Massachusetts - Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

Ten Great Things to Do in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Massachusets

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All Eyes, Look to the Stars

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Loines Observatory of the Maria Mitchell Association on Milk Street Extension on Nantucket is open for public viewing on a regular schedule year round, and for frequent special astronomical events. Climb a ladder to the eyepiece of a fine, old telescope and sample the sights of the distant heavens. You'll also have the opportunity to see a new 24-inch research telescope. The observatory’s 24-inch research telescope and operating systems, weighing over 1,500 pounds, were hoisted into place by crane through the Loines observatory dome on April 11, 2007. The first color photographs were taken with the new telescope soon thereafter. Remember, observing is weather dependent, so check the skies or call ahead. Phone: 508-228-9273.

Exotic Creatures Offer Shivers at Reptile and Bird Preserve

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Exotic reptiles and birds. C’mon, you know you (or someone in your family) loves to examine these magnificent creatures. A kindred spirit is Gus Ben-David, operator of the World or Reptiles and Birds Park on Bachelder Road in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. Park residents who welcome visitors include giant pythons, an Endangered Rhinoceros Iguana; A Giant 'Pettable' Tortoise; an eight-foot Crocodile Lizard; a caiman, bald and golden eagles, fancy pigeons, exotic pheasants, and native and exotic waterfowl. Ben-David is eager to show you around and stoke your inner herpetologist. Phone: 508-627-5634.

Marine Ecosystems on Display

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The Coskata-Coatue (also known as Great Point) Wildlife Refuge off Wauwinet Road in Nantucket is a beautiful and complex ecosystem of rolling maritime dunes and beach plants, a red cedar savanna and woodland, a maritime oak forest that of gnarled, wind-blown trees, salt marsh, a lagoon, and more. People can explore the 200-acre property and join ranger-led tours of the historic Great Point Lighthouse. Phone: 508-228-5646

Revival Movement of the 1850s
Produced This Charmed Neighborhood

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The Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, located in the town of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, is a neighborhood of hundreds of colorful, ornate “gingerbread cottages” that are a delight to the eye and great fun to see and photograph. The neighborhood has its roots in the religious revival camp meeting movement of the 1850s. Members of the campground – originally a tent community -- conducted popular Bible meetings where the cottages are now.