Oak Bluffs' mid-19th century origins as a Methodist summer camp still exert considerable influence over the town's appearance. The camp's early tents were replaced in the 1860s and 70s with closely spaced cottages in the fashion of the time, an ornate gothic-revival style rendered affordably in wood thanks to pattern books, powered saws, and standard building materials. Vineyard carpenters gave their cottages a local flair.
About 300 of the cottages survive within the grounds of the Martha's Vineyard Campmeeting Association, incorporated "for the purpose of maintaining annual religious meetings. . ." in 1868. Today's cottage owners and guests continue the Association's religious and social activities, while observing comprehensive rules to maintain the architecture, along with the community's traditions. The Association's buildings were made a National Historic Landmark in 2005.
The other main thread in the town's development begins in 1866, when the Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Company purchased land adjacent to the Campmeeting grounds for a secular summer resort. In a twist evocative of Hawthorne, the Methodists immediately erected a picket fence between the sacred and profane, and locked the gate at night. {MVCMA}
The descendants of both 19th century resorts continue to thrive in Oak Bluffs.
One Hour Ashore
The essential Oak Bluffs moment is a cocktail and maybe an appetizer in one of the many harborfront eateries.
Off the Beaten Path
The Flying Horses Carousel is "the nation's oldest operating platform carousel" according to its owners, the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust. It's been in Oak Bluffs since 1884.
Rainy Day
The Cottage Museum offers a quick glimpse into the origins of Oak Bluffs summer campmeeting culture.
Maritime History
East Chop Lighthouse is about a mile north of the harbor. The Martha's Vineyard Historical Society offers sunset tours on Sunday evenings.
Facilities
- Launch
- Dinghy
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Trash
The marina runs a launch to its moorings when all the slips are full. The charge is per person, per ride.
Dinghy docks are next to the marina compound, under the harbors commercial center, and in the back corner, by the showers.
Showers and restrooms are in a detached building at the back of the harbor.