Marthas Vineyard Attractions

Chicama Vineyards
The Mathieson family founded Chicama Vineyards, on Stoney Hill Road in West Tisbury, in 1971. The vineyard’s free tours explain the wine-making process and provide tastings. Otherwise, free tastings are available any time during operating hours. The gift shop within the vineyard offers fine foods and wine for purchase. Call Chicama Vineyards at (888) 244-2262 for more information about its hours and tours.

Dreamland Fun Center
The Dreamland Fun Center is located across the street from the Flying Horses Carousel at 9 Oak Bluffs Ave. in Oak Bluffs. It is a great place to bring children once they are done riding the famous carousel. The center features 75 games within its large game room. Dreamland Fun Center opens for the season on April 18. Call the fun center for more information at (508) 693-5163.

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
The 197-acre Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary contains woodlands, meadows, ponds, salt marsh, and a barrier beach. It is located in Vineyard Haven, and is an excellent site for bird-watching. The sanctuary sports six miles of trails that give hikers views of its varied terrain and wildlife. Entrance to the sanctuary is free for Massachusetts Audubon Society members, $4 for non-member adults, and $3 for non-member children ages 3 to 12 and seniors. The trails are open every day from dawn until 7 p.m., but the nature center’s hours depend on the season. Call the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary at (508) 627-4850 for more information.

Flying Horses Carousel
The Flying Horses Carousel is located on Oak Bluffs Avenue in Oak Bluffs. The carousel, built in 1876, is a National Historic Landmark. It is also America’s oldest operating platform carousel. It costs $1 for one ride or $8 for 10 rides on this historical amusement. The 20 hand-carved horses have glass eyes and real horsehair manes and tales. Call the carousel at (508) 693-9481 for further information.

Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society
The Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the island’s local history and unique heritage. Its permanent exhibits include the “Thomas Cooke House,” “Fresnal Lens Tower,” “Carriage Shed,” “Tryworks,” “Francis Foster Maritime Gallery,” and “10,000 Years on Martha’s Vineyard – A Native American Record.” The Francis Pease House has changeable exhibits throughout the year. All the exhibits are open year-round except for the “Thomas Cooke House,” which opens in mid-June and closes Columbus Day. The historical society, located at 59 School St., can be reached at (508) 627-4441 for hours and admission rates.

The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is located in Woodland Center on State Road in the town of Tisbury. Visitors choose from hundreds of pottery shapes and 60 paint colors, and make their own pottery. Stencils, rubber stamps, and sponges are available to help create a masterpiece. The pottery, which is safe for microwaves and dishwashers, must be glazed and fired before it can be brought home. Would-be artists can pick up their pieces a few days after painting them or have them shipped to their home addresses. Call The Melting Pot at (508) 693-6768 for more information.

The Old Whaling Church
The Old Whaling Church, which serves as a performing arts center and church, is located at 89 Main St. in Edgartown. The church, built in 1843 by a whaling captain, is considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in New England. Architect Frederick Baylies Jr. designed the church, which has 27-foot windows and a 92-foot tower. Many special occasions are held at the church, and it can be rented for wedding ceremonies for $500. Tours of the church are provided through the Vincent House Museum.

The Pagoda Tree
In the mid-1800s, Capt. Thomas Milton brought the seedling for this pagoda tree to the United States. Milton planted the tree during the same time period, and it remains the oldest pagoda tree on the continent. The tree shades a house built by Capt. Thomas Milton. The pagoda tree is located at South Water Street in Edgartown.

Vincent House Museum
The Vincent House Museum – built in 1672 – features original brickwork, hardware, and woodwork. Descendents of the same family occupied the house for 250 years. It is the oldest known house on Martha’s Vineyard. The residence has been carefully restored and furnished to give visitors an idea of what Martha’s Vineyard life was like 300 years ago. Call the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust, who owns and operates the museum, at (508) 627-4440 for information on tours and hours.

Vineyard History Tours (Ghosts, Gossip, and Downright Scandals Walking Tour)
Vineyard History Tours provide a number of van and walking tours, including trips through the Vincent House, Dr. Daniel Fisher House, and Old Whaling Church in Edgartown. They also offer a tour in Oak Bluffs titled “Cottages, Campgrounds, and Flying Horses” in Oak Bluffs. “Ghosts, Gossip, and Downright Scandals,” also given by Vineyard History Tours, is a 75-minute walking tour of Edgartown. It gives an entertaining look at the town’s past. The tour starts behind 99 Main St. at the Vincent House Museum. Call Vineyard History Tours at (508) 627-8619 for information on rates and tours.

Vineyard Playhouse
Those interested in theatre arts will enjoy a show within the historic Vineyard Playhouse. The playhouse, located at 24 Church St. in Vineyard Haven, seats 123 people. Vineyard Playhouse showcases classic and contemporary plays featuring professional and local actors. For questions regarding the theatre, call (508) 693-6450. To purchase tickets, call the playhouse box office at (508) 696-6300.