Travel Guide of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts for: The Beach Plum Inn & Restaurant Rating: Pearls
Martha's Vineyard Summary
Pros
- Scenic surroundings: white picket fences, rocky cliffs leading to the sea, green rolling hills
- Beautiful lighthouses dotting nearly every corner of the island
- No chain stores, only unique local shops and elegant boutiques
- Plenty of family fun, like fairs, all-age discos, and famous ice cream shops (Ben & Bill's, anyone?)
- Native American heritage at Aquinnah Cliffs
- One of the most ethnically diverse New England destinations
- Less developed than surrounding destinations, like Cape Cod
- Quiet beach town, great for weekend getaways from hurried 9-to-5 life
- Nightlife and music scene in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown (it's small, but there!)
- Prides itself on being less "stuffy" then typical east-coast beach towns, like the Hamptons and Nantucket
Cons
- Busy during summer months
- Restaurants tend to be expensive
- Not an extremely active nightlife scene (last call at bars and clubs is around 12:30 a.m.)
What It's Like
This quaint island -- a happy medium between well-developed Cape Cod and isolated Nantucket -- offers pristine beaches, boutique shops, and a taste of the region's maritime past.
Edgartown and Oak Bluffs are picturesque New England seaside towns, but still have shopping and entertainment options, like wine bars, ice cream parlors, and elegant boutiques. On the western side of the island, towns like Chilmark and Menemsha provide a more remote experience.
Although restaurants are often on the pricey side, they're typically worth the extra green. Competition in the foodie world is fierce on this island, as the restaurants here have some of the finest service and cuisine on the east coast.
Where To Stay
Visitors eager for nightlife might want to look for hotels in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, as alcohol is less of a focus elsewhere (several towns even choose to be dry). That being said, visitors hoping to fully escape from crazy city life might prefer the western areas of Chilmark and Aquinnah, the most peaceful options. You'll find the most options within the busier parts of the island -- Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, and Oak Bluffs -- but a few decent alternatives can be found in the isolated western areas.
Map of Hotels -- Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
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Facts
| Languages: | English |
| Airport: | |
| Peak: | May - Sept. |
| Currency: | |
| Electricity: | 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Tipping: | 15-20% at restaurants |
