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Edgartown hotels

A person working on a glass piece at a workshop in West Tisbury.

Planning a relaxing vacation doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Martha’s Vineyard is the best of both worlds. You can enjoy memorable adventures while also enjoying the slower pace of life. For anyone staying at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, there are things to do from sunrise to sunset. Spend a day disconnected from technology by exploring Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. Another great option is to visit nearby Martha’s Vineyard towns like West Tisbury. 

Martha’s Vineyard is home to several charming towns, including West Tisbury. Found roughly 15 minutes away from our Edgartown hotel, this nearby New England town is home to several popular attractions. The best way to get to West Tisbury is via Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority, and our concierge staff can help ensure you catch the right buses. To help you plan your unforgettable day trip, we’ve compiled a list of seven must-visit spots.

A Checklist of 7 Places to Visit

1. Grange Hall was built in 1859 and acquired by the Vineyard Preservation Trust in 1997. Today, it hosts several events throughout the year, including the popular Artisan Festivals.

2. Spend time wandering the West Tisbury farmer’s market, which has been taking place since 1974. The market is open on Saturdays from June through October. It is also open on Wednesdays from June through August. 

3. Take in colorful flora at the Polly Hill Arboretum. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Walk along the paths, taking in the beauty of rare trees and shrubs, and plants native to this region.

4. Pop into Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks to see incredible works of art come to life. Established in 1992, this state-of-the-art glass facility allows visitors to watch glass artists turn raw materials into a final stunning piece.

5. No trip to West Tisbury is complete without stopping by Alley’s General Store. The authentic general store is stocked with candy, groceries, hardware, and more.

6. One of the most iconic attractions on Martha’s Vineyard is the Field Gallery. While the gallery is home to three spaces with rotating exhibits, the focal point is the large field of whimsical sculptures.

7. Visit one of the largest publicly accessible conservation properties on the island by visiting the Long Point Wildlife Refuge. Go for a walk on the two-mile trail, or go for a swim to cool off. You will need to purchase an advance pass if you are visiting from mid-June to mid-September.

Reserve Your Stay at a Boutique Martha’s Vineyard Hotel

The seating area of an Edgartown hotel room to relax in after visiting West Tisbury.

Whether exploring things to do in West Tisbury or visiting a film festival, there are endless ways to spend your Martha’s Vineyard vacation. No matter what’s on your itinerary, it’s important to have a relaxing space to call home. Enjoy just that by booking a room at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites.

Found in downtown Edgartown, our hotel has everything you need for the best stay possible. This includes several accommodation options and fantastic amenities. Call 508-627-4711 to learn more about our Edgartown hotel or ways to save.

Treat Yourself to Fine Dining at the Top Edgartown Spots
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Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
People in a theater for a Martha's Vineyard film festival.

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than curling up and watching a movie. Take this pastime to the next level by planning your visit to a Martha’s Vineyard film festival. Each festival is unique, but they all have something in common. They showcase incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera.

Anyone planning to visit one of these events needs a relaxing place to call home. Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites provides you with precisely that. Located in the heart of downtown Edgartown, our boutique hotel puts you close to all the action. Keep reading to learn more about three film festivals any movie enthusiast will love.

Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

The first event of the year is the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. The annual event takes place over four days in mid-March. Produced by Circuit Arts, the gathering shows independent films that spark discussion, action, and debate.

Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival

One of the year’s most anticipated events is the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival, also known as MVAAFF. This nine-day August event is an Oscar Qualifying Festival in the Short Film category. Showings take place at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center in Oak Bluffs. Given its popularity, we highly recommend reserving your accommodations as early as possible.

Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival

A third popular option is the International Film Festival in September. For over 15 years, this event has celebrated worldwide cinematic magic. The best films from dozens of countries are shown at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center.

Reserve Your Martha’s Vineyard Accommodation Today

The living  space of an Edgartown hotel that's close to the site of a Martha's Vineyard film festival.

If you plan on attending a Martha’s Vineyard film festival, it’s important to start your stay planning as soon as possible. This includes booking your room at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites and figuring out how to get to the island. Reservations for ferries and hotels can fill up quickly, so don’t wait too long.

Our boutique hotel is the perfect place to escape the festival crowds and rest for another day of watching exceptional films. Enjoy a bite to eat at Chesca’s Restaurant, found on hotel property, before retiring to the comfort of your well-appointed room. All of our accommodations come with luxurious en-suite bathrooms, sumptuous bedding, and more. Call 508-627-4711 to speak with a reservation specialist about booking your stay or ways to save.

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
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
A ferry, one of the top results when searching for how to get to Martha's Vineyard.

If you’re looking for a vacation filled with charm and adventure, look no further than Martha’s Vineyard. The New England island is home to numerous charming towns, including Edgartown. Home to Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, the seaport village has countless things to do and see. However, before you can enjoy all the fun, you need to figure out how to get to Martha’s Vineyard. There are a few different ways to reach your final destination; keep reading to learn more about them.

