On the busiest summers day, Cuttyhunk remains quiet. The hum of the insects is only disturbed by an occasional sound of a passing plane or boat. Swimming, sailing, windsurfing, fishing and walking are the main recreations. The Barge beach on Vineyard sound or Churches beach on Buzzards Bay are both within walking distance from the harbor.

Where to Shop

There are new places to buy food and gifts on the island that have cropped up in the past two years. Nina and Mark Brodeur recently opened the Corner Store, a stone's throw from the harbor. They sell T-shirts, coffee and crafts.

Where to Eat

The old bakery and seafood shanties are on the town dock. Next door is Bart's Place, the island's newest restaurant. It's the only place to get lunch and dinner on the island besides your own kitchen. It offers sit-down meals and take-out. Cuttyhunk is a dry Island. You can bring your own to Bart's Place for a $2.50 setup and you can take the glass home with you as a souvenir.

Out of necessity -- not only for the 125 summer residents and numerous visitors but also for the 35 year-round residents -- the Lombard family opened the Cuttyhunk Store in April after the island's general store closed and also opened a bed-and-breakfast, the Cuttyhunk Bed and Breakfast.