Martha's Vineyard: A New England Island Retreat

• HelloWunna
  [wuhn-uh]
• GoodbyeBye bye
  [bahy bahy]
• YesYeah
  [yeh]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pleez]
• Thank youTank ya
  [tangk yuh]
• Excuse me/SorrySowwy
  [saw-ee]
• How are you?How ya doin'?
  [haw yuh doo-in]
• Fine. And you?Fine. An' you?
  [fahyn. an' yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak Inglis?
  [yuh speek ing-glish]
• I don't understandI dunno wuh ya sayin'
  [ahy duhn-no wuh yuh say-in]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see da menu, please
  [kan ahy see duh men-yoo pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don' eat no meat
  [ahy dohnt eet noh meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI wanna pay now, please
  [ahy wahn-nuh pay now pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go way!
  [goh way]
• Call the Police!Call da cops!
  [kawl duh cops]
• Call a doctor!Call da doc!
  [kawl duh dawk]
• I'm lostI's lost
  [ahy-z lost]
• I'm illI's sick
  [ahy-z sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ahy wahn-nuh buy]
• I'm just lookingJus' browsin'
  [juhst brow-sin]
• How much is it?How much dat cost?
  [haw much dat kawst]
• That's too expensiveDat too pricy
  [dat too pry-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya drop da price?
  [kan yuh drop duh pryce]

• What time is it?Wuh time it be?
  [wuh tyme it bee]
• It's one o'clockIt be one o'clock
  [it bee wuhn oh-klok]
• Half past (10)Half ten
  [haf ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [eev-nin]
• YesterdayYestuhday
  [yes-tuh-day]
• TodayToday
  [tuh-day]
• TomorrowTomorruh
  [tom-or-uh]
• 1One
  [wuhn]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Tree
  [tree]
• 4Fo'
  [foh]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [seh-vuhn]
• 8Eight
  [eyt]
• 9Nine
  [nahyn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Wuh's da...?
  [wuhz duh]
• What's the address?Wuh's da addy?
  [wuhz duh ad-dee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Show me where on da map?
  [shoh mee wair on duh map]
• When's the next (bus)?Wen da next bus be?
  [wen duh nekst bus bee]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [ay tik-it (tuh)]

Long before European settlers arrived, Martha's Vineyard was inhabited by the Wampanoag tribe. The Wampanoag people called the island 'Noepe,' meaning 'land amid the streams.' Their rich culture and traditions have left an indelible mark on the island's history. Today, the Aquinnah Cultural Center helps preserve and educate visitors about the Wampanoag heritage.

In 1602, English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold was among the first Europeans to set eyes on Martha's Vineyard. However, it wasn't until 1642 that Thomas Mayhew Sr. established the first European settlement. Mayhew's leadership and trade relationships with the Wampanoag played a crucial role in the island's early development.

The 18th and early 19th centuries saw Martha's Vineyard become a significant player in the global whaling industry. Ships from the island ventured as far as the Pacific Ocean in search of whales. The wealth generated from whaling led to the construction of many grand homes in Edgartown, some of which still stand today.

During the Civil War, Martha's Vineyard played a role in the abolitionist movement. The island became a haven for freed African Americans. The community of Oak Bluffs, in particular, became known for its African American heritage, with the establishment of the historic Shearer Cottage, one of the first African American-owned summer resorts in the country.

The mid-19th century saw the rise of the Methodist Camp Meeting Association. Methodists from across New England gathered in Oak Bluffs for religious revivals. Over time, the temporary tents gave way to charming Victorian cottages, creating the picturesque 'Cottage City.' The vibrant and colorful Gingerbread Cottages are a lasting legacy of this period.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Martha's Vineyard had established itself as a desirable summer destination. Wealthy families from the mainland built extravagant summer homes. Over the decades, the island has attracted numerous celebrities, politicians, and artists, adding to its allure and mystique.

In recent decades, Martha's Vineyard has focused on balancing development with preservation. Organizations like the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust work tirelessly to protect the island's historic landmarks. Efforts to maintain the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage ensure that Martha's Vineyard remains a cherished destination for future generations.

Martha's Vineyard is accessible primarily by ferry and air. The Steamship Authority operates ferries from Woods Hole on Cape Cod to Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs, which run year-round. During the summer, additional ferries operate from New Bedford, Falmouth, and Hyannis. For those preferring to fly, the Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) offers seasonal flights from various East Coast cities. Additionally, you can take a bus or drive to Cape Cod and then catch a ferry to the island.

Once on the island, transportation options include public buses, taxis, rental cars, and bicycles. The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) operates an extensive bus network covering all towns on the island, making it easy to get around without a car. Taxis are available at main hubs like Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and the airport. Renting a car or a bike provides more flexibility for exploring the island's scenic roads and trails.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the island, including in restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful in main towns like Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. It's still a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in places that may not accept cards.

Martha's Vineyard is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it's advisable to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Petty theft can occur, so keep personal belongings secure. Avoid isolated areas at night and stick to well-lit paths and streets. The island does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The island has several police departments, fire stations, and medical facilities. Martha's Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are available in main towns for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in casual, comfortable clothing suitable for beach and outdoor activities. Avoid overly formal attire unless attending special events. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and be mindful when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do use the VTA buses for convenient travel. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Islanders are generally warm and welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and farm-to-table dishes. Don't forget to tip your servers, as it is customary in the US.

To experience Martha's Vineyard like a local, visit the island's farmers' markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Explore the scenic hiking trails and pristine beaches that are less frequented by tourists. Engage with locals at community events and small-town festivals. Don't miss out on the traditional lobster rolls and clam chowder. For a unique experience, take a sunset sail or a fishing charter.