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MARTHA'S VINEYARD
W
elcome
to Martha’s Vineyard! Our celebrated island is the ideal escape
for those who want magnificent beaches, golf, nature hikes, biking, great
restaurants and shopping. The island of Martha’s Vineyard offers
a rich mix
of cultures and traditions. From the breathtaking cliffs of Aquinnah
(Gay Head) to the historic streets of Edgartown—a world-renowned
yachting
center—every corner of the island has a unique charm.
Martha’s Vineyard lies 7 miles east off
the coast of Cape Cod
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is 9 miles wide and 23 miles long
at its furthest points and has a total land area of about 100 square
miles.
Martha’s Vineyard has 125 miles of tidal shoreline and some of
the most
beautiful beaches in the world.
There are six towns on Martha’s Vineyard, three up-island towns—Aquinnah,
Chilmark (which includes Menemsha), and West Tisbury—and three down-island
towns—Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown (which includes Chappaquiddick).
The terms up-island and down-island originated as nautical references to
degrees of longitude on navigational maps, but today they more commonly
refer to the different “states of mind” of the island towns: “up-island” being
more remote and laid-back and “down-island” being more active
and bustling. The population of Martha’s Vineyard is approximately
15,000 year-round and 115,000 during the summer months.
The down-island town of Edgartown
Regarded by many as one of New England’s most elegant
communities, Edgartown was Martha’s Vineyard’s first colonial
settlement and has been
the county seat since 1642.
Stately Greek Revival homes, built by whaling captains, have
been carefully maintained to preserve the beauty of this renowned 19th
century seaport village. For the past hundred years, Edgartown has been one of the world’s
great yachting centers and continues to host numerous regattas each summer.
Edgartown offers activities for all tastes. Shop the charming stores
of Main Street, have lunch in a sidewalk café, or head to the
beach. You can choose from the beautiful beaches of Chappaquiddick or
take a quick shuttle to South Beach to soak up the sun. Fish for bass
and blues from the shore or hire one of the many talented Captains for
a day of adventure on the water. At nearby Felix Neck sanctuary, you
can enjoy over 200 acres of Audubon Society trails and wildlife where
activities for all age groups are offered throughout the year. You’ll
love the diversity Edgartown has to offer—both day and night—all
just a short walk from The Harborside Inn, Edgartown's only waterfront hotel.
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