The town of Tisbury is located in the town of Martha’s Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts. It is a small town with a population of 4,815 as of the 2020 census. Visitors can enjoy nature preserves, art galleries, and shopping. The town also has several restaurants and is home to an independent bookstore.
Nature preserves
If you’re looking for an ideal place to spend your vacation days, one of the best options in Tisbury is a nature preserve. Located on Long Point, this preserve is the last remnant of a broad prairie, which formed during the last Ice Age. It has a sandy beach and coastal ponds, which are important for the survival of the area’s rare ecosystem. Visitors can experience the ecosystem’s unique diversity by visiting the preserve.
Visitors can explore the preserves in Tisbury through the public access trails. Brightwood Park is an 8.8-acre sanctuary that adjoins the Ramble Trail Preserve owned by the Martha’s Vineyard land bank commission. Both properties feature a 0.9-mile public walking trail that loops around both properties. The trail also crosses private lands that have granted trail easements to the land bank.
There are several different types of trails to explore. One of the most popular nature preserves is the Martha’s Vineyard Moraine Preserve. This preserve has a field station and offers access to hiking trails and small ponds. The preserve also has a sculpture commemorating the last remaining habitat of the heath hen, a species of grouse.
Another nature preserve in Tisbury is the Sepiessa Point Reservation, which offers stunning views of the pond and distant ocean. You can reach the reserve by a sign on New Lane or Clam Point Cove. You can also access it via the Litchfield Road. It is located just a half-mile west of the Triangle Intersection.
For hikers, Long Point Wildlife Refuge has a long stretch of coastal trails. The trails wind through woods, open fields, and beachfront areas. The park also includes rare grassland habitat. This preserve is one of the largest and most accessible on Martha’s Vineyard. The Trustees of Reservations manage the area.
Beaches
The Town of Tisbury will decide whether to keep its town beaches open this summer, or close them for the summer. They will also have to decide how they will handle events during the summer months. Selectmen Chair Melinda Loberg noted that there are many reasons to keep the town’s beaches open, including the fact that Gov. Charlie Baker’s stay-at-home order has been extended. Loberg said that a town beach closure would strain the other towns’ beaches.
Tisbury Town Beach is a small public beach next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. It overlooks the Vineyard Sound and is open to the public, but there is no parking. The water here is calm, and swimming is perfect. For more secluded beaches, there is Eastville Beach in Oak Bluffs. It is frequented by locals of the town and is known for its calm water.
There are many options for beach lodging, including hotels and vacation rentals. There are also stand-alone farm stands scattered throughout town. If you’re on a tight budget, rental homes are another great option. Check out Airbnb listings, too. If you’d rather rent your own place, try using a local realtor.
The town has three beaches that you can visit. The Joseph Sylvia State Beach has a two-mile long stretch of clear, mild water. This beach is located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, on the eastern side of the island. It features the famous Jaws Bridge, which featured in the 1975 movie Jaws. You can park along Seaview Ave, and handicap parking is also available. Another beach you can visit is Tisbury Town Beach, which is located at the end of Owen Little Way, next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.
If you want to enjoy the sunset over the ocean, you can visit Lucy Vincent Beach. This beautiful beach is open to the public from October through May. It features a dramatic Atlantic shoreline. This beach is a favorite destination for walkers. The Menemsha Public Beach is also available to the public. It is a good spot for fly-fishing.
Art
For art lovers, Tisbury offers many opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. The town is home to three art galleries, including the Field Gallery, in the downtown West Tisbury area. Here you can enjoy the works of contemporary artists as well as sculptures created by Island artists. Check out the whimsical works of founder Thomas Maley or the modern stone sculptures of Lew French.
During the growing season, West Tisbury is home to a twice-weekly farmers market. The market is located on State Road, and it features locally grown produce, flowers, fruits and vegetables, as well as shellfish and sea scallops. You can also find locally made cheeses and prepared foods.
For art lovers, Tisbury has an eclectic mix of local and internationally recognized artists. The town is home to many galleries that feature works by contemporary, impressionist, traditional, and classical artists. Many of the works in these galleries are inspired by the environment in Tisbury.
Shopping
Shopping in Tisbury, Massachusetts, offers visitors a unique experience. The town is home to the island’s oldest retail business, Alley’s General Store, which opened in 1858 and provided essential goods to the community. Now, this historic spot serves as a place for locals to meet, share stories and shop for unique items.
The town’s arts scene is also one of its highlights. The Featherstone Gallery features rotating exhibits featuring the work of local artists. The gallery also holds workshops, classes, and events for visitors of all ages. For die-hard anglers, the Coop’s Lobster is a must-visit. Dick’s Lobster is another great location to shop for lobster.
Agricultural fair
Agricultural fairs are a tradition on Martha’s Vineyard. The first one was held on October 26, 1858 and drew 1,800 attendees. Visitors can get to the fair on foot or by public transportation. Bus number 6 runs to and from the fair. Tickets to the fair are $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-12.
During the fair, local farmers, fisherman, and artisans display their wares. The event is held at Ag Hall in West Tisbury. You can enjoy horse pulling competitions, skillet throwing competitions, blue ribbons for the best pies, and fun games. The fair is celebrating its 150th year this year. During the fair, you can also enjoy nature trails and conservation programs. There are state forests and nature preserves on the island.
MVGC’s Ag Fair Committee also won a ribbon last week. The group created a display that commemorated the past. The display included antique farm implements and seed packets, as well as traditional farm methods. They also received a special award for exhibiting a traditional farm.
The fair is free to attend. This family event has fun activities for all ages. Aside from rides, the fair also features fried food, live music, and animal shows. The fair is open each day at 11 a.m. and closes on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. Admission is free for children under five.
