The Edgartown lighthouse and its surrounding beach is charming in the winter, too.

By Diane Vadino

Prices drop come autumn, but the water temperature won't. Budget-conscious travelers will benefit hugely from putting off visits to the Vineyard until after Labor Day. It's not just a cost-cutting maneuver, though the savings can be considerable. Crowds thin out in the fall, the remaining local population breathes a long sigh of relief, and the island takes on a slower, amiable pace that will see it through the off-season.

Recently the island's become more popular as a year-round destination, meaning fewer facilities close up shop during the winter. Some, though — like the Charlotte Inn's Terrace restaurant — will still shutter during January or February.