Oak Bluffs

Welcome To Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs is a charming seaside town located on the eastern coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Originally known as “Cottage City,” the town was developed in the late 1800s as a summer retreat for affluent African American families who were excluded from other exclusive vacation spots due to racial discrimination.

Over time, the town grew to become a popular summer destination for people of all backgrounds, drawn to its picturesque gingerbread houses, scenic beaches, and laid-back island atmosphere. Today, Oak Bluffs is a vibrant community with a thriving arts scene, excellent restaurants, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

One of the reasons why Oak Bluffs is an ideal place to live is its strong sense of community. Despite being a popular tourist destination, the town has managed to maintain a tight-knit feel, with many residents knowing each other and working together to preserve the town’s historic character and natural beauty.

Additionally, the town’s location on Martha’s Vineyard provides residents with access to a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, from the Oak Bluffs Harborfest to the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.

Overall, Oak Bluffs offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit that makes it a wonderful place to call home.

Attractions

The first inhabitants of Oak Bluffs were the Wampanoag people, who have lived on Martha’s Vineyard (Wampanoag name: Noepe) for approximately 10,000 years. The area that is now Oak Bluffs was called “Ogkeshkuppe,” which means “damp/wet thicket or woods.”

The area was later settled by Europeans in 1642 and was part of Edgartown until 1880, when it was officially incorporated as Cottage City. The town re-incorporated in 1907 as Oak Bluffs, named because the town was the site of an oak grove along the bluffs overlooking Nantucket Sound. Oak Bluffs was the only one of the six towns on the island to be consciously planned, and the only one developed specifically with tourism in mind.

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Sub-Areas

East Chop: Located on a narrow peninsula that juts out into Vineyard Sound, East Chop is known for its historic lighthouse, large Victorian-style homes, and panoramic views of the ocean.
Oak Bluffs Center: This is the commercial and cultural hub of Oak Bluffs, featuring the town hall, library, marina, restaurants, shops, and many of the town’s historic landmarks, including the famous gingerbread cottages.
Copeland District: Located just south of the town center, the Copeland District is a residential area known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes.
Wesleyan Grove: This area is home to the famous gingerbread cottages, a collection of more than 300 brightly painted Victorian-style houses that were originally built as part of a Methodist revival camp in the late 1800s.
Lagoon Heights: This neighborhood is located on the northern shore of Sengekontacket Pond and is known for its water access, including a public boat ramp and a beach.
Harthaven: Located on the western end of the island, Harthaven is a private community with exclusive access to a beach, tennis courts, and a yacht club.
Farm Neck: This area is home to the Farm Neck Golf Club, a popular course with stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

These are just a few of the sub-areas of Oak Bluffs, and there are many other neighborhoods and communities throughout the town.

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