Edgartown

Edgartown, located on the easternmost reaches of Martha's Vineyard, was the island's first settlement and the county seat since 1642. The town center, which was originally settled by whaling captains, retains the historic architecture of the whaling captains' homes, some of which are private homes and many of which have been converted into inns, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops and cafes.

North Water Street is a must-see for history buffs, thanks to the architecture and the Edgartown Lighthouse. The Carnegie, a renovated and restored landmark, includes reading rooms, a visitor center, a gift shop, and the permanent exhibition, Living Landmarks, which depicts Martha's Vineyard's historical development through the lens of the landmarks in Vineyard Trust's care. The Carnegie hosts regular events that are free and open to the public. Spend a day exploring Edgartown’s scenic sandy beaches before heading downtown to learn about island culture at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and sampling eats fit for a foodie at Edgartown’s many upscale restaurants.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Martha's Vineyard, Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States