Bartholomew Gosnold discovered Marthas Vineyard on route
to Virginia circa
1602 and named the beautiful island after his daughter
as well as the abundant vegetation that was growing there.
Before the arrival of European settlers the island was
home to a tribe of Native Americans known as Wampanoag.
Edgartown, which at one time
was known as “Great Harbor” was the first
area of Marthas Vineyard that was settled by Europeans.
The next two centuries found Islanders eking out a good
living from working the ocean waters whaling, fishing
and merchant sailing.
Today Marthas Vineyard is comprised of six unique towns
and is dotted with historical homes that were traditional
Captain’s homes back in the day. The 1800's saw
the island develop into a seaside summer destination and
many prominent people living along the east coast of Massachusetts
went to the island to relax and enjoy the beautiful, natural
surroundings. Tourism steadily increased and now Marthas
Vineyard is a well established tourist destination welcoming
people from al over the world.
Marthas Vineyard rentals are highly coveted in the summer
season. The six distinct towns of Aquinnah, West Tisbury,
Chilmark & Menemsha, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Vineyard
haven or Tisbury all encompass the islands natural attractions,
incredible views and graceful charm of the area. All six
towns offer Marthas Vineyard rentals which come in a variety
of inns, B&B’s,
hotels, motels, cabins, historical addresses and affluent
and luxurious summer homes. Marthas Vineyard rentals range
greatly in variety and in price and its best to research
options and make reservations well in advance of a summer
vacation.
Marthas Vineyard ferry is the number one mode of transportation
to the island. Though many holiday goers charter private
boats or have their own yachts and boats with which to
get back and forth, the majority of people take the Marthas
Vineyard ferry across the water. It’s possible to
take your vehicle across on some of the larger ferries.
There are actually several ferries that service the island
with both fast and regular operation. The Marthas Vineyard
ferry schedule has ferries leaving from Hyannis, Nantucket,
New Bedford, Wood’s
Hole, Falmouth and also from Rhode Island. Transportation
times range anywhere from 40 minutes to just over 2 hours.
The earliest Marthas Vineyard ferry departs at 6am and
the latest departs about 9:45pm. There are many different
ferry companies and a variety of rates depending on where
you depart from and what type of service you require.
Marthas Vineyard family camping is available on the island and is an affordable way for families to visit the island. Marthas Vineyard family camping sites are located roughly a mile from Vineyard Haven ferry terminal making a trip to the mainland and back very convenient. The Steamship Authority carries vehicles and trailers of all sizes across the waters and the shuttle service connects the ferry terminal with the campground for the ultimate in convenience. The campground includes wooded tent sites, RV hook-up sites and cabin rentals. Marthas Vineyard family camping is a great way to explore the island, be one with nature and enjoy an affordable and convenient vacation while in the heart of Massachusetts most famous island getaway.
