Exploring MV on a Budget
I started out in Woods Hole at 10:45 am with $50 in my pocket, wondering how far it would take me. Here’s what I found:
Ferry tickets: $15 (round trip) bought me a 45 minute sea cruise. Heading up to the top deck of the Steamship Authority Ferry, I slathered on sunscreen and zoned out to the sound of sea gulls and the ferry’s bow slicing through the waters of Vineyard Sound. Debarking in Vineyard Haven at 11:30 am, I bought a $6 day pass to the VTA bus ($7 after 7/01/09) . This entitled me to a full day of unlimited travel, Island-wide. (Bike riders can pay $6 round trip to bring their bikes over on the ferry.)
"I zoned out to
the sound of
sea gulls
and the
ferry’s bow
slicing through the
waters of
Vineyard Sound"
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Getting Started
First stop was the MV Chamber of Commerce (closed weekends but a kiosk adjacent to the ferry terminal is open), to pick up some free Island info. Then, I headed next door to the cool, comfortable wisteria covered arbor outside of the Beetlebung Coffee House on the Beach Road to consider my options.
Here I enjoyed a Beetlebung eggwich ($4.15 including tax). This saved me having to plan an early lunch, but I could have chosen a cup of coffee and pastry that would have been even easier on my budget.
Sightseeing & Sun Seeking
Armed with my VTA map, the Island was mine to explore. I focused my attention on three options: Spend the day seeing the whole 100 square mile Island from westernmost Aquinnah to easternmost Edgartown using the schedule gaps to do some exploring; head over to the easy-to-access beaches on the Island’s north shore or slightly more remote south shore fronting on the Atlantic or do a little of both. The day was sunny and hot but I didn't want to forego sightseeing entirely so I opted to take the bus directly to Edgartown for a quick look around, doubling back to Oak Bluffs’ beaches for some serious R&R and a swim.
Historic Homes & Harbor
To get to Edgartown, I boarded the #13 bus which passed through Oak Bluffs and skirted the Sound most of the way. (The #1 takes a slightly shorter, but less scenic, route to the same destination).
After a look at the 19th century sea captain’s homes, the art galleries and the harbor of this historic whaling port, I stopped at the Vineyard Gazette and asked if I could have a look around this former almshouse and home of the Island’s oldest newspaper.
Publishing schedule permiting, this request is usually cordially granted. You can also pick up a free Best Read Guide for a detailed downtown walking tour and directions to the cemetery where graves dating back to the 18th century. Passing by the MV Museum on School Street, I stopped to have a look at the historic Fresnel light in the Museum’s yard.
A Day at the Beach
Craving sun and sand, I hopped back on the #13, enjoying the beautiful stretch of coastline and getting off just as Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs came into view. The water looked clear and inviting and I wasted no time finding myself a spot. After a while, I felt myself getting hungry. Time to pick up my blanket and head downtown. I followed the scent of freshly fried seafood to Coop de Ville where for $19.95 ($14.99 on Tuesdays), I could hang out dockside while enjoying the ultimate Island feast: steamed lobster and corn on the cob and a $1 lemonade. Total $22.42 (including tax).
Budget Breakdown
| Round Trip Ferry |
$15.00 |
|
Bus Fare
|
$ 6.00 |
|
| Eggwich |
$ 4.15 |
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Lobster Lunch at Coop de Ville
|
$22.42 |
|
| Ride on Flying Horses |
$ 1.50 |
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| Total |
$49.07 |
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Lobster in the Rough
I spent the next hour or so catching the breeze, watching the boats come and go and coaxing every last bit of succulent meat from the lobster’s shell. Coop de Ville also offers a raw bar, fried seafood, sandwiches and buffalo wings which can save about $5 and offer a slightly different day-at-the-beach experience.
I took the long way back to the bus stop, enjoying a ride on the Flying Horses Carousel for $1.50, a stroll among the gingerbread cottages and shops in downtown OB. Instead of returning to Vineyard Haven I caught the 6:15 ferry out of Oak Bluffs, which got me back to the Woods Hole at 7 pm. Sun setting over Vineyard Sound: Free. Total vacation time: 8 hours, 15 minutes. Total spent: $49.07.
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Before leaving home check for free events on MVOL.com’s calendar of events.
Bring your own bottled water to save spending $$$ just to keep yourself hydrated.
Though there are designated bus stops, you can flag down and re-board a VTA bus just about anywhere except for downtown areas. When in doubt, consult the driver.
Bikes can be carried on buses free of charge provided there is space on the rack.
For a map showing the Island's bike paths click here.
If you decide you want to stay an extra day check for walk-in rates usually available mid-week. The Nashua House in Oak Bluffs is a good place to start your search.
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