Destinations United States
Caitlin Flynn
It’s fall, y’all! And while spooky destinations may be top of mind (’tis the season, after all), there’s certainly not a moratorium on traveling to beach locations that are typically synonymous with summer. Case in point: The popular East Coast summer vacation destination of Martha’s Vineyard is equally gorgeous in the fall — plus, an autumn trip comes with a lower lodging price tag and fewer crowds.
One Reddit user described October as the “best time to go” to Martha’s Vineyard. “A drive up island is gorgeous with the changing colors of foliage — Most shops and restaurants are still open … Stunning sunsets — local farms still have tons of great products to offer — So many wonderful walking trails,” they wrote. Although the island is less populated with visitors during the autumn months (read: fewer than the 200,000 people that are usually on island during the summer) and some shops have closed for the season, there’s no shortage of things to do on Martha’s Vineyard, including family-friendly hikes, festivals, delicious food, shopping, and easier access to popular (and usually busy) beaches.
The perks of visiting Martha’s Vineyard in the fall
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Martha’s Vineyard is known for being an expensive destination in the summer months — but Airbnb prices drop by up to $150 per night when fall arrives. And if you love to shop, stores have excellent sales in the off-season. Insider noted that at popular restaurants on the island, like Larsen’s Fish Market, there’s typically a line out the door during the summer, but no wait times in the fall.
And certain beaches that aren’t open to the public in the summer are accessible in the fall, such as Lambert’s Cove Beach on the north shore. “Always a gem right after Labor Day when anyone is allowed and the weather still demands it. Hot days and cool healing waters,” one reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor.
The best activities on Martha’s Vineyard during the fall months include beach days (and make sure you stay late enough to catch the sunset), exploring the quaint streets of Edgartown by bike, hitting up the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival, and getting a bowl of clam chowder at Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.
Enjoy festival season
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There are a number of amazing (and mouthwatering!) festivals on Martha’s Vineyard during the fall months, too. The Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival is held from October 19 through October 22 this year. Using local ingredients, culinary experts from the northeast and the island’s top chefs work together to create one-of-a-kind meals for attendees — and don’t forget the wine.
The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby is a beloved tradition on the island that’s been going strong for nearly 80 years, with the fishing tournament running from September 10 through October 14 this year. Even if you’re not there to fish, the event is a great opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere and learn about the rich history of fishing on the island.
There’s also Harvest Fest on October 21. The price is right (free!) and it’s the perfect way to usher in fall with hay rides, pumpkin carving, and live music.
