When people think of Martha’s Vineyard, they imagine lovely beaches and seaside towns full of couples and families enjoying the summer sunshine, and can’t imagine another time of the year people would visit the island. While summer on the Vineyard is the iconic trip idea (to the point where everyone refers to the non-summer months as the “offseason”) travelers looking to come to the island for the first time could have an even better time in the offseason. So, should your first trip to Martha’s Vineyard be during the summer or the offseason? We’re going to run down some of the major qualities of both periods and you be the judge!

 

Why Your First Visit to Martha’s Vineyard Should be During Summer

• The Full Beach Experience: The picturesque beaches of Martha’s Vineyard are at their best when you can take a swim on a hot summer afternoon. All of the beaches from Lucy Vincent to South Beach and the Oak Bluffs Town Beach have a different feel to them and you’ll only get the full beach experience when you visit during the summer. Sure you can try and take a swim in the ocean during your Thanksgiving visit but we wouldn’t recommend it!

• Peak Island Nightlife: The summer season is when the nightlife scene on Martha’s Vineyard is thriving. Many tentpole bars and activities are only open during the summer season, so you’re missing out on the full potential if you come during the offseason. If you’re looking to have an ice-cold drink down by the harbor and do a bit of bar crawling with your friends or family on your vacation then make sure you make your first trip to the island during the summer!

• Major Annual Events: The biggest events of the year on Martha’s Vineyard happen in the summer, and many tourists plan their trips around each one of them. The annual Agricultural Fair is a fantastic pop-up-style event that’s fun whether you’re here with your family to go on rides and play games, or if you and your significant other are looking to chow down at the many food stands. Illumination Night is an incredible experience you’ll only get on Martha’s Vineyard in August, where every gingerbread house in the campgrounds lights up in a major way. And of course, there isn't a better spot to enjoy fireworks than on a beach for the 4th of July!

 

Why Your First Visit to Martha’s Vineyard Should be During the Offseason

• Peak Time for Tranquility: First and foremost, if you’re looking to get some real peace and quiet on your vacation then you should definitely visit Martha’s Vineyard in the off season. With nothing resembling a major city or highway, days and nights on the Vineyard are extra relaxing. The past two years have been tough on all of us, and if you prioritize rest over partying or swimming at the beach then the offseason on Martha’s Vineyard is the place for your vacation. 

• The True “Islander” Experience: Even though everyone says that summer on Martha’s Vineyard is the best time to be there, there’s something to be said about the true “islander” experience that only year-round residents - and people who make the trip during the offseason - will get to see. That quiet early morning walk on the beach followed by a great cup of coffee at Mocha Motts, the peaceful and scenic drive up-island to explore Chilmark and Aquinnah, and so many more calm moments. While you can do similar things in the warmer months, the overall “islander” experience can’t be replicated in the summer season.

• All of the Sights and None of the Crowds: The Gay Head Cliffs, Ocean Park Gazebo, and sunsets on Menemsha Beach are essential sites for any first-time visitors. They’re here for everyone year-round, but when the population of the island explodes in the summertime getting that perfect picture becomes a lot more difficult. There’s something extra satisfying about getting all of your vacation shots without crowds of people in the background, and that’s an experience you’ll only get during the off-season!

There’s our list on why you should visit Martha’s Vineyard for the first time during the summer or the offseason. Regardless of when you decide to come to the island, we can’t wait to see you!  If you’re planning a trip to the island make sure to check out our variety of vacation rentals or reach out to us directly for any questions about the best places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard!

We can’t believe it's almost May on Martha’s Vineyard! While things don’t start getting crazy on the island until late June when schools break for summer, May is an excellent and warm time to have fun on Martha’s Vineyard before the “official” start of the summer season. So what is there to do on Martha’s Vineyard next month? Let’s take a look at a few great activity options!

 

Pink and Green Weekend

Even though spring starts in March, anyone in New England will agree that it doesn’t really start feeling warm and outdoorsy until late April/early May. Running from May 6th - 8th, the annual Pink and Green weekend is a collection of activities celebrating all things Spring and Mother’s Day. Whether you’re with your family or traveling solo, you can have a weekend full of local activities including the 5K fun run/walk to the Pink & Green Dog Show, as well as sipping, shopping, and eating your way through downtown Edgartown. Check out more information about the event on the Pink and Green Weekend website.

 

Bird Bingo Safari

Those are three words nobody expected to see put together! This upcoming event on May 14th will give attendees a look at the islands’ unique wildlife with a twist! You’ll grab a bingo board along with the Trustees of Reservations to explore Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge via oversand vehicle. The program starts at the Mytoi Garden parking lot and requires registration in advance so check out the event website today to sign up.

