There are many independent shops to explore on Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs as well as Main Street in Edgartown and Main Street in Vineyard Haven.

In the 1800s, this corner of the island was frequented by a group of Methodists that held annual religious retreats and meetings on Martha’s Vineyard. At the time, they slept in tents during these summer gatherings, but as the camp meetings became more frequent the group built permanent cottages to accommodate them year-round.

Today, 300 gingerbread houses remain in the Oak Bluffs Campground, as well as the Cottage Museum at the entrance to the village, which features a prototype cottage furnished as it would have looked in the 1800s. The tabernacle sits in the center of the complex, which still functions as a religious facility.

Developed in 1958 by horticulturist resident Polly Hill, the Polly Hill Arboretum is an island landmark. The property consists of 20 acres of land cultivated with shrubs, trees, and flowers from around the world. Another 40 acres are set aside as a natural preserve. The arboretum showcases plants such as rhododendrons, hollies, crabapples, and magnolias that are set in beautifully landscaped meadows and fields.

1. Black Dog - Iconic Vineyard location with both a waterfront tavern serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a cafe serving quick breakfast/lunch options and a fantastic bakery.

2. Scottish Bakehouse - A year-round cafe and bakery that offers signature egg sandwiches, fresh baked pastries, sandwiches, salads, soups and locally sourced main dishes.

3. Offshore Ale Company - House-brewed seasonal & year-round beers, plus wood-fired pizzas, burgers & other casual pub grub.

4. State Road Restaurant - Creative New American fare with a seasonal bent served in the rustic-chic dining room or cozy patio.

5. Little House Cafe - Homey café serving heart-warming global plates, freshly made coffee & veggie & gluten-free options.

6. The Net Result - Busy take-out joint with outdoor picnic tables serves New England seafood, including lobster rolls.

7. Martha's Vineyard Chowder Company - Airy, casual hangout famed for its namesake soup also boasts cooked & raw seafood, plus lots of TVs.

8. Among the Flowers Cafe - Veteran waterside go-to with patio offers breakfast all day & comfort-food dinners plus beer & wine.

9. Nancy's Restaurant - Seafood classics & frozen cocktails for casual harbor-view deck dining or more formal indoor meals.

The Aquinnah Cliffs – formerly known as Gay Head – is one of Martha's Vineyard's most-visited tourist spots, with bus and bike tours congesting the paved roads in the peak summer season. But the epic clay cliffs, which were carved by glaciers millions of years ago, are worth the trek. Visitors can explore the lower beach paths to see the cliffs up close and stretch along the sands at Moshup Beach. Or take the upper trails to the top of the cliffs to catch a glimpse of Gay Head Light and nearby Elizabeth Islands.