Too often people go away and stumble around trying to determine what there is to do and where to do it. What a waste of precious time! We tell you what there is to do and with whom to do it. Whether it is the best golf course, where to charter a boat, what museums not to miss, you’ll know what you want to do and where to do it before you ever get there.

Close to town, Fuller Street Beach and Lighthouse Beach are the choices. Fuller Street was rated one of the Top 10 Beaches in the US by Travelocity. A bit of a trek by car is the Long Point Wildlife Refuge ($10 parking, $3 pp). It has a great beach and a fresh water pond as well.

Mink Meadows in Vineyard Haven, the public course on the island, is a 9 hole track with two sets of tees that make 18 holes about 6200 yards. It's  a beautiful little course that costs about $100 with a cart in-season. The real island gem though, is Farm Neck, in Oak Bluffs. This is a spectacular golf course, mostly private, with great holes along the water and through the woods. Short, but very challenging. In season tee-times for non-members start as early as 6am. Members play from 7am-1pm. Recently met someone who had been on the membership waiting list for 19 years! Restaurant has a great lunch, open to the public, that many think is the best on the island. $145 in season with cart. Call the Pro Shop directly well in advance or have your local Pro call for you.

Here's what Zagat said about Farm Neck; “Yet another contender for Pebble Beach of the East….well kept course with endless character, beautiful views of the Atlantic…terrific risk/reward holes that can bring golfers to their knees.”

There are miles of bike paths crisscrossing the island, suitable for walking, jogging or biking. They are all clearly marked everywhere. Try the beautiful Trade Wind Field Preserve on County Road in Oak Bluffs for a wonderful place to walk and experience the beauty of the island.

We like Wheel Happy for bike rentals.. South Water Street. Good prices and selection. About $20/day. $15 for second day.

Martha’s Vineyard Oceansports. Oak Bluffs. Rent a Boston Whaler (13 ft. $60/hr. $180 half day (4 hours) and fish or just cruise around the island and its harbors. Also offers waterskiing, parasailing and jet skiing.

Mad Max. Dock Street. 60 foot catamaran sails twice a day for 2 hours. Opt for the sunset sail. $50 per person. BYOB and snacks.

Cape Pogue Wildlife Tours on Chappiquiddick, Daily 9am and 2pm, $35.

Banjo Charters. Oak Bluff. 32’ Forrest-Johnson. 6 person charter. 1/2 day $500. Full day inshore-$900, off shore $1100. Best party boat is the Skipper, also out of Oak Bluff. $40/person or $75/ couple.

The Vineyard has an extensive group of wonderful art galleries featuring local and national artists. Some of our favorites include Eisenhauer Galleries, N. Water Street (at the Colonial Inn), Old Sculpin on Dock Street, Kennedy Gallery on Dock Street and the Edgartown Art Gallery on N. Water (Colonial Inn) and S. Summer. The Martha’s Vineyard Times (www.mvtimes.com) can also provide information on current and upcoming shows.

MV Sightseeing. Many pick-up spots. Trolley cars. 2 1/2 hours. $19. For a longer and more personalized tour try Stagecoach Taxi. 4 hour tour at $45-$60 includes stops for lunch, celebrity homes and more not offered on traditional tours. There is also a Ghosts, Gossip and Downright Scandals Tour that sounds like fun, but we haven’t done it yet. Martha's Vineyard Museum is an interesting stop that tells the story of the island's history and the Polly Hill Arboretum has 50 acres of woodlands and 20 acres of trees and gardens.

There are loads of wonderful shops and boutiques on the Island with an equal number in Edgartown, Oak Bluff and Vineyard Haven.