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All about Martha's Vineyard

#Gay Head Cliff #Martha's Vineyard Cliff #marthas vineyard cliff #marha's vineyard cliff #marthas vineyard tourist spot #mv cliff #mv tourist #marthas vacation #marthas vineyard vacation #marhas rental #mvseacoast rentals #mvseacoast real estate #aquinnah gay head cliff

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Spring is Just Around the Corner

Spring is just around the corner.  Believe it or not, the first day of spring is only a few weeks away.  I know that most people think of vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard during the summer but I think that springtime is the most beautiful time to visit.  You will miss the pussy willow in bloom if you come only in July or August.  

I love seeing the arrival of the first snow drops and crocus.  The bright yellow daffodils begin to bloom and the world comes alive.  There are so many wonderful nature trails to explore here on the Vineyard. I find it invigorating to select one and wander through the woods while the earth awakens from its winter slumber around me.  The lovely sounds of the Pinkletinks begin to resonate in the nighttime, singing their joy at the birth of a new season.

There are no crowds in the springtime.  I can take long walks on the beach, looking for sea glass, and see nary a soul.  There is always a table available at my favorite restaurants and the sales at many shops are excellent during the off season.  Chilmark Chocolates and the Dairy Queen re-open in mid-March just in time for Easter.  It’s an annual sign of the changing season.   Everywhere that I look things are beginning to come alive again and people are sprucing up after the winter. This is the season I look forward to in anticipation every year.

I invite you to come and discover the delights of this tranquil time with your friends and family.  Let us help you find the perfect vacation rental so that you too may enjoy springtime on Martha’s Vineyard!

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I call Renee Ortiz, broker and co-owner of MV Seacoast Properties, The Real Estate Agent with a Magic Wand. She knows every inch of the island and has an incredible knack for finding exactly what you're looking for in a home. She found us our dream house in Chilmark and if you tell her what you're looking for on the island ... she'll find you your dream house too! I refer her to everyone I know. - PATRICIA BENNETT

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Top 10 Things to Do on your Vineyard Vacation

Are you planning on a Martha’s Vineyard vacation this year? If so, here are some suggestions of what to do while you are here from a native guide, born and raised on the Vineyard.

Enjoy some fun and sun at the beach!  Nothing beats a day at the beach.  It’s entertaining and relaxing at the same time.  There are many beautiful stretches of shoreline that can be visited in all the island towns.  Regardless of whether you prefer to splash in the sea or to soak up some rays on the shore, this is the first thing to do on your Vineyard vacation.

Now it’s time to explore!  Enjoy the surrounding view while taking in some fresh air by embarking on a bike ride. Bicycle rentals are available in all the down island towns; or you can bring your own over on the ferry. The Vineyard is a great place for riding bikes because of its accessible bike paths and moderate terrain.  A favorite ride is along the bike path running between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown down Beach Rd.  Bordered by the State beach on one side and Sengekontacket Pond on the other, the scenery is spectacular.  You may even decide stop for a dip in the ocean to cool off.

Learn a water sport! Perhaps you’re an adrenaline enthusiast or maybe you just want to try something new.  You can take a lesson and rent a sailboat, canoe, kayak, or windsurfing equipment from Wind’s Up! located right on Lagoon Pond in Vineyard Haven.  For the truly committed (or crazy) there are other groups that offer kiteboarding or parasailing as well.

If you’re like me and enjoy something a little less fear provoking than kiteboarding, you may prefer to charter a fishing boat and spend the day trying your luck fishing at sea.  There really is nothing like the feel of reeling in a catch and afterwards, regaling your friends with stories of the one that got away.  If fishing isn’t your inclination, you might enjoy a day’s sail on one of the tall ships in the Vineyard Haven harbor instead.  The Black Dog owns both the Shenandoah and the Alabama and offers short cruises in season. 

Looking for some things to enjoy with the kids?  Go see the Alpacas.  The best way that I have heard these unusual animals described is that they are kind of like a cross between a camel and a sheep. Believe it or not, the Vineyard has a large herd at Island Alpaca, a farm found off of the Edgartown/Vineyard Haven Rd in Oak Bluffs.  Visitors are allowed for a small admission and they have great viewing barn where you can see the baby alpacas. There is also a store on the premises that offers interesting items made from alpaca fleece.

