News Archives - The Martha's Vineyard Times (2024)

FAQs

What is the busiest time on Martha's Vineyard? ›

August is by far the busiest month and plays host to a number of big annual island events; Illumination Night, African-American Film Fest and Fireworks Night in Oak Bluffs, Beach Road Weekend Music Festival in Vineyard Haven, the Agricultural Fair in West Tisbury and the Chilmark Road Race.

Native American camps that carbon-date to 2270 B.C.E. have been uncovered on the Island. The Wampanoag people have lived for thousands of years on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Despite the Island's declared neutrality, the people rallied to the Patriot cause and formed companies to defend their homeland.

Several ferries leave from the mainland to Martha's Vineyard. The shortest trip is with the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole, MA to Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. It's about 45 minutes from the mainland and is the only ferry line to take cars to the island.

Taking a Martha's Vineyard tour by car usually won't take too long since the island is very small. It's only about 22 miles long by 9 miles wide, so it takes about 45 minutes to drive from one end to the other.

The best time to visit Martha's Vineyard, according to many New Englanders at least, is around either May or September. During these two shoulder seasons, while children are still in school, the island exudes a more laid-back, local vibe.

How many millionaires are on Martha's Vineyard? 50 or so. The Obammas have a new 20 million dollar compound.

By the mid-1950s Oak Bluffs had become a full-blown Black resort, drawing guests from all over the country. The town beach acquired the nickname “Inkwell” or “Inkwell Beach,” which may have started as a derogatory epithet but was later reclaimed by African American residents.

As the demand for Martha's Vineyard and real estate soared, so did the prices. What used to be affordable beachfront cottages became million-dollar mansions seemingly overnight. Vineyard Haven, in particular, felt the brunt of this real estate boom, with property values skyrocketing to unprecedented heights.

The oldest settlement on the island, Edgartown dates from 1642 and was incorporated in 1671 and named for Edgar, son of James II of England; the town had previously been called Nunnepog (Algonquian for “Fresh Pond”). In the 18th century Edgartown was the prosperous home port of many whaling vessels.

The study found that in terms of “raw dollars,” Vineyard Haven, a small community within Tisbury on the island of Martha's Vineyard, is home to the “most expensive real estate in the U.S.”

What is a cheaper alternative to Martha's Vineyard? ›

What is a cheaper alternative to Martha's Vineyard? Cape Cod's many coastal towns- Hyannis, Wellfleet, Falmouth- will be a cheaper alternative to Martha's Vineyard with the same quinessential New England feel.

Martha's Vineyard is the larger of the two islands and is also far busier. Its population swells to over 200,000 in summer, so you could run into some crowds. Nantucket is smaller and doesn't get as busy. If you're looking to relax and hit up a secluded trail or beach, it's worth considering.

The disadvantage is that the waters are nearly always rough and the company fails to mention this fact in any of their publicity. Innkeepers on the Vineyard do not recommend the Fast Ferry from RI since people often arrive sick! A 90-minute trip can seem like an eternity if there is no escape from the rough waters.

All three of the main port towns (Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown) are easily walkable. And since both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs have ferries that service the towns May - October (Vineyard Haven, year round), your own two feet might just be all the transportation you need for your visit!

Think you need a full week to get acquainted with Martha's Vineyard? Try 48 hours or less (really). Yes, spending several days beachside is as dreamy as it sounds, but you're far from out of luck if time isn't on your side.

Take Advantage of Off-Season Deals in Winter.

Many places are closed from mid-January until early April, but there can still be some fun activities that one might take advantage of such as lighthouse tours, cabin stays and whale watching.

Martha's Vineyard is the larger of the two islands and is also far busier. Its population swells to over 200,000 in summer, so you could run into some crowds.

Visiting Martha's Vineyard: How to Spend 48 Hours (or Less) on Our Island. Think you need a full week to get acquainted with Martha's Vineyard? Try 48 hours or less (really). Yes, spending several days beachside is as dreamy as it sounds, but you're far from out of luck if time isn't on your side.

A day trip to Martha's Vineyard will allow to you experience the many distinctive towns and areas this island offers. Martha's Vineyard transit authority runs buses, so there's no need for a car. For $7, a day pass will take you throughout the island on varying routes, and you can hop on and off as you please.