On the Wild Side: 4 Spots for Martha’s Vineyard Animal Encounters
From ages six to 76, seeing animals awakens the kid-at-heart in us all. You won’t find a zoo or aquarium on the island (though to be fair, nature’s aquarium has us surrounded) but fans of the furry, feathered, or scaled aren’t out of luck. Your kids won’t come home begging for a puppy after these Martha’s Vineyard animal encounters, but they may ask for an alpaca instead.
Head Out to Pasture at The FARM Institute
Telling your kid that their room looks like a pigsty doesn’t have the same effect if they don’t understand the reference. Time to change that! The FARM Institute in Edgartown is dedicated to connecting people with agriculture, and one way to accomplish that is through hands-on learning. Take a one-hour morning Chore Tour between September and May to lend a helping hand during animal encounters with the farm’s cows, pigs, sheep, or chickens.
Bring the Binoculars for Birding
Blue heron at Caleb Pond. Photo: Bill Brine via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
If you have an avian fascination (they do descend from dinosaurs, after all) then pack the binoculars for a birding expedition. One viewing option you can’t miss are the osprey nesting platforms strewn throughout the island. Look up for a chance to view osprey or fledglings during the spring or summer. During a winter visit, head to Norton Point Beach on Chappaquiddick to seek out snowy owls along the sand.
Animal Encounters at Island Alpaca
Are alpacas really as soft as they seem? There’s only one way to find out and Martha’s Vineyard is the best place to make it happen. Head to Island Alpaca in Vineyard Haven to see the herd in all their glory. To get the full experience, we recommend taking a workshop like Alpaca Discovery for a hands-on experience feeding, cleaning, and even walking these four-legged furballs.
Photo: David Berkowitz via flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Admired locally for some of the best island hiking trails around, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is another chance place for animal encounters on Martha’s Vineyard. A variety of habitats encompass the 350-acre property, from fields to salt marsh, where visitors may glimpse wildlife during their own explorations. An additional Nature Play area features butterfly and bird gardens full of winged wonder, and the sanctuary also has a Discovery Room with snakes, turtles, and hands-on activities to take part in.
Some animal encounters on Martha’s Vineyard are guaranteed while others require a bit of sightseeing skill and luck. If you cross paths with any creatures during your stay, share your story with us at the Square. We’re a pet-friendly place but we don’t often get to see barnyard buddies at our front desk.
While summer is the perfect season for visiting Edgartown, any time of year is a great time to book your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Spring in New England, also known as shoulder season or off-season, is an excellent time of year to visit Martha’s Vineyard. For anyone looking to live like a […]
Picking the perfect vacation destination can involve a lot of pro and con list making. Two of the most popular New England spots both reside off the southern coast of Cape Cod. Both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard have been attracting countless vacationers for years, and for good reason. However, there are differences between these two […]
No matter where you turn, there is always something to discover on Martha’s Vineyard. From memorable activities to recognizable landmarks, the possibilities are endless. Be close to it all while having a tranquil place to call home by booking your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Our Edgartown hotel is close to everything you […]
It can sometimes be hard to figure out when to book your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. No matter the time of year, there are plenty of adventures to embark on throughout Edgartown. A great way to determine when to book your stay with us is by looking at the average weather in […]
When selecting your Martha’s Vineyard home base, you want a lodging option that features cozy accommodations, exceptional amenities, and is close to top activities and attractions. You get all this and more when you stay at Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites. Thanks to our convenient location, you’ll be just steps away from charming downtown Edgartown, […]
Adventure is right at your fingertips when you book your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Overlooking Edgartown Harbor, our hotel is the perfect home base for your getaway. When looking up what to see in Martha’s Vineyard, there is no shortage of unique and memorable attractions to discover. Hop on a rental bike […]
Martha’s Vineyard is known for being a go-to summer vacation destination. However, this New England is the perfect escape any time of year. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, try visiting Martha’s Vineyard and Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites in the winter. This season is a fantastic time for couples looking to […]
The New England region is filled with breathtaking scenery, and some of the best examples of Mother Nature’s work can be found on Martha’s Vineyard. Enjoy waterfront views by reserving your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, one of the best hotels in Edgartown. Our boutique hotel puts you near some of the best […]