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Cape Cod is a truly beautiful place with many beautiful get away spots. I summered on Martha's Vineyard on several occasions and once you go, it is hard to forget and not dream of when you get to return. Just focusing on this area alone could fill a page, so if you're up for a ferry ride from Wood's Hole, follow me:

Martha's Vineyard, while incredibly busy in the Summer, is equally as peaceful once the Fall sets in. Of course, not all of the restaurants and shops are open in the Fall and Winter as it is a seasonal place, but a lot of the best ones still are.

Whether you go in Summer or Fall, some must sees are:

- Gay Head Lighthouse/Cliffs will offer you the most amazing views to be found on the Vineyard.

- Oaks Bluff with its colorful houses and beach is enchanting. The oldest carousel and arcade "The Flying Horses" sits right in the middle of town and gives the impression of age old summer traditions. There are also lovely little dining/drinking establishments with my favorites being The Rare Duck, which makes the best frozen mudslide in the Country in my opinion and has poets or one/two man musical groups of a more eclectic flare on the weekends; and the Lamplight for a more mainstream night spot with great music and dancing.

- Edgartown is where you arrive when departing the ferry from Wood's Hole and will remind you instantly of that infamous shark movie which was filmed there. The On Time ferry over to Chappaquidick (for those who remember, this is where Ted Kennedy drove off the bridge with a young woman back in the 70's) is also an experience. Not only to be able to see "Chappy," which is beautifully natural and private, but also to be able to pull your car on to the same ferry that Chief Brody did in Jaws. Also worthy of visiting while in Edgartown is Mad Martha's for ice cream, the Navigator for terrific seafood and my all time favorite, The Black Dog, which has a breakfast one can never forget (their bakery is equally as amazing).

- Vineyardhaven provides another must see - the "Hot Tin Roof," which is owned at least in part by Carly Simon. Comedians and a wide group of musicians perform here and always promise a good time. For most shows, you need to buy a ticket, but it is well worth it.

There is so very much to do and see on Cape Cod outside of Martha's Vineyard, including Nantucket which is reached by a ferry as well, and great little towns that dot the shoreline of the mainland: Dennis and Falmouth are two of those. Where you choose to visit, I can guarantee you will love it and enjoy the quaint small town atmosphere of each location.

Learn more about this author, LeeLee.
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