Wander Around the Gingerbread Cottages on Martha’s Vineyard

The Martha's Vineyard island may keep you busy for days of contented exploration, but it's worth looking for the neighborhood of more than 300 Victorian gingerbread cottages known as the Oak Bluffs Campground, whose explosion of color can compete with any exotic garden. (If it gets dark out, stop by Back Door Donuts for the ideal sweet finish.)

These bright Victorian homes are arranged in a row, each with a charming design that is reminiscent of the candy and gingerbread house from "Hansel and Gretel." These lovely houses had modest beginnings but are now luxurious vacation villas.

A group of Methodists who met and held retreats on Martha's Vineyard every year frequented this area of the island in the 1800s. They used to stay in tents during these summertime reunions, but as the camp meetings increased in frequency, the organization decided to build year-round cottages to house everyone.

• Location: Massachusetts