African American Heritage Trail Tours The African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard is a physical entity comprising 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-$75. mvafricanamericanheritagetrail.org.
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 four 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. 508-645-7900; aquinnahcc@gmail.com; aquinnah.org.
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.
East Chop Lighthouse: $5 suggested donation.508-627-4441; mvmuseum.org.
Edgartown Lighthouse 121 North Water St., Edgartown. $5 suggested donation. 508-627-4441; mvmuseum.org.
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. 508-693-1850; featherstoneart.org.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary 4 miles of trail coverage featuring kayak tours, gardens and more. Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd., Edgartown. Daily from sunrise to sunset. 508-627-4850; bit.ly/felixneck.
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. 508-627-4441 ext. 123; mvmuseum.org.
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 beekeeper for an hour. Assist in finding the queen, measuring honey, identifying pollen, monitoring life cycles, and auditing honeycomb 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. ginnybeehoneyfarms.com.
Island Alpaca Co. Farm Visits & Alpaca Discovery for all ages. 1 Head of the Pond Rd., Oak Bluffs. Our Farm Store is closed, but is open by special appointment, but the farm parking will be open to visit the alpaca in the front paddock from 10-2 daily with respectful social distancing. 508-693-5554; islandalpaca.com.
MVCMA Gingerbread Walking Tours Since 1835, the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association (MVCMA), a designated National Historic Landmark, has been home to the charming community of gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs. In July and August, walking tours begin at 11 am, and the Campground comes alive with interdenominational religious services, entertainment and community programs, welcoming all to the MVCMA’s iconic Tabernacle. In addition, the Cottage Museum is open and walking tours are available to visitors interested in exploring the area’s unique cultural and religious history. mvcma.org/walking-tours.html.
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 fourteen exhibit spaces including an interactive “do touch” space for kids, hall of large objects, gift shop, cafe, research library, and more. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-4pm, Tuesdays until 8pm. $18 General Admission; $15 Seniors; $5 Child ages 6-17; Special Islander rates; 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, airports, and others. 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-hour narrated tours. 508-654-0381; marthasvineyardexcursion.com.
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. No dogs please. 508-693-9426; pollyhillarboretum.org.
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. mvpreservation.org.
