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edgartown hotel

A sketch of Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, a premier Edgartown hotel.

Situated in the heart of downtown Edgartown rests Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Located close to charming shops and world-class restaurants, the charming Edgartown hotel is a top option for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing Martha’s Vineyard getaway for a reason. In honor of our many years serving vacationers, we wanted to take a second to pause and reflect on how we got to where we are today.

The Start of Martha’s Vineyard

All of the rich history of how our hotel got to where it is today would mean nothing if it weren’t for the history of Martha’s Vineyard itself. The first documented name of the island off the shores of Massachusetts is Noepe, which means “land amid the waters.”

Bartholomew Gosnold is said to have called it Martha’s Vineyard after a family member and the abundance of grapes after he discovered the island in 1602. Eventually, Thomas Mayhew bought the island in 1642, when Great Harbour became the first European settlement. This area was renamed in 1672 to Edgartown. The whaling industry of the 1820s transformed the village, and many captains built stately mansions in Edgartown, many of which exist to this day. 

Fast forward a few years, and the Edgartown Methodists held their first camp meeting at the northern end of town in 1835. This meeting would become a yearly event and is regarded as one of the catalysts for transforming the island from a farming community into a seaside resort and vacation destination.

Learn more about the history of Edgartown and Martha’s Vineyard by visiting local landmarks and museums, including the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

A Brief Overview of a Storied History

Before it was Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, our hotel operated under the name The Colonial Inn. Opening its doors in 1911, the space was a smaller house with 16 rooms and was described as having been finished in an Old English Style. 

After that first season, the hotel was revamped and became double its original size. More work and expansion occurred in 1921 when the adjacent building was added, where the current Edgartown Residence Club Wing is found. By 1927, there were 60 rooms. 

The Inn hosted many rich and famous people throughout the years, including Dr. Charles E. Banks, Jacqueline Bouvier, John F. Kennedy, and I.M. Pei. After Thomas Chirgwin, the original owner of the hotel, passed away in 1940, the Colonial Inn changed hands and transformed a number of times over the years. In 2008, the current ownership group purchased the property and renamed the hotel its current namesake. Today, everyone who works at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites works to continue the hospitality and service that started back in 1911.

Experience Our Edgartown Hotel for Yourself

The exterior of Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, an Edgartown hotel, as it stands today.

See why Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites has remained a top option for visitors to Martha’s Vineyard for yourself. Now is the perfect time to book your stay at our Edgartown hotel. Thanks to numerous accommodation options and excellent amenities, we have everything you need for the best stay possible. Call 508-627-4711 to learn more about booking your stay or ways to save.

A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel
Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown
Where to Get the Best Lunch in Edgartown
Go Exploring with the Best Martha’s Vineyard Tours
Treat Yourself to Fine Dining at the Top Edgartown Spots
Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
Two people eating a salad and sandwich for lunch at an Edgartown restaurant.

There are a few ways you can make it through each adventure-filled day during your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. One is a mid-day nap in your cozy guestroom, and another is with a pick-me-up from a local coffee shop. Sometimes the answer is a delicious meal, and there are plenty of options in Edgartown for an incredible lunch.

A Guide to 5 Edgartown Area Restaurants for Your Mid-Day Meal

Between setting off on memorable tours or treating yourself to a bit of shopping, you’re sure to work up an appetite. There are countless restaurants in Edgartown to try, including one found at our hotel that’s a great dinner option. Keep reading to learn about five of our top choices for lunch.

1. Enjoy a quintessential diner experience at Edgartown Diner. The popular spot includes a menu with all classic options like onion rings, BLTs, burgers, and more. Be sure to save room for a milkshake!

2. Head to Upper Main Street to try Lucky Hank’s Restaurant and Cafe, which opened its doors in 2012. The lunch menu features a number of dishes, including salads and sandwiches made using locally-sourced ingredients.

3. The Black Dog Tavern, in nearby Vineyard Haven, is known for its breathtaking view of the harbor and chef-crafted entrees. Try one of their seasonal specials or dig into a Black Dog signature like clam chowder.

4. For more than six decades, The Seafood Shanty has been a go-to in Edgartown for good food and incredible views. Go outside your comfort zone and try one of the chef’s recommendations, or browse the menu for something to satisfy your seafood craving.

5. Take in views of the Katama Airfield by dining at Katama Kitchen. Open May through October, the charming spot is known for traditional diner cuisine, like chicken wrap, spring salad, and more.

Plan the Perfect Martha’s Vineyard Getaway

A guestroom at an Edgartown hotel to relax in after enjoying lunch at a local spot.

