This state park in Vineyard Haven is truly a natural wonder. The park consists of more than 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) and is located in the center of the island. In the early 20th century, the park was established as a reserve dedicated towards the protection of Heath hens, a now extinct, specie of the Greater prairie chicken family. Today, the park is used for recreational purposes such as hiking, cross country skiing, cycling, horseback riding and more. There are picnic areas, rest rooms and showers available. A large environmental restoration project is underway in an attempt to revive the native grassland ecosystem.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about your favorite spirits as you visit the Triple Eight Distillery. Operating since 1997, this distillery is known for offering a variety of hand-crafted spirits. The distillery is named after its water resource, a well named 888, and has been popular for producing the Hurricane Rum, Triple Eight Orange Vodka and more. You can enjoy a guided tour and a tasting session of the distillery to understand the distillation process from the friendly guides here.
The West Barnstable station can easily date its history back to the 1900s. The artifacts and exhibits of this place take you back in time as the building still has maintained all the original woodwork and furniture from when it was constructed in 1911. Other features include railroad tools, switchstands and a small motor car which was used for repairs by the maintenance men of that time. The ticketing office still has maintained some of the original equipment from that era. Many events and festivals are organized here celebrating and supporting the railroad history.
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.