Vineyard Arts Project in Edgartown is a lovely studio facility dedicated to promoting the performing arts on the island. The facility boasts rehearsal studios, workshops, classes and performances during the summer months. There are also living quarters for visiting performers and artists on-site.
The Martha's Vineyard Museum and Historical Society is devoted to the history and culture of this small Massachusetts island. Explore the island's fascinating past and learn about the people who lived here. The historical society first came together in 1922. Today, the museum and society are housed in historical buildings that are wonderful to walk through. Visitors to this museum can trace back their ancestry through the Historical Society's extensive genealogical services. There are special exhibits, classes, seminars, workshops, and movies hosted here throughout the year.
Six miles of hiking trails meander through this 350-acre nature preserve. The well-marked trails lead visitors through open fields, woods, marshlands and beaches. Tree swallows, wood ducks, barn owls and osprey as well as other wildlife can be seen while walking around this wild and beautiful landscape. Special programs are held throughout the year, including Sea Ducks at Squibnocket in March and a large plant sale in May.
A rustic, bright red barn is home to this popular gallery, which houses work by a number of internationally recognized artists, including the famous photographers Margaret Bourke-White, Carl Mydans, and Alfred Eisenstaedt. The gallery is known for its weekly Sunday afternoon receptions with featured artists in the courtyard sculpture garden. In addition to paintings and sculptures, the gallery offers antiques as well. Artwork may be ordered from the gallery's website but a visit to its ever-changing collection is recommended.
When you're on Martha's Vineyard and craving a pint, stop by the Offshore Ale Company for a locally-brewed beer and a bite to eat. The menu features all sorts of pub favorites like seafood, burgers and pizza, including a never-ending supply of peanuts. There's always live music and special events, so check out their schedule for the latest goings-on. Don't forget to toss those peanut shells directly on the floor - it's encouraged!
In the 1800s, religious camps were popular on the island. As popularity increased, this open-air wrought iron structure was built, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the US. With seating for 3,000 people and exquisite woodworking and stained glass, it is truly a magnificent sight. In 1979, its centennial year, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Tabernacle is used today for concerts, Sunday church services, community sing-alongs and special ceremonies.
Special guided tours are offered through the months of May June at the Vestal Street Observatory. In addition to taking a tour of the outdoor solar system, guides tell you all there is to know about the planets, the solar system and other natural science topics. Nantucket's unusual scientific facts are also included—the six types of snakes that can be found on the island is important information to know! Tours last about an hour; tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors. Call for tour times.
Located on the second floor of the Tisbury Town Hall, the Katharine Cornell Theater is named for the great 20th-century stage actress who retired to Martha's Vineyard in the 1950s. Many of the performances are of Irish music and this small theater is the perfect intimate setting for these types of shows. There are only a handful of performances held here throughout the year, but each of them gets you in the spirit for the sounds of the Emerald Isle.
The United Methodist Church offers a Sunday service at 10a. The basement also serves as the current home of the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket.
Located in the heart of Osterville village, the Osterville Baptist Church dates back to 1837. For more than 250 years, this humble structure has been serving as the sacred home of the Baptist Christian community in Osterville. The church was designed in Gothic Revival and Greek Revival style by architect Simeon Deyo. The church is a simple white structure with a steeple at its front entrance. Check website for schedule of masses and other events.
Learn more about your favorite spirits as you visit the Triple Eight Distillery. Operating since 1997, this distillery is known for offering a variety of hand-crafted spirits. The distillery is named after its water resource, a well named 888, and has been popular for producing the Hurricane Rum, Triple Eight Orange Vodka and more. You can enjoy a guided tour and a tasting session of the distillery to understand the distillation process from the friendly guides here.