ABOUT MARTHA’S VINEYARD
Martha’s Vineyard is located a few miles off of the coast of Cape Cod. There are six distinct towns comprising the island, which is about 100 square miles in size. We have grocery stores, retail stores, fine dining, funky cafes, live entertainment, art galleries, farmer’s markets, abundant conservation lands for hiking, and of course, beautiful beaches. You may want to consider adding a few days to either end of your Yoga Barn event to explore all the island has to offer. Here are some links to help you plan your trip:
GETTING HERE: There are several modes of transportation available depending on where you are coming from and if you want to bring your car.
BY WATER:
Steamship Authority: This is the only way to get a car to Martha’s Vineyard. The ferry leaves from Woods Hole, MA and takes 45 minutes to get to the island towns of Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. You must have a reservation to bring a car over. If you are coming over as a passenger you do not need a reservation. Reservations from Memorial Day to Labor Day are at a premium and must be booked well in advance.
Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry: Passenger ferry from Quonset Point, Rhode Island. They run a shuttle between Providence Airport and the ferry dock. The trip takes 90 minutes. Passenger reservations recommended for summer travel.
New England Fast Ferry: Passenger ferry from New Bedford, MA. Trip takes 1 hour. Passenger reservations recommended in the summer months. During the summer, New England Fast Ferry operates weekend trips from Manhattan to the island.
Island Queen: Falmouth to Oak Bluffs passenger ferry, summer only. Trips take about 40 minutes.
BY AIR:
Cape Air flies to Martha’s Vineyard (MVY) year round from Boston. Seasonal service is provided from Providence. Flights are ½ hour. Cape Air is linked with Jet Blue and you can book the whole trip through Jet Blue if you are on a Jet Blue flight and connecting through Boston.
BY LAND:
Peter Pan Bus Lines runs from both South Station and Logan Airport in Boston directly to the Woods Hole Steamship Authority dock. The bus trip is approximately two hours. Buses also run from New York City, through Providence, RI. You can purchase the bus and ferry ticket in combination. Double check the latest schedules for bus and ferry connection times.
Amtrak: Train service to Providence, Rhode Island and from there you can take a fast ferry or fly (see above).
Driving: There is no bridge to Martha’s Vineyard! You will need to drive your car onto the Steamship Authority ferry in Woods Hole. Reservations are required for vehicles, and need to be made far in advance. There is no other way to bring a car onto the island than to depart from Woods Hole.
GETTING AROUND:
Cab: Taxis are abundant at the airport and ferry terminals. The taxis are not metered so using them can get pricey. The driver will be able to quote a price to you based on your destination. When departing from the ferry or airport, expect to share the cab with other parties going to the same town. They add surcharges for more than one person, per destination, and a charge for driving on long, bumpy dirt roads.
Vineyard Transit Authority: The Yoga Barn is directly on VTA bus route #5. The bus stops are located conveniently near the Steamship Authority terminals and run through all the Vineyard towns. The busses have bike racks on the front. VTA offers day, 3-day, and 7-day passes as well as a $1/per town travelled fare for single trips. This is the most affordable way to get around the entire island.
Rental Car Agencies: are available at the ferry terminals and the airport. Most major car rental agencies are represented on the island.
Bike: There are many bike paths but keep in mind that the island is 100 square miles with varying terrain and narrow, winding roads. Seeing the whole island by bike could be challenging to those who are not seasoned bikers, but bringing your bike and using the VTA’s bus system is a good way to get around. The bus will take you on the main roads to major destinations, and your bike will allow you to explore off-the-beaten path. The Yoga Barn has a bike rack outside the studio.
Mopeds: Moped rental agencies will try to entice you at the ferry dock. We strongly advise renting a car instead, as there are frequent moped accidents on the narrow, congested island roads. Note the prevalence of “Mopeds are Dangerous” bumper stickers on islanders’ cars!
WHERE TO STAY:
The Mansion House: This is a large hotel (by island standards) located on Main Street in Vineyard Haven, one of the 3 largest downtown areas on the island. It has a restaurant and health club. Approximately 12 miles from the Yoga Barn, you will need use a car or ride the VTA bus to the Yoga Barn.
The Youth Hostel: Within easy biking and about a 20 minute walk from the Yoga Barn, the Hostel is directly on the VTA bus route, making this an ideal place to stay if you use the bus/bike combination for transportation. This is the most affordable place to stay on the island.
The Broadmeadow B & B: The Broadmeadow, only a mile and a half down the road from the Yoga Barn is a serene and cozy year-round bed and breakfast. This 1 bedroom studio can comfortable host 4 guests, and is located on 4.5 acres of quintessential Vineyard landscape. (keep an eye out for horses grazing in distant fields!)
Cleaveland House: The Cleaveland House offers three guest rooms in a charming colonial homestead that’s been in the same family for over 250 years. Also within walking distance of the Yoga Barn and on the VTA bus route.
Chilmark AirBnB’s: 2 Wonderful properties to choose from. 1.) Beautiful 2-story private converted barn in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard. Secluded yet convenient.
Perfect for a couple or a couple with older children (space not good for those with mobility issues). 2.) Beautiful private guest house in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard. Secluded yet convenient. Walk-on pass to spectacular Chilmark beaches! Newly renovated and gorgeous.
Rental Homes: If you’re bringing friends or family, or planning to stay on the island for a few days before or after your Yoga Barn event, consider a rental house. Check the Martha’s Vineyard Times and Vineyard Gazette for listings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce and Martha’s Vineyard Online are great resources for more information on island logistics.