The big lesson learned is that local travel can be done in an enjoyable way, safely, and within all the confines of current protocols. This makes visiting Martha’s Vineyard a perfect option, especially for a get-a-way trip.
Overview
Getting There
I was kind of apprehensive about taking the ferry through The Steamship Authority, Woods Hole, MA to Visit Martha’s Vineyard.
I didn’t know what to expect from driving my car onto a boat and then sitting there for a half hour. I am happy to report it was relaxing. Being completely enclosed, I didn’t even feel the boat leave dock and start to move. After I got the courage to get out of my car and visit the observation decks, I felt much better. I think because the ferry was so large my concerns felt muted. I will say, everyone should expect the wind on deck to be considerably strong, even on nice days.
In retrospect, the value of convenience having my own car on the island for a trip like this was well worth it. It was super easy for both the trip there and the return. The cost is $170 round trip, and $110 after November 1st. For more details, check The Steamship Authority, Woods Hole, MA
Location
When you Visit Martha’s Vineyard , choosing the right location to stay is key regardless whether or not you bring a vehicle. The Hob Knob, Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa is close enough to the water in Edgartown that you have walking distance options to the Edgartown Lighthouse, downtown shops, and restaurants.
The Hob Knob is a 19th-century Gothic Revival building that has a beautiful wrap around porch and several patio gardens allowing for open air dining for breakfast or afternoon tea or take out. They also have indoor options of a sunroom, fireplace room and dining room. The staff are more than happy to provide plates and silverware to allow for a feeling of normalcy while responsibly distancing.
The rooms are everything you would expect of a high-end boutique hotel. They are classic, clean, and comfortable. Originally called the Fuller House they hosted John F. Kennedy in the years before he became president.
A short walk away is Alchemy Restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard , the restaurant we are most excited to go back to next time we visit Martha;s Vineyard . We did post dinner drinks and dessert. The Vanilla Old Fashioned made with Jefferson’s Bourbon was a hit with everyone. Their bourbon list was impressive boasting three kinds of Pappy Van Winkle The perfect pairing was the Grey Barn Farm Bluebird Cheese (made on the island) , Candied Pecans, Seasonal Jam, & Rosemary Crackers.
Also walking distance from Hob Knob, you can visit a blast from the past diner, featuring 50’s décor, an old-style tabletop jukebox, and current diner favorites at the Edgartown Diner, when you Visit Martha’s Vineyard.
Everyone wants that perfect lighthouse picture when they Visit Martha’s Vineyard. Edgartown Lighthouse is a great option to shoot because of the sunrise and sunset options. I got to shoot it during the only 30 minutes we saw cloudy skies, and my shots still came out great.
Key Outdoor Dining
If you want to feel like you stepped into a Jimmy Buffett song, Coop de Ville is the place to go. The outdoor seating is next to the water and the vibe is laidback.
They boast a huge beer list by owners who seem to know them all, and great seafood right by the water and boats docked next to you. They also are rumored to go through 3 to 600 pounds of wings a day.
Bad Martha’s Brewery in Edgartown is one of those places I could sit at all day and drink beer. Their our door space is beautiful and boasts barrels, pergolas, and night time popcorn lights.
They have an expanded food menu as well but I would stick to the charcuterie board as each item pair well with so many different beers.
My personal favorites were the Pumpkin Ale, Honey Hellis, and Octoberfest.
Sweet Treats
On everyone’s list when you Visit Martha’s Vineyard is Back Door Donuts.
There is usually a line at night when a lot of the Donuts are being made in coming out fresh, but it is always fast-moving. Their most popular item is the giant apple fritter which is bigger than most people head!
Murdicks Famous Fudge makes everyone’s must hit list in Martha’s Vineyard It smells incredible and the owner Mike McCourt is super nice. Watching fudge be made before your eyes is impressive. Everything from the copper kettles to the six inch thick marble cooling tables remind you how much work goes into making these treats in the traditional fashion.
Thank you so much to @hobknobmv for hosting us for this trip in partnership with @visitmarthasvineyard . We were hosted, but did not receive financial compensation for posting. #hosted
