Who is Martha?
Originally called Noepe, or “land between the streams” by the indigenous inhabitants of the Wampanoag Native American Tribe, the Island was renamed in 1602 by a British explorer named Bartholomew Gosnold, who named it after his daughter Martha and the viney undergrowth found along the coast. Oddly enough, there are no operating vineyards on Martha’s Vineyard, although grapevines can be found Island-wide. That said, our restaurants offer a stellar selection of top-notch wines, and our fabulous micro-breweries brew some of the best beer around.
Learn more about the Martha's Vineyard's Wampanoag history here.
Explore Martha's Vineyard's history at the Martha's Vineyard Museum here.
Population
Martha’s Vineyard is home to a year-round community of approximately 21,000 residents, but the Island’s population changes dramatically with the seasons. During the height of summer, the population can swell to an estimated 94,650 people on a given day in August, as seasonal residents and visitors arrive to enjoy the Vineyard.
The 2020 U.S. Census recorded 20,600 year-round residents, while the 2024 American Community Survey estimates the year-round population at 20,933. While there is no official census of the Island’s seasonal population, estimates illustrate the significant impact summer visitation has on the Island’s communities, businesses, transportation and infrastructure.
Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Martha’s Vineyard enjoys a very temperate climate. In summer, the Island is typically 8-12 degrees cooler than mainland Massachusetts, and in winter, between 8-12 degrees warmer. Spring and fall are nearly on par with the rest of the State, and colorful foliage arrives late, typically late October to early November.
Average Temperatures
December & January 54-40 F 12-4 C
April & May 56-65 F 13-18 C
July & August 82-79 F 27-26 C
September & October 77-63 F 23-17 C
What makes Martha's Vineyard such a special place?
Authenticity: No chain stores, restaurants or hotels here; rather, a perfect place for entrepreneurs, and to find one-of-a-kind shopping, dining and lodging.
Lifestyle: A vibrant arts and culture scene means that year-round you can enjoy sophisticated experiences such as galleries, live music, theater, dance and exciting speakers series in a wonderfully casual environment.
Romance: If your idea of romance is being out all day, enjoying the robust natural beauty in any number of ways, then savoring a fabulous meal followed by delightful entertainment or a cozy blanket on the beach for sunset, then you can’t help but fall in love.
Ahh, the FOOD! Fifty local farms, bountiful oceans, and local commitment to sustainable agriculture means whether you’re at a picnic table or the finest restaurant, you will enjoy wonderful locally grown, made or caught food prepared with you in mind. Farmers Markets operate throughout the summer and even into the fall and winter months, and always draw a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike.
Casual is 'cool': The Island's laid-back, relaxed atmosphere keeps people coming back year after year! Nearly every native has a great story to tell about being an extra in JAWS or meeting Presidents Clinton or Obama. Dressing up means exchanging your flip-flops for sandals. (What's a tie?) You also might find yourself wondering if the person you just passed on the bike path is a celebrity! Island time is like college time - anything within 15 minutes is “on time.” (except when catching your ferry!)
