Every summer, Alli Cole Travel and the gang gears up for an extended stay on Martha’s Vineyard. We have been returning to the island for as long as I can remember and it is always a true highlight of the summer. Whether arriving by ferry or flying in via Cape Air and experiencing the birds eye view of the island, there is nothing quite as happy as the approach to Martha’s Vineyard.

While it is wonderful to settle into a month on the Vineyard, it can also be done as the perfect four-day East Coast getaway.

Day 1:

After getting off the car ferry in Oak Bluffs, drive to Edgartown and check into the Harbor View Hotel. Stroll around Edgartown and enjoy an afternoon ice cream cone at Scoops. This evening, pack up a cheese plate, a picnic and a bottle (or two) of wine and drive onto South Beach to enjoy a magical Vineyard Sunset. During the day, South Beach is a happening spot. Some beachgoers park and walk on but most buy a car pass, deflate their tires and drive right onto the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for seals popping their heads out of the water inquisitively.

Day 2:

This morning, head to the West Tisbury Farmers Market to pick up produce, kombucha, dahlias, delicious chocolates, and more! After hitting the farmer’s market, head over to 7a to pick up a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a heavenly homemade biscuit. After your breakfast and a stroll around The Field Gallery, an art gallery with an outdoor sculpture garden, continue up island to walk along the beach at Gayhead. Gayhead is known for its stunning cliffs that jut out of the ocean and the sand. At lunch time, head to Menemsha Beach. Menemsha Beach is a smaller, more low key beach. Even on a misty gray day, it has a comforting nostalgic feel to it. Make sure to stop at Larsen’s Fish Market for the perfect hot buttered lobster roll. Pro tip: lobster rolls come in two styles- Maine and Connecticut style. A Maine style lobster roll is served cold with lobster tossed with mayo, tarragon and celery all piled into a bun. Connecticut style (my preferred lobster roll style) is hot steamed lobster piled into a toasted bun with hot butter on the side… simple yet incredible.

Day 3:

Walk into town and sit down for a cappuccino and a croissant from Behind the Bookstore. After breakfast, make your way over to Morning Glory Farm to pick up picnic supplies for a beach day! Drive onto South Beach and enjoy a few hours in the sun and sand. After you are sufficiently beach-ed out, head back to your hotel to get ready for dinner. Head into Oak Bluffs and grab a cocktail and a delicious dinner from a new restaurant, Seaweeds. A visit to Oak Bluffs is not complete without a ride on the historic Flying Horses Carousel. As you and your kiddos ride the carousel, you will collect as many rings as possible. The lucky rider who finds the special brass ring gets a free ride on the carousel.

Day 4:

On your final morning, relax on the porch of the Harbor View Hotel with your cup of coffee. Drive up island and check out the charming Gray Barn, known for their award-winning cheeses and fresh produce. If you are an art buff, make an appointment to stop into Allen Whiting’s art studio to see his serene vineyard scenes. This evening, stroll around town and grab a dozen oysters and a cocktail at Port Hunter. After your happy hour, make your way over to Atria for dinner. Atria has fine dining upstairs/on the patio and then a burger “cellar” downstairs. Don’t miss out on their parmesan truffle fries!

Bid farewell to your East Coast paradise!

**If you have more time… Check out:

Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series and Beach Road Music Festival - live music all summer long!
Agricultural Fair held every August- live music, food, games, baby animals, livestock show and more!
Go clamming in Katama Bay. Grilled clams with lemon and melted butter is hard to beat!
Get an earlier start and have a full beach day at Long Point
Stop into the Farm Institute so the kids can say hello to the animals