What to Know about Riding the Ferry

In the movie Jaws, Chief Brody remarks, “It’s only an island if you look at it from the water.” Notwithstanding that island-centric outlook, visitors still have to cross a body of water to get to the Vineyard!

Found only two and a half miles off Massachusetts’ Cape Cod coast, the most popular way to reach Martha’s Vineyard is by ferry, and there are quite a few options. There are more offerings between May and October, but several routes are available year-round. Most ferries are passenger-only, so be sure to find out what parking options are available if you are driving to the dock.

The Steamship Authority provides the most extensive ferry schedule throughout the year, accommodating passengers and cars. Steamship ferries leave from Woods Hole on Cape Cod and arrive in Vineyard Haven year-round and Oak Bluffs during the summer and fall. If you plan on bringing a car, be sure to book well in advance, particularly during the summer season, as boats fill quickly.

Seastreak is a passenger-only, fast ferry service that leaves from New Bedford, MA, to Vineyard Haven. Once a seasonal operation, the Seastreak now runs year-round with multiple ferries to and from the Vineyard daily.

For those traveling from the NY metro area and points further south, or from Connecticut or Rhode Island and would like to cut down on the drive time to the Cape, there’s a great option. The  Rhode Island Fast Ferry is a high-speed ferry that takes vacationers from Quonset Point, RI, to Oak Bluffs. This service only runs during the summer and early fall, so check the schedule before planning your vacation.

The Falmouth-Edgartown Ferry drops riders off at Memorial Wharf, only about a five-minute walk from our Edgartown hotel. This seasonal ferry operates between Falmouth Harbor on Cape Cod and Edgartown.

You can also reserve your seat on Hy-Line Cruises. You can choose to depart from either Hyannis or Nantucket, but either service arrives at the Oak Bluffs Harbor. The Hy-Line is a seasonal ferry that operates only in the summer and fall.

One final option is The Island Queen. The seasonal service provides numerous daily departures between Falmouth on Cape Cod to Oak Bluffs.

What about Flying? 

Ferries aren’t the only way to reach Martha’s Vineyard. A second mode of transportation is by plane. Fly from Boston, New Bedford, Providence, Hyannis, or Nantucket on Cape Air. Just like ferries, other options become available during tourist season, including American Airlines, Delta, and Jet Blue

Once you reach Martha’s Vineyard, there are several ways to get around the island, including numerous taxi services, rental cars, and more. Check out our blog for more information.

Plan Your Next Edgartown Vacation Today

A couple relaxing on the porch of an Edgartown hotel after successfully figuring out how to get to Martha's Vineyard.

As you’re figuring out how to get to Martha’s Vineyard, reserve your room at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites at the same time. Our charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Edgartown, which means adventure is right around the corner. Have fun exploring all this popular New England destination has to offer before resting up at the hotel.

We have worked to provide several accommodation styles, which allows us to host groups of all budgets. Our Edgartown hotel also features several on-site amenities that’ll enhance any stay. To learn more about our hotel or special offers, call 508-627-4711.

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
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
The lighthouse in Edgartown decorated for Christmas.
Photo:  Massachusetts Office of Tourism & Travel / Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0.

As temperatures continue to drop and fall settles in, many people start looking ahead and working on their holiday plans. For families trying to get away this year and make the season extra special, consider packing your bags and staying at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Our charming boutique hotel is the perfect home base for anyone looking to check out Christmas in Edgartown. Keep reading to learn more about this beloved annual festival.

What to Know about the Decades-Long Tradition

Taking place the second weekend of December, Christmas in Edgartown has been one of the most anticipated events of the year for over forty years. There are several jolly things to do that are sure to get your whole family in the holiday spirit!

The popular Edgartown Lighthouse gets a colorful refresh during the holidays. Make your way to the Memorial Wharf on Friday night to see the lighting of the lighthouse at 6 p.m. sharp. We recommend getting there early to snag a prime viewing spot.

Head to Main Street on Saturday morning for the Christmas parade. Join others to watch floats, fire engines, dancers, and more make their way from Pease’s Point Way to Water Street. 

Do a bit of gift shopping at the Holiday Faire in the Edgartown Village Green on North Water Street. Browse the booths of local artisans to see what hand-made items you stumble upon. There will be food and drinks available for purchase that benefit local non-profits.

Other popular festivities include horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa fun run, and a toy drive. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the shops in downtown Edgartown, as many offer special promotions this weekend.

Reserve Your Holiday Home Base

The outside of Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites in Edgartown decorated for Christmas.

Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites will be open during Christmas in Edgartown. Found in the heart of town, our Martha’s Vineyard hotel is perfectly situated for anyone looking to enjoy all the annual festival has to offer.

After a day of festive fun, warm up in the comfort of your cozy yet spacious room. With everything from dog-friendly rooms to luxury suites, our boutique Edgartown hotel has something for everyone. For more information about booking your stay with us or to learn about our special packages, call 508-627-4711.

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
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
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.

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
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape