I fell in love with Martha’s Vineyard a long time ago. Off the coast of Cape Cod, accessible only by boat or air, it’s known as one of the favorite holiday spots for the rich and famous.
I’m not rich (yet), but I still manage to spend a few days on Martha’s Vineyard every now and then. I love its relaxed elegance, the beautiful architecture, and of course – the spectacular sandy beaches.
Every time I was there, I had this silly routine. I visited Long Point Wildlife Refuge because I love nature. I dropped by Lake Tashmoo because it’s so charming, and I walked along deserted East Beach toward Cape Poge Lighthouse because it’s just irresistible. This time however, I visited so many more beautiful places in Martha’s Vineyard, mainly because I had so much more energy than ever before. I came to the conclusion that it was thanks to the unique place I was staying at, Nobnocket Boutique Inn.
A Martha’s Vineyard Boutique Hotel
Nobnocket Boutique Inn has only seven rooms, but each of them is designed in a perfect way that provides maximum relaxation (which we all need desperately these days!). The interior design is ultra-contemporary zen-like, with furnishings from designers at Moooi, Philippe Starck, Knoll and Marcel Wanders.
This gracefully designed Inn sits on 1.8 acres of lush gardens and trees, which to me, added another layer of calmness and seclusion to the resort. Having said that, it’s only half a mile away from Vineyard Haven Main Street with its award-winning stores and restaurants.
Walking In…
The calming elements of Nobnocket hit you right as you walk in the main door. The guest common areas are extremely welcoming, and there’s a big comfy sitting room with an original brick fireplace.
The room itself is designed with bold colors that complement the white walls and dark wood floor. The bathroom is a bright, deluxe mix of marble, glass and massive tiles, with a walk-in shower. There’s good high-speed WiFi, Cable TV, bluetooth music devices, beach towels, yoga mats, fancy Frette linens, and much more to make you sleep like a baby.
The sitting room. Photo courtesy of Nobnocket Boutique Inn
The Luxury suite. Photo courtesy of Nobnocket Boutique Inn
The Bathroom. Photo courtesy of Nobnocket Boutique InnAnd indeed, I slept wonderfully and woke up early to start my day on Martha’s Vineyard. I enjoyed the gourmet breakfast (included) on the archetypal New England covered veranda (you can also have your breakfast in the sunroom, on the patio or in your room). After you eat, I recommend taking a walk outdoors. The Inn has a few beautiful patios and “hidden” seating areas where you can get some more quiet time.
If you’re not sure where to go on Martha’s Vineyard or how to book an activity, don’t be shy to ask the Nobnocket staff. They’re super nice and accommodating. They offer concierge services, and will easily help you with booking farm or island tours, cheese tastings, sailing charters or restaurant reservations. I asked the staff about renting a bike – and they offered me one of the Inn’s bikes (which they offer for free!), plus I got lots of useful tips for my long day on the road.
The Breakfast Room. Photo courtesy of Nobnocket Boutique InnWhat To Do On Martha’s Vineyard
I spent a whole day on my nice bike exploring the 6 small towns that make up Martha’s Vineyard. It was a charming adventure. If you choose to do the same, don’t forget to stop at a special bridge, practically the border between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. It’s known as Jaws Bridge, and this is where the epic Spielberg movie, JAWS, was filmed back in 1974.
You’ll definitely want to watch the movie after (or before) going on this bike ride through Martha’s Vineyard. Jaws Bridge is where one of the shark attack scenes were filmed. Most tourists jump and flip into the water near the bridge – for a few good memorable Instagram pictures. Don’t worry, sharks are not known to hunt in these waters.
A Quick Must See or Do List
- Visit Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven
- Take a Cape Poge Lighthouse Tour
- Visit West Tisbury Farmers’ Market (every Wednesday and Saturday June – October)
- Take a Boat trip to the Elizabeth Islands with Island Girl Excursions
- Take a lovely Sunset cruise on the Black Dog schooner, the Alabama
- Take a Kayak on one of the Great Ponds
- Enjoy a Sunset at Lambert’s Cove Beach
- Explore Wasque Nature Preserve on Chappaquiddick
- Visit The Gay Head Lighthouse and colored cliffs in Aquinnah
- Hike Cedar Tree Neck or Great Rock Bight
- Enjoy Live music and hang with the locals at The Ritz in Oak Bluffs
Local Events on Martha’s Vineyard
- Martha’s Vineyard Oyster Fest is a delicious event taking place at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven in early October.
- Beach Road Weekend is a cool 3-day outdoor music festival in Vineyard Haven. Takes place in late August.
- The Food & Wine Festival is a great event that takes place during October in Edgartown
- The International Film Festival is a must for all movie-buffs. Takes place during September in Vineyard Haven
Food Tips for Martha’s Vineyard
- Try one of the best lobster rolls on the island at Grace Church in Vineyard Haven (on Fridays)
- Try one of these exquisite restaurants: Garde East, Red Cat Kitchen, Beach Road, Salvatore’s, The Terrace or Détente
- Taste some fresh seafood from Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha
- Enjoy a Breakfast at Artcliff Diner in Vineyard Haven
Returning back to my room at Nobnocket after each long day outdoors, was pure rejuvenation.
It is, without doubt, a beautiful and unique Inn, and no wonder it has won so many awards in the short time it’s been open (only since 2016!). It won awards from Condé Nast (RCA 2021), Yankee Magazine (Editor’s Choice 2019), Boston Magazine (Best of Martha’s Vineyard 2017), and more.
If you do visit Nobnocket Boutique Inn – please share with us your thoughts!
Karen works for a big hedge fund, she’s awesome with numbers and loves what she does, but above all – she loves traveling. Whenever she’s on the road, she tries to get into the gritty tiny details of every location she explores.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram