For More Than 100 Years, Vacationers Have Summered in Katama Along South Beach’s Shore
Before the days of air conditioning, the old Mattakeset Lodge was an ideal place to spend the summer months. Opened in 1873, the Lodge was popular for its clambakes, dances under the stars and, most importantly, its unique south-facing location by the sea that was consistently cooled by the gentle sea breezes during the heat of summer. It was one of the island’s earliest resorts.
For more than 20 years at the end of the 19th century, the Mattakeset Lodge was reached by the Martha’s Vineyard Railroad, a narrow gauge line that ran from the Oak Bluffs steamship wharf to the hotel’s front lawn. The railroad, though ultimately a financial flop, took vacationers on a spectacular ride along the island’s coast on its way to Edgartown and then to Mattakeset.
Early writings about the Lodge mention its well appointed facilities, including its own farm, steam laundry, twice-daily mail, tennis courts, billiards, bowling, bath-houses, and a rooftop promenade with views of Katama Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The hotel closed towards the end of the century and pieces of the building were floated down the Bay to Edgartown to be reused.
Read one summer guest’s review of the Mattakeset Lodge at Vineyard Gazette’s Time Machine.
During World War II, Mattakeset’s region of Katama served as a U.S. Naval Air and Sea Base. After the war the site was developed into the Katama Shores Inn, which was removed in 1999 to make way for today’s Winnetu.
In the summer of 2000, the Snider family opened the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, carefully designed to reflect the Vineyard’s late-nineteenth century shingle-style character while providing all the modern conveniences guests expect today.
Through changes in seasons and passing of years, the Vineyard experience remains timeless and enduring. Hop a boat, leave the mainland behind, and enjoy what generations of visitors have come to our shore to seek.
Soon daylight savings time will be here and days will grow short, but for the moment, there are still sun-dappled fall days ahead on Martha’s Vineyard. Stay three nights with us for the price of two over our remaining two weekends and savor the quiet and sunny end to the season. Mention this post if booking by phone 📸: @styleinherited
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#mv #winnetu #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard #katama #edgartown
With @thedunesmv finishing off its season this past Saturday, here’s a look at some of chef @colincoyle1326’s creations this year. Thanks to the whole Dunes team, and congrats on a fantastic season 📸: @young_opio // @marnely_murray
There are still perfect fall Vineyard days ahead- savor them while they’re still here. Tap the link in our bio to learn about what we’re offering in the final days of our season 📸: @luolivile
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#winnetu #marthasvineyard #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #MVY #edgartown #katama
Golden season is all around us in Katama 📸: @caitlinhoustonblog
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#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #igersnewengland #newengland #autumn #goldenseason
Stop by The Dunes this week and soak up the season’s flavors from exec. Chef Colin Coyle’s fall menu. Tues - Sat. (and, weather pending, the deck and it’s glorious views is still open!)
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#winnetu #katama #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv
Spectacular autumn nights are on the way. Savor the season on the @thedunesmv’s deck, Tues - Sat 📸: @bygeorgiagrace
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#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #katama #mv #marthasvineyard
Looking at you, October 🍁🍂📸: @bygeorgiagrace
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#winnetu #mv #katama #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
Wading into the weekend 📸: @bosfashionista
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#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard #katama
Local beer with a local view. Come join us on the @thedunesmv deck for our fall menu and views over South Beach, Tues-Sat.
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#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #katama #marthasvineyard #edgartown
Sailing into fall. Happy first day of autumn from Martha’s Vineyard 📸: @theryanpatrick
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#winnetu #mv #newengland #katama #marthasvineyard #igersnewengland #edgartown
Those who know, know that September is glorious on Martha’s Vineyard. Come explore with us in #Katama this fall 📸: @bosfashionista
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#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard #iykyk
September views from the Winnetu 📸: @dania_alyse
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#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard #katama
Summer lingers on with oysters plucked right from Katama Bay by @signatureoysterfarm. Book a BYOB Oyster tour with Signature Oysters when you’re with us next 📸: @shorelinesillustrated
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#winnetu #newengland #igersnewengland #mv #marthasvineyard #thevineyard #vineyard
September doesn’t mean that summer is over! Tap the link in our bio to learn about our summer offerings offered this September 📸: @topflightfamily
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#winnetu #newengland #igersnewengland #mv #marthasvineyard #katama
Now serving: @thewhisperingangel & fresh Katama Bay oysters from our friends at @signatureoysterfarm. Stop by @thedunesmv and experience a little Katama luxury
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#dunes #mv #marthasvineyard #katama #newengland #igersnewengland
Looking to explore the island by Jeep? Ask about our on-site rentals through @mvautorental. Enjoy pick up and drop off your rental right at the Winnetu 📸: @whatsupmv
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#newengland #igersnewengland #winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #katama
Summer later with us this September. Tap the link in our bio to learn about what’s happening around the hotel during this spectacular month on-island
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#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #newengland #igersnewengland #thevineyard
Book an Arrive & Drive package and we’ll arrange to have your rental vehicle waiting for you at the ferry dock. Tap the link in our bio to learn more 📸: @homewiththewileys
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#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #katama #newengland #igersnewengland
Being the only hotel on Katama Bay, we’re neighbors with some of the finest oyster farming in the world. Our partnership with @signatureoysterfarm provides us with fresh oysters farmed by husband and wife team Ryan and Julia Smith, straight out of Katama Bay and delivered right to our back door and onto your plate (or cocktail!) at @thedunesmv.
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#winnetu #newengland @igersnewengland #mv #marthasvineyard #thevineyard #katama #oysters
Congrats to @mpappag, the latest winner of our #MyVintageSummer series! Her vintage summer photo stirred our Timeless Summer heartstrings and captured the essence of a day of adventures under the sun. If you have a vintage family photo that you think will do the same, share it with us and you might win a Winnetu vacation (or one with our sister resort, @thenantucket). Tap the link in our bio to learn more, and happy summering!
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#mv #winnetu #newengland #igersnewengland #mvy #summer #marthasvineyard #thevineyard
Swipe 👉 to see some high flying adventures with our neighbors over at @classic_aviators. Their bi-plane rides at historic Katama Airfield is a memorable part of the Katama experience 📸: @howieguja // @janaguja
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#winnetu #newengland #igersnewengland #mv #marthasvineyard #katama
Aquaculture enthusiasts rejoice! We’ve teamed up with @signatureoysterfarm to give guests the opportunity to tour their Katama Bay Oyster Farm, right in our backyard. Head out on the water with Oyster Farmers Ryan and Julia to tour their operation, taste their oysters, and enjoy a BYOB afternoon on sparkling Katama Bay. Tap the link in our bio to learn more 📸: @howieguja // @janaguja
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#Winnetu #newengland #igersnewengland #oysters #aquaculture #oysterfarming #oyster #katamabay #marthasvineyard #vineyard #mv
Leave your car on the mainland and take advantage of our Arrive & Drive option. We’ll arrange to have a rental Jeep, Mini Cooper, or one of several other options waiting for you at the ferry when you arrive! 📸: @mrsnipple_
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#winnetu #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard #thevineyard #vineyard
What’s your island ride? This is one of ours. 📸: @homewiththewileys
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#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
Every day feels like the weekend here in Katama 📸: @mrsnipple_
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#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #katama #marthasvineyard
