Lying seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard is in a class by itself as far as vacation homes go. As one of the most frequented locations by prominent people around the world (including Presidents, princesses, actors, and musicians), Martha's Vineyards' villages, beaches, ponds, and numerous sea-cliffs offer a plethora of stunning second home options.
What is life on Martha's Vineyard like for an owner of a vacation home there? Given the variety of fulltime residents, visitors, and second homeowners on the island, it is hard to say that there is a typical lifestyle. From the more public and "royal" personalities to every day vacation homeowners, the main uniting factor is the love of the unspoiled nature on Martha's Vineyard, as well as a great appreciation for the historical foundation of the island.
Since it is only accessible by air or ferry, the feeling of island tranquility starts the moment you set foot on Martha's Vineyard. There are six towns on the island: Aquinnah, Chilmark, West Tisbury, Vineyard Haven (Tisbury), Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. Each offers different coastal experiences and lifestyle choices.
Even the beaches vary - from protected inlets to wild surf coasts. And each season offers its own delight, from long walks along the ocean in summer, to the glory of fall foliage during the New England autumn.
On the Vineyard, residents and visitors alike enjoy strolling and swimming at one of the of fourteen public beaches, cycling around the island, fishing, visiting the five island lighthouses, exploring the Sengekontacket Point by kayak, shopping the farmer's market, and golfing the island's resort courses.
Many of Martha's Vineyards' towns were established in the 1600's. Aquinnah is the only town that still has a Native American Indian population. Chilmark is not quite as old (its first public buildings were erected in 1790), but its unique attraction is a fabulous beach at Menemsha. Edgartown, one of the most elegant towns, was the first colonial settlement and county seat since 1642. Oak Bluffs was settled in 1667, with its first major event being a camp meeting of Methodists and other Christian sects in 1835. Tisbury was settled by Europeans in 1674, though it was explored as early as 1602. The town grew slowly and was mostly agricultural. West Tisbury was the fastest growing town on the Vineyard in the 1980's.