Martha's Vineyard - The name given our beautiful island in 1692 by Mr. Bartholomew Gosnold when he discovered this jewel in the sea.  He named it after his daughter Martha whom he loved dearly.  So actually, the island as a whole is called Martha's Vineyard but as far as the post office goes you do not send mail to Martha's Vineyard. You send it to each town which has it's own zip.  Each town has it's own government, schools (except for the High School, which is now central and there is only one), fire stations, and their very own unique personality. You feel as if you are in a different place as you visit each section of the island because the scenery changes so drastically from place to place. All just to keep you interested and thrilled.

Vineyard Haven- Your arrival site if you come by ferry and your first view of this enchanting island. In Summer you may land in Oak Bluffs.

Oak Bluffs - It was the beginning place of revival in New England in early 1900s and a lot of the people came to the island on a ship called "Eagleswings". At first they camped in tents around the tabernacle, then each year more and more they built very small miniature houses of wood. There are 3 circles of houses around the campground. They have been purchased by individuals who maintain them and who belong to the Campground Association which is devoted to the restoration and maintenance of the Campgrounds. This is a very important part of history for the island.  Many books have been written about it. Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven always has a good supply of these books and information.  In August there is the "Lighting of the Lanterns" at the Campgrounds. The residents of the small wooden houses put Japanese type lanterns all over the porches and it is very beautiful and colorful. Also, the season is ended with the "big boom" of fireworks at the gazebo. 

Edgartown - Home of  many old Captain's homes. Very historical. Town grew rich from whaling.  This is the playground of the rich and famous. Many shops carry items made on the island as well as a great variety of foods, even Chocolate!!

West Tisbury - More of a farming community - in central area of the island - sheep farms and larger vegetable farms.

Chilmark - Just beyond West Tisbury. Small community with a very active year round population as well as many famous people in the summer.  Home of the famous Chilmark Chocolate factory!

Gay Head (Acquinnah) - At the west tip of the island. Very beautiful scenery at the cliffs. Great for sunsets too. Home of the Indians on the island who have the fishing rights there. Acquinnah is also the location of the Jackie Kennedy Onassis compound on Martha's Vineyard.

Menemsha - The fishing village.  Very quaint village with small homes around the harbor. Many people visit it just to watch the sunset. Great for buying fresh lobster in season.

Katama - South Beach area. Mostly vacation homes. Too windy and wild for year round homes, especially in winter.

Chappaquiddick (Chappy) - Known as an island, Chappy does not quite make that distinction as a small stretch of beach known as Norton Point attaches it to Martha's Vineyard. It is the home of the nesting Plover birds that the conservationists are trying to bring back from near extinction. It is also the home of the Chappaquiddick Beach Club which has a terrific summer program for the members' children. But best of all, it is nearly pristine in nature. It boasts of wonderful wildlife and a few year round residents who access it by the ferry twice a day if they work on MV.  Some areas of Chappy are almost unreachable, but it is great for birdwatching. A park is now there near the end of the road close to Norton Point. So anyone who can make it that far over the sandy roads will have a delight they will never forget.