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October 2021 by Vincent L.
As a native New Englander, I've been to Martha's Vineyard several times before but had never realized that this compound was tucked away just behind the main village streets of Oak Bluffs. As the name implies, things started out as a religious campground here, thanks to such "camp meetings" that were popular in the 19th century. What was one a summer meeting place became permanent thanks to the construction of hundreds of pastel gingerbread cottages and a central tabernacle in the late 1800s. All these structures still stand today, and tourists can walk openly around the neighborhood, admiring the houses and walking straight into the tabernacle, which is essentially an outdoor non-denominational church covered by a large canopy. The association now welcomes those of all faiths, and for those who live here, it's s true community in every positive sense. For visitors, it's an enchanting glimpse into a utopian, communal lifestyle in the heart of a popular, vacation-oriented island. A worthy venue for my 1600th Yelp review of 2021 and my 7850th of all time.
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December 2019 by Peggy Crowell
The historical significance
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December 2019 by Chrysanthemum A.
The famous "gingerbread houses" of Martha's Vineyard. It's the season of gingerbread houses, but at Oak Bluffs, it's year-round, and a great place for a stroll in the spring&summer. One can walk on shaded paths among picturesque rainbow houses. Several houses have themes- from nautical ones, to clowns, you name it. The Methodist chapel&Tabernacle are the center. It's a delightful walk. Since most are private homes, respect the residents. There's also a cottage open to the public that serves as a museum for $3. Priceless, delightful experience.
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May 2019 by Jim W.
This neighborhood is absolutely worth a stroll. We parked nearby and, after traversing the main street full of t-shirt shops and theme-restaurants, founds a cut-though that led to the neighborhood. The layout is basically concentric circular streets, centered around the original church-pavilion thing (which is closed for renovation). We very much enjoyed a stroll around the interior circle + some of the secondary one. The whole place is composed of Victorian cottages, some expanded to larger, modern standards. There are signs telling you when some/most of them were built (1860s and forward). Many have taken on a more modern vibe, with paint schemes and decor (one had a Wizard of Oz theme, for example). I enjoyed just wandering around and seeing what odd, surprising things greeted me on each new street or 'spoke' between circular streets. If you go on a sunny day, there are plenty of photogenic cottages (if that is your thing). Easily worth allocating up to an hour for a nice walk. If they rented these as Airbnb's, I'd definitely consider it.
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November 2018 by Scott Slarsky
Grateful resident of 24 Butler Avenue!
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October 2018 by Angela W.
Touring Martha's Vineyard campground is like being welcomed to the neighborhood. The park and Tabernacle are centrally located within the Gingerbread Cottages, which are all so cute. The custom paint in each cottages give each a unique look. We met a painter who lives in one of the cottages and he said, "It's a labor of love". Visitors will definitely notice the details of the painter cottages, a homeage to the painted ladies.
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September 2018 by George H.
This one was atop the list of things to do on Martha's vineyard. I can't say I really see the attraction of such a place, but we had to check it out for ourselves. Perhaps we should have taken a guided tour or spent more time as the place certainly seemed deserving of it. I didn't like the location of it, for it is not exactly with walking distance to the beach, while it is trying to portray a laid back atmosphere. So, my hasty impression of it was : imagine the Puritans suddenly found themselves in New Orleans. That's what I thought anyways.
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July 2018 by Donny N.
The gingerbread houses were adorable and super unique...ur favorite thing to see/do on our short visit. Totally worth a walk through this cute little community.
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June 2018 by Angelina G.
Beautiful home of the gingerbread cottages. A must see when on Martha's Vineyard! Photos by #anicabanicaphotography
