In welcome contrast to neighboring Island, Nantucket, which many acgree is snooty, Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard offers a friendly and chill vibe. With a vast anchorage just outside of town, protected on three sides, it’s a great place to drop the hook for a few days and soak up the beauty and atmosphere.
Why “Martha’s Vineyard”? There’s some uncertainty about the name. We haven’t spotted any vineyards. Nor have we met anyone named Martha. It’s believed to be named after the mother-in-law of English explorer, Bartholemew Gosnold, as she funded his 1602 expedition first landing here.
Like Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard prospered from whaling during the early 19th century. Whale oil was used for heating and lighting in those days. But when fossil oil, a cheaper alternative, was discovered in Pennsylvania in 1870, the whaling industry collapsed.
The inner harbor entrance is marked by the Edgartown Lighthouse. Outside is a huge anchorage with optimal depth and bottom for a longer stay. Unlike many anchorages, increasingly clogged with private or commercial mooring balls, there is not one here.
Despite its peaceful setting, the area is not without some macabre history. In 1969, the adjacent Cappaquidick Island was where Senator Ted Kennedy’s friend was killed when he drove his car off of a bridge. In 1974, the Spielberg movie, “Jaws” was filmed here. Comedian John Belushi is buried on the Vineyard following his drug overdose.
Many US presidents’ families vacation here, such as the Kennedys, Clintons and Obamas.
A short dinghy ride takes you past the Edgartown lighthouse to the center of town, where all the houses have white clapboard façades and meticulously maintained gardens. There are fine-sanded beaches in every direction.
The Chappaquidick Ferry, locally known as “Chappy” ferries passengers, cars and bikes across the 500 foot stretch of water between Edgartown and Chappaquidick Island all day. It started in 1929 as a rowboat service.
We enjoyed several days of swimming and exploring and we celebrated Sandy’s birthday at L’étoile, an excellent little French restaurant.
– local information provided courtesy of Wikipedia
