Marthas Vineyard in May
 

I was looking to go to MV for a weekend with my wife for our birthdays. We are driving from NY. I was told to look at the Outermost Inn. I was also wondering if May might be too cold. Looking at the first or second weekend in May. Any suggestions/recommendations appreciated.

Very few people take their car over for the weekend. If you plan on taking yours, great. Otherwise realize that Outermost Inn if it is open, as I thought it was up for sale, is completely secluded, so going out to dinner etc without a car will be difficult.

The Outermost Inn is very pretty, but as gyppielou suggests, it is quite isolated. You would certainly need to take your car if you want to stay there. I don't know that its for sale, it didn't seem to be when we drove past in February.

I've never gone in May, but I went in mid-late April a few years ago. The weather was nice. But many of the tourist shops and restaurants were still closed. Edgartown was pretty much deserted (although it was far worse in February!). That said Edgartown is the part of the island that I know best, so here are a few suggestions if you decide to go there.

This past February we got a lovely room at a very good price at the Shiretown Inn in downtown Edgartown. You also might look at the Charlotte Inn, with dinner at L'Etoile, if fine dining is what you had in mind. If its open, Atria is one of my favorite restaurants. Alchemy will be open, and we had an excellent meal there this year.

so what do you mean by "too cold"? you're from New York, so you know what the weather is like up here this time of year...there's no telling. It might be spring like and sunny, it might be wet, and miserable. Its not going to be cold like the winter, but it could very well be blustery and in the 40s. so the real question is, too cold for what? swimming? definitely! walking on the beach? probably not.

We recently stayed at the HarborView in Edgartown, which is now owned by Wyndham. Even though it is a historic hotel,the rooms were great,and comfortable.It is an easy walk to Edgartown center.

Considering the length of time it'll take you to drive there (assuming you're going via Woods Hole) I hope you're planning on a long weekend. My husband and I love M.V. but we've never been there in May. We always stay at The Oak House. It's a lovely B & B by the water in Oak Bluffs. We always take our car over on the ferry when we visit. The island is large enough that a car is helpful if you want to see as much of the island as possible. Have fun!

Joe,

I would take the closest ferry from NYC and stay in Edgartown, rent bikes or scooters and check out Chappy beaches. Chilmark Chocolates is a fabulous special needs program that you should definately stop by and make a purchase, if you happen to make it in that direction. GL

I guess my post shows how little I know about MV, although I would love to explore. I was told about Outermost Inn by the one person I asked and that is the extent of my knowledge. It seems Edgartown is the main area and considering MV is pretty laid back and May is semi-off season, I would want to be as close as possible. Recommendations for places to stay and eat as well as getting there (driving or flying) is what I am looking for. We were thinking of a three or four night stay. As far as active things, my wife will be five months pregnant so while it doesn't confine us to the room, it does limit us to less streneous activities. Do you think it might be a better idea to wait a month or so to go? Thanks in advance.