Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is an island located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, known for being an affluent summer colony. It is accessible only by boat and air. Often called just „The Vineyard”, the island has a land area of 100 square miles (260 km2). It is the 58th largest island in the United States and the third largest on the East Coast of the United States, after Long Island and Mount Desert Island.

This tiny island off Cape Cod remains one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in New England.

Once you’ve been “on island” on The Vineyard,you’ll never want to be “off island” again. Should you happen to forget to bring your camera to Martha’s Vineyard Island, go back and get it! (Don’t worry, the island’s just a short 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Cod; plus, said ferry has a snack bar.)  Surely you’ll want some photos of the pristine sandy beaches, the sailboats, the brightly painted gingerbread cottages, the lighthouses at sunset, the farmer’s markets, the magical Flying Horses (it’s a carousel, silly), all your celeb sightings, and of course, a shot of you having the vacation of a lifetime.

In the off-season, the island is quieter and far less crowded, but the shore is always beautiful. Summer regulars have included a host of celebrities over the years, among them Oprah Winfrey, Carly Simon, Ted Danson, Spike Lee, and Diane Sawyer; President Barack Obama and his family vacationed.

In many ways the Vineyard’s off-season persona is even more appealing than its summer self, with more time to linger over pastoral and ocean vistas, free from the throngs of cars, bicycles, and mopeds.

Except for Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, the Vineyard is „dry,“ but many restaurants allow you to bring your own beer or wine. The town of Vineyard Haven allows beer and wine—but no liquor—sales in restaurants only.

Whenever you visit, leave your car behind! Most visitors prefer to explore the island on a bicycle, scooter or tourist-friendly public buses.

Source:
http://www.fodors.com/