First time travelers looking for info. on MV. Not sure how much time we'll need. We plan to leave our car at ferry. We would like to visit some lighthouses, go biking or wandering at least one day, shopping, Gay Head sounds interesting, shop and whatever else sounds good when we arrive. A few worries after reading some posts online. Edgartown sounds good for a stay but some posts said it's a pain getting to after ferry without a car. Is it? Also some posts say things are closed until after Memorial day and we were planning for early to mid May. Are we going too early? Would appreciate any info.

Veronica-I have been twice to MV in May and love it. Can't help with the transpo issue as we had a car rental. Once we were there the weekend before Memorial Day and found it great-shops and restaurants open, but the crowds light. This year we were earlier in May and found several restarants not open yet and much of the merchandise in the shops was Big Sale of last seasons items before new stuff put in stores. We still had a great time. My suggestion is to go as late as you can to catch most places open and ready to go. Enjoy!

MV is a nice place. We returned last summer for a short visit, having worked in resort hotels as college students many, many years ago. I don't have details at my fingertips, but will assure you that you can do exactly as we did...take ferry to Oak Bluffs, regular bus service to Edgartown (and tour island incl. Gay Head). My guess is that May isn't too early for ferry and bus etc. though maybe schedule different. Fewer tourists! It is indeed a place for bicycles though Edgartown to Gay Head is a bit much. Yes, do enjoy!
BTW, check earlier Fodor posts for what to do.

ozarksbill
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Loved MV and think that early May or mid-September are great times to go. Good weather, most things open but, since you are going on the cusp of the season, you will avoid the major crowds. If you can, I would also take the car over. We did so much driving around the island and absolutely loved it. Stayed in Edgartown and did scenic trips to Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Gay Head, etc. Some things we loved: the views and meals from the "Outermost Inn" in Gay Head; the Gingerbread houses in Oak Bluffs; bike riding from Edgartown to Vineyard Haven (might as well get some grub at the Black Dog) and Oak Bluffs; kayaking around Chappy. Enjoy.

there is good bus service on the island $2 i think. you can easily get from the ferry to any of the towns as long as you aren't hauling too many bags. i took a 1/2 day circle island tour. i thought this was a good way to get an overview of the island and will give you an idea on where you want to return to. they have great bike trails if you can bike. i'd spend 2-3 nights.

Here is a link to a thread with a lot of good info on MV.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34692877

it has many links to info you are looking for, don't let the heading throw you as poster was looking for hiking info, but the thread is full of additional info that might help you. You might also want to click on the original posters name and read her follow up trip report.

You can get to Edgartown from the ferry on the mainland and whether you arrive in either Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven - get public or private transport to Edgartown.
For bus and traveling info, schedules, etc check out
vineyardtransit.com

Edgartown, I feel, is good for a stay as you can walk to restaurants, shops, the beach, take the on-time ferry over to chappy, etc without a car.
If you would rent bicycles you can take them over on the small on-time ferry which takes a minute to cross and ride on Chappy and see some nice sites, lighthouse, beaches, and see if the Mytoi gardens are open also.

Gay Head is lovely, and on the thread I mentioned I also posted and gave some info on what to do in that area. riding a bicycle to there from Edgartown would do me in, but maybe not you ! Once, we were so tired, a nice guy in a pick up truck put our bikes in the back and was heading closer to our direction and gave us a lift - but you can also take a bus out there or perhaps a moped if you like mopeds.