Another place that both kids and parents will love is the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs.  This handsome merry-go-round with hand carved wooden horses offers its riders the chance to catch the brass ring and win a free ride.  The Flying Horses is a National Historic Landmark and is the oldest operating platform carousel in the country.  See how many rings at a time you can catch!  A summer on the Vineyard is not complete without a visit to this time tested venue. 

Did you know that Martha’s Vineyard includes another island?  The whole family will take pleasure in a ride on the ‘On Time’ ferry to Chappaquiddick Island.  You will need to take either bikes or a car to visit Chappy, as the diminutive island is affectionately known to the locals.   A perfect place to visit while you are there is the Mytoi Gardens.  Many people are unaware of the existence of these lovely Japanese gardens and I would consider it one of the island’s hidden gems.

A trip to the Vineyard must include a visit to the Aquinnah Cliffs.  Formerly known as the Gay Head Cliffs because of the gaily colored clay found there, this location is a fabulous spot for photos.  The cliffs fall sharply into the water and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean including the Gay Head Lighthouse.  On most days you can see clear to Nomans Land (an uninhabited island that was an old bombing practice range for the US military until 1996 when it became a wildlife refuge).  Surrounding the base of the cliffs are some of the islands most spectacular beaches. 

As your trip begins to wind down, don’t miss this final recommendation.  Make it a point to view at least one Menemsha Sunset.  The sunsets at Menemsha are absolutely gorgeous!  The Menemsha Public Beach faces to the northwest so it is the perfect place to view the bright red, yellow, orange, pinks and purples that reflect over the water as the sun sets.  Many people bring dinner and drinks and set up on the beach to enjoy the view.  So come to the tiny fishing village a little early to enjoy the scenic views of this unique community. 

I hope that these suggestions will help you get the most out of your next vacation on Martha’s Vineyard!

#things to do on marthas vineyard #things to do on martha's vineyard #places to go on martha's vineyard #places to go on marthas vineyard

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5 Fun Places for Kids on Martha’s Vineyard

Always my top pick, the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard are a great place to bring the kids.  The Joseph Sylvia State Beach is an especially children friendly beach that runs along Beach Road from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown.  It has lovely stretches of sandy shoreline with calm surf and a gentle incline.  The bend-in-the-road area of the beach also has life guards during the summer season.  The kids will be delighted to spend the day splashing in the ocean, searching for seashells and building sandcastles in the sand.

No Vineyard vacation is complete without a visit to the Flying Horses Carousel in downtown Oak Bluffs.  This beautiful carousel with handcrafted wooden horses is the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country. Your kids will have a blast trying to catch the brass ring to win a free ride.  Challenge the older kids to see how many rings they can catch each trip around.  It takes practice and a bit of skill. 

Another family friendly place kids will enjoy is Island Cove Mini Golf.  This pretty water themed miniature golf course also has a 24 foot outdoor climbing wall, an ice cream bar and an outdoor grill. Begin with a mini golf game that passes over streams, under waterfalls and around a frog pond. Then enjoy a meal at the outdoor grill and finish the outing off with a sweet treat from the ice cream bar.

My favorite spot is the hidden gem called Gus BenDavid’s World of Reptiles & Birds Park.  Look for their white mailbox on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, turn onto Bachelder Road and follow the snake signs to this reptile exhibit and aviary park.  The small family run exhibition includes the largest Pythons on display anywhere in the United States, an endangered Rhinoceros Iguana, an 8 foot Crocodile Lizard, a Giant Tortoise that is petable and so much more.  Gus BenDavid, the director of the park, has decades of experience educating children about the wonders of nature.  You and the kids will be enthralled by his talks which make even Box Turtles exciting. 

There are so many things for kids to love about Martha’s Vineyard.  I know the summers I spent here during my childhood were idyllic.  I hope these suggestions will help make your family’s Martha’s Vineyard vacation as successful.  

