The Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard is a popular destination for tourists, and is a must-see when visiting Cape Cod. Unlike many other Massachusetts islands, it can only be accessed by boat. The island is dotted with harbor towns, lighthouses, sandy beaches, and farmland. Visitors to the island can experience the charm of small, family-run businesses and historic landmarks in the commercial center, Vineyard Haven. Oak Bluffs is a charming town with Carpenter Gothic cottages and the iconic carousel.
The island’s native Wampanoag tribe originally called the Island Noepe, meaning ‘land among waters.’ In 1602, Benjamin Gosnold renamed the Island Martha’s Vineyard. Today, many Wampanoag live on the aboriginal lands of the southwest end of the Island and the peninsula known as Aquinnah. The tribe has over 900 people listed on its Tribal rolls, with only 300 living on Martha’s Village.
The island offers a variety of transportation options. Visitors can take a fast ferry, a passenger-only boat, for 45 minutes. Though it’s a quick way to get from town to the beach, the ride can be a bit bumpy if you suffer from motion sickness. There are also slower, more scenic options that allow cars to board the boats. If you’re looking for a more laid-back, slower ferry, you may want to consider taking the slower option. Some other ferries even let you drive onto them.
Whether you’re on the island to enjoy the natural beauty of the island or enjoy some entertainment, you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life on this beautiful and historic island. With its picturesque harbor and historic homes, Martha’s Vineyard has long been a popular getaway for celebrities. Aside from the famous people who live on the island, you can attend lectures, concerts, and dance shows. And if you’re a foodie, Martha’s Vineyard has plenty of restaurants and bars.
In addition to the island’s charming coastal towns, the island is home to a number of historic ruins. Aquinnah, formerly known as Gay Head, was the only township in the region to be named for a native American. The town is known for its terra-cotta clay cliffs, which are over 100 million years old. These rocky cliffs are sacred to the Wampanoag people, who lived on the island for centuries.
The island’s Native American townships are the most significant. Aquinnah, formerly called Gay Head, is home to a large Native American community. The island is renowned for its terra-cotta clay cliffs, which have been around for over 100 million years. The sea, land, and glaciers twisted the soil into colorful bands, resulting in a unique geological formation. The cliffs are a site of sacred worship for the Wampanoag.