Debinnova

I am planning a week at the end of June for a solo trip to relax, explore, etc. (on foot or public transportation) I need first hand experience as to which Island I might enjoy better since I'm going solo. My ideal would be something close the beach but also very close to shops, restaurants and buses? (to explore other villages?) I'm in my 40's. Thanks!

Maryella

Been to both and both are very lovely. MV has several small towns to explore w/Edgertown the largest. Nantucket has only 1 town. I don't know of any accomodations that are in town and on a beach-you usually have to pick one or the other. My choice would be to stay in Edgertown in MV at the Harbour Inn or one of the many other spots. You can get a bike and bike down to Katama Beach on a bike trail in about 15 minutes. Plenty of shops and restaurants in town. To explore further get a rental car for the day. Nantucket was also lovely but a little harder to get to. It's a 2 hour ferry ride from Hyannis versus a 45 minute ride from Woods Hole for MV.

Jon_Eric

I was there last June. Stayed on Nantucket and flew to M.V. for the day which I highly recommend b/c the ferry doesn't allow as much time if you're going to visit one from the other for the day. I also flew to NYC and then flew to Nantucket so I avoided the long ferry ride. I really have to go with Nantucket espescially if you like history. M.V. has some terrific scenery espescially out by the light house and near Chilmark, but Nantucket just felt more special to me and it really is like stepping back to the 1700's. I was there alone also and being from the South I found the people on Nantucket to be almost Texan in their friendliness, this Island seems to bring out the best in people! I never once needed a car on Nantucket either which was nice. Being an Island you're never far from a beach, but there are a few place down by the dock and Brant Pt. which are still walking distance from town yet very near the water. Cliffside Beach Club for one.
The day I went to M.V. I ended up in Oak Bluffs which seemed like.... a typical east coast beach community ca 1960. I'm glad I ended up there because I was able to take a tour all around the island from there, then upon returning took the little bus to Edgartown where I stayed the rest of the afternoon. I loved Edgartown, but I didn't think it was as.... upscale as I thought or most of the shops weren't yet open? For some reason I was led to believe I shouldnt be surprised if I'd seen a Gucci or Dolce & Gabbana store on main st. LOL I didn't see them. Not that I was looking for Palm Beach come's north, but I didn't count on the more relaxed, old New England charm I found in Edgartown, but was glad of it.
They have a nice a little harbor and while I didn't see the aforementioned 5th avenue-esque stores they had some nice ones. You could spend equal nights on both Islands, that way the ferry wont seem as cumbersome because you'll have more time once you get there. I'd suggest you do Nantucket first and end with M.V. because the journey back from M.V. to "America" is much shorter than from Nantucket.

dtrain_swilly

You should probably try to visit both. But if you have to pick one... I've been to both and liked Nantucket better. It's cozier! I think MVs easy accessibility is it's curse. No driving necessary in Nantucket. I stayed at a pretty B&B in town on a cobblestone street. There are bike paths everywhere leading to beaches. I biked Martha's Vineyard and sucked up so much car exhaust I was sick. Lot's of traffic!

Pete1222

Hi,
We did both MV and Nantucket last summer. If you want a rich, slightly European,experience then our choice is Nantucket. And MV is great! But Nantucket is indeed a very special place. We spent 3 day's on each island and only brought our bikes. We each had a day pack which we left in the hotel or BB once we checked in.
We were there the 3rd week of Sept. so beat the crowds.
Going back again this year 2nd week of June to see the flowers.
Biking is extremely easy. Great for exploring!There are buses too.
Hope this helps.
Pete
PS Also in our 40's

stellaluna

Nantucket would be the perfect place for a solo trip at the end of June. You would probably enjoy staying at one of the many inns right in town. you will be in the center of everything: shops, restaurants, historic homes, the Whaling Museum...You can bike everywhere and take the NRTA shuttle buses to the best beaches: no need for a car at all! Besides the main town of Nantucket there is only one other village and that's the charming, rose covered cottage filled Siasconset out at the east end of the island. the buses go there and it's a wonderful place to go walking around: there's a walk along the bluff with the Atlantic on one side and beautiful summer homes on the other. and the best ice cream is at the Sconset Market!
if you choose Nantucket book NOW! the end of June is very popular! there is lots to choose from accomodations wise, but do it soon!!! have fun, this is a gorgeous little gem!

Elainee

I would recommend MV by far. Edgartown is much larger than Nantucket (town) and has more options. I love both and have been to both many times. We rented a house for many years every summer mainly in MV but 3 times in Nantucket. But my worst experience was in Nantucket when it rained (hard!!)and we we there just for the week staying in an inn and we could not get a reservation or table at any restaurant...they didn't know us. We ended up buying food from a grocery and eating in our room and spending the evening in the bookstore. MV always has more choices and would be better for a person alone. There are nice B&Bs in MV in Edgartown (lots of info on this board) and its a nice bike ride to South Beach. Rent a bike. Go to Nantucket for the day and explore the town. Oak Bluffs in MV is not the nicest part and I would not recommend you stay there. Unless you are a carousel fan...don't bother with it beyond getting a taxi from the ferry.