When we visit Martha’s Vineyard, our favorite town to call “home” is Edgartown. If you’re staying in town or even on the outskirts, everything is within walking or biking distance. The shopping and dining can’t be beat and the ambiance of the old whaling captains homes, white clapboard and cedar shingle, brick sidewalks, street lanterns and abundant gardens is reminiscent of a very prosperous and gentler time.
Regarding the island, MVOL.com has this to say… “The 100 square miles of Martha’s Vineyard are home to six separate towns which have evolved six unique personalities since the first arrival of English settlers to the Island in 1642. The Island, with its beautiful beaches, nature preserves and historic villages, is a magical place to visit at any season. But one of the most unexpected delights for many newcomers is the rich variety and unique charms of these six individual towns.”
“In 1642, Rev. Thomas Mayhew, Jr. led a group of families to start a colony on the island after its purchase by his father Thomas Mayhew. Originally called Great Harbor, it was incorporated in 1671, and is one of the two original towns on Martha’s Vineyard, along with Tisbury. The town’s current name is in honor of Edgar, the young son of James II of England who died at the age of three in 1671.
Edgartown is well known as having been one of the primary ports for the whaling industry during the 1800s. Ships from all over the world would dock in its sheltered bay and captains would build grand mansions for their families. As more economical alternatives became available the whaling industry began to decline. By the beginning of the 20th century, its influence on the tiny town which had made its fortunes through the industry, was ended.
Today the town is more known for tourism, as well as the site of Chappaquiddick, where Ted Kennedy’s infamous incident took place in 1969.”
Lets take a stroll… and pardon the pic quality.. all shot with iphone. Hey, I got lazy.
On this visit, we stayed at the Kelley House, which has been in business since 1742 and is a registered Historic Hotel of America. Warm fresh baked cookies and milk are served from 8 to 9pm every night in the lobby, and there’s always a fire in the fireplace.
