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.
A rustic, bright red barn is home to this popular gallery, which houses work by a number of internationally recognized artists, including the famous photographers Margaret Bourke-White, Carl Mydans, and Alfred Eisenstaedt. The gallery is known for its weekly Sunday afternoon receptions with featured artists in the courtyard sculpture garden. In addition to paintings and sculptures, the gallery offers antiques as well. Artwork may be ordered from the gallery's website but a visit to its ever-changing collection is recommended.
Polly Hill started growing trees and plants from seed on the family farm more than 40 years ago, and they all grew to become the island's premier natural showcase. Hill has developed numerous plants now grown around the world; including the famous North Tilsbury Azalea. At the same time she expanded the range of plants on Martha's Vineyard. The requested donation for adults is quite a reasonable amount and children 12 and under may enter for free. Lectures are held throughout the season and tour arrangements may be made in advance.
Once a windswept prairie formed after the last Ice Age, the Long Point Wildlife Refuge now exists as a spectacular landscape replete with beaches, coastal grasslands and shrub forests. Straddling West Tisbury's coastline, it is one of the region's most reputed nature reserves since the year 1979. Easy trails, spanning 3.37 kilometers (2.1 miles) scythe through the woodland, looping along the beachfront, offering visitors a glimpse into the reserve's unique ecosystem. Although popular with birdwatchers, one can also kayak along the beach or engage in some stand-up paddleboarding.
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.
The Meetinghouse is a community center for the arts. The goal is to bring the community together to support and encourage literary, visual and performing arts. The center offers free afternoon programs for young children as well as evening and weekend workshops for adults and teenagers. In addition, The Featherstone features concerts, gallery shows, art and history exhibits, lectures and performances.
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.
Marine Biological Laboratory is what Lewis Thomas called the National Biological Laboratory. The laboratory is well furnished and equipped to carry advanced research and training on several topics related to marine biology, including bio-medicine and ecology. Regular tours are conducted here and there is a special visitors center that gives you in-depth details on the facility and the work conducted. To know more, check the website.
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.