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What to expect if you visit Martha’s Vineyard this summer

By Brian Miller

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA - JUNE 22: Built in 1854 and declared a National Historic Landmark, remanants of the original base of the 400ton Gay Head Lighthouse, which was moved nearly 130 feet to save it from the rapidly eroding cliffs, will be preserved, nears completion atop Gay Head Cliffs, on June 22, 2015 in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images)
MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA - JUNE 22: Built in 1854 and declared a National Historic Landmark, remanants of the original base of the 400ton Gay Head Lighthouse, which was moved nearly 130 feet to save it from the rapidly eroding cliffs, will be preserved, nears completion atop Gay Head Cliffs, on June 22, 2015 in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images) /
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Martha’s Vineyard sits 7 miles south of Cape Cod off the coast of Massachusetts. It is divided into six towns and is a stellar summer vacation spot.

Home to some of society’s elites, the Vineyard is a popular destination for celebrities and the wealthy but you don’t have to be a millionaire to visit the island.

Also called “the Rock”, Martha’s Vineyard is accessible only by boat or plane. There are several ferry services available that will get you out to the island where you can shop, mingle, and enjoy incredibly relaxing beaches on the Atlantic.

There are six towns that make up the Vineyard. Each is run independently of the others but all work together as a whole for the greater good of the island. Three of the towns are considered “wet” towns. These serve all types of alcohol. Two other towns only serve beer and wine and the last town remains dry.

HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 25: A view of a Steamship Authority ferry in the Hyannis Cruise Terminal on April 25, 2020 in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The Steamship Authority is receiving 9 million dollars from the CARES Act Stimulus funding to keep ferries running between Cape Cod, Marthas Vineyard, and Nantucket. The boats have been running on a decreased schedule since ridership has cratered due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 25: A view of a Steamship Authority ferry in the Hyannis Cruise Terminal on April 25, 2020 in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The Steamship Authority is receiving 9 million dollars from the CARES Act Stimulus funding to keep ferries running between Cape Cod, Marthas Vineyard, and Nantucket. The boats have been running on a decreased schedule since ridership has cratered due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Tisbury is home to the island’s main “village”, Vineyard Haven. It is also the main docking home for ferries.

Edgarton is home to Chappaquiddick Island and boasts the largest population on the island.

Oak Bluffs is a seasonal port for ferries and is dotted with cottages. If you are visiting the island, this is one of the top spots to go as it is well known for its nightlife.

West Tisbury is the home of the annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair since it is the home of the island’s agriculture center.

Chilmark is the only town where you can not buy alcohol. In an ironic twist, this town’s cemetery is the location of John Belushi’s burial plot. Belushi died at the age of 33 from a drug overdose and was rumored to drink constantly.

Aquinnah is the home to the Wampanoag Indian Tribe and sits on the far west of the island. It is also a designated National Natural Landmark thanks to its clay cliffs.

Next. A weekend trip to Gloucester may be what you need!. dark

The island is just over 20 miles in length and while most of the vacationers belong to the rich and famous, the island is open to everyone and you should go if you get the chance and walk through some of America’s early history.

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