Planning a Winter Getaway to Martha’s Vineyard

Photo: Peter Simon

When most travelers think about visiting the island, they mostly consider a trip between April and October, but we are here to remind you of the gorgeous season that is winter on Martha’s Vineyard! Sure, it’s colder than those other months, but we're actually warmer than the rest of New England in the winter (and slightly cooler in the summer than the mainland!) The winter is the perfect time to settle into a cozy accommodation, book interesting activities, and dine at some of the best year-round restaurants the island has to offer. Plus, the island underneath a soft, pillowy blanket of snow is a beautiful sight to see!
 
One of the best things about planning a winter getaway to MV is that you’ll get the island mostly all to yourself, along with the locals. The population reduces to about 17,000 islanders in the winter, versus the 250,000 guests we have in the summer, so the pace is much slower, much more relaxed. 

Here are the top five things to make planning a winter getaway to Martha’s Vineyard a must on your ravel bucket list: 

Fresh snowfall in Edgartown | Photo: LA Brown

1. Book a cozy accommodation in or close to town, to make it easy to get around in the snow.  Some of our favorite inns include the Nobnocket in Vineyard Haven, the Hob Knob in Edgartown, the Beach Plum in Menemsha, or the Dockside Inn in Oak Bluffs.

​2. Look at what your inn or hotel has to offer, and see if you can take advantage of any of the offerings. Do they offer in room massages, breakfast in bed, or private chef dinners? Book those so you get to enjoy the most of what they have to offer. 

Aquinnah Lighthouse | Photo: Max Bossman

3. Discover the culinary scene in the winter by dining at some of the best restaurants on island. State Road in Vineyard Haven, Alchemy in Edgartown, and MV Chowder Company in Oak Bluffs are just some of the many restaurants open through the winter season, offering some of the best dining on island.

4. Plan some outdoor activities to get some fresh air and explore the island. Check out websites like Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, Felix Neck, or Polly Hill Arboretum for upcoming events, guided walks, and more. The island has some incredible walking trails that are explorable during the winter - just make sure to bundle up!

​5. Whether you spend a day bowling at the Barn, Bowl, and Bistro or decide to make friends at the Alpaca Farm, there are plenty of winter activities to do on island! 

Photo: Nicole Freidler

For those looking for a relaxed vacation, planning a visit to the island in the winter months is ideal. It’s also a great time for budget conscious travelers, as hotel rates are at their lowest, restaurants run winter specials all season long, and shops have endless sale racks. It’s a great way to get to know and explore the island, meet the locals, and embrace the island in all it’s snowy glory. ​

Photo: Nicole Freidler

​For more off season inspiration, check out the following links:
What to Do on Martha’s Vineyard in the Off-Season by We Are Not Martha
Martha’s Vineyard, Off-Season by The New York Times
The Insider’s Guide to Martha’s Vineyard, The Off-Season Edition by Ball & Buck
Unexpected pleasures of Martha’s Vineyard in the winter by The Boston Globe