Spin on America's oldest platform carousel — a National Historic Landmark since 1876 — then stroll the fairy-tale streets of the Methodist Campground, lined with 300 hand-painted Victorian gingerbread cottages. Pure, irreplaceable Americana.
What to expect
The Flying Horses Carousel sits just steps from the Oak Bluffs ferry dock, its hand-carved horses — manes stuffed with real horsehair, glass eyes gleaming — a time-warp to Victorian seaside summers. Grab a brass ring on the outer horses and win a free ride, just as children have done for nearly 150 years. A short walk through town delivers you to the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association Campground, where 300 ornate cottages in sherbet pinks, blues and greens crowd around the open-air Tabernacle. Each cottage is a collector's piece of 19th-century craft.
Good to know
The carousel is open seasonally (late spring through early autumn) and is a 2-minute walk from the Oak Bluffs tender pier — ideal early in your port day. The cottages are exterior-only; Trinity Park Tabernacle sometimes hosts open events. Combine with lunch at a nearby lobster shack for a perfect half-day.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Marthas Vineyard — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.