A stroll through the first colonial settlement in Martha’s Vineyard is essential to understanding the vineyard’s culture and history. Here is my list of top 5 essential things to do in Edgartown.
To understand Martha’s Vineyard it’s important to get a sense of the different culture among the 3 main towns located on the North shore: Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. My mother and I took our complimentary rental bikes from our stay at Nobnocket Boutique Inn and biked through all 3 towns located on Martha’s Vineyard. Our journey began far east with Edgartown. Of the 3 main towns in Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown is probably the most animated.
Edgartown is a posh yet laid back blend of shopping, nightlife, and downtime. It was the first colonial settlement on Martha’s Vineyard back in 1642 settled by whaling captains. Today, a lot of the architecture from these whaling captains’ homes can be seen admired while strolling in town. With so many local shops and restaurants to visit, I summarized my top 5 essential things to do in Edgartown into the below categories.
Where to Stay in Edgartown: The Hob Knob
Edgartown Hotels: Hob Knob Hotel, Martha’s Vineyard
The beloved Hob Knob luxury boutique hotel is a deluxe getaway that complements its historic Edgartown setting, while pampering guests with contemporary amenities and excellent service. A tranquil wraparound porch engulfed in soothing trees and flowers shelters you, creating an oasis just steps from the historic village of Edgartown. Each of its 17 rooms are embodied by a different animal motif. A bike rack and shed outside has beach umbrellas, chairs, and more for guests to use at their leisure. This luxury boutique hotel could’ve just been any other Edgartown hotel, but it isn’t. Thanks to the Owner Diane Carr, coolness and upscaleness prevail making it a must stay in Edgartown.
1. Shopping in Edgartown: Main Street
Of the many things to do in Edgartown, shopping is probably at the top of the list. Our walk began on Main Street where we wandered in and out of specialty stores and peeked inside a number of cute cafes and restaurants. What’s special about Edgartown’s shopping is thatit’s unique to Edgartown. If you buy something here, it’s likely that you can’t buy it anywhere else in the world. No retail chains are allowed in the area, although I came across a Vineyard Vines, but the apparel company started on Martha’s Vineyard so I’ll let that slide.
One of my favorite boutique stores was Salte, a boho-chic travel inspired, lifestyle shop. Inspired by the ocean, they have a super cool outdoor lounge area and sell apparel and home goods that’ll give you island life-envy. My other favorite was Stefanie Wolf, she sells jewelry that gets me compliment every time I wear them. I list out all the local Edgartown shops you have to shop at and can’t miss in my article Edgartown Locals Who Bring Martha’s Vineyard to Life. Trust me, it’s worth a read. You will be leaving with goodies that are unique to the island.
2. Restaurants in Edgartown
When you’re not shopping and looking for things to do in Edgartown, food is a great alternative. The town has plenty of dining options including some secret ones. While strolling on Main Street we also came across one of Edgartown’s most loved cafe and bookstores hidden within one of the alleyways. Behind the Bookstore is the place where writers and people who want to enjoy a quiet read away from the crowds gather. Behind the Bookstore has an enormous garden with plenty of seating enveloped by a canopy. Warm peaks of sunshine break in here and there as servers run around bringing fresh ground coffee and freshly baked pastries using local ingredients when possible. It’s definitely a place you can’t miss.
I list out all the local Edgartown restaurants you have to eat at and can’t miss in my article Edgartown Locals Who Bring Martha’s Vineyard to Life. Trust me, it’s worth a read. Your stomach will be happy you followed my lead…
3. Edgartown Harbor
As you reach the end of Main Street, you’re delighted by a New England picture perfect setting of Edgartown’s waterfront and its harbor. The harbor is packed with sailboats, yachts, and fishing boats. Although the whaling community may no longer live here, their legacy of the sea lives on in a different form. To this day Edgartown is considered one of the world’s great yachting centers. As you stroll down the harbor you’ll encounter a few nice harbor front restaurants and sailing schools.
4. Edgartown Beach & Lighthouse
Martha’s Vineyard is home to 5 lighthouses, each with its own story and history. The Edgartown Lighthouse was built in 1828 on a man-made island, the only way to reach it used to be by boat. Since then, sand has filled the space between the lighthouse and the mainland and it’s become a popular peninsula for people to walk down during the day. Edgartown Lighthouse makes a popular appearance in many wedding photos and is a staple of the town.
5. North Water Street
As we made our way from Light Beach back to Main Street, we strolled down North Water Street. Many of the houses on this street are old 18th and 19th century whaling houses made from whaling profits back in the day. Nobnocket Boutique Inn shared an observation with us that many don’t notice. As you walk down the street, you’ll notice that the houses are slightly tilted at an angle, they are not all aligned with one another. That’s because back in the day, wives would line up outside the windows to say goodbye and greet their husbands when they got off and on the boat.
You could spend a few hours wandering the streets of Edgartown, just like you could spend a whole afternoon shopping, eating, going to the beach and exploring the whaling villages past. There are a number of interesting artifacts to find and things to do in Edgartown, you just need to know where to look!
>> Next: A Walk Through Oak Bluffs’ Gingerbread Cottages
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