Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. — Located just a ferry ride from New York, Rhode Island, Cape Cod, and Woods Hole, Mass., sits a quaint and bustling island. Martha’s Vineyard, home to harbor towns and vast lighthouses, is most known for its pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and cookie-cutter cottage houses.

Frequently referred to as a “summer colony” the New England island is commonly bustling with tourists year-round. Martha’s Vineyard is often visited by celebrities, such as former President Barack Obama and his family, and is known for holding one of the earliest deaf communities in the United States. From local shops to delicious restaurants, Martha’s Vineyard offers the perfect weekend getaway. Ship your car with the boat as you ride to the island or opt for a more economically friendly route and rent a bike to get around.

3 p.m., Friday: Admire the Oaks Bluff cottage houses

The whimsical cookie-cutter lined “gingerbread cottages” are irresistibly hard to miss on the island but take time out of your schedule to really appreciate the intricate details and bright, lush colors. The houses all drip with icing-like trim and range from both pastel to vibrant shades. From lime green to bubblegum pink, these elaborate, historical houses are seemingly painted to resemble a basket of Easter eggs. Located all throughout Oaks Bluff, the total of 318 houses sit clustered together within their neat landscapes. One night every August, the quaint cottages are decorated with paper lanterns, increasing their fairytale-like qualities. This tradition, called Grand Illumination Night, began in 1869 and has attracted tourists ever since.

7 p.m.: Have a fancy dinner at The Terrace

Located inside Edgartown’s Charlotte Inn off a charming tree-lined street lies a 4.6-star restaurant called, The Terrace. The sophisticated eatery provides a both elegant and innovative dining experience, and memorable and extraordinary cuisine. Head Chef Patrice Martineau uses the best locally sourced seasonal ingrediencies to best concoct a menu of delicious classic French cuisine. From seafood to lamb chops, there is a meal fit for everyone. Put on your best-dressed and dine-in. Currently closed due to staffing issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can look forward to their re-open as soon as the pandemic ends.

10 a.m., Saturday: Support local small businesses in Edgartown

Looking for a new top? Or a gift for your new boo? Need a towel before you head to the beach? Main Street in Downtown Edgartown has it all. The street is lined with boutiques, markets, galleries, and more. Shop local and support small businesses and farms, like the Edgartown Paper Store and Morning Glory Farm. Don’t forget to stop by the infamous Black Dog restaurant or one of its boutiques. One of Martha’s Vineyard’s most known attractions, the Black Dog restaurant became well known for its souvenir t-shirts featuring the notorious Black Dog logo. The only way to get authentic Black Dog gear is to travel to the island or order directly online.

1 p.m.: Visit the Edgartown Harbor Light on Lighthouse Beach

Just a short walk from the town’s center lies the original of Martha’s Vineyard’s five lighthouses, Edgartown Lighthouse. Standing tall since 1828, the harbor light was built two stories high and looks over Edgartown Outer Harbor towards Chappaquiddick Island to guide ships inward to land. The bright white light can be seen from 14 miles away. An extremely versatile experience for tourists, you can take a walk upon the sandy beach surrounding the lighthouse, sit on a rock and watch the boats float by, or dip your toes in the calm, cool waters for a refreshing kick.

5 p.m.: Grab dinner at Red Cat Kitchen

This hidden gem restaurant was founded in 1995 and its flavors rapidly grew its own set of loyal customers, featuring tourists, locals, and even celebrities who spend their time in Martha’s Vineyard. Newly redesigned to feature both indoor and outdoor seating, the funky art-lined restaurant features a locally sourced New American menu. Cuisine exceptionally crafted by Chef Benjamin deForest offers distinct flavors and unique flavor combinations. Foodies most recommended dishes were the fried chicken, the corn risotto dish, and the “Big Ass Scallops”. The intimate, yet lively atmosphere features a full bar with creative craft cocktails and quirky artwork.

