Martha’s Vineyard, a Massachusetts island, sits in the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod. A longtime New England summer colony, locals refer to being on The Vineyard as “on island.” It’s accessible only by boat or air. Known for its miles of beautiful beaches, Martha’s Vineyard invites relaxation. To the north, Oak Bluffs displays the island’s remarkable charm in its gingerbread cottages and the Flying Horses Carousel, a National Historic Landmark.

Excursion: See the six towns on Martha’s Vineyard during this all-encompassing drive through the rolling countryside and along the picturesque coast. As you travel around the triangular-shaped island, you will take in sights such as the colourful gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs. Edgartown is known for its stately white Greek Revival houses and as one of the backdrops for the movie “Jaws.” In the centre of the island, you will find the rural towns of West Tisbury and Chilmark. Both are spectacularly scenic because of the surrounding state forests and rich farmland. You will pause for photos in the fishing village of Menemsha and stretch your legs in Aquinnah at the island’s far western tip. The red clay cliffs here are a National Historic Landmark. Ahead lies Vineyard Haven, one of New England’s busiest ports in the 1830s when up to 38 cargo-laden sailing vessels stopped here each day.

Gingerbread cottages in Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard harbour