Travel Tuesday: Martha's Vineyard

It's already been a week since my first Travel Tuesday post.  Where did that time go?  Anyway...every Tuesday I am going to blog about a spot that I have never been, but would love to see in my lifetime.  This week it's Martha's Vineyard and the fact that I have not been yet is just crazy considering I live in Boston now.  Maybe this year we will go, a girl can dream.

Martha's Vineyaerd is Pure Summer Magic, at least that is what I hear from anyone who has ever been.  The island has beautiful ocean beaches, historic towns, and a laid back attitude which makes this Massachusetts island a perfect romantic escape.

Martha's Vineyard (including the smaller Chappaquiddick Island) is an island off the south of Cape Cod in New England.  In 1985, the two islands of Martha's Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island were included in a new American Viticulture Area designation for wine appellation of origin specification: Martha's Vineyard AVA. A study by the Martha's Vineyard Commission found that the cost of living on the island is 60 percent higher than the national average and housing prices are 96 percent higher. The islands both form a part of the Outer Lands region. Often called just "The Vineyard," the island has a land area of 87.48 square miles (231.75 km²) and is the 58th largest island in the United States, and the third largest on the East Coast of the United States.  It is the largest true island of the East Coast of the US (not connected to mainland by a bridge or tunnel). In 1691, the entire county was transferred to the newly formed Province of Massachusetts Bay, being split into Dukes County, Massachusetts and Nantucket County, Massachusetts.  British settlement had its origins in the purchase of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Elizabeth Islands by Thomas Mayhew of Watertown, Massachusetts. It was home to one of the earliest known deaf communities in the United States; consequently, a special sign language, Martha's Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL), developed on the island.  The island is primarily known as a summer colony, and is accessible only by boat and by air.

Visitors flock to the island to enjoy it’s quaint New England style Inns, fabulous beaches, colorful marinas, and historic seaports, to snap photos of cliff top lighthouses, and to explore the islands 6 charming towns-Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah.  Each exhibits a distinct personality and exhibits a unique set of attractions; all feature beautiful vistas, wonderful seafood restaurants, and fun little shops and galleries.  The thick of summer is the best time to visit the Chilmark flea market and the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market.  Take a moonrise kayak tour ride your bike along back roads, hike the cliffs, and picnic on the local fare. Despite popular perceptions of the Vineyard as "Hollywood East", the island is very low-key and quiet; celebrities go to the Vineyard to enjoy the atmosphere, and not to be seen.  

West Tisbury

Head here to browse the something for everyone array of goods at alley’s General Store, a landmark on the island since 1858.  Or head to the Polly Hill Arboretum which is a 70 acre flower filled botanical site.

Aquinnah Cliffs (this is where I want to go-I have a love of lighthouses)

The mile-long red-clay cliffs offer stunning views of far-off islands.  Tour the 1856 Gay Head Lighthouse, then walk along the water’s edge on Moshup Beach. (Sounds amazing!)

Long Point Wildlife Refuge

600 acre preserve with sand dunes, oak forests, sheltered saltwater ponds, and a sandy beach

Oak Bluffs

This island hub is filled with gingerbread cottages, ocean park views, and houses the nation’s oldest working merry-go-round (The flying horses).

Menemsha

Romantic and off beaten track fishing village where you can pick up a fresh cooked cracked-lobster then relax on the westward facing beaches as the sun goes down.  From what I have heard the sunsets are spectacular.