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Martha's Vineyard's Edgartown is the ultimate harbor town Jul 30, 2007
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For as long as she can remember, Girlawhirl has been dying to get to a certain Massachusetts's island as well known for its celebrity sightings as for its quaint New England seashore atmosphere. And thanks to a Super Pal's recent wedding, Girlawhirl finally got the chance to take her dream trip to Martha's Vineyard… When it comes to Martha's Vineyard, getting there is the only battle. Warned by some seasoned Martha's Vineyard visitors, Girlawhirl booked her ferry ride (way) in advance. There are lots of ferry options for Girlawhirl depending on where she leaves from, where she's headed and whether or not she's bringing her car along. Girlawhirl opted to leave her car behind and hop the ferry to Edgartown.
Rounding the lighthouse and pulling into the harbor, Girlawhirl could already tell Martha's Vineyard would live up to everything she expected. The entire harbor area is lined with weather-beaten, shingle-covered shacks and stores in the traditional New England style – just as Girlawhirl had pictured. When she got there though she was surprised to find a much more laid back atmosphere than she thought there would be.
Girlawhirl and her Super Pal stepped off the ferry and right into a quaint looking, yet bustling and fairly extensive, downtown shopping district. With everything from souvenir stores to galleries, and T-shirt shops to high-end boutiques, Girlawhirl smiled realizing she might not even have to unzip her suitcase all weekend; she could just shop – the quintessentially preppy Lily Pulitzer boutique was calling to her.
But before the Pals did any credit card damage, they decided to check in to their hotel, The Kelly House. Not even half a block from the ferry, the friends stumbled upon their hotel before they even realized it. Catering to the tourist season, most of the stores downtown stay open until 10 p.m. or later. So without the need to hurry, they grabbed a drink in the oldest pub on Martha's Vineyard, The News From America (which just happens to be part of the Kelly House) before heading out to check out the stores.
In addition to Lily Pulitzer, Girlawhirl and her Pal had to stop in at Vineyard Vines for some classic, and very preppy, looking goods. Think whale covered ties and seahorse covered dresses. But there were plenty of places to grab traditional “Nantucket Reds” and Vera Bradley just about everywhere. There were so many stores they wandered in and out, checking them all, for hours.
The next day, rented bicycles were the mode of transportation and they headed for Vineyard Haven, the home of the island's famed Black Dog Tavern.
Click here for more information on Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard.
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Martha's Vineyard has extensive bike trails, but they found out the hard way it's a windswept seven or eight mile trek across the island – so the next time they know to be prepared. They also spotted lots of car rental spots, so that's an option for her next trip too. And Girlawhirl's certain there will be a second trip, and hopefully too many more to count. 
