| The
One Thing You Don't Want to Miss |
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| Step back into history and explore New England
landmarks. Playing an essential role in Martha's Vineyard's history
are the five lighthouses that line the shores and keep watch over
seafarers. They are located on the north side of the island
overlooking Edgartown Harbor, Cape Poge, Vineyard Sound and
Nantucket Sound. All of the lighthouses were originally built in the
1800s, but due to the unpredictably harsh nature of the sea and its
proximity to the water, the Cape Poge Lighthouse has been rebuilt at
least five times. And the Edgartown Lighthouse was replaced in 1938.
In the summertime, the Cape Poge Lighthouse offers tours during the
day; the Gay Head and East Chop lighthouses are open for sunset
tours. |
| Other
Fun Things to Do |
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At the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs you can ride
the oldest working carousel in the country. |
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Rent a bicycle and navigate the well-maintained bike paths
of the island. |
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Take a ride out to Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head) for
spectacular views of the Elizabeth Islands, the Gay Head
Lighthouse and the brilliant colors of the Aquinnah Cliffs. |
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Looking for more insight into the history and culture of
the island? Take one of the Martha's Vineyard Island Tours
narrated by a professional guide. |
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| Get
a Taste of Local Flavor |
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You'll find plenty of fresh seafood on
the menu in Martha's Vineyard's restaurants. However, you'll also
notice an international flair in your dining options, with cuisines
such as French, Thai, Brazilian, Japanese and Mexican. Portuguese
dishes such as kale soup and linguiça (a garlic-spiced sausage) are
also featured in many restaurants. Beer fans should definitely stop
by the Off Shore Ale Brewery for a couple of pints. Peanuts are free
for brewery and restaurant guests and Off Shore maintains a strict
"peanut shells on the floor" policy. Have fun!
While exploring the Vineyard, keep in mind that four of the six
towns on the island are "dry towns." Edgartown and Oak
Bluffs are the only towns in which you can purchase alcohol. You can
BYOB if you're dining at restaurants in the "dry" towns of
Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah. |
| Shopping
for Bargains |
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Throughout the six Vineyard towns there
are a multitude of small shops to stroll through.
"Scrimshaw," the art of etching/carving on ivory or bone,
was taken up by Yankee whalers of the 1800s. Check out Edgartown
Scrimshaw Gallery for artwork created by some of the country's best
scrimshaw artists. Entertainer Carly Simon is co-owner of Midnight
Farm in Vineyard Haven, which carries high-end gift items including
children's clothing, rugs, furniture, bath items, and more. Have a
canine friend waiting for you at home? Pop into Good Dog Goods. With
their unique pet gifts, your dog will quickly forgive you for being
left at home while you went on a vacation adventure.
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