Edgartown, MA

My wife and I have been boating New England waters for over 20 years. We, like so many others, started out in a small sailboat, then moved on to bigger sailboats, and later to power. During that time we travelled to many destinations, all of which had a charm all their own. But one really stands out—Edgartown, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. As you approach from Nantucket Sound you catch sight of Edgartown Light and then enter the inner harbor of Katama Bay. It’s a beautiful body of water surrounded by stately homes and boats of every description. Boaters with dinghies have access to beaches at Edgartown light, Chappaquiddick, and Katama. If land transportation is needed there are taxis and a good island-wide bus network, including one bus that picks up near the dinghy dock and runs to the Stop and Shop for provisions; it’s free, too.

Edgartown has two chandleries, a water barge, and showers. The harbor is patrolled constantly by the friendly and helpful employees of the harbormaster’s office. They also run the cleanest pump-out boat you will ever see, seven days a week. The town itself is beautiful with narrow streets, white Colonials, and well-tended gardens. There are shops, restaurants, and bars, parks, hotels, inns, and a theater for those rainy days. Edgartown allows the visitor to do as much or as little as they prefer. It is my favorite destination. —ChuckCoffey