Low-Key Martha's Vineyard Weekend

Martha’s Vineyard is an island located eight miles off the Cape Cod peninsula in Massachusetts. Once a whaling center, it has become a favorite summertime haven for many celebrities.

Martha’s Vineyard is made up of six towns, each with a selection of restaurants and accommodations. Residents have come to say “up island” to mean western areas of the island—Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury. Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Tisbury are “down island.” South-facing beaches have the most surf. Uncle Seth’s Pond on Lambert’s Cove Road is the only freshwater beach.

The Gay Head cliffs at Aquinnah are a “must see.” Moshup Beach below the cliffs was also named as at top ten “walking beach” by the Travel Channel in 2003. Menemsha is one of the few places on the East Coast where you can see the sunset over the water. Be sure to enjoy lobster from Larsen’s Fish Market on the dock while watching the sunset, and make a requisite stop to the famous Black Dog Cafe before your visit ends.

This cafe serves lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere. It has typical southwestern decor including walls colored in shades of orange, purple and red. Cactus plants, strings of chili peppers and pieces by southwestern artisans complete the room. The menu features entrees starting at $14.94. The crab cakes Tulum—made with peppers and cilantro and served with salsa and Mexican cream—is a house specialty ($16.95). A children's menu, a wine list and selection of desserts are also available.

In the 1800s, religious camps were popular on the island. As popularity increased, this open-air wrought iron structure was built, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the US. With seating for 3,000 people and exquisite woodworking and stained glass, it is truly a magnificent sight. In 1979, its centennial year, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The Tabernacle is used today for concerts, Sunday church services, community sing-alongs and special ceremonies.

Since 1884, islanders have enjoyed the beauty of this magnificent carousel. Built by Charles W.F. Dare, it is the nation's oldest platform carousel still in operation. Acquired by the Preservation Trust in 1986, the carousel is a National Historic Landmark. Children (and others) may enjoy a ride from Easter Sunday through Columbus Day. Rides cost just USD1 and if you catch the brass ring, you ride for free. Video games and refreshments are also available.

Edgartown was founded in 1642, and was the first colonial settlement on the island. By the mid 1800s the town was ranked per capita as one of the wealthiest communities in the country. During that time, whaling and merchant captains built the beautiful Greek Revival homes that can still be found all over town. Edgartown continues to maintain its elegance with many luxurious inns, shops and restaurants. It is also a beautiful island town with several beaches and wildlife preserves nearby.

Alley's General Store has been in business since 1858 and is on the list of historic sites of the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust as the oldest operating retailer on the island. You can get everything from fishing lures to freshly prepared meals at this popular, local hangout. Relax on the front porch benches or get a bite to eat around the back.

Menemsha Hills Reservation features 211 acres of woodland, rolling hills and sand cliffs, with 150-foot high headlands overlook the sea. There are over 3 miles of foot trails that lead past ancient stone walls through blueberry woodlands to the beach. On any given day harbor seals and flocks of scoters (sea ducks) are said to come ashore, adding to the scenic mile-long trail that runs to Prospect Hill, with a spectacular view of Gay Head.

The cliffs on the westernmost end of Martha's Vineyard are an amazing sight. The Wampanoag Indians appropriately named the area Aquinnah, meaning "High Land" because of the 150-foot high, rainbow-colored cliffs. For years the town was referred to as Gay Head because of the magnificent cliffs. Then, in 1987, descendents of the native Wampanoag people were recognized as a tribe and the name officially changed back to Aquinnah. The new generation of the Wampanoag tribe owns a number of shops, restaurants and acres of surrounding land.

High atop the beautiful cliffs of Gay Head rests an equally magnificent lighthouse. A lighthouse has operated on this site since 1799, with the current 51-foot structure holding court since its construction in 1856. The site is generally closed to the public due to problems with erosion but tours of the lighthouse are given by the historical society by appointment. The lookout in Gay Head offers a good view of the lighthouse, and you can see the original fresnel lens at the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society in Edgartown.