A Methodist Camp And So Much More - Martha’s Vineyard, MA

The Methodist Camp Ground, originally called Wesleyan Grove, on Martha’s Vineyard dates back to 1835 when Jeremiah Pease and a few other men secured half an acre in Oak Bluffs. Over the years it grew to 34 acres and the tents were replaced by cottages and then colorful gingerbread houses. In 2005, the Camp Ground was put on the National Register of Historic Places.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

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Two of the colorful gingerbread houses

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Sill clouds with a setting sun over the harbor

Storefronts on Main Street in Edgartown

The walkway along Lake Avenue in Oak Bluffs

Oakland Avenue, Oak Bluffs

The Flying Horse Carousel in Oak Bluffs is the nation’s oldest platform carousel built in 1884. Unfortunately, when I visited the Island, it was closed.

Summercamp Hotel overlooking the water in Oak Bluffs

Large Victorian Home off of Ocean Avenue in Oak Bluffs

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Entering the Methodist Campground district

Today the Methodist Campground consists of over 300 brightly painted gingerbread houses.

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Originally a group of local Methodists left the comforts of living in town to have a revival camp meeting here.

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The event was so invigorating, they returned the following year. Soon a mainlanders joined them.

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Some fell in love with the beauty of the scenery, and eventually built elaborately decorated homes where their tents once stood.

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Inside the Methodist Tabernacle

The next couple of images are from Oak Bluffs

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Oak Bluffs ferry dock

Soldiers’ Memorial Fountain

United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard in Oak Bluffs

Edgartown is best enjoyed on foot

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Old Whaling Church, Edgartown

Vineyard Haven

Sunsetting in Vineyard Haven

Bikes on the ferry going home

What you should know:

• If you are only going for a day trip you can easily fill your day walking or taking a cab or buy a day pass for the bus.

• Oak Bluffs and Edgartown are the only towns where alcohol can be purchased.

• You will not be able to find a McDonald’s, Burger King or Starbucks here.

• In spite of the name, there are actually no vineyards on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Wear comfortable shoes.

• There are some public restrooms.

• Edgartown, Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs are very walkable towns.

• The Steamship Authority Ferry Schedule

• The ferry ride is approximately 45 minutes.

• There is no dockside parking for the ferry. There is a shuttle bus from the Palmer Avenue parking lot at 286 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA. Parking and shuttle is approximately $13 a day. Check website for updated fees and schedules.

Location: 1 Cowdry Road, Woods Hole, MA

For more information: Edgardtown, Vineyard Haven, and the Methodist Campground