Vineyard Arts Project in Edgartown is a lovely studio facility dedicated to promoting the performing arts on the island. The facility boasts rehearsal studios, workshops, classes and performances during the summer months. There are also living quarters for visiting performers and artists on-site.
The Martha's Vineyard Museum and Historical Society is devoted to the history and culture of this small Massachusetts island. Explore the island's fascinating past and learn about the people who lived here. The historical society first came together in 1922. Today, the museum and society are housed in historical buildings that are wonderful to walk through. Visitors to this museum can trace back their ancestry through the Historical Society's extensive genealogical services. There are special exhibits, classes, seminars, workshops, and movies hosted here throughout the year.
Six miles of hiking trails meander through this 350-acre nature preserve. The well-marked trails lead visitors through open fields, woods, marshlands and beaches. Tree swallows, wood ducks, barn owls and osprey as well as other wildlife can be seen while walking around this wild and beautiful landscape. Special programs are held throughout the year, including Sea Ducks at Squibnocket in March and a large plant sale in May.
High atop the beautiful cliffs of Gay Head rests a magnificent lighthouse. It has been operational since 1799 and stands at a height of 51 feet (15 meters). In the year 2015 due to erosion problems, it was necessary to move the lighthouse 129 feet (39 meters) back from where it was originally built. From the top of the lighthouse you can still enjoy beautiful views of the sea, the Aquinnah cliffs and nearby areas. The lighthouse is open seasonally and is open to public only during designated hours, hence it is advisable to call before visiting.
When you're on Martha's Vineyard and craving a pint, stop by the Offshore Ale Company for a locally-brewed beer and a bite to eat. The menu features all sorts of pub favorites like seafood, burgers and pizza, including a never-ending supply of peanuts. There's always live music and special events, so check out their schedule for the latest goings-on. Don't forget to toss those peanut shells directly on the floor - it's encouraged!
This community-based theater, built in 1833, develops, produces and presents extraordinary professional performances for the entire family. A non-profit theater company, The Vineyard Playhouse Company, Inc., makes its home here and puts on stage shows, readings, educational programs and theater for both adults and children year-round. In addition, there are special events and guest appearances, festivals and benefits. See website for schedule and cost.
Special guided tours are offered through the months of May June at the Vestal Street Observatory. In addition to taking a tour of the outdoor solar system, guides tell you all there is to know about the planets, the solar system and other natural science topics. Nantucket's unusual scientific facts are also included—the six types of snakes that can be found on the island is important information to know! Tours last about an hour; tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors. Call for tour times.
Located on the second floor of the Tisbury Town Hall, the Katharine Cornell Theater is named for the great 20th-century stage actress who retired to Martha's Vineyard in the 1950s. Many of the performances are of Irish music and this small theater is the perfect intimate setting for these types of shows. There are only a handful of performances held here throughout the year, but each of them gets you in the spirit for the sounds of the Emerald Isle.
Elizabeth Lowell Park in Cotuit is a field and park maintained by the Cotuit Athletic Association. It is home to the Cape Cod Baseball League's Cotuit Kettleers team during the summer months and also hosts a variety of outdoor and athletic events throughout the year.
North Shore Charters offers avid fishing fans and sportsmen a great way to enjoy a day out on the water. Located on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha, a fishing village has a long history of charter fishing. North Shore Charters conducts both inshore and off shore trips for the best chances to experience a fulfilling trip. With the inshore option anglers looking to catch bluefish and striped bass can charter the boat for half day at USD650 or full day at USD1300; while off shore fishing expeditions of up to 10 hours are offered for tuna, marlin, mahi mahi and shark. For both experienced anglers as well as family and group outings, the company is perfect for a fun day out or big game fishing. The charter is operated from May to October.
The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks are the 2013 champions of the Futures League. They play their home games at the Vineyard Baseball Park, alternately known as “The Shark Tank,” on the campus of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. The playing field was built specifically for the Sharks, and is one of only two full sized baseball diamonds on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The ownership of the Sharks have invested $415,000 in the building of the field and improvements to the facility. Before serving as home to the Sharks, the Cape Cod League would hold a few games per season on the island.
Benjamin Nye Homestead was built in 1678 and served as the residence of Benjamin Nye. The house was initially built in the shape of a saltbox and later renovated into a two storied structure in the 18th century. It is one of the oldest standing houses in the region and has on display 18th century furnishings and artifacts from the Victorian and Colonial period. They also have on display the entire genealogy of the Nye family and the building was registered under the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.