Martha’s Vineyard, located just off Cape Cod, is another great spot for a bachelorette celebration. With its pristine beaches, fun town centers (Edgartown and Oak Bluffs) and chill atmosphere, there’s plenty to do for everyone.
By Molly Clark
Getting There Ferry Style
Ferries run from various spots in Rhode Island, New York and even New Jersey, but perhaps the most popular (and the one with most departures) ferry runs daily from Woods Hole, Mass. Hop on and start your pre-wedding adventure!
Where to Rest Up
You’ll need a place to stay and call your home base, and, like on Block Island, home rentals are a great option if you’re looking to do an extended stay. For a quicker trip, book rooms at Summercamp Hotel with a fanciful style inspired by the famous Methodist summer camp on the island. For a more adventurous or outdoorsy group, or a group on a budget, check out Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground for tent camping, RV sites and country-style cabin rentals.
Where to Beach It Up
The most obvious thing to do on Martha’s Vineyard is to go to the beach. Martha’s Vineyard has nearly twenty different beaches, including those boasting sheltered, shallow waters on the northern and eastern sides as well as ocean-exposed and surf-filled beaches on the southern side of the island. Check out Joseph Sylvia State Beach between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs for its convenient location or head to Katama Beach on the south side of the island which features three miles of barrier beach with ocean surf on one side and a salt pond on the other. Some beaches are only open to residents and some require permits, so be sure to be aware of each of the beach’s requirements.
Ahoy, Captain!
When you’ve exhausted the beach experience but are still hankering for a day on the ocean, charter a boat for the day! This is a fun bonding experience for you and your girlfriends and all different types of cruises and tours are available.
Board the Skipper out of Oak Bluffs for a fishing expedition and head out into Vineyard Sound for an experience complete with fish cleaning services and locally inspired recipes. Or, hop aboard one of Done Deal Charters’ boats for a day filled with big game fishing off the island, offering access to striped bass, bluefish, swordfish, Mahi Mahi and more.
If relaxing on a catamaran is more your girls’ style than a fishing expedition, book a tour with Mad Max Sailing Adventures for an afternoon/evening of relaxing sailing around the island. Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages and even have the event catered.
Those looking for a unique experience should check out Martha’s Vineyard Pirate Adventures for a sail on, yep, you guessed it, a pirate ship. The boat ride is designed for families, but creative girls will love mingling among children dressed like pirates, following the treasure map and heaving treasure from down below.
Little Surfer Girls
Back closer to land, fitness junkies and those looking to just have a good time alike should try stand up paddle boarding or windsurfing. The ponds throughout the island are a great place to enjoy these activities at a slower pace, while the open ocean waters kick it up a notch. You can book lessons or rentals at numerous places around the island including Wind’s Up.
Chillin’ Out, Maxin’, Relaxin’ All Cool
No girl’s trip would be complete without a spa experience. Check out one of the multiple spas the island has to offer, including the Spa at Mansion House for facials, massages and body treatments or the Sea Spa Salon for holistic skin care treatments or lash extensions for the upcoming big day.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
There are also plenty of places to go shopping on the island, including spots for antiques, jewelry, fine art and souvenirs. Check out the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce site for more details.
Suds With Your Buds
After you’ve hit the beach, worked out, hit the spa and done some shopping, chances are you’re ready to have some party-style fun. Head to Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery for an afternoon filled with indulgent beer libations at this spot named for an alleged illusive mermaid. Pair your brews with cheese or charcuterie plates and enjoy lawn games and live music on the weekend among a beautiful setting on a flower nursery’s property. It’s the perfect recipe for a day of fun.
Table for the Girls, Please!
When it’s time to chow down on some of the best food the island has to offer, Martha’s Vineyard presents plenty of options. Some favorites include Détente, where diners can enjoy a consistently changing menu based on the freshest ingredients available including seafood and produce from local fishermen and farmers. Eat in one of the snug dining rooms, on the garden patio or at the bar for a meal to remember. Another great option is Alchemy, a bistro-style eatery in the heart of Edgartown inspired by Italian, French and Spanish culinary traditions. Enjoy a selection from the vast wine list or choose one of the restaurant’s famous cocktails, such as its mojito.
Bartender! I Think We’ll Need Another Round…
When it comes to bars, be sure to check out Donovan’s Reef for famous frozen options in flavors like Dirty Banana. When you’re ready to party, head to the local dive bar, The Ritz, for live music, drinks and dancing the night away.
