African American Heritage Trail Tours The African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard is a physical entity comprised of 26 sites dedicated to the formerly unrecognized contributions made by people of African descent to the history of the Island. At each of these sites a descriptive plaque has been placed. There are 3 types of tours offered, a 1.5 hr Oak Bluffs Tour, 2.5 hr Oak Bluffs and Edgartown Tour or the 4-hour All-Island Tour. $35-$65. Visit our website for more information: mvafricanamericanheritagetrail
Aquinnah Cultural Center Tours The Aquinnah Wampanoag Indian Museum is in a century old farmhouse built by a Wampanoag man on the Aquinnah Circle, near the Gay Head Cliffs. This homestead has been restored to reflect its late 19th century beginnings, as it still has many of its original furnishings, household items, and other things belonging to generations of the family. As a house museum, we offer tours, Native American artist demonstrations, speakers, and special events throughout our season. Come and immerse yourself in Wampanoag history and culture from the time of our traditional life, to European contact, the changes over the next 4 centuries, to present day life. Our exhibits include Wampanoag whaling, 19th century tourism in Gay Head, Gay Head pottery, and the ongoing tradition of Cranberry Day. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 – 4. 508-645-7900; aquinnahcc@gmail.com.
Cape Poge Lighthouse Sit back and enjoy an over-sand vehicle tour to the remote Cape Poge Lighthouse. Climb the spiral staircase of the century-old wooden lighthouse and discover intriguing stories of the light keepers who watched over these ocean waters. This tour is great for explorers of all ages! Pre-registration strongly suggested. Complimentary pick-up/drop-off from the Chappy Ferry provided to those who pre-register. Members Adult: $20. Nonmembers Adult: $25. All Children: $12. Call 508-627-3599 to pre-register.
Edgartown Lighthouse 121 North Water St., Edgartown. $5 suggested donation. mvmuseum.org; 508-627-4441.
Featherstone Center for the Arts Gallery that features art, music, workshops and more. 30 Featherstone Ln. off Barnes Rd., Oak Bluffs. Classes, artist’s exhibitions, and more. Daily, 12–4 pm. featherstoneart.org; 508-693-1850.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary 4 miles of trail coverage featuring kayak tours, gardens and more. Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd., Edgartown. Daily. Programs; Discovery Room. $4; $3 child/senior; free for Mass Audubon members. 508-627-4850.
The FARM Institute Year-round institution dedicated to educating the community about the benefits of farming. Katama, Edgartown. Meat and produce available at farm stand. 508-627-7007; farminstitute.org.
Gay Head Lighthouse $5 suggested donation. mvmuseum.org; 508-627-4441 ext. 123.
Honey Bee Hive Tours Explore the secret life of bees with a bee keeper from the family owned Ginny Bee Honey Farms. With a small group of 10 people, suit up in bee protective clothing and become a bee keeper for an hour. Assist in finding the queen, measuring honey, identifying pollen, monitoring life cycles, and auditing honey comb production. The tour concludes with a taste test of organic honey the island bees have worked so hard to make. Registration required. Every Saturday at 9 am from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. For ages 8 and up. Weather permitting. Tour is $20 per person. Contact ginnybeehoneyfarms@gmail.com to sign up or for more information.
Island Alpaca Co. Farm Visits & Alpaca Discovery for all ages. 1 Head of the Pond Rd., Oak Bluffs. Daily 10 am-4 pm. Self-guided tour, Gift Shop. $5 suggested donation. Alpaca Discovery: $25, Pre-register: 508-693-5554.
MVCMA Gingerbread Walking Tours The 150 year old colorful gingerbread cottages are a must-see in Oak Bluffs. Join a guided walking tour today through the beautiful grounds of the MVCMA. Each tour begins inside the Tabernacle, Tickets are $12 per person and available for purchase onsite before each tour. Tours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Tours start July 3 and run through August 31. Children under 10 are free. Pass to Cottage Museum is included. Private walking tours are available and may be arranged for you and your group by contacting: office@mvcma.org.
Martha’s Vineyard Museum The Martha’s Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connection to this Island and its diverse heritage. Our campus features the 1730s Cooke Family Historic House, the original Gay Head Lighthouse lens, kids’ programming, lecture series, and more. Open seven days a week from 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 12 noon-5 pm. The Research Library is open Tuesday and Thursday from 1-4 pm or by appointment. $10 General Admission; $5 Seniors; $5 Child; Free members/children under 6. mvmuseum.org.
Martha’s Vineyard Tours and Excursions Charter and private tours available around the Island. Pickups from ferries, hotels, airport and others. 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-hour narrated tours. marthasvineyardexcursion.com; 508-654-0381.
Martha’s Vineyard Transport Providing van tours of the Island. mvislandtours.com, 508-939-1359.
MV Tour Guides Historic walking tour of Edgartown (meet at Whaling Church). Please call to reserve times. 508-499-TOUR. mvtourguide.com.
Native Earth Teaching Farm 94 North Rd., Chilmark. Open by appointment for farm tours, animal visits, foraging and fiber arts. Natural dyes, fiber arts, animal visits, more. 508-645-3304; nativeearthteachingfarm.org.
Polly Hill Arboretum: Horticulture and botanical landmark featuring rare trees, plants, and shrubs since 1958. 795 State Rd. West Tisbury. Grounds open daily from sunrise to sunset. Tours by appointment Members and children under 12 free, all others $5 admission. No dogs please. 508-693-9426
Vineyard Ghosts Walking Tours Ghost tours of Oak Bluffs depart from The Secret Garden on Mondays at 8pm. Ghost tours of Edgartown depart from the park next to Edgartown Books on Wednesdays at 8 pm. Ghosts and Graveyards of Vineyard Haven depart from Bunch of Grapes Bookstore on Thursdays at 8 pm. $20 per person. 508-627-9445.
Vineyard Trust The Carnegie, Vineyard Trust’s flagship site, features gathering spaces, an artisan gift shop carrying island-made treasures, and Living Landmarks – an exhibition chronicling of the history of the island told through the Trust’s 20 iconic properties. Walking tours of downtown Edgartown and Edgartown harbor highlight the architectural and maritime heritage of our island and are offered Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit mvpreservation.
