The Town of Oak Bluffs is a resort town
on the northeast shore of the island of Martha's Vineyard,
Massachusetts. Originally incorporated in 1880 as Cottage
City, in 1907 the town's name was changed because of the growth
in the year round population and the changing face of the
resort required an acknowledgement the town was not just "Cottage
City" any more.
The re christening marked the coalescence of all the elements
that make Oak Bluffs unique as an oceanfront resort and distinguish
its character in relation to the other Island towns.
With its diversity and density of population and the tradition
of being the site of institutions that serve the Island-wide
community, Oak Bluffs has proven itself to be the innovator
and resilient flak-catcher in response to changing trends
and conditions in the society at large.
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Oak Bluffs is home to many historical and
nationally recognized landmarks. Located at the foot of
Circuit Ave, the Flying Horses Carousel is the nation's
oldest operating platform carousel. It is one of the two
known carousels built by Charles W.F. Dare in 1876. In 1884,
the Flying Horses were brought to Martha's Vineyard; this
treasured carousel has been enjoyed by Vineyarders and visitors
for more than a century.
The Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association,
located in the center of Town offers a unique experience
for visitors. Consisting of hundreds of imaginative and
colorful gingerbread cottages containing the most perfectly
preserved collection of Carpenter Gothic style architecture
in the world. These truly unique Victorian "gingerbread"
cottages are just a stones throw from the famed Tabernacle.
Oak Bluffs operates the largest marina
on Martha's Vineyard, which not only has the most slips,
but is situated in the midst of the historic gingerbread
campgrounds, and offers easy access to the rest of the Island.
"OB", as it is sometimes referred to, also is
home to several beautiful public beaches, a teaming shore
of wildlife, fish and shellfish, fabulous public parks and
even a microbrewery, and the island's finest golf course,
Farm Neck.
In modern times Oak Bluffs has come to terms with all of
the strands in its past. Oak Bluffs has experienced simultaneous
development of a secular seaside resort, and the continuation
of a religious summer revival. Today, an active downtown
is complete with exciting restaurants, charming inns, shops,
and galleries, a variety of specialty food shops, movie
theatres, and places to enjoy live entertainment and dancing.
Several annual events highlight Oak Bluffs calendar of events:
The 20th Monster Shark Tournament, Illumination Night in
the Campground cottages, and the August Fireman's Association
Fireworks.
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