About the Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, the Ferries and more.

Martha's Vineyard is an Island located 8 miles off the south coast of Cape Cod and southern Massachusetts. The Island has become a well known resort, and tourism is it's largest industry. Miles of sandy beaches and small winding roads are the Vineyard trademark. Visiting the Vineyard is like going back in time to rural smalltown America. There are no smoke stacks or factories. There are lots of great restuarants, Conservation land for walking, great fishing and sailing on the sparkling blue waters surrounding the Island. The Island operates at a slower pace particularly in the off-season months. July and August are the peak season, and May, June, September and October are the best for exploring without the rush of high season.

Oak Bluffs is a waterfront Victorian Community. The architecture is primarily ginger bread homes and open parks with band concerts on Sunday night. The Islands best night clubs are located here as well as some of the best restaurants. The harbor is snug with cruising and fishing boats lined up along the quay, and sail boats bobbing at anchor in the middle. The town is great for walking or biking and exploring. One of the oldest camp meeting grounds is still intact, and very much an attraction with its many small multi colored gingerbread cottages. The Boston Pops have held concerts in it large steel Tabernacle, a wonderful piece of historic engineering in itself. The country's oldest platform carousel is still running and is a short walk from the Inn. The town activity calendar runs the course from bike races, guided walks, fireworks in August, special concerts, and a shark fishing tournaments. There is always lots to do or time to read a book, it's up to you.

The Ferries from Woods Hole, Falmouth, and New Bedford and Hyannis dock in Oak Bluffs. Check out the schedules below for:
Woods Hole- Steamship Authority (cars and passengers)
Falmouth- Island Queen (passengers only)
New Bedford- www.mvexpressferry.com (passengers only)
Hyannis- Hy-Line (passengers only)
Quonset Point, Rhode Island - www.vineyardfastferry.com (passenger only)

Bringing your car to the Island is expensive and it is very hard to obtain a reservation from the Steamship Authority. So plan to park in one of the many lots offered by the ferries and come and enjoy the island by foot, bike or you can rent a car for a day or more. The Dockside is in the center of the town activities, you can walk to beaches, restaurants, movies, nightlife and great shops.

For more information about Martha's Vineyard visit
Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce.

or the "The Official Site of Martha's Vineyard." www.mvol.com