This tiny yet timeless Martha’s Vineyard harbor holds a special allure among cruising boaters and day-trippers alike, serving as a great place to spend a few days or simply tie up for lunch.
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MENEMSHA HARBOR AT A GLANCE
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The Menemsha Harbor Story
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There is magic in Menemsha, the impossibly picturesque harbor tucked into the western corner of Martha’s Vineyard. The village, part of the town of Chilmark, seems a world away from the more bustling island ports.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Town of Chilmark(508) 645-2846: Transient slips and moorings for boats up to 40 feet. Contact the harbormaster to check on availability. Boats are typically rafted on the moorings during busy times. There may be limited space to tie up alongside the bulkhead used by commercial vessels, but again, check with the harbormaster. A town-maintained dinghy dock is located on the seaward end of the town wharf.
Boat Ramp: A public boat ramp with floats and nearby parking for trailer rigs can be found on the Aquinnah side of Menemsha Pond, at the end of West Basin Road.
Anchorages: You’ll find good holding ground in 15 feet of water and light current in Menemsha Bight, just outside the harbor, although it can be pretty “rolly” in westerly and northerly winds.
DESTINATION MENEMSHA HARBOR
Dining: Larsen’s Fish Market(508) 645-2680: Fresh seafood on Dutcher Dock. Also serves lobster, lobster rolls, steamers, chowder, oysters, and more in the rough.
Menemsha Galley(508) 645-9819: Grilled fare, fries, and ice cream to go from a traditional beach snackbar on the harbor.
Provisions: Chilmark General Store(508) 645-3739: Community market with wide selection of items. Also serves pizza, snacks, and drinks. You’ll need a ride to get there from the harbor, however.
DESTINATION MENEMSHA HARBOR
Things To Do: Menemsha Hills & The Brick Yard: Menemsha Hills is a 211-acre preserve managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Visitors can climb to the top of Prospect Hill, the second highest point on the Vineyard. From the top you can view a panorama extending from the Elizabeth Islands, past Menemsha and the cliffs of Aquinnah (Gay Head) to Nomans Island. Just beyond the northeast edge of the property, along Roaring Brook, you can visit the remnants of a brick chimney, all that remains of a 19th-century brickworks.
Aquinnah (Gay Head): The famous multicolored clay, sand and gravel bluffs of Aquinnah, at the very southwestern tip of the island, can be reached from Menemsha via bike or taxi. You’ll find a variety of shops here as well, many specializing in native Wampanoag crafts and jewelry. Visit the Aquinnah Cultural Center which strives to preserve, interpret, and document the Aquinnah Wampanoag self-defined history, culture and contributions.