The Vineyard is well-known for its historical significance as being one of a handful of locations nationwide that has served as a vacation destination for middle class Black families. The center of this legacy is the town of Oak Bluffs, which continues the tradition of having a vibrant Black community, especially in the summer months. This tour explores the island’s unique heritage with stops at the Overton House that inspired parts of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech,” the neighborhood where Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and his wife Bunny entertained on the porch with their famous Bloody Mary’s, the famous Inkwell Beach and more! Can't take the tour? Read more here: https://vineyardgazette.com/national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture and here: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a6668/oak-bluffs-african-american-community/
You want beaches, we got beaches - 360 degrees of them! Whether you're searching for a calm beach, a party beach (Oak Bluffs, aka "Inkwell"), a family friendly beach, a semi-private beach (Lake Tashmoo), a beach to jump off a bridge (Joseph Sylvia), or a nude beach (oh yea, we have those too!, Lucy Vincent), we have you covered! South Beach, where the ceremony is located, is a bit of a mix of all of the above - enjoy!
Take a walk into a whimsical fantasy land of over 300 Gingerbread style cottages each over 100 years old! One of the islands most unique attractions, the Gingerbread houses were originally pitched tents for the Methodist revivals held on Martha's Vineyard. Over time, the campers built cottages in the same style leading to the pitched cottage style preserved today. Each privately owned home has a name and a story and most occupants are happily willing to share if they're sitting on their porch!
Become a kid again as you try to grab the brass ring at the nation's oldest running carousel! Even if riding the horses doesn't suit your fancy, stop by and take pictures of the beautifully hand-carved horses, their unique glass eyes, and the ornate carousel!
Known for their glorious marbled coloring, the Aquinnah Cliffs (formerly known as Gay Head) and lighthouse are a marvelous sight! Named by the island’s Native community, the Wampanoag Tribe, the cliffs offer stunning views, gorgeous private beaches below and sometimes whale sightings!
Heading to Aquinnah for the day? Don’t forget to stop by the island’s only non-town, the working fishing Village of Menemsha. Located adjacent to Aquinnah on the southwestern side of the island, Menemsha offers splendid Vineyard sunsets with every color of the rainbow. No matter the time of day, don’t forget to stop by Larsen's Fish Market for the morning’s fresh caught shellfish right off the boat!
Some of our fave places to eat and drink in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs: EDGARTOWN 1) Among the Flowers Cafe - Great veggie/vegan options in downtown; 2) Alchemy - delicious French/American fine dining; 3) Port Hunter - A local favorite, American cuisine on Main St - great place to have several drinks with dinner; 4) Seafood Shanty - don't let the name fool you, sit on the balcony for amazing seafood and drinks into the night; 5) Wharf - sure they serve food, but go for the dancing/drinks! OAK BLUFFS 1) Biscuits - Our fave breakfast/brunch spot! Amazing American/Southern food; 2) Gios Clam Bar/Pizza - name says it all, don't expect seating; 3) Fat Ronnies - top burger spot; 4) Sand Bar; 5) Loft - bit more upscale bar; 6) Nancy's - if it's good enough for the Obamas, it's good enough for us, great atmosphere, strong drinks and killer Harbor views! And just because, THE NET RESULT (Vineyard Haven) is our absolute favorite place to eat on island - freshest seafood you'll get!