Travel Diary: Martha’s Vineyard

Martha's vineyard gingerbread house
Martha's Vineyard beach
Travel Diary: Martha’s Vineyard

Happy Weekend, everyone!  Last weekend I headed out to Martha’s Vineyard for a little family get-together at my uncle’s new summer home.

For those of you who are not familiar, Martha’s Vineyard is an island off the coast of Massachusetts, known for its pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes, as well as for its perfectly manicured homes and gardens. (And also for its preppy popped collars and embroidered whale pants..but you didn’t hear that from me *wink*).

While I was only there for a few days, my uncle was anxious to take us around the island and show us the “hidden gems” that he’s discovered over the years.

We covered pretty much the entire island including Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Telegraph Hill, State Beach, Vineyard Haven, Aquinnah, the Gay Head Lighthouse, Rocky Beach, and Menemsha.   We didn’t have time to make the trip over to Chappaquiddick Island which would have been cool, but oh well…we’ll save that one for next time!

Some may say I’m crazy, but my favorite part of exploring the island wasn’t the beaches…and here’s why:

Located in the downtown part of Oak Bluffs is this magical “campground” which has these amazing gingerbread style houses that are painted in every color of the rainbow.  I cannot believe I grew up in New England and never knew this place existed until now.  Literally, there are hundreds of them…a color lovers dream!

Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard

Each one is unique and everything from the elaborate trim on the roof to the railings on the porches are hand-cut and painted to go along with the house’s theme.  Not one detail is overlooked.

Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard

Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard Gingerbread house Martha's VineyardSupposedly, this campground was once a religious refuge in the mid-1800’s.  It is built in a circular patterned grid, with the center housing a large tabernacle.  During the summer months there are many concerts that play there, and on the day we visited the Martha’s Vineyard High School was having their graduation ceremony there.

Gingerbread houses Martha's Vineyard

Gingerbread house Martha's VineyardGingerbread house Martha's Vineyard Martha's Vineyard garden

So adorbs, am I right?!

And I was completely obsessed with the house below called ‘The Pink House’ (they were really thinking out of the box).  We may or may not have walked around in circles for an hour or so trying to find it, but I think it was well worth the trek.

Pink Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard Pink Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard Pink Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard Pink Gingerbread house Martha's Vineyard

Just look at how ornate the hinges on the door are.  Such amazing craftsmanship!

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After checking out the campground we walked around downtown Oak Bluffs, which has a more commercial/touristy feel than the rest of the quaint towns on the island.

Here is the iconic Black Dog store in Oak Bluffs:

The Black Dog Martha's Vineyard

And, of course, the trip wouldn’t be complete without a Del’s frozen lemonade!

Del’s are a Rhode Island and Massachusetts summer staple, made from only 3 ingredients: fresh lemons, ice, and sugar.  So delicious and refreshing.

Del's Frozen Lemonade Martha's Vineyard

SHIRT (similar) / JEANS (similar) / BELT / HAT (similar) / SHOES / NECKLACES

 

Best Beach: State Beach (if you have a Jeep or truck you can drive out onto the sand which is fun)

Best Shopping: Edgartown

Casual Dinner: Grab lobster rolls at Larsen’s Fish Market and watch the sunset over Menemsha

Fancy Dinner: Etoile or Atria

Best Bar: The Seafood Shanty or The Wharf? (Not positive on these as I didn’t do a whole lot of partying with the fam)

Dessert: Mad Martha’s for some delicious homemade ice cream, or stop off the beaten path at Chilmark Chocolates for some amazing hand-made treats (this is one of those hidden gems–you’ll thank me later.).  Chilmark chocolates is also a company that gives back.  They hire workers with developmental disabilities and then donate back to the MV community.  A do-good chocolatier= a win/win in my book.

Have you ever been to Martha’s Vineyard?  What are your favorite things to do on the island?

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