 

Martha's Vineyard Marathon & Half Marathon

Who says you can’t stay in shape on vacation? The Martha’s Vineyard Marathon & Half Marathons take place on May 21st and will not only give you a great dose of cardio but provide an excellent and intimate look at key areas of the island. Both runs kick-off at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, and while they go on different paths both will see you running over the iconic “Jaws” Bridge. You’ll receive goodie bags, professional race photos, and finishers get a t-shirt and medal for their efforts. Register in advance online at the MVM website.

 

Nature as Inspiration Environmental Film Festival

Closing out the month is the island’s own “Nature as Inspiration Environmental Film Festival” which spans May 26th - May 29th and combines environmental films, discussions, and an art exhibit by MVRHS students in the Film Center. Over the course of the event, there will also be films that include a Q&A following their screening with experts, community members, and special guests. You can get your tickets ahead of time on the MV Film Society’s website.

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg for what Martha’s Vineyard offers visitors in May. If you need a place to stay for your visit, regardless of the season, take a look at our many rental properties today!

 

When it comes to food on Martha’s Vineyard the first thing that pops into people's minds is “seafood”. Even though the island has an incredible array of fresh seafood restaurants and take-out spots, it has plenty of different options across all of the main island towns. If you’re making a trip to Martha’s Vineyard and don’t eat meat then have no fear, Martha’s Vineyard has some great food waiting for you as well. Here’s a rundown of a few of our favorite vegetarian/vegan spots on the island that you shouldn’t miss, even if you’re traveling with some carnivores!

 

Scottish Bakehouse in Vineyard Haven

Scottish Bakehouse is one of the main staples of takeout dining on Martha’s Vineyard. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round in Vineyard Haven you’ll be hard-pressed to find an islander who has bad things to say about the bakehouse. The menu has a little bit of everything so you can come here with non-vegetarian or vegan friends. However, vegetarians and vegans on Martha’s Vineyard will love options like the Coconut Tofu, Mushroom Nut Roast, and a number of different baked goods on each day of the week - my favorite are the tahini-chocolate-oat cookies! 

There are no downsides when heading over to the Scottish Bakehouse, but our favorite vegetarian and vegan food from here fits more into the lunch and dinner categories so keep that in mind when planning what time of day you visit. Check out Scottish Bakehouse’s full menu.

 

Tigerhawk Sandwiches in Oak Bluffs

Tigerhawk Sandwiches is one of the best newer restaurants on the island. Situated right in the middle of Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs, Tigerhawk feels like a place you’d find in trendy Brooklyn or Burlington VT with its Asian-fusion approach to sandwiches and salads - luckily for us, it's right here on Martha’s Vineyard! During breakfast time there’s an array of different vegetarian breakfast sandwiches and vegan options for avocado toasts. The vegetarian/vegan choices really kick it up a notch for lunchtime with multiple sandwiches and a mix of “salad-poke-bowls” with a Korean flair. 

The only real downside of Tigerhawk is that it isn’t open 7 days a week and closes around 3, so make sure you’re not planning your dinner around this location! Take a look at Tigerhawk Sandwiches' full menu here.

 

Morning Glory Farm in Edgartown

Is putting a market on a list of the best vegetarian or vegan food cheating? Well a little bit, but Morning Glory Farm absolutely deserves a shout-out. Sure, anyone can go to their local Shoprite, buy some tofu, vegetables, and sauce to put together a good vegan meal but Morning Glory Farm takes it to a different level. In addition to your standard grocery items, Morning Glory Farm has fresh produce and an excellent mix of baked goods, a salad bar, and takeaway food onsite. Soups, mac and cheese, pickled veggies, all of excellent quality and ready to please even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian/vegan meal, or you’re just loading up on groceries for your stay on Martha’s Vineyard, Morning Glory is the place to go. Check out their website here.

That’s our list of a few favorite spots for vegetarian or vegan food on Martha’s Vineyard, we can’t wait for you to try them out! If you’re planning a trip to the island make sure to check out our variety of vacation rentals or reach out to us directly for any questions about the best places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard.

Every islander has gotten the “should I bring my car to Martha’s Vineyard?” question at least once in their life. First and foremost, you can bring a car to Martha’s Vineyard. There's no bridge connecting the island to the mainland but you can bring a vehicle over via the Steamship Authority vessels that regularly make trips between the island and the mainland. However, whether or not you actually need to bring a car with you to Martha’s Vineyard isn't a simple situation and will ultimately depend on what you’re doing while on the island. So, should you bring your car to Martha’s Vineyard? Let’s run down some of the pros and cons of coming to the island with and without a vehicle.

