trees at the end
of Pear Tree Cove. The location allows for beautiful and varied
riding terrain on the farm as well as easy access to neighboring
conservation lands with a trail system that leads right down
to the water.
Farm
Neck Golf Club - 18-hole Bent grass course wrapped to
the Sengiekontacket Pond shoreline. Built in 1979. Considered
a landscaping jewel by golfing enthusiasts. Designed by Geoffrey
Cornish & Bill Robinson. Enjoy a debate of which is the "signature"
hole -- #3,4,7,8,12, 14, and 17 are the field -- and that's
a lot of contenders for one course! Weekday green fees for non-members
are seasonal. Call for more information.
Felix
Neck Wildlife Sanctuary - Explore Felix Neck’s two miles
of trails, which provide spectacular views of the surrounding
woodlands, meadows, pond, salt marsh, and barrier beach. In
the summer, enjoy such sights as nesting pairs of ospreys and
a tree swallow colony. From the observation building, look for
wood ducks and other waterfowl in the pond during the fall and
winter. In the spring, barn owls can also be seen nesting in
the barn loft.
Flying
Horses Carousel - Located on Oak Bluffs Avenue in the
heart of Oak Bluffs, this treasured carousel has been enjoyed
by Vineyarders and visitors for more than a century. Acquired
by the Preservation Trust in 1986, the Flying Horses Carousel
is the nation's oldest operating platform carousel and a National
Historic Landmark. It is one of the two known carousels built
by Charles W.F. Dare in 1876. In 1884, the Flying Horses were
brought to Martha's Vineyard.
Gannon
& Benjamin Charters - The lovely schooner "When and
If" is available for charter from Vineyard Haven Harbor-
half day & day sails, overnights, weekends, and term charters
are available from June 1st through September 30th along the
New England coast.
Mink
Meadows Golf Club - Mink Meadows Golf Club, located
in Vineyard Haven, on Martha's Vineyard, was designed and constructed
in 1936 by Wayne Stiles. The nine-hole semi-private course measures
to 3076 yards, and features rolling terrain with ocean views
over Vineyard Sound to Woods Hole and the Elizabeth Islands.
Osprey and hawks regularly nest in the woods bordering the course,
deer and wildlife sightings are a common occurance. The public
may enjoy this well-groomed course by making tee times two days
in advance.
Polly
Hill Arboretum - Welcome to The Polly Hill Arboretum,
a Martha's Vineyard horticultural and botanical landmark, developed
over the past forty years by the legendary horticulturist, Polly
Hill. It is here that Polly brought twenty acres under cultivation
while preserving forty additional acres as native woodland.
Crisscrossed by old stone walls surrounding open, wildflower-filled
meadows and characterized by vernacular Vineyard architecture,
the Arboretum is preserved as a not-for-profit institution established
in 1996 and is devoted to the cultivation and study of plants.
Warbird
Flight - Enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride in a meticulously
maintained 1948 L-17 Warbird. A unique full-view canopy offers
an unobstructed 360 degree view for up to three passengers.
The plane is flown by the commercial pilot/owner who is instrument
rated with 30 years of flight experience
Back
to Top
Beach
Plum - Nestled atop Menemsha harbor lies the Beach Plum
Inn Restaurant on the island of Martha's Vineyard. With panoramic
views from every table, patrons gaze at the passing ships, cresting
waves and iridescent setting sun.
The
Black Dog Tavern - For thirty years, 
this
simple wooden structure has welcomed friends and travelers.
Serving three meals a day, seven days a week, The Black Dog
is either the first place you visit when coming to the Island
or your last stop on your way to the ferry.
David
Ryan's Restaurant - Choose from fresh native seafood,
innovative pastas, choice meats, exquisite sandwiches and the
best hamburgers on the island. We have a full liquor license
featuring wines by the glass or bottle, mainstream and microbrew
beers, cocktails and frozen drinks.
Le
Grenier - Come and dine with us at Le Grenier in our
elegant yet relaxed candlelit atmosphere. You can select from
any one of the 28 diversified entrees on the menu.
The
Navigator Restaurant - The Navigator Restaurant Features
hearty New England fare, fresh seafood and lobster, and an unsurpassed
view of Edgartown Harbor. Informal dining from mid-morning to
midnight.
The
Newes from America - Discover The Newes from America,
an American vintage pub at the Kelley House - the Harbor View's
sister property. The Newes is a favorite gathering spot for
both Islanders and visitors alike. It offers light, casual dining
in an old world atmosphere and a number of choice micro-brewed
beers and ales on tap.
The
Outermost Inn - Our kitchen serves spectacular food
in an intimate dining room or on the porch overlooking the property.
Glorious herb and vegetable gardens supply the restaurant.
The
Seafood Shanty - Relax and enjoy your favorite wine
or cocktail while you take in the exquisite view of Edgartown
Harbor from our dining room or outdoor deck. We specialize in
seafood favorites served in pleasant surroundings.
The
Square-Rigger Restaurant - When the native seafood lovers
of Martha's Vineyard find themselves in the mood for a delightful,
taste-tempting dinner, one of the places they most often head
for is the Square-Rigger. The fine art of preparing your meal
to your liking has become a tradition at the Rigger.
Back
to Top
Aquinnah
Edgartown
