12 In North America/ Photo Feature

The Ultimate New England Summer Weekend: 48 Hours on Martha’s Vineyard

My Photo Feature series focuses less on words and more on images. See more here.

Earlier this month, I headed to Martha’s Vineyard for a reunion with some of my best friends from college. From tree-lined streets lined with shingled cottages – complete with white picket fences, of course – to colorful beach cruiser bicycles, waterfront seafood shacks and more, it’s a place filled with some of the most quintessential New England views and activities you’ll find anywhere.

From strolling the streets of Edgartown to swooning over Victorian cottages in Oak Bluffs, it was one of those rare and perfect summer weekends full of friendship, ice cream, lawn games, barbeque, coffee, and (in my case) a whole lot of picture taking!

joseph sylvia state beach martha's vineyard

Ten Quick Tips for the Ultimate MV Weekend:

Order a seafood smorgasbord from The Net Result in Vineyard Haven and enjoy a delicious meal with friends (without the long restaurant wait).

Grab an ice cream from Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium in Oak Bluffs and take a walk around the town’s famous Victorian gingerbread cottages.

Enjoy some R&R on Joseph Sylvia State Beach. In the mood for a little action? Take a leap off of the American Legion Memorial Bridge, also called Big Bridge. (You might recognize it from Jaws!)

Stop by Morning Glory Farm for coffee and pastries. While you’re there, pick up some veggies and other essentials for barbecuing later.

Take a walk around Edgartown to swoon over the general loveliness of the houses and storefronts. While you’re there, pop into Edgartown Books and try to leave without buying anything!

Climb to the top level of the viewing deck by the Chappaquiddick Ferry for boat-iful panoramic views.

Watch the sunset from Menemsha Public Beach.

Grab a leisurely breakfast or brunch at State Road in West Tisbury or Artcliff Diner in Vineyard Haven.

Try some local brews at Bad Martha Brewing Company.

Get active! From renting bikes to kayaking to taking a yoga class, there are plenty of options to work up a sweat (in addition to sunbathing, of course).

edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard

oak bluffs gingerbread cottages martha's vineyard
One of the many adorable Oak Bluffs cottages to make heart eyes at!
joseph sylvia state beach martha's vineyard
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Starting the day with coffee and Q time with some of my closest friends is pretty much the best way I can think of!
edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard
A+ flower game
edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard
A+ flower game (part two)
edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard
Bike basket envy
Wine + lawn games
joseph sylvia state beach martha's vineyard

edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard

edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard
Major curb appeal on the streets of Edgartown
edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard

morning glory farm martha's vineyard
Add a little sunshine to your day at Morning Glory Farm
oak bluffs gingerbread cottages martha's vineyard
More Oak Bluffs cottages
edgartown books martha's vineyard
Edgartown Books
edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard

joseph sylvia state beach martha's vineyard

edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard

oak bluffs gingerbread cottages martha's vineyard

edgartown martha's vineyard

oak bluffs martha's vineyard

bad martha's farmer's brewery martha's vineyard
Escaping a rainy day at Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery
joseph sylvia state beach martha's vineyard

Notes on Getting There and Around: Your time on Martha’s Vineyard will likely start with a ferry ride, which only adds to the festive feeling of a summer getaway. Passenger ferries are available from several destinations originating in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and New York, while vehicle ferries are only available from Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Read more about ferry options here and here.

For transportation around the island, we mainly used cabs, as we opted not to bring one of our vehicles over with us. Leaving our car in the designated ferry passenger parking lot on Cape Cod cost us $15 per day. If you’d like to bring your car over, make your reservation well in advance – slots were already pretty much full for our weekend in August when we first chose the dates back in May.

edgartown massachusetts martha's vineyard

Leave me your thoughts on Martha’s Vineyard, or your favorite beachy summertime destination, in the Comments section below!

I’m sharing this post for the Wanderful Wednesday blog link-up, hosted by Lauren of Lauren on Location, Marcella of What a Wonderful World, Isabel of The Sunny Side of This, and Van of Snow in Tromso. Follow the links to look through their sites!

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12 Comments

  • Reply
    DSA
    August 22, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Bridge jumping at the ‘Jaws Bridge’ is fun.

    • Reply
      Caity Pfohl
      September 2, 2017 at 4:33 pm

      Despite the “no jumping” signs, which are clearly more for decoration than for actual warning. 🙂

  • Reply
    Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
    August 23, 2017 at 11:28 am

    it looks wonderful #wanderfulwednesday

    • Reply
      Caity Pfohl
      September 2, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      Thanks so much for reading, Tanja!

  • Reply
    Esther
    August 23, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    Oh my, that looks like a perfect getaway. Beautiful. I love the houses, Actually, I could use a day or 3 here, NOW!
    #WanderfulWednesday

    • Reply
      Caity Pfohl
      September 2, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      I loved the houses, too! The atmosphere of the whole island really made it feel like a true escape! Highly recommended. 🙂

  • Reply
    Sara
    August 23, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    What a fun place for a reunion!! It seems like it would be so relaxing!

    • Reply
      Caity Pfohl
      September 2, 2017 at 4:27 pm

      It really was! Aside from our exploring we spent the majority of our time playing lawn games and catching up. Pretty perfect. 🙂 Thanks for reading!

  • Reply
    Bryna | Dotted Line Travels
    August 23, 2017 at 11:31 pm

    I always hear of people going to Martha’s Vineyard in books and TV shows, but I’ve never been and never really looked at photos of it. From your photos it looks like such a beautiful and quaint place. The houses/buildings look so classic!

    • Reply
      Caity Pfohl
      September 2, 2017 at 4:31 pm

      Hi, Bryna! Before I visited it definitely held a somewhat mythical impression for me – even the name sounds quaint and fancy! But the island is so much more laid-back and accessible than its reputation makes it seem…and the architecture was so lovely, enjoying it was one of the main highlights of the trip. 🙂

  • Reply
    Vanessa
    August 27, 2017 at 4:47 am

    Martha’s Vineyard looks absolutely lovely! I love how it has this laid-back, peaceful feeling to it and I’d probably spend most of my time browsing all those cute shops if I ever visited!

    • Reply
      Caity Pfohl
      September 2, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      It really is a special place with so many opportunities for relaxing and enjoying its New England island vibe. I hope to get back there soon! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂

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