Even if only seen for simple beauty, conservation on Martha’s Vineyard is vividly impressive. On this roughly 100 square mile island, many miles of walking path weave through majestic oak woodlands, gorgeous native prairies and picturesque deep-sand beaches. Each of the island’s six small towns boast their own pride in the way they have conserved their individual sense of serene beauty. Aquinnah’s miles of pristine native prairies end at rainbow-colored clay cliffs. Oak Bluff’s gingerbread houses would be a maintenance nightmare indeed, but those who have embraced the challenge have created a marvelous recluse of whimsical fantasy. In Edgarton, city ordinance mandates white paint or cedar shakes covering all houses and black or dark-green trim only. When this sophisticated New England palette is displayed on historic fishing houses circa the 1600’s and matched with lush, flower filled gardens it creates an idyllic backdrop to a peaceful harbor filled with sailboats, yachts, and jetties. Here the American flag has never fit in so perfectly.

Gay Head Lighthouse and Clay Cliffs

Aquinnah’s Gay Head Clay Cliffs, named so because of their marvelous colors

Gay Head Clay Cliff

Become one with nature on Aquinnah’s Beaches

Native prairie Surrounding Aquinnah’s Lighthouse

Lobster Boats

Fresh Lobster on Menemsha Beach

Sunset on Menemsha Beach

Water Street, Edgarton

Edgarton’s Historic Fishing Houses

Garden in Edgarton

Sidewalk gardens in Edgarton

perfectly preened pathway

Sailboat in Edgarton’s Harbor

Mytoi Japanese Garden, Chappaquiddick Island

Boardwalk to the Beach at Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Chappaquiddick Island

Marshland on Chappaquiddick Island

Gingerbread House, Oak Bluffs

Whimsical Gingerbread Porch

Gingerbread Houses of Oak Bluffs

South Beach, Edgarton