14 May, 2018
Martha's Vineyard, US
With Memorial Day Weekend fast approaching and marking the official beginning of summer weekend breaks in the US, plans for the three-day celebration are quickly being made. Martha's Vineyard is one of the most picturesque seaside getaways from east coast cities - and one that Bostonians and New Yorkers try their best to keep hush-hush.
While it does have its fair share of yachts and beachfront mansions, Martha's Vineyard is a toned down alternative to the Hamptons, making it the epitome of New England charm.
For those who can brave the chilly water of early summer, drive to South Beach in Edgartown for surfing and sand bars. For a slightly tougher surf spot, Chappaquiddick has wild waves. While in the area, a visit to the 14-acre Mytoi Japanese garden is also a must.
If surfing isn't your cup of tea, rent a bike and spend an afternoon pedalling along the sand-dusted South Beach biking route. Afterwards, drive out to the Aquinnah Cliffs to check out the rusty orange Gay Head Lighthouse perched atop the bluffs at sunset.
For a real Wedding Crashers-style day out, rent a sailing boat with a group, pack a picnic full of local goodies from Larsen's Fish Market and Back Door Donuts, and set out on a nautical tour. An ice-cold case of rosé goes without saying.
Anyone who was obsessed with Jaws, which was filmed on the island.
Someone looking for a more down-to-earth destination than Nantucket.
Your preppiest tennis whites.
Fly into Martha's Vineyard Airport from JFK via Jet Blue or Delta during the summer (these flights should be booked well in advance), or fly in from Boston on Cape Air year-round.
