Veronica29

Planning a early to mid June first time trip to MV. Can anyone tell me if it would be better to come weekdays as opposed to weekend. Is it more congested getting over on the ferry, shopping and eating on weekends? Are all shops and restaurants open on all days by this time of the year? We are very flexible. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks.

cwojo99

Not sure about the weekend vs. weekday...we went about 2 years ago.

Where are you staying? We also went to Block Island, which is part of Rhode Island...we loved it more. We plan on going back to Block Island but not Martha's vineyard. We felt it was a bit too commercialized and were surprised about all the traffic.

You can rent mopeds (scooters) to get around...those are fun!

8-)

laartista

I too prefer Block Island. Have been going every year since 84. Lived there for 7 months in 92, so if you change your mind about the vineyard and decide to go to the block, I'd be happy to answer any questions Oh, the vineyard is definitely more crowded on the weekend, given the choice I'd go during the week.

wyatt92

The Vineyard is more crowded on the weekends but the crowds shouldn't be too bad in early or mid June.

All the shops and restaurants will be open at all times in June. I love the Vineyard, have a great time!

sistahlou

It really only matters if you are making a car reservation. It's a great time to visit. Stop by Chilmark Chocolates, which are created by special need kids. Just wonderful program and great chocolates.

escargot

I remember you were originally planning on early or MId May, I think June is better, as some things (not many, but some, like the opening into some of the parks, Cape Pogue lighthouse tours, etc begin end of May)

June can be a busy month with weddings on the vineyard, so I would still make my reservations as soon as possible for lodging. If you aren't taking your car, you will be fine on the ferry. If you are taking your car, reservations fill quickly (since they opened for this time frame weeks ago, but you can check out what is available on steamshipauthority.com)

Everything will be open, and it is a beautiful time of year on the island.

Veronica29

Thanks for info. Originally we were trying for mid May but I got a little leary of weather not being cooperative for being outdoors alot. We don't want to come all the way from southern NJ and not be able to enjoy every minute possible. We like to make the most of it. We are leaving car at ferry so it sounds like no worries about that. I think we will shoot for a few weekdays now and we should make out fine. A few posts about Block Island had me looking there and it also seems lovely. Will research that as well to add on or visit another time.

escargot

I think it was a agood idea to change to June - of course you never know in New England,but chances improve in June -
Just remember when figuring for your ferry, you will have to park the car in the lot and wait for the shuttle to bring you to the ferry - it's not a long time, but just don't cut yourself too short drive time - not that you can't grab a cup of coffee and wait for the next ferry - but sometimes people plan on a certain ferry and get there 10 minutes before it leaves, which is not enough time to park and get the shuttle to the ferrry.

SomeDude

To me, MV is immediately associated with that Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear movie "Stuck on You", hilarious. I know it isn't much help, but I just had to mention it. Maybe you should watch it as preparation to your vacation...

china_cat

If you are not bringing your car, you do not need to drive all the way to Woods Hole. Consider the New Bedford ferry. Less crowded, parking is cheaper, the lot is closer so no shuttle, and it will save an hour off your drive:

http://www.mvy.com/gettinghere/ferryschedules.php

escargot

Chinacat is right, I don't remember if it was from your earlier post or what that we assumed you wanted to lv from WoodsHole, or if you wanted to drive to see parts of the Cape, but you have the option she mentioned from New Bedford as well as the Vineyard Fast Ferry from Quonset RI which you can also look at online for times/rates/parking info.

SomeDude: yes, that and "jaws" and jumping off the bridge from that movie, if the movie didn't scare you out of the ocean

charlesaf3

anyone who thinks the vineyard is more crowded than Block didn't see very much of it... over a third of the vineyard is empty parkland, and traffic of any sort is unheard of up island.

laartista

Charles, same goes for Block Island. The crowds are only by town, certain beaches and new harbor and that's mostly in late July and August. I've been going to Block for over 20 years and been to the Vineyard at least a dozen times. I'd pick Block Island any day.

Shandy1977

It will be more crowded on the weekends.

But... as others have said, you should be okay as long as you do not need to bring a car and get there early to buy tickets.

There are very affordable options for getting around the island. I often bring or rent a bike, but the cabs and local bus are not too pricey.

Enjoy! I think the Vineyard is still the king of all New England islands and coastal destinations.