Martha's Vineyard in October Questions

[dennis in se pa]

I have not been there for 25 years. Do I need a reservation in mid-October? Any suggested places to stay? (It is for my 19th wedding anniversary) We would prefer something close to activities so we can walk. Is it best to leave the car on the main land? Coming up from PA what is the best place to catch a ferry?

[Trex]

Yes. Get reservations for the Ferry. The annual (61st?) fishing tournament is going on right now. It's usually mid-Sept. to mid-Oct. This draws a lot of people to MV.

My wife just got back (she's an avid fly fisher). From Philly she goes up the NJ Tpk., over the Tappen Zee to Rt. 95 through Conn. Going up she wanted to avoid 95 thr. Conn and took the Merritt Exp., but construction slowed that down. Best to take Rt. 95 up. It is the worst ride in the world, but unless you're flying (Call Diane Sawyer and see if there's room on her plane) it's the only way up there from here.

You'll get to the Woods Hole Ferry. Get there at least two hours early. I kid you not.

Where to stay? Edgartown is nice and it's a romantic place to walk around with good restaurants, but it is pricey. Council Bluffs (where the Ferry will probably drop you off, either there or Vineyard Haven) is more reasonabley priced. And then you can always just drive (or bicycle?) down to Edgartown.

Tashmoo Lake is my fav. spot but don't try to take a Z4 or any other low car out on the path to TL.

Go to Menemsha for lunch one day - the ultimate New England seaside village. Don't be embarrased to buy some Black Dog stuff - everyone else does.

Guess what they discovered on MV? Sushi! Imagine that. A lot of the restaurants are now setting up small sushi bars and with the fish so fresh there, it's really good. If you like sushi.

Best of luck. Have her drive in Conn. I can't stand it, myself.

[TyFenn]

+1 on the travel reservations.

[jluetjen]

My wife and I had our Honeymoon on nearby Nantucket in late September a few(?) years back. To be honest, rooms are easy to find but reservations are a good idea since may places do shut down or reduce the number of rooms available. But don't expect any lines at restaurants. Personally I like the uncrowded, unhurried atmosphere of the NE coast in the fall and winter.