 

The Pros of Bringing Your Car to Martha’s Vineyard

• Easily See the Entire Island. Without a doubt the biggest benefit of bringing your car to Martha’s Vineyard is that you can easily see the entire island, even on a relatively short visit. Martha’s Vineyard has notable landmarks in every major town and although the island is small overall, you’ll still be driving about 40 minutes from Oak Bluffs to the iconic Gay Head cliffs. No matter how in shape you are, that's not a reasonable walk or bike ride kind of distance!

• Your Trip on Your Schedule. Planning your vacation can be stressful, and waiting around for public transportation or missing a bus that makes you late for an activity or get together isn’t a fun time. With a car on Martha’s Vineyard you can take your schedule into your own hands in a way you can’t without one. Not feeling the beach you’re at in Edgartown? No problem, just hop in your car and cruise down beach road to Oak Bluffs to see if that town fits your style better.

 

The Cons of Bringing Your Car to Martha’s Vineyard

• Tight and Costly Boat Reservations. If you’re planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard for July 4th and its June 30th when you’re trying to make a boat reservation… Well, let’s just say that's not going to happen. Bringing a car to Martha’s Vineyard, especially in the summer, requires planning well in advance to secure a round trip boat reservation. A round trip ticket to take your vehicle over can cost around $200 so it's nothing to scoff at either.

• Roads Unlike Any Other. Have you spent a lot of time driving on highways or in the suburbs? Well you’re in for a very different driving experience on Martha’s Vineyard. There’s no two lane highways, zero traffic lights, and stretches of road where a 40 MPH speed limit suddenly drops to 25 MPH. This isn’t to say driving on Martha’s Vineyard is inherently dangerous, but you’ll need to be on your driving A-game if this is your first visit.

• Parking in the Summer. Every popular vacation or downtown spot has parking difficulties, but finding parking in the main downtown stretches on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer can sometimes be a major challenge. There’s no parking garages to be found, and even if you do find parking if you stay over the time limit at all you will definitely get a ticket. Repeat visitors will be more comfortable with parking on the surrounding backroads but first time visitors could end up annoyed and late for a dinner reservation as they round Circuit Ave for a 5th time waiting for a good spot!

 

The Pros of Going to Martha’s Vineyard Without a Car

• Come and Go as you Please. Like we’ve already covered, bringing a car to Martha’s Vineyard requires a boat reservation in advance. But if you leave your car behind you can buy a ticket for any steamship time slot on the spot and walk on with no prior reservation! This added convenience is huge for people who’s traveling plans came together quickly, or ended up deciding they’d like to stay a little longer in the summertime.

• A More Intimate View of the Island. Driving your car around the island will show you some epic sights, but it's nothing compared to the things you can only experience while walking or biking to and from key destinations on the island. All too often cars can zip right by excellent scenic overlooks or hidden trails. A vacation to Martha’s Vineyard is all about taking it easy, and each town on our small island has all of your essentials. So if you’re looking for a lower key and more intimate view of the place you're staying on Martha’s Vineyard then you can leave your car behind. 

• Public Transportation can Supplement Longer Trips. While Martha’s Vineyard is known for its quaint and quiet island vibes, it isn’t some area that technology and all modern convenience has left behind! If you’re staying in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven and want to check out the sites Up-Island then taxis, ubers, or the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) network of buses can help you make the journey without you needing to haul your car over to the island.

 

The Cons of Going to Martha’s Vineyard Without a Car

• Impossible to See the Full Island without a Car or Car Service. In spite of the benefits we’ve listed that come with visiting the island without a car, it's a fact that you’re not going to be able to easily see the whole island on foot or by bike. If you’re a first time visitor interested in seeing everything the island has to offer, then coming here without a car, or at least regularly using a car service, will leave you a bit more limited in terms of what you can do and where you can go outside of your immediate location on the island.

• Rainy Days are Going to be Rough. Rain on any vacation isn’t a great time, but that negativity will get amplified ten-fold if it happens while you don’t have a car with you. Restaurants get extra packed on rainy days and waiting for a cab or by an unfamiliar bus stop in the rain to get around on vacation is going to be a bad time all around.

Those are our key pros and cons of coming to Martha’s Vineyard with or without a car. We hope these insights help you decide how to best enjoy your trip to the island! If you’re looking for a place to stay on your upcoming trip, then make sure to check out our array of rental properties today.