Popular with celebrity holiday-makers, including US presidents, Martha's Vineyard is seven miles south of Cape Cod. The climate here is ideal for growing grapes, hence the Vineyard epithet.

Places to see include Oak Bluffs with its many Victorian cottages, Vineyard Haven with its shops, Edgartown for its beautiful gardens and large old mansions and the Chappaquiddick Island nature reserves.

The Aquinnah Cliffs are visual treats with their multicoloured soil. Martha's Vineyard offers some great fishing and sailing -- you can hire equipment and also take lessons if you wish.

There are regular ferry services to the island from Woods Hole, Hyannis and New Bedford on Cape Cod. One can spend the day wandering around the island, either by bus or on rented bikes.

Martha's Vineyard has several hotels, motels and campgrounds. However, accommodation on the island in summer is a problem if you have not booked well in advance. Seafood and Italian cuisine are available in plenty on the island -- most ports have plenty of eating-houses where you can give in to your tastebuds. Alcoholic beverages are available only in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.