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.
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.
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.
Built in 1859, the beautiful Martha's Vineyard Grange Hall was the home of the renowned Agricultural Fair until 1997. Today, the building, which is composed of gorgeous wood beams and a Cape Cod-style exterior, plays host to a variety of events and groups, including farmer's markets, antique sales, and art and culture fairs.
Today, this is the island's "year-round" town. For centuries, Tisbury, commonly known as Vineyard Haven, has been one of New England's top seaports. While much of Martha's Vineyard shuts down when the snow falls, here local shops, inns and restaurants remain open. The historic West Chop Lighthouse, Tashmoo Lake and Old Schoolhouse Museum are among the local attractions. Vineyard Haven is one of the harbors welcoming visitors arriving on ferries from the mainland.
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.
Originally built around the turn of the last century as a barn, this historical building was restored in 1994 by the name of The Agricultural Hall. Charming and quaint, The Agricultural Hall is a picturesque and ideal venue for private events like weddings and birthdays as well as community and cultural events.
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.
An utterly scenic respite tucked away from the furious buzz of the mainland, Martha's Vineyard was an erstwhile whaling town located off the Cape Cod peninsula. Now, its former whaling history is largely sidelined by its image of an idyllic summertime haven, encouraging a constant trickle of celebs, day-tripping visitors, and city slickers between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Despite its visiting summer crowds, Martha's Vineyard's never seems unpleasantly crowded, managing to maintain its genteel veneer and deep-seated charm. With a nifty conservation initiative in place, this windswept island harbors a wealth of local gems, from farm-to-table restaurants to historic inns and locally-owned boutiques. The tree-lined towns of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs are a mere drive away, where fairy-tale gingerbread cottages, carousels, idyllic fishing piers, and historic lighthouses await.