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.
A wintery dispatch from Katama via @lucycuneo. It’s cold on Martha’s Vineyard, but warm memories are on our mind. Tag us in a photo you took at Winnetu this summer!
#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
Valentines Day is in two days, which means you’ve still got two days to give the gift of Martha’s Vineyard with a Winnetu gift card. Seems like a win-win for the giver and receiver, right? Tap the link in our bio for details 📸: @rosemary.tufankjian
Gorgeously off-season in Katama via @lucycuneo
#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #katama #edgartown #marthasvineyard
Off-season dispatch from @lucycuneo
#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #mvy #katama #edgartown #newengland #igersnewengland
Dispatch from our friend @lucycuneo: Out and about capturing scenes of festive Edgartown, all dressed up for the season 🎄
#winnetu #edgartown #mv #marthasvineyard #mvy #newengland #igersnewengland #katama
A very merry Christmas from Martha’s Vineyard! 📸: @saltedmv
#mv #newengland #mvy #winnetu #katama #edgartown #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
Looking for a memorable last minute gift for someone on your list? Consider sharing the magic of Martha’s Vineyard with a gift certificate to Winnetu Oceanside Resort. With virtual delivery options, it’s a hassle-free way to give an unforgettable experience. Tap the link in our bio for details! 📸: @homewiththewileys / @howieguja
#mv #marthasvineyard #mvy #newengland #igersnewengland #winnetu #edgartown #katama
All is calm and all is bright on-island 📸: @luke_diorio_photography
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#mv #winnetu #katama #edgartown #marthasvineyard #newengland #igersnewengland
Introducing a new member of our family, @lovangoresort. Our newest sister resort is situated on a lush private island in the #USVI, just a short ride from St. John + St. Thomas. Featuring a beach club, a waterfront restaurant, and a villa for rent, Lovango will open for the season on December 23rd. Tap the link in our bio to browse Lovango’s new website. We’ll see you at the dock!
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#lovango #usvi #virginislands #usvirginislands #stjohn #stthomas
Loved finishing off our season with this intimate wedding ceremony in the Winnetu library. Congrats to these two 📸: @winnetuweddings
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#winnetuv#katama #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
One more weekend to soak up this autumn dream. Stay three nights for the price of two on this final weekend of our season. Mention this post when booking over the phone! 📸: @mindybriar
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#winnetu #katama #edgartown #mv #marthasvineyard #newengland #igersnewengland
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
