These former Plantations are a complex of museums devoted to early American life. The art museum contains antique toys and the largest collection of Currier and Ives lithographs in the country. A 1912 carousel is a favorite with children. A replica of a Shaker roundhouse contains antique cars. Antique firearms and uniforms are on display in the Military Museum. Charles Dexter, the original owner, spent years here planting and perfecting varieties of rhododendrons. Please note the museum and gardens are open seasonally.
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.
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.
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.
The Cotuit Center For The Arts truly is the hub of art and culture in the city. This cultural center offers patrons an intimate setting combined with fantastic acoustics, state of the art lighting and visual effects, and unobstructed views of the performing are from every seat in the house. The venue frequently hosts local and touring performing artists, troupes, and musical groups and features exceptional plays, musicals, acapella shows, concerts, orchestras, and much more. They also conduct acting and art classes. The Cotuit Center For The Arts is a city gem and definitely deserves a visit when in the city.
Designed to combine fun with learning, the displays at this museum are educational and interactive. A puppet theater, planetarium, Dress-Up Castle, submarine and train are open for exploration. The highlight is a 30-foot pirate ship where children can imagine themselves riding the high seas. Special programs include holiday parties, cooking classes, crafts and workshops with unusual themes such as "All About Cranberries."
Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum was established in 1997 that focuses on the Wampanoag community and their tradition. It was erected here post a town meeting voting poll had decided to create a community center to showcase the Wampanoag tradition. Within two year, the museum got enlisted in the National Register of Historic Places.
The city of Osterville in the U.S. State of Massachusetts brags of a monumental club site in the name of the Wianno Club. The historically significant site was constructed in the year 1887. The club building is an architecturally superior structure and follows the Shingle style of architecture. Its unique structure has paved the way for its inclusion in the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. Further details and insights in context with the club site can be availed by visiting their official website.
Heritage Park is a vast and sprawling green oasis that's located in the heart of Mashpee along the Mashpee Pond. The garden boasts a large softball and recreation area, a basketball court, a few baseball diamonds, and a couple of multi-purpose fields. There are numerous trails that are great for casual strolls and walks. Have a family picnic, take in the sunshine, and drop your pets off at the nearby Mashpee Dog Park for an enjoyable and fun day out.
Since 1973 the Cape Cod Fairgrounds, or the Barnstable County Fairgrounds, has been the site of the annual Barnstable County Fair, featuring old-fashioned tractor pulls, animal shows, arts and crafts, carnival rides, chick-hatching, musical performances and much more. Besides the Barnstable County Fair, the Cape Cod Fairgrounds also serve as a venue for farmers' markets, dog shows, concerts, festivals and other events. Over time, the fairgrounds have grown to accommodate multiple exhibition halls and barns to better accommodate major events.