Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

The town of Tisbury, Massachusetts, underwent a few different titles over the centuries. First, the Wampanoag called it, Nobnocket, or dry place. The settlers called it Homes Hole, then Holmes Hole. It was named Tisbury after the English birthplace parish of the Island's first governor Thomas Mayhew.
Tisbury split into Tisbury and West Tisbury. Now Tisbury can be interchanged with the town it incorporates, Vineyard Haven. Tisbury was incorporated in 1671. During the American Revolution, the British threatened to use the town's Liberty Pole flag as a spar for their warship. Three teenage girls inserted gunpowder into the pole, blowing it up, in an act of protest and patriotism. A new pole was erected in 1898 to commemorate their heroism.
From the 1600s to late 1800s, Tisbury exceeded the rest of Martha's Vineyard as a thriving seaport. Whalers, sailors, and fishermen stopped at Tisbury and Vineyard Haven, because of its strategic location and waterway just below mainland Massachusetts. Marine railways were capable of hauling large vessels. Merchants sold widely sought-after foods and items, such as salt cod, whale oil, candles, and wool. In 1892, an act of legislature officially divided the town into Tisbury and West Tisbury. 3,755 people reside in Tisbury, as of 2000 Census.
Tisbury or Vineyard Haven modeled many of its homes and buildings from a period of Greek revival. The sea is luminous under the sun, moon and stars. Come and go sailboats, yachts, speedboats, fishing boats. New England salt is in the air. Sandy beaches don't crowd, but teem with tanned bodies. Umbrellas shade mothers and fathers, while their children build castles and swim. Town life is quaint but not provincial. There are historical points of interest alive and well the visitor must explore: Owen Park, named after the inventor of the gramophone, William Barry Owen; Old Schoolhouse Museum, where the Liberty Pole was erected again; the only playhouse on Martha's Vineyard, The Vineyard Playhouse was, in 1833, a Methodist meetinghouse; War Veterans' Memorial Park; the West Chop Lighthouse, and more.
When you arrive to Tisbury or Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, find the events calender, because something is always going on. Notable sponsors of events include The Vineyard Playhouse, The Trustees of Reservations, Belushi Pisano Gallery, Island Plan, Che's Lounge, e'kaya gallery, Sail Martha's Vineyard, Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center, African Artists' Community Development Project, Sheriff's Meadow Foundation, Vineyard House, Comcast and Plum TV, MV Film Society, Vineyard Committee on Hunger, Martha's Vineyard Community Services, Daily Grind Cafe, and many more sponsors. Tisbury has the shopping and eating both residents as well as vacationers could dream of: the Zephrus restaurant is of particular note for its world-class caliber seafood; local pubs and coffeehouses; pizzerias and fine Italian dining; and more restaurants which cultivate different culinary shades and flavors on the palette. Weddings on Martha's Vineyard are reason enough to visit, with the beauty of the island and traditional settings.
In Tisbury or Vineyard Haven, wedding plans are easier than most places. From your invitations to your wedding planner, you need not worry, for all of the things that make your wedding special are nearby. Plenty of spas to get facials and massages are around town for the stress of the wedding, or simply the stress of deciding where to eat for dinner.
While R&R may be all you want from a vacation, there are many activities and sports to boost the heart. Tisbury has two of the three golf courses on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Tennis courts dot the area, so you don't mess with your rhythm. Renting a bike you and your family see Tisbury up close. Island Alpaca Company tours walk you through the natural world and life of the island. Charter a sailboat, fishing boat, speedboat, yacht, and travel to fish or enjoy the sea and sound. Kite surfing has become more popular and Tisbury has the rental gear and equipment. After the flurry of activity, the beach, shimmering waves, and sparkling sand are always there for you to lay back, read the latest from your favorite author, and have family fun. Tisbury was once one of the most thriving sea ports. That sense of excitement has never disappeared.