Marthas Vineyard Hotels

Martha's Vineyard has stunning vistas, charming towns

Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

Best time to go: Late May or early October to avoid the influx of summer tourists and still get the best island weather.

Where to stay:

■ The Charlotte Inn, Edgartown. Some hotels go beyond being a mere place to stay and become an experience. This is such a place. The inn's slogan, "Behind the Times on Purpose," says it all. Formerly a 19th-century town house, it has shaded gardens and a restaurant, Il Tesoro, serving Milanese cuisine. The décor is that of a grand Edwardian mansion: antique furniture, four-poster beds with goose down pillows and comforters, silk draperies and fresh flowers. Contributing to the feeling of staying in a tasteful private home are the inn's two resident golden retrievers, Barkley and Nicky. The inn is a member of the Relais & Chateaux. Rates begin at $295 (October-May) and go up to $1,000 (May to October). Charlotteinn.net.

■ Lambert's Cove Inn, Vineyard Haven. If you are looking for something more secluded, this is the place. Situated in the middle of a forest a few miles from town, the building, dating to the 1790s, has 15 guest rooms, one of the best restaurants on the island, beautifully appointed public areas decorated to resemble an English country manor, and another canine greeter, Mavis, the Sheltie. A short walk from the inn is Lambert's Cove Beach, an excellent spot for catching a sunset. The innkeepers offer a special "Hospitable Takeover:" Families or groups can take over the entire inn, with rates as low as $100 to $150 a night. Lambertscoveinn.com.

Where to eat:

■ The Sweet Life Café, Oak Bluffs. A favorite of the president and first lady, this tiny café features contemporary French-American cuisine, with emphasis on local catches and produce. If the weather is nice, ask for a table in the intimate garden. Sweetlifemv.com.

■ State Road, West Tisbury. Currently the island's hot spot. Don't even think about going here without a reservation. Start with the Quahog fritters, continue to the Menemsha lobster pot with littleneck clams, and end with salty butterscotch-whiskey pudding. You'll have to bring your own wine; West Tisbury is a dry town. Stateroadrestaurant.com.

Learn more: MVY.com

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, Mass. — During the 37-minute flight from Boston to Martha's Vineyard, I asked myself at least 37 times what I was doing on this nine-seat toy plane in unusually heavy winds with a pilot who looked barely old enough to drive a car, much less have a pilot's license.

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Winnetu Oceanside Resort is a full-service resort offering complimentary resort activities for couples, friends and the whole family to enjoy. These include family-friendly activities for toddlers through to teens and lifestyle and recreational facilities.

The beautiful beach side location of Winnetu Oceanside Resort makes it one of the most beautiful destinations for Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod beach resorts and lends itself to many water activities. There are many beaches at Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard but South Beach*, home of Winnetu Oceanside Resort, at Katama is one of the most popular beaches on the Island.

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