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.
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.
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 McDermott Glass Studio gives a look at the fine contemporary glass work done by David McDermott, Yukimi Matsumoto and Bryan Randa. They have created pieces for well known people like Pope John Paul II, Empress of Japan, Henry Kissinger and many more. Their pieces are displayed at Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Corning Museum of Glass which shows their natural talent in art. The gallery has a number of items like vases, bowls, stemware and solid ware. The experience of the Mcdermott Glass Studio Jam is not to be missed where world class glass artist come together to display their work.
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.
Located in the heart of Osterville village, the Osterville Baptist Church dates back to 1837. For more than 250 years, this humble structure has been serving as the sacred home of the Baptist Christian community in Osterville. The church was designed in Gothic Revival and Greek Revival style by architect Simeon Deyo. The church is a simple white structure with a steeple at its front entrance. Check website for schedule of masses and other events.