One of America’s Finest: Martha’s Vineyard
The privileged inhabitants of Martha’s Vineyard refer to it as The Island or the Vineyard. The pristine little is just five miles from the southern coast of Massachusetts and can be reached by ferry from Cape Cod. Martha's Vineyard is spread over approximately a hundred square miles, with the Vineyard Sound to its west, Nantucket Sound to the east and Atlantic Ocean to its south.
The unusual name is probably in honor of the daughter of the English explorer, Bartholomew Gosnold, who arrived here in 1602. It could have been for his mother-in- law who financed his trip or even his favorite saint who protected his voyage. Made up of six unique towns, Martha’s Vineyard is home to about 15,000 permanent residents. There are almost a hundred thousand people living here during vacations. Among the seasonal visitors are the greatest celebrities from all fields of achievement in the country. Many of them have large secluded private estates on the Island.
Martha’s Vineyard greatest charm is its unspoiled nature. Very little has changed here over the years and the Island does not even have any of the popular chain restaurants or any shopping malls either. The six diverse island towns are grouped as the up-Island towns on the southwestern side and the northwestern down-Island towns. The up-Island towns are Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury and are more rural. The down-Island towns are Vineyard Haven or Tisbury, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown which are more urbanized. Most Islanders prefer to cycle around but there is a bus service that connects the towns.
Aquinnah originally known as Gay Head is recognized by the brilliant colors of the mile-long Aquinnah Cliffs, a national landmark. It is the location of one of the first revolving lighthouses in the country which was erected here in 1799. Many of the permanent residents of Aquinnah are descendants of the Wampanoag Indians, who were the original inhabitants of Martha’s Island.
Chilmark was mostly fishing village and secluded sheep farms but now is where celebrities live. It is a scenic town with an incomparable coastline and pristine undulating countryside. Edgartown has been the county seat since 1642 and has charming houses from the 1800s. Old Bluff is renowned for its colorful gingerbread houses.