Martha’s Vineyard, MA, Weekend

A year-round community thrives on Martha’s Vineyard, and its presence keeps the many local businesses going, from bakeries, farms, and restaurants to art galleries, specialty shops, and truly unique shopping and dining experiences. There’s no shortage of raw material–whether it’s fresh local oysters on the menu to the works of stellar artisans crafting everything from sculpture to photography.

Nor is there a shortage of things to do. The Vineyard offers miles of beaches, whether you’re a family with small children or a hearty surfer looking for a good curl. Hop on a bike (bring your own or rent one from one of the many shops) and tour the island by pedal power, or charter a fishing or leisure boat for a different perspective. History buffs can stay busy with boatloads of stories and artifacts from the island’s once-booming shipping, fishing, and whaling industries, as well as the long and rich Wampanoag Native American legacy, which is alive and well on the island.

Martha’s Vineyard is compact enough that the small-community vibe is real, but it’s also big enough to accommodate vacation options for every mood, inclination, and budget. The island is made up of seven distinct towns: West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Chilmark, Menemsha, and Aquinnah. You can be close to the center of town or “out in the boonies,” with options that include exclusive retreats to family-friendly inns and well-kept campsites.

Yankee picks for Martha’s Vineyard. Click on any destination below for a map and more information.