#fun things for kids on the vineyard #to do for kids on marthas vineyard

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Pet’s Welcome

Transportation can be a problem when travelling with animals.  Thankfully, all of the ferries to Martha’s Vineyard allow pets at no extra charge.  They do require that they be kept on a leash or in a container and they must be accompanied by a passenger at all times.  Pets are not permitted on the seats or allowed in the food service areas.  If you are flying in on Cape Air instead, you must make advanced reservations and arrangements with the airline for both you and your animal.  Multiple animals from the same family are permitted on the same aircraft but pets from different families are not.  All animals must be crated and accompanied by a passenger and there is an additional charge of $10 per animal each way. Buses here on the Vineyard do allow dogs but they have a policy that if a passenger, who is already on the bus, objects to a dog because of allergies, etc., the dog and owner will be asked to take the next bus.  If dog and owner are already on the bus, they may remain and the objecting passenger is asked to take another bus.  Dogs can also ride in cabs, the buses that service the Steamship Authority parking lots and the Edgartown trolleys.

If you are looking for some outdoor areas for your dog to explore, the following is a list of locations to get you started.  (Please remember that your dog should be leashed and excrement must be removed and properly disposed of.  If you violate these guidelines you may be fined $50.)

Trade Winds Preserve is found in Oak Bluffs, situated in an old grass airfield and its surroundings. There are two miles of hiking trails which are divided into three loops and large fields where you can play fetch. It’s a great place to meet other dogs and their owners and is informally known to locals as “The Dog Park”.

Manuel F. Correllus State Forest is 5,343 acres in the center of Martha's Vineyard. It was created in 1908 as the Heath Hen Reserve in an effort to prevent the bird's extinction. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful and the heath hen was last seen in 1932.  The State Forest contains wooded hiking trails and 14 miles of bike paths.

Poucha Pond Reservation on Chappaquiddick Island contains the Salt Marsh Stroll Trail.  This walk is wonderful when the weather is cool.   The 147 acre reservation on the edge of Poucha Pond travels through both woodlands and salt marsh.  The saltwater pond is connected to Cape Poge Bay by a narrow stream that flows under the infamous Dike Bridge.

Katama Point Preserve is located in the Katama area of Edgartown.  This property is grassy and flat with wide water views that extend from the center of Edgartown to Norton Point beach.

Peaked Hill Reservation is in the town of Chilmark.  This preserve is of mixture of oak woodlands, meadows and greenbrier thickets.  At more than 132 acres, it is home to approximately 170 plant types and around 50 bird species. Hikers have the choice of climbing to several high places with gorgeous panoramas.  Despite its name, the trails do not reach the summit of Peaked Hill, Martha’s Vineyard’s highest point.

If you prefer some sun and surf, here are some beautiful beaches for you and your furry friends to enjoy.

Eastville Point Beach is located at the Lagoon drawbridge in Vineyard Haven where you can catch some picturesque scenes of the arriving and departing ferry boats.  Dogs are welcome before 9 AM and after 5 PM daily unless restricted by nesting birds.

Joseph Sylvia State Beach is a two mile section of shore stretching from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown.  Dogs are prohibited from April 1st to August 31st.  In September they are restricted to times before 9 AM and after 5 PM.  Between October 1st and March 1st they are allowed anytime. 

South Beach, in Edgartown, is known for its pleasing vistas and strong surf.  Dogs are allowed here after 5 PM during the summer season. During the off season, September 15th until April 15th, they are permitted all day.

Norton Point Beach is also located in Edgartown.  It is a long strip of shoreline that used to connect Martha’s Vineyard to Chappaquiddick Island.   Due to erosion the ocean now separates the two islands and the beach has been divided.  There are four and a half miles of walking trails and sandy roads here.

Many other area beaches also allow dogs.  Here are some general rules of thumb to remember.  Between September 16th and March 31st there aren’t usually any restrictions.  Because of the delicate habitat of some rare shore birds, such as piping plovers, pets must stay at least 100 yards away from posted nesting habitats.  Dogs are usually prohibited on beaches from May 15th to September 15th between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM. 

Walking locales are not the only things that you and your pet may need during your stay.  If you are looking for care services for your canine companion check out Betsy’s Dog Spa in West Tisbury.  They offer dog grooming as well as doggie daycare.  They also sell supplies such as leashes, collars, toys and tick prevention products. 

Don’t forget to do some shopping while you’re on the Island.  The Black Dog offers a multitude of items with their famous black lab logo at all of their retail stores; but did you know that they also carry an assortment of freshly made dog biscuits at the Black Dog Café in Vineyard Haven? Another great place to check out is Good Dog Goods on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs.  This picturesque little shop has everything dog related.  From chew toys to doggie life jackets they have anything a canine could need or want.

