One Tank Trips

One Tank Trips: Martha's Vineyard

Save Money, And Still See What New England Has To Offer

MARTHA'S VINEYARD Although it is only seven miles off the Massachusetts coastline, it feels like you are in another world. The hustle and bustle of Boston's streets are lost in the sound of tranquil ocean waves, beautiful beaches and priceless scenery that only one island can offer. Welcome to Martha's Vineyard.

The Vineyard is a destination spot for many people, and when you get there, it is easy to see why. The island is perfect for any type of trip – whether it be a day trip, a week… or even longer, a vacation to Martha's Vineyard is guaranteed to make the list of your best vacation spots.


Take this trip on a tank:
(Cost Of Ferry Trip Is Separate)
Miles (Roundtrip from Boston to Woods Hole): 170
Travel Time: About three hours
Gas Price: $3.00/gallon
Miles Per Gallon: 15-20
Total Trip Cost: $25 - $35


The Polly Hill Arboretum:

This beautiful botanical garden is 40 years in the making. Developed in 1958 by horticulturist Polly Hill, this 20-acre sanctuary is home to more than 1,600 plants -- and is the perfect spot for visitors to Martha Vineyard to walk through. Some of the plants featured at the Arboretum are grown there to protect them from extinction. Visitors can also view native plants of Martha's Vineyard.

Visiting Polly Hill is also very inexpensive. The facility asks for a $5 donation and children under 12 are free.


Chicama Vineyards:

Come feast your eyes – and taste buds – on Chicama Vineyards. This winery has been in the same family for three generations and is the first bonded winery in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Visitors can taste a range of fine wines, and a variety of foods.


Vineyard Flyer:

Check out Martha's Vineyard the best way possible… from the sky. Pilots with the Vineyard Flyer, who are also local residents, will take you over the islands of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod. Their knowledge of the area will only enhance your in-air experience. The tours are not cheap -- prices range from $195-$395 – but the view is priceless!


Visit The Beaches:

Martha's Vineyard has several beautiful beaches that visitors can spend the day at. The Vineyard is known for its many scenic beaches.

The Island's Moshup Beach – located beneath the Gay Head (Aquinnah) Cliffs – was named the best walking beach by the Travel Channel in 2003. Moshup Beach is covered in white sand and has a spectacular view.

Although Martha's Vineyard has about 125 miles of shoreline, it is not all accessible to the public. So make sure you check out the Island's chamber of commerce Web site before you head out with your towel and sun block!


Gay Head (Aquinnah) Cliffs:

A must see while in Martha's Vineyard are the Gay Head (Aquinnah) Cliffs. Dubbed a national historic landmark, the cliffs are comprised of red and white clays, green sands and other organic materials to create a colorful layered cliff along the island's coastline.

The cliffs are a huge tourist attraction for Martha's Vineyard. The colored cliffs, which were created by glaciers over the centuries, stand 200 feet tall and are absolutely breathtaking.

Atop the cliffs sits the Aquinnah lighthouse, which was built in 1799. The bricks used to build the lighthouse were made with clay from the cliff.


How To Get There:

Your car will only take you so far on your journey to Martha's Vineyard. Visitors to the island will have to take a ferry as well. The rates for most ferries are very reasonable, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the boat ride!

When you get there, you do not have to take your car everywhere you go. There are several alternate means of transportation, including buses, shuttles, taxis and even mopeds! And if you do not want to venture too far from your vacation spot, walking could be your best option.

You can find links with more information on all of the above attractions to the right of your screen.

To get driving directions to Martha's Vineyard, visit CBS4Boston.com's traffic page and select the "Real-Time Routing" tab.

See how other visitors to Martha's Vineyard rated their trip.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)