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.
Located about 4 miles (6.44 kilometers) from Oak Bluffs, Island Alpaca Farm is home to hundreds of gentle and cuddly alpacas. These peace-loving creatures belong to the same family as camels and llamas. The farm offers many opportunities to get to know more about alpacas. You can also adopt a cute pet here - alpacas make for great friends. Island Alpaca Farm also offers many workshops and tutorials for interested breeders. It's a great place to bring the kids and spend the day outdoors.
The brainchild of Jay Bergantim, Bad Matha brews an array of craft beers prepared from locally-sourced ingredients. The brewery not only offers guests the chance to sample a rotating selection of 10 craft beers but they also offer a few snacks in case you get hungry. Small batches of beers are brewed daily, allowing you to relish fresh brewed beers on-site. After the tour is over, you could also spend time listening to live music on weekends or indulging in outdoor games with your friends. The fascinating brewery tours, delightful beers, laid-back vibes and great snacks are just some of the reasons you should be headed to this wonderful place.
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!
The Ocean Park offers seats and a gazebo to grab a bite along the coast looking out at the Atlantic. Its fabulous location overlooking the sea offers joggers, walkers, and picnickers panoramic views, especially at sunset. Even in the warmest weather, a gentle breeze is always blowing much to the delight of day trippers and picnicking families. Because of its expansive layout by the sea, this park is used at night for firework displays, food festivals and other community events.
Menemsha Hills Nature Reserve features 211 acres of woodland, rolling hills and sand cliffs, with 150-foot high headlands overlook the sea. There are over 3 miles of foot trails that lead past ancient stone walls through blueberry woodlands to the beach. On any given day harbor seals and flocks of scoters (sea ducks) are said to come ashore, adding to the scenic mile-long trail that runs to Prospect Hill, with a spectacular view of Gay Head.