Discover how a small religious summer camp transformed into one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most popular island destinations on this walking tour through the town of Oak Bluffs.

Starting in Ocean Park, you’ll follow the coast to Inkwell Beach before heading into the heart of the town. Along the way, you’ll hear its history and discover what makes this island paradise so alluring to everyone from the rich and famous to curious Cape Cod vacationers that come for a day. Around Trinity Park, you’ll see Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, its cottage museum, and the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs where the religious campers came to worship. After heading down Circuit Avenue, where I’ll show you the town’s famous Flying Horses Carousel, our tour will end at the harbor.

By the end of this tour, you’ll have the answers to questions like:

• How did Martha’s Vineyard get its name?
• What is the origin of the famous gingerbread cottages?
• Who are some of Oak Bluffs’ most notable African-American cultural icons?
• How did Oak Bluffs go from a religious settlement to a secular resort town?
• What is the most famous (and delicious) drink on the island, and where do you get it?

Whether you’re on the island for only a day, or calling Martha’s Vineyard home for the season, this tour is for anyone who wants to dig into Oak Bluffs’ past and enjoy its present. Allow 60-90 minutes to get the most out of this tour. There are a few places to stop along the way in case you’d like some relief from the sun or to grab a drink or bite to eat.