Martha’s Vineyard Daytrip

A Daytrip to Martha’s Vineyard

(Updated April 2012)

Many guests who visit our Inn plan to spend a day exploring the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard. For your convenience, we sell the ferry tickets at our front desk. We also have maps of the island and Pat and Bill enjoy telling guests about the island’s history and the most frequently visited locations.

The free shuttle bus pick-up is a short stroll from the Inn. The bus travels four miles, to the ferry landing in Woods Hole. When you arrive on the island you will be able to purchase a Martha’s Vineyard Day Pass for $7, this allows you to ride the island busses all day.  You will get a swipe card that will allow you to ride the buses all day and get on and off as many times as you please. During the mid-summer months there is an informative tour bus company that meets each ferry. This bus will take you to the island’s highlights while the driver tells you about the island’s history both old and new. After you have been given this overview many folks return to the public busses and revisit the locations that they liked the best.

Edgartown

Edgartown is one of the Vineyard’s most interesting towns. It had its heyday during the time when the whaling industry flourished. The streets are lined with sea captains’ homes and white picket fences, unique shops and galleries. A great place to have lunch is at the News From America Pub at 23 Kelley St. If you want to know how it got that name, just ask Pat when you check into the Palmer House.

While in Edgertown you can travel aboard the “On time” ferry to Chappaquiddick, a smaller island just a stone’s throw from Edgertown. There one can visit a peaceful Japanese-style garden set within an island forest.

Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard from the Cape Cod Ferry

Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard from the Ferry

Another interesting town is Oak Bluffs. This area was built around the turn of the 19th century. It is best known for its charming gingerbread style cottages. It also has the oldest continuously operating merry-go-round in the country. Grab the brass ring and win a free ride.

Oak Bluffs has a beautiful white sand beach with a beach house.  It also has two excellent restaurants, “Nancy’s” is on the dock and specializes in seafood. “The Good Life Cafe”  is a favorite of the Obamas during their summer visits to the Vineyard.

Aquinnah

A beautiful area to visit is Aquinnah, formerly known as Gay Head. There, one can stroll along Moshop Beach for a good view of the clay cliffs, a geological wonder that tells the hundred-million-year old story of the island’s origins.

Menensha

While you are “up island,” walk around the charming fishing village of Menensha. For the island’s best sunset, settle in on the public beach at dusk.  For the movie buff, a visit to Menensha is a must. Menensha is the location where the 1970’s movie “Jaws” was filmed.

The last ferry departs for Falmouth from Vineyard Haven at 9:30 PM, where your comfortable room at our Cape Cod B&B awaits.

More information on Martha’s Vineyard


Cape Cod's Stowe Room, A

Harriet Beecher Stowe room

Cape Cod's Roosevelt Room, B

Cape Cod’s Roosevelt Room, B

While all of the bedchambers at the Palmer House have their own romantic charm suitable for relaxation after the most wonderful day of adventures traveling Cape Cod, we recommend the Harriet Beecher Stowe room, the Theodore Roosevelt room or the Emily Dickinson room. These rooms feature comfortable king beds, fireplaces, jetted tubs for a relaxing stay before and after your day.