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On Island Time

If you haven't been there, you may know of Martha's Vineyard because of its iconic clay cliffs of Gay Head (now Aquinnah). Jaws was filmed there. The Black Dog originated there. The Clintons and Obamas vacation there. Or maybe you just saw the oval MV sticker on cars passing by and you wondered what you were missing out on. In any case, Martha's Vineyard should be on your summer to-do list.

With a fast ferry ride out of Rhode Island, you can avoid much of the summer Cape traffic as long as you don't want to bring your car. If you want a slightly shorter ferry ride, you can head out of Woods Hole, Mass. (cars welcomed with reservations) or New Bedford/Falmouth, Mass. (for people and bicycles). Whichever you choose, once aboard, head to the top deck of the ferry for departure so you can head straight into vacation mode. The wind and sea air may require a light sweatshirt as the sun warms your face, but the meditative state that you may reach while breathing in all that fresh air will be worth it.

If you don't want to be bothered with bringing your bike, rentals are available across the island. Biking is one of the best ways to check out MV, while also allowing you to feel less guilty about enjoying some of the fantastic food on the island.

There are six designated towns on Martha's Vineyard, many of which have subsections. With dozens of hotels, B&Bs, and homes for rent on the island, consider the area that you may want to stay in, knowing that no area is more than 20 miles away at the farthest. There are also five lighthouses on the island, just in case you want to make a point to see them all.

Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs (OB) is on the northeastern part of the island and boasts a busy downtown with boutiques, restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and more lining Circuit Avenue and nearby streets. As one of the ferry ports, the nearby marinas and dockside dining make it fun to visit any time of day. It's also home to the famous Gingerbread Cottages where Illumination is held each year (this year on Aug. 16). During Illumination, the cottages display Chinese and Japanese lanterns across their porches in the evening for visitors to admire, and the nearby Tabernacle offers a singalong starting around 7 p.m. Whether you hit this area during Illumination or not, a stroll through these quaint cottages is a must.

The nation's oldest operating platform carousel, Flying Horses Carousel, is also found in OB. In this area, you may want to check out Mad Martha's Ice Cream, Murdick's Fudge, and tons of shops up Circuit Avenue. If you're there for Illumination, stick around for two more days to catch the annual Summer Fireworks in OB on Aug. 18. But find a spot on the green early and plan on spending the day bopping around the town.

Edgartown & Chappaquiddick

To the south of OB is Edgartown. You may want to start your day at the Katama Airfield to book a scenic tour or watch planes come and go over breakfast at the Right Fork Diner.

This area is where South Beach lives, and it is a haven for sun worshipers. Adjacent to Edgartown is the island of Chappaquiddick (Chappy). Take one of the shortest ferry rides ever to bike the area and spend some time at the Mytoi Japanese gardens. If it seems like the ferry ride's scenery is familiar, it is. Jaws was filmed in this section as well as in various locations on MV because, according to MovieFone.com, Spielberg thought the 12 miles of shallow water over sand would suit shooting with the mechanical sharks. (While here, take a minute to marvel at the things one must consider when shooting a movie.)

Tisbury

The middle of the island is essentially "Tisbury." Tisbury (including Vineyard Haven) is at the north, and West Tisbury is located west of Tisbury (obviously) and Edgartown. The famous Black Dog Bakery/Tavern started in Vineyard Haven and has since expanded to several locations on MV so you don't have to leave without commemorative clothing (and you should probably grab a cookie or two at the bakery before your ferry ride back home). The 156th annual Tisbury Fair (officially the Martha's Vineyard Livestock Show and Fair) will be held Aug. 17 through 20 so you may want to make a day or weekend of it – the whole family will love it. Not in town for the fair? Check out Island Alpacas with the kiddos. Also, consider making your way to Humphrey's Bakery in the Vineyard Haven area of Tisbury.

Chilmark

Heading west on the island, there are two things that are simply vital to check out in the Chilmark area. Make sure to plan a stop at Chilmark Chocolates. Timing is everything with this stop since its typically only open in the afternoon from Thursday through Sunday. The Tashmoo Truffles are worth the trip alone for any dark chocolate connoisseur. Then make your way to Menemsha Harbor for lunch or dinner, and if you like a good sunset, check out the small fishing village and find a spot to wait for it. Menemsha is known to show some of the most vibrant sunsets in New England.

Aquinnah

Aquinnah, previously known as Gay Head, is where you can immerse yourself in a bit of history with the island's Native American culture. With just a few shops and restaurants, plus the best clam chowder this writer has ever had, spend the afternoon taking in the gorgeous views of the clay cliffs, easily the most photographed spot on MV. If you're traveling light, you can take a 15-minute walk to Moshup Beach, which is less populated than other beaches on the island. While it was once a nude beach, there are now just small designated areas for clothing optional. Regardless of clothing, don't mess with the clay – the cliffs are protected and police on ATV have the authority to hand out fines.

If you're spending a week, you may consider splitting up your trip by the different sections of MV. While this summary highlights points of interest, you can easily spend a full day (or longer) in any one area. With incredible shops, dining, and great places to stay all over the island, MV has the power to be whatever you want it to be.

So, regardless of which ferry you take to get to there, remember this when you disembark – you're on island time, now. That means no rushing, no set schedules, and here's a crazy thought. Maybe only use your cell phone to take a few photos. Need directions? Don't ask Siri. Ask someone in real life. They'll probably tell you about a great shop/bakery/sight to see on your way to your destination. And may the magical and meditative state from the ferry not only get you to the island, but stay with you beyond your return home.