I hope that this information will help you enjoy a pet friendly Martha’s Vineyard vacation with your favorite furry companion.  

#pet friendly rentals

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Architectural Styles of MV

I was born on Martha’s Vineyard but even I was surprised by the variety of architectural styles that can be found on our little island. 

Maybe the most well known houses here are the Oak Bluffs gingerbread cottages.  Found primarily in the Methodist Campgrounds, they have been a tourist attraction since the nineteenth century.  These popular Victorian homes are considered to be the best preserved examples of the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture found in the world today.  Usually painted in bright contrasting colors and decorated with elaborate scrollwork trim and wooden cutouts along the porches, balconies, and rooflines, these closely set little houses are each a unique piece of history.  Walk through the Campgrounds and delight your eye by viewing these small colorfully ornamented cottages yourself.

Another type architectural style found on the Vineyard is Greek Revival.  This type of house can be found most often in the town of Edgartown where many whaling captains built their homes.  The Greek Revival style was very popular during the mid-nineteenth century at the height of the whaling industry. These typically two-story houses have a gabled roof and a columned veranda.  You may also find other classic Greek components like doorways with a frieze above them that are bordered by carved columns on each side.  Check out the Dr. Daniel Fisher House on Main Street in Edgartown as great example of this architectural style. 

Also found in Edgartown are an abundance of Federal style homes.  They also have classical elements such as columns at the entryway or a half oval Palladian window above the front door.  Many historic homes that were built at an earlier time had additional rooms that were added when this style was popular.  For instance you can tour the island’s oldest dwelling the Vincent House Museum.  Built in 1672 this old Edgartown farmhouse has a Federal style parlor that dates back to the eighteen hundreds.

Georgian Colonial is a style that can be found in many areas of New England including Martha’s Vineyard.  These homes tend to be square two-story houses that have a symmetrical appearance.  Many times they have two chimneys, one on each side of the house.  Gaining popularity in the seventeen hundreds, examples of this type of architecture can be found in most of the island towns.  

Lest you think that all the architecture of the Vineyard is traditional, the last design type I would like to note is Modern.  In recent years there has been a trend toward the Modern style in new construction houses.  There is a stunning example of a Modern cottage in Chilmark designed by OSKA Architects.  It is a private home and, unfortunately, not available for viewing but some stunning photos are available online.  Inspired by the Bauhaus movement with its use of wide spans of glass, the Modern architectural style resides in harmony with the surrounding environment. This customary use of large window expanses is perfect to highlight the spectacular panoramas of natural beauty that can only be found on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. 

#architectural houses on marthas vineyard

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Lighthouses of Martha’s Vineyard

The five lighthouses of Martha’s Vineyard are scattered throughout the coast of the island. They are bright beacons that still light up the night sky as well as historic reminders of the Vineyard’s past. 

On Telegraph Hill in Oak Bluffs stands the stately East Chop Lighthouse.  First built in 1869 by Captain Silas Dagget, and privately funded by local merchants, it burned down in 1871.  It was then rebuilt as a light on top of a house. Several years later in 1875 the United States government purchased the structure and land.  A new conical cast iron lighthouse tower was constructed in 1878 along with the lighthouse keeper's house. Because of its reddish brown color it was called the Chocolate Lighthouse.  This nickname was dropped in 1988 when it was painted white.

Keeping watch over the Edgartown Harbor is the picturesque Edgartown Lighthouse.  Originally built in 1828 on a tiny manmade island, the only way to get to the light was by boat; later a foot bridge was built.  In 1938 the lighthouse was replaced by a new one that was brought by raft from Ipswich.  Over the years sand filled in the area between the small island and the mainland so that today the lighthouse stands on the shore. 

The Gay Head Lighthouse overlooks the renowned Aquinnah Cliffs.  In 1798 Congress approved monies to erect a lighthouse at Aquinnah (known then as Gay Head) because of the dangerous submerged obstruction called Devil’s Bridge which extends between it and the Elizabeth Islands.  The original structure was an octagonal wooden tower built on a stone base and was accompanied by a wooden lighthouse keeper’s house, a barn, and an oil storage building.  In 1844 President John Quincy Adams authorized the construction of the beautiful red brick structure that stands today.   

