Martha’s Vineyard’s Best-Kept Secret? These 4 Reasons to Visit in May and June/Early Summer
Ask anyone who knows Martha’s Vineyard, and they’ll tell you what made them fall in in love with the island—whether it be the clam chowder, the underdeveloped coastline, the one-of-a-kind shopping, dining and accommodations, or the dazzling arts scene. But no matter the reason you stay—or return year after year—most everyone who comes to Martha’s Vineyard does so for one reason—summer fun!
While tourists from far and wide may flock to the Island—in summer, few realize that they’re missing one of the best times to experience Martha’s Vineyard. In fact, those who visit between late May and mid-June will find fewer crowds, lower rates, easier travel experiences, and unique programming. With so many incentives, there’s every reason to take a last-minute end-of-spring trip or summer kick-off getaway.
You’ll feel like you unlocked the best-kept secret of the country’s most-beloved vacation destination when you visit Martha’s Vineyard in May and June. Here’s why:
1. Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week!
Perhaps the best reason to visit Martha’s Vineyard in early summer is also the most delicious: Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week! From June 2-6 visitors can enjoy lunch menus are priced between $15 and $30, with dinner menus ranging from $30 to $45 per person. While locals and visitors alike look forward to Restaurant Week for the chance to taste a variety of different dishes and flavors at terrific price points,,owners and chefs also love the opportunity to connect with their customers, try out new items, and highlight some of their specialties and menus.
Visit https://www.mvy.com/restaurantweek.html for a full list of participating restaurants and their menus, and be sure to along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
2. Fewer people, more fun
When you picture the perfect beach day, there’s a good chance it includes clear skies, warm waters, and a cool drink and good book to be enjoyed in the sun. But while some of Martha’s Vineyard beaches can get crowded during peak summer season, May and June bring fewer people—and thus, fewer crowds. And this doesn’t only apply to catching some rays, but also to getting event tickets, booking hotels, and making dinner reservations (or, dare we say, skipping them altogether). With fewer crowds and less competition, May and June visitors never have to worry about their favorite items being out of stock in town or their favorite Morning Glory Farms pie selling out before they get there.
3. One-of-a-kind Accommodations at Value Prices
Whether you choose to stay at a local hotel, bed and breakfast, or vacation rental—and whether you’re booking a year ahead or a few days in advance—you will find that local accommodations are open and available in early summer. Additionally (and perhaps more importantly), visitors will find lower rates before peak season hits—with many hotels offering great deals and specials, meaning that those who visit earlier will have more money left to spend on lobster rolls, bike rentals, and spiked lemonade.
4. Packed calendar
Although the Island may be less crowded that certainly doesn’t mean nothing’s going on—especially when it comes to local event programming. In fact, some of Martha’s Vineyard’s most beloved festivals and features take place in early summer including the Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival held June 22, a full day of (free!) live music, food, and arts and crafts. Strawberry lovers will enjoy tastings and entertainment from two different festivals at West Tisbury and Morning Glory Farm.
In addition to these festivals, weekly farmer’s markets and artisan fairs in West Tisbury open the first weekend in June, while the Gay Head Lighthouse in Aquinnah and Cape Poge Lighthouse Tours, both open May 25.