Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Martha’s Vineyard in the off season with a stay at The Winnetu Oceanside Resort. Fall on the island is beautiful and there are still shops and restaurants open to enjoy. Also, sightseeing and experiencing the island in October is so lovely! Lighthouses, farms, and beaches await you. Honestly, I love visiting coastal areas in the fall because you can explore without the crowds.
The Winnetu has extended its fall season and is offering weekend stays the last 2 weeks of October with a great offer for you! If you book 3 nights for the price of 2! You can book and get all the details here.
If you are looking for a safe stay here in New England—this is the place. The Winnetu and guests are all required to practice the highest COVID safety protocols to ensure a healthy and comfortable stay.
Here’s a look at my recent stay with my friends Mindy and Helen…
The Winnetu has a great location right on the ocean and it’s a quick drive into Edgartown for shopping and more dining options. They run a shuttle service into Edgartown directly from the hotel. It’s relaxing yet close to everything. The ocean views and sunsets are amazing!
Our Accomodations
We stayed in a two bedroom suite with ocean views. Our suite had a full kitchen, two full bathrooms, a living room, 2 bedrooms, and an amazing balcony! I loved waking up every morning to the sound of the ocean and enjoying my morning cup while watching the sunrise.
We had plenty of room and everything was well-appointed and tastefully decorated. Plus, there were extra places to host more people with a pull out sofa and a Murphy bed. This suite would be so great for a family too! I can’t wait to book a stay for my family next summer. I know my boys would love it here!
A complimentary breakfast is included with your stay. It’s a hearty selection to fuel you for whatever island adventure you have planned for your day.
Fall Fun on the Island
Visit Gay Head Light & Aquinnah- Rent a car or bring yours to the island and take in the scenic ocean views at this beautiful lighthouse.
Head to Menemsha for Seafood and Beach Views- On your way back from the lighthouse stop at Menemsha for some great seafood and catch a salty fishing village in action. Also, be sure to visit the beautiful beach here too.
Stop at Morning Glory Farm & Market- Get your pumpkin fix at Morning Glory Farms. They have a beautiful outdoor display of unique pumpkins and gourds. Be sure to grab some baked goods and fresh produce from the market. It’s a great place to pick up groceries during your stay.
Head into Edgartown- Shuttles from The Winnetu run into Edgartown on the hour and you’ll love the array of shops and restaurants. So many beautiful homes to see too. Be sure to stroll down Water Street.
Visit Edgartown Lighthouse- This is another beautiful place to enjoy on the island. Sandy beach paths through tall grasses lead you to this light. A great place to watch sail boats too.
Learn Island History at The Carnegie- The Vineyard Trust has saved this landmark and it is now converted from the island’s library into a museum. It’s a beautiful building and holds many artifacts and art work that tell the story of Martha’s Vineyard.
Where to Dine
The Dunes at The Winnetu- The Dunes is the resort’s on site restaurant and it is worth enjoying during your stay. There are heaters on the deck for outdoor dining or you can choose to dine in the gorgeous dining room. I loved the beet salad and the salmon dinner. Don’t forget the dessert! The Mississippi Mud Pie is heaven.
The General Store at The Winnetu- Right off the lobby is The General Store where you can grab a boxed meal to-go to enjoy in the lobby, your room, or outdoors. When I say boxed meal, I mean great food! Lobster rolls, salads, soups, and sandwiches. We grabbed some meals from here and enjoyed them by the fire in the lobby when we arrived. So good!
The Terrace- This is a truly memorable experience. The sumptuous interiors are nothing short of stunning and dining here is a luxurious experience. The Terrace celebrates classic French cuisine and Executive Chef Patrice Martineau’s flair for creating delectable dishes will entice you to want to return every time you visit the island. It’s one of my favorite dining experiences to date.
The Atlantic- An Edgartown classic. Surf & turf menu in a lovely coastal chic setting. Patio dining available.
Among the Flowers- This sweet open air cafe is a little treasure. Quiche, salads, and more are full of flavor and made with care. It’s a lovely place to grab lunch. Oh, and get the chocolate chip cookie—just trust me!
The Wharf Pub- A local favorite with outdoor seating. Huge portions and an extensive menu.
Bad Martha’s- Plenty of outdoor seating on the patio here. Try beer flights while you nosh on charcuterie in a garden setting.
Morning Glory Farm- Take it to the beach! Grab a prepared meal to-go or the makings for a charcuterie tray and enjoy a sunset picnic just steps away from The Winnetu at South Beach.
Escape While at The Winnetu
If you don’t feel like hopping around the island and just want to relax, The Winnetu can be your home away from home! Beach access makes for peaceful sunrise mornings and sunset evenings. There are plenty of games and books to enjoy. The grounds are extensive and the pool is heated if you fancy a dip.
The restaurant and general store offer an array of dining options for you too. You can even get a suite with a kitchen and cook your own meals if you don’t want to dine out.
There are plenty of rooms, suites, and cottages to choose from here. The Winnetu staff are PHENOMENAL and so incredibly kind and helpful. I can’t say enough about the level of service! Basically, no worries, just show up and relax!
I have to say that fall on the island did not disappoint. I loved exploring different areas and enjoying some amazing cuisine. Nothing beats a sunrise and sunset on the beach either! I have to give a huge thank you to Kim from Shorelines Illustrated who joined us on our fall island adventure. She was a wealth of knowledge and knew exactly the right places to visit in the fall.
I’d like to thank The Winnetu Oceanside Resort for an amazing fall stay! All opinions are 100% mine.
**A note to my readers: During our stay we practiced all COVID safety practices. The only times we removed our masks: in the privacy of our suite, seated at dinner, or briefly when we were not around anyone else.
I have some more Martha’s Vineyard activities to share with you soon. Fall on the island is a wonderful time to book a getaway!