Edgartown Martha, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha's Vineyard's county seat, Edgartown, is an enriching, enchanted town. Alive is the history before your eyes. Once the wealthiest town per capita in America, Edgartown was the center of the whaling industry, a port where whalers, sailors, and fishermen sailed in and out vessels of all kinds, where wives on "widow walks" would search from the harbor for their loved ones, in hopes of safe return, where Herman Melville first launched his exploration of the wide open seas.
First settled by Thomas Mayhew in 1642 and originally called Great Harbor, the town was incorporated in 1671, the name of the town then changing officially to Edgartown after Edgar, the son of England's King James II. Along with wealth came sensitivity towards beauty. By the middle 1800s, Greek revival in architecture flourished, which has become preserved since, so that today, while you walk through town, you can witness crowning achievements in houses and buildings.
When the whaling industry halted in the early 1900s, tourists revived the town. They came, and still come, to see Edgartown's beauty in, not only the decorum and structure of houses and buildings, but the centuries' old harbors and conserved beaches and lands. As of 2000, 3,779 people call Edgartown home with pride.
Among towns on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Edgartown is more up tempo. If you aren't enjoying the avenues of Grecian influenced houses and buildings, magnanimous yachts and traditional sailing vessels at the harbors, or smelling the salty winds, or listening to waves that crash and spray against rocky shores or to easy waves lapping against quiet shores, there are places to go, shop, eat; there are events to attend. Catch shows and bands at the Outerlands. Check out World of Reptiles and Birds. Join in a community of activities, events, tours, and more, hosted by the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust.
At the Martha's Vineyard Museum, learn all about the island that you stand on. The Massachusetts Audubon Society extends an arm with the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which, to tour through, is a great way to spend an afternoon. Martha's Vineyard Glider Rides, Warbird Flight, Biplane Rides by Classic Aviator Ltd. are tours for those who love the mile high perspective. Once you arrive in Edgartown, mark the calender for monthly events. Some of which you will find are: Martha's Vineyard Gardens, Art Exhibits, Architecture and History Lecture, Black Dog Tall Ship Tour, Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks, Meals in the Meadow at the Farm Institute, Model Sailboat Demonstration and Races, Christmas in Edgartown, Livelihood and Commerce (forum), Paddle By Moonlight (Dog Days Moon), Native Plants of Chappaquiddick; the list is not nearly exhausted.
Whether shopping for the latest in fashion, local art and jewelry, fishing, sailing and sports gear, or everything in between, browsing is always worth it in Edgartown. Whether dining on exquisite lobster and clams, hitting the pubs, or sipping tea on Sunday after church, the variety of foods and beverages will cater to whatever your appetite and thirst could request. For those with a discerning eye and a flair for the visual, art galleries showcase daily both local, new and old art, and antique dealers can be spotted around town. Pamper yourself with a massage and facial and have your hair and nails done.
Edgartown is an illustrious jewel in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Take in its preciousness, its centuries of traditional living. Chappaquiddick is only a short ferry ride away. You'll find that relaxing is in the town's nature. And you'll find a few activities to get the body and heart moving: bike and walk through sands, tides, and vegetation; boat and fish in these waters, just as others have done for centuries; play tennis; golf; scuba dive; swim and lay out in the summer sun. However you choose to spend your vacation, Edgartown is a sea and land, time and place, to look forward to, experience and remember.