Comparing the two enchanting islands off the coast of Massachusetts: Martha's Vineyard versus Nantucket - which one offers a more captivating retreat?
** Summer Isles Showdown: Nantucket vs Martha's Vineyard - The Ultimate New England Debate**
Fancy yourself a New EnglandDotCom connoisseur? You've probably asked yourself this burning question: Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard?
While both are stunning getaways accessible by ferry and have airports, the summer vacation season can be fleeting (particularly for us Yankee Doodle Dandies). So let's tackle that question head-on.
Digital Editor Ann Douglas Lott swears by the hilly landscapes and picture-perfect towns of Martha's Vineyard. Meanwhile, Senior Director of Content Brekke Fletcher's last trip to Nantucket was less than ideal, but she’d still pick Nantucket again and again. Their verdicts even after collegial collaboration on writing and editing projects, and lunchtime laughs? A classic row, my friend! And now it's your turn to tip the scales. So, let's delve into why these two LP-ers (that's "lovable personalities" for the uninitiated) have fallen head over heels for their respective favorites.
The Allure of Martha's Vineyard
If variety is the spice of life, Martha's Vineyard serves as the most delectable dish on the menu. Rugged landscapes, jaw-dropping ocean vistas, and over 120 miles of coastline? Yup, it's more like the Grand Canyon by the sea. And let's not forget the six unique beach towns - this island has it all. Don't fret, both islands flaunt beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and fresh seafood, but Martha's Vineyard takes the cake when it comes to sheer variety of experiences and unmatched natural beauty.
Getting there is a cinch with multiple high-season ferry services available from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Jersey, and an airport on the island offering direct flights from the Big Apple! If you bring your car, you'll want to take the ferry. The moment you step off the boat in Oak Bluffs, you're greeted by the famous "gingerbread houses," a carousel, and ice cream stands – the perfect welcome to paradise. And with so much ground to cover, you'll want to spend a few days here exploring Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and West Tisbury, each boasting its own unique vibe.
Craving beaches? Martha's Vineyard has you covered, from the stunning cliffs of Aquinnah to the charming, calm waters of Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown. Or maybe you're up for catching some waves at South Beach, where Jaws was filmed? Whatever your beach game, you won't run out of options.
Thanks to the wide-open spaces, that "more" feel is part of the island's charm, making for an enticing getaway for both the Obamas and us New Yorkers, especially. And here's the best part – despite all that "more," Martha's Vineyard still feels rugged and unspoiled. Slow living is the island's norm, and one-third of the island is protected, ensuring a authentic, laid-back atmosphere. So pack your flip-flops and sunscreen – Martha's Vineyard awaits!
But fear not, for those who feel the pull towards Nantucket, worry not. That smaller island shall be explored anon. First, let's savor the beauty of Martha's Vineyard.
The Charm of Nantucket
Um-hum, the sunsets are pink in Nantucket, too. But don't you come here comparing sizes! I mean, small and equal abilities, y'all! And Nantucket is indeed smaller and flatter, but that only makes it much easier to get around, particularly for those seeking eco-friendly transportation via bike or e-bike.
Nantucket's Main Street downtown area is an idyllic New England village with shingled buildings, historic sea captains' homes and exquisite churches, brick-lined streets, and sidewalks. The character here is undeniable, and the lavish local shops, unique museums, and delicious restaurants round out the perfect getaway.
History and literature lovers won't want to miss out on the Whaling Museum, the island's rich whaling history, or its literary roots found in Moby Dick. Plus, there's a beach for every taste, from family-friendly Jetties Beach to the surf-friendly shores of Cisco Beach. Even the more remote Siasconset has beautiful, less-crowded beaches and the picturesque Sconset Bluff Walk, making Nantucket a beach lover's paradise!
So whether you're settling into a family-run bed and breakfast, a loft apartment downtown, or one of the locally-owned luxury hotels, like The Wauwinet or The White Elephant, Nantucket offers the perfect combination of relaxation, charm, and adventure. Trust me, Nantucket is where it's at – even in the off-season!
But hey, Mama Nature has her own mind, and she ain't always predictable. So if you're still torn between these two beloved islands, why not check out both? After all, the real winning decision here might be a summer fling across both!
Nantucket's smaller size and easier navigation, particularly for eco-friendly transportation, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a quaint New England village experience. With the idyllic Main Street, historic sea captains' homes, unique museums, and a variety of beaches, it offers a harmonious blend of relaxation, charm, and adventure.
On the other hand, Martha's Vineyard, with its rugged landscapes, jaw-dropping ocean vistas, over 120 miles of coastline, and six unique beach towns, offers a diverse range of experiences and unparalleled natural beauty that matches the Grand Canyon by the sea. From its famous gingerbread houses and ice cream stands to its pristine beaches like South Beach, where 'Jaws' was filmed, it's no wonder both the Obamas and New Yorkers find appeal in its welcoming embrace.
Readers and provisioners alike will find their summertime tanning preferences catered to on either island, as both Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard boast beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and fresh seafood. Ultimately, the choice between these two lifestyle destinations comes down to personal preference, and why not sample both during a memorable and enlightening travel adventure?