Standing alone on Chappaquiddick Island, the Cape Poge Lighthouse is Martha’s Vineyard’s most inaccessible light.  Built in 1801 by an Act of Congress, the first lighthouse was wooden and included a small light keeper’s cottage. It was destroyed by the ocean and rebuilt further inland in 1838. Again, the sea destroyed the tower and it had to be rebuilt in 1888.  The ocean reclaimed the lighthouse next in 1892.  The new 33 foot tall lighthouse lasted only 35 years before it too was destroyed by the ravening seas. In 1922 the current 55 foot high tower was constructed.  The light is visible for over 9 miles at sea.  The entire white wood structure was moved by helicopter in 1985 to place it further from the reach of the ever hungry ocean.  It currently rests approximately 300 feet from the shoreline. 

The Cape Poge Lighthouse is maintained by the Trustees of the Reservations which offers tours during the summer season.  The East Chop, Edgartown and Gay Head Lighthouses are maintained by the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society.  They have fenced in parking areas where you can stop to enjoy 

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Legend of Moshup

Have you ever heard the Aquinnah Wampanoag story of how the Islands were shaped?  I can’t recall who first told me the tale, but I remember being fascinated by it as a young girl.  I loved gazing at the large colorfully painted murals, at the Katherine Cornell Theater in Vineyard Haven, that depict the story. 

In those days, the whales would come very close to shore because they had not yet learned to fear people.  Now, Moshup’s favorite food was broiled whale and he would emerge from his den on the Aquinnah Cliffs, wade into the ocean, grab a whale by its tail and fling it against the cliffs to kill it.  Then he would cook it over his continually burning fire and eat it whole.  Blood from all the whales he killed stained the clay cliffs a dark red, which they now remain.  Coals from the great trees, which he pulled up by their roots for firewood, whale bones, shark’s teeth and petrified quahogs, are the refuse of Moshup’s table which can still be found in the cliffs. 

Sometimes Moshup would share with the Wampanoag by throwing many whales onto the shore for their supper.  He taught the people how to fish and catch the whales.  Many maintain that he still guides their destinies today.   

This is one of the accounts of Moshup which is honored and reenacted every August in a traditional performance held by the tribe in the Stories of Moshup Pageant.   A quote found on the tribe’s website reads "Moshup was the first schoolmaster.  From his home on the Cliffs he taught the people respect...He also taught us to be charitable - for when he had great stores of fish he gave of his abundance."

I hope that this tale will catch your imagination and that you too will be able to imagine Moshup emptying his enormous shoes, after a day spent on the seashore, and pouring out the Islands.    You may even have a new outlook from these ancient traditions when you make your next visit to the Aquinnah Cliffs.

#Aquinnah Wampanoag #story of Aquinnah Wampanoag #story of wampanoag #wampanoag #marthas vineyard wampanoag #martha's vineyard wampanoag

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5 Historic Oak Bluffs Sites to Visit

Flying Horses Carousel

Positioned at the foot of Circuit Avenue, the town’s main street, this beloved National Historic Landmark is renowned as the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States. It was constructed in 1876 in New York and later transported to Oak Bluffs in 1884. Visitors can still ride on one of the 20 wooden horses with glass eyes, real horse hair manes and tails and try a grab for the brass ring.

Tabernacle

Sited in Wesleyan Grove, at the center of the Campgrounds, the Tabernacle has an unusual history. During the summer of 1835 some Methodist church groups began converting some of the town’s surrounding pastures and groves into camps for all day gospel meetings. Only two decades later there were more than 12,000 people attending these spiritual gatherings. The Tabernacle itself is a circular, open-sided pavilion covered by a metal roof supported by tall wrought iron columns. Erected in 1879 it was designed to resemble the Methodist's original meeting tent. Today the Tabernacle is still in use for everything from high school graduations to community sing-a-longs.

  Cottage Museum

Found at 1 Trinity Park, near the Tabernacle, tours are available of this historic 1867 cottage.  It is a typical example of the more than 300 other Carpenter's Gothic style houses spread throughout the thirty acre area commonly called the Campgrounds. During the late 19th century, colorful cottages replaced the original family tents which had originally surrounded the Tabernacle. Small in scale and closely packed, they grew more elaborate over time. Porches, balconies, elaborate door and window frames became common, as did complex wooden scrollwork attached to the roof edges as decorative trim. The unique architectural styles of the houses were often accented by the owner's use of brightly colored paint schemes, and give the summer cottages a quaint storybook look.  Nicknamed “gingerbread cottages”, they became a tourist attraction in the late nineteenth century and continue to draw visitors today.