11 a.m., Sunday: Take in some history at Martha’s Vineyard Museum

Take some time to understand the soil in which you stand in Martha’s Vineyard. Originally named “Dukes County Historical Society,” Martha’s Vineyard Museum exhibits the island’s historical and cultural impact. Founded in 1922 and incorporated the following year, the museum’s mission is “to inspire all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connections to [the] Island and it’s diverse heritage.” The museum holds three-dimensional objects, archival documents, historic books, photographs, and paintings, and offers a relaxing ambiance and revived architectural design.

2 p.m.: Visit the alpacas at Island Alpaca

Who doesn’t love fuzzy animals? Satisfying for kids, adults, and all the above, visiting the self-proclaimed Island Alpaca is a stop on the island you don’t want to miss. Have a relaxing “Alpaca Yoga” session or take a private walk with an alpaca. The farm’s humble beginning began in 2004 and with the purchase of 19 acres of land by the Island Alpaca Company of Martha’s Vineyard. The barn grew from eight alpacas in 2004 to a herd of 31 in 2006. But today, Island Alpaca is home to 80 colorful Huacaya alpaca, one Suri alpaca, and one llama. Island Alpaca ensures all animals are treated with the utmost kindness and respect and are given adequate professional monitoring and healthcare.

7 p.m.: Watch the sun set on South Beach

One of Martha’s Vineyard’s most famous beaches, Katama Beach, better known as South Beach, is the perfect way to end your trip: with panoramic views and serenity-filled waves of the Atlantic Ocean. South Beach’s fine white sand offers a stark contrast to the bright blue waters adjacent. The salt pond side of the beach displays calmer waters for those who’d like to take a dip. Or, for those with a bolder streak, take a walk to the barrier slip for a surf in more expansive waters. Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze as the sun sets and Martha’s Vineyard’s fun and enticing nightlife wakes up.

IF YOU GO:

Oaks Bluff Cottages: There is no admission fee to walk through the campground, and photography is always allowed from the sidewalk. The Cottage Museum is open from mid-May to mid-October with an admission fee of $3. The best time to visit is summer, as the colors on the houses will shine even brighter. Or, come specifically for Grand Illumination Night; www.mvcma.org/grand-illumination.html.

The Terrace: The restaurant is currently closed due to staffing issues from the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at 27 South Summer Street in Edgartown, MA, The Terrace will likely re-open as soon as the pandemic ends. For questions or more information, call 508-627-6227; www.theterracemv.com.

The shoppes at Edgartown: Check www.visitedgartown.org/shopping for individual hours of operation. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required in most shoppes, regardless of vaccination status.

If you’re unfortunately unable to travel to Martha’s Vineyard, visit www.theblackdog.com for real Black Dog merch, straight from the island.

Edgartown Lighthouse Beach: Located at 230 N Water St,the beach is accessible year-round at no cost. However, to enter the Edgartown Lighthouse, a $5 fee is required for adults. Children and Martha’s Vineyard Museum members can get in free of charge. Children must always be accompanied by an adult to climb to the top of the tower.

Red Cat Kitchen: The groovy restaurant is located at 14 Kennebec Ave. in Oak Bluffs, MA.

Red Cat Kitchen is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30pm to 9pm. A very popular local gem, reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 508-696-6040 or visit www.redcatkitchen.com for questions, or to make a reservation.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum: For current, upcoming, permanent, and online exhibits, visit www.mvmuseum.org or call 508-627-4441. Entry is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 7-17. Children 6 and under are free. The museum is currently open Tuesdays 10am-8pm and Wednesdays-Sundays 10am-5pm.

Island Alpaca: Open year-round seven days a week from 10am-4pm, Island Alpaca requires masks to be worn at all times and the following of CDC guidelines with social distancing. Located at 1 Head of the Pond Road in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, entry is only $5. For a current list of their workshops and events, along with their separate prices, visit www.islandalpaca.com/alpaca_workshops_events.php. Registration is required for most events. For questions or concerns, call 508-693-5554.

Katama (South) Beach: The beach is located at 128 Herring Creek Rd in Edgartown. Parking and entry are free. Lifeguards are available on the grounds during the summer, and pets and alcohol are not permitted. This iconic beach is open year-round, however best for enjoying during the summer months.