Whether your upcoming visit to Martha’s Vineyard is your first or fifth time vacationing here, there is always something new to discover. From trying a new Edgartown restaurant for lunch to wandering Oak Bluffs, the possibilities are endless, especially for those who stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Our boutique hotel is found in the heart of Edgartown, which means adventure is all around you.

When reserving your stay, you have several accommodation options to choose from, like one-bedroom suites and harbor view rooms. No matter which you reserve, you’ll have a relaxing place to call home. Learn more about our Martha’s Vineyard hotel and its amenities by calling 508-627-4711. We can also answer any questions you have about special offers and packages.

A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel
Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown
Where to Get the Best Lunch in Edgartown
Go Exploring with the Best Martha’s Vineyard Tours
Treat Yourself to Fine Dining at the Top Edgartown Spots
Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
A park to have a picnic in, one of the best things to do in Oak Bluffs.

Located in the heart of Edgartown rests Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. This charming boutique hotel is surrounded by quaint shops, incredible dining options, and so much more. However, Edgartown is only one of six towns that make up Martha’s Vineyard. On your next stay with us, consider planning a day trip to check out things to do in Oak Bluffs.

What to Do on Your Visit to Oak Bluffs

One of the best ways to travel to Oak Bluffs from our Edgartown hotel is by public transit. Check the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority’s route map for times and stops, which can vary depending on the season.

Incorporated in 1880, the town was first known as Cottage City before the name changed to Oak Bluffs in 29017. Today, Oak Bluffs is often considered one of the liveliest towns on Martha’s Vineyard, making it a must-visit for those staying with us.

Go for a ride on the Flying Horses Carousel. Built in 1876 and acquired by the Vineyard Preservation Trust in 1986, this newly resorted attraction is the country’s oldest platform carousel. Check hours before heading over.

Spend some time soaking in the sun at Inkwell Beach. Found right off Seaview Avenue, this stretch of sandy shoreline does have lifeguards on duty during peak summer hours.

Stop by Mocha Mott’s for a caffeine boost. Serving coffee and espresso drinks, this destination is also known for tasty baked goods.

No trip to Oak Bluffs is complete without taking in the gingerbread cottages found at the Oak Bluffs Campground. Once the location of Methodist camp meetings, the 19th-century cottages are now a National Historic Landmark. 

Plan a picnic lunch at Ocean Park. With its expertly groomed grounds and inviting gazebo, the park is the perfect place to spread out your blanket and enjoy lunch from a local restaurant.

Make Vineyard Square Your Martha’s Vineyard Home Base

The sitting area of an Edgartown hotel room to research things to do in Oak Bluffs in.

Whether exploring things to do in Oak Bluffs or checking out Martha’s Vineyard attractions, adventure is all around you when you stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Our boutique Edgartown hotel is the ideal place to call home for everyone, from families to couples, and for good reason.

Our accommodations range from luxury suites to standard guestrooms, but no matter which you reserve, you’ll have a tranquil place to call home. We also provide guests with exceptional amenities like concierge services, free bike rental, and free use of beach chairs. To learn more about our Martha’s Vineyard hotel or special offers, call 508-627-4711.

A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel
Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown
Where to Get the Best Lunch in Edgartown
Go Exploring with the Best Martha’s Vineyard Tours
Treat Yourself to Fine Dining at the Top Edgartown Spots
Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
The fireworks display in Edgartown, part of the 4th of July events on Martha's Vineyard.

If Memorial Day is the kick-start of summer, then the Fourth of July is the height of the season. This holiday is marked by parades, colorful fireworks, and endless laughter. If you’re looking for a way to up the fun this year, plan a getaway to Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Our Edgartown hotel is the perfect home base for anyone looking to enjoy the events that take place throughout Martha’s Vineyard.

How to Celebrate Independence Day Martha’s Vineyard Style

Martha’s Vineyard has a calendar filled with incredible events and festivities year-round, and the Fourth of July is no exception. There are countless things to do that’ll put you in a festive spirit while helping create lifelong memories.

Get your spot to watch the annual Edgartown Parade. Floats, bands, and classic cars depart from Edgartown School and set off down Main Street at 5 p.m. This route takes the procession right past the front of our hotel!

After the parade, walk up North Water Street to find the perfect viewing spot for the fireworks display. The show takes place over Edgartown Harbor and starts around 9 p.m.

For a different way to celebrate, go to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary at 8 p.m. Check out the Fourth of July Firefly Night, where you can spend the night looking for the recognizable insect. At the end of the night, gather by the fire for s’mores and stargazing.

Before the official festivities start, have your own fun by spending the day on the beach or visiting other land bank properties, like Sweetened Water.

Book Your Summer Escape to Edgartown

An Edgartown Hotel to stay at when visiting for 4th of July or other Martha's Vineyard events.

There’s still plenty of time to book your Fourth of July getaway at Vineyard Hotel & Suites. Not only will you be close to local Martha’s Vineyard events, but you’ll also have a relaxing and spacious place to call home.

Found in the heart of Edgartown, our boutique hotel offers incredible lodging options and fantastic amenities at an affordable price. Our accommodations range from luxury suites to cozy guest rooms. We work to bring you all the things you need for the best stay possible, including concierge services, board games to borrow, free bike rental, and in-season continental breakfast. Call 508-627-4711 to learn more about reserving your visit or ways to save.

A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel
Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown
Where to Get the Best Lunch in Edgartown
Go Exploring with the Best Martha’s Vineyard Tours
Treat Yourself to Fine Dining at the Top Edgartown Spots
Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring

When we tell first-time visitors to leave the car at home, it’s not because we expect them to stay put at our downtown Edgartown hotel. One step off our porch puts you at the center of the action, and walking is our preferred way to get around. Put on your walking shoes (or just your sandals) to explore 10 absolutely essential Martha’s Vineyard attractions within one square mile (read: one easy walk) of Vineyard Square.

 

 

Actual Steps from Our Edgartown Hotel

If you can’t see one of these Edgartown staples from our porch, just look the other direction.

 

1. Chesca’s Restaurant

It’s not uncommon for the aroma of linguine and clams to waft right past our front desk, and we’ll never get tired of bragging about it. Chesca’s has everything we like in a restaurant: spectacular food, an attentive staff, and a comfortable, upscale atmosphere where we always feel welcome.

 

2. Eisenhauer Gallery

Our next-door neighbors have a taste for large-scale paintings with bright colors. Art enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike leave the Eisenhauer Gallery raving about Carol Bennett’s paintings of swimmers and Michel Brousseau’s work with antique boats and automobiles, just two of the many talented artists represented here.

 

Mikel Hunter boutique Edgartown MA 3. Mikel Hunter Boutique

With 25 years in fashion under his belt, Mikel hand picks funky and artisanal clothing, accessories, and artwork that are responsibly sourced and manufactured. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions—he has a keen eye for each customer’s style and loves to chat. This storefront is directly out our back door.

 

4. Vineyard Vines

At Vineyard Vines, pastel plaid, pink shorts, and big smiles are the name of the game. Find this authority on island attire right across the street from our Edgartown hotel.

 

5 & 6. Murdick’s Fudge and Mad Martha’s Ice Cream

These sweet neighbors belong together like peanut butter and chocolate. Get your hands on some freshly made fudge at Murdick’s, then stroll over to Mad Martha’s for a specialty sundae like the Oreo Cookie Nookie: Oreo ice cream, hot fudge, marshmallow, and whipped cream topped with a Hershey kiss.

 

Less Than Half a Mile

These Martha’s Vineyard attractions dot the blocks of downtown. All are within five-or-six-minute walk from Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites.

 

7. Martha’s Vineyard Museum

The story of Martha’s Vineyard comes to life at this interactive museum. Our island’s whaling history is front-and-center with permanent exhibits that include a replica of a whaling ship’s tryworks and the Fresnel lens originally installed on Gay Head Lighthouse in 1856.

 

view of Edgartown Harbor from Memorial Wharf8. Memorial Wharf

When you look out at Edgartown Harbor from our hotel’s fourth-floor veranda, you’re looking directly over the top of Memorial Wharf. Walk down Kelly Street, hang a left onto Dock Street, and then climb the stairs of the wharf’s public waterfront pavilion for a panoramic look at the island of Chappaquiddick and the Martha’s Vineyard shoreline.

 

Still Under One Mile

Stretch your legs and venture to the edges of downtown, which are still pretty darn close.

 

9. Lighthouse Beach

The walk up North Water Street to Edgartown Lighthouse is just over half a mile, and with stunning views along the way, it feels even shorter to us. Stately whitewashed colonials give way to tall grasses and sand, with our town’s iconic lighthouse out at the tip of the beach.

10. Bad Martha

Clocking in at .9 miles from our hotel in downtown Edgartown, Bad Martha rewards walkers with refreshing Martha’s Vineyard beer on tap and plenty of seating on the patio and in the tap room. Live music and fierce corn hole competition make this an especially fun afternoon stop.

 
Vineyard Vines — Attractions Near Our Edgartown Hotel

A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel
Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown
Where to Get the Best Lunch in Edgartown
Go Exploring with the Best Martha’s Vineyard Tours
Treat Yourself to Fine Dining at the Top Edgartown Spots
Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring