Martha's Vineyard Travel Tips

This triangle-shaped island -- sitting just eight miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass. -- has been a secret summer hideaway of the rich and famous for more than a century. Today, the "Hollywood East" reputation is going strong -- thanks to frequent visitors like Reese Witherspoon, David Letterman and Bill Murray, among many others. But despite the all-star lineup in summer, a laid-back lifestyle rules the island. The main draw rushing Vineyard visitors off the ferry is the chance to let their hair down for a long weekend. Sure, you'll find insanely expensive summer homes, and a pricey dining atmosphere to match, in some corners of the town of Chilmark. But low-key towns like Vineyard Haven and Menemsha are still predominantly focused on their marine industries and offer a more casual experience. Even the island's must-have souvenir -- a Black Dog sweatshirt -- is informal. So swap the stilettos for your scrappiest flat sandals, and do play it cool when you spy some film stars in Edgartown; everyone's deserves a slice of a Vineyard vacation.