  East Chop Lighthouse

Situated on Telegraph Hill, at 229 East Chop Drive, the East Chop Lighthouse still stands looking out over the Nantucket Sound.  Around 1850 Captain Silas Daggett and a group of supporters financed and built this privately owned beacon to relay signals between the Island of Martha’s Vineyard, neighboring Nantucket Island and the mainland. In 1875, the United States government purchased the lighthouse and land and replaced the original structure with the current cast-iron beacon. For many years, the reddish-brown landmark was known as the Chocolate Lighthouse but it was painted white in 1988 and lost its descriptive moniker. The light’s color is green, which distinguishes it from the red light at the West Chop Lighthouse in Vineyard Haven.

  Inkwell

Running the length of Sea View Avenue, this small beach with rock jetties on either side is enjoyed by all kinds of visitors, but has traditionally been a popular meeting place for African Americans. Past notable visitors included Malcolm X, Adam Clayton Powell, Dorothy West, Joe Lewis, Harry Bellefonte and even Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who made a habit of afternoon dips when staying at the nearby Overton House, which is a part of the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard.

#martha's vineyard historic places #martha's vineyard historic landmark #marthas vineyard historic places #marthas vineyard historic landmark

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Winter on Martha’s Vineyard

I was reflecting recently on a question that I hear pretty regularly from both visitors and residents of the island.  What is there to do on the Vineyard in the wintertime?  Well, when the weather has you feeling confined and cabin fever is beginning to set in, consider some of the following options to break the monotony of winter on Martha’s Vineyard.

Perhaps you prefer live music. Then check out the Pit Stop in Oak Bluffs.  This fairly small and unassuming setting is host to periodic musical evenings where local musicians get together for unrehearsed jam sessions.  The music is varied and fun and each evening is a unique experience.

Maybe the comedy or tragedy of the theater is what appeals to you. Why not attend a play? The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s drama department generally presents one in February. This year’s offering is the musical “The Secret Garden”.  Watching the students take the stage will bring back fond memories from your own school days. 

Is a movie is more your style? Why not try something different?  The MV Film Center, located in the Tisbury Marketplace, shows great classic movies such as “Casablanca” and “Captains Courageous” every Wednesday.  Do you like documentaries? The Oak Bluffs Public Library is screening a different documentary each month.  Other island libraries in Chilmark, Edgartown, West Tisbury and Vineyard Haven also offer a wide range of movies on their ‘big screens’.

Have you been confined indoors for too long?  If cabin fever is affecting you and you are willing to brave the cold then I have an unusual alternative for you.  Your choice of winter nature walks.  Yes, believe it or not, there are a wide variety of guided nature walks available, even at this time of year.  Just remember to dress appropriately for walking in cold weather. The Land Bank is giving winter walks led by an ecologist and the folks at Felix Neck are offering the intriguing sounding Full Moon Owl Prowl.  You can also join Trustees of the Reservation for a special North Shore Conservation Restriction Walk to hike along property filled with wetlands and rare habitat while being regaled with stories of human history.

Another great winter pastime is ice skating. How long has it been for you?  If you are anything like me, you haven’t been skating since childhood.  The Martha’s Vineyard Arena offers public skate times where skaters of all ages and abilities can enjoy this fun frosty activity.  If you don’t have a any skates they will be happy to rent you a pair; so go ahead and break up the winter blues by revisiting this classic childhood tradition.

If there is a hobby you have always dreamed of taking up, now is the perfect time.  Join a club or take a class.  Maybe you want a chance to express your creative side.  The Featherstone Center for the Arts is a great resource for a wide variety of winter classes.  Their courses range from ceramics, to drawing, to the art of cake decorating and beyond.   Longing for green, growing things amidst the snowy landscape? Join the Martha’s Vineyard Bonsai Club.  Club meetings begin mid February at the Polly Hill Arboretum and are open to all levels of experience (or inexperience as in my case).  There is even an opportunity to learn sausage making at a workshop courtesy of the MV Agricultural Society. The wide range of choice available for your enjoyment is truly impressive.

It’s easy to talk about these things, and they sound good on paper but now it’s time for you to actually go out and choose your own escape from the winter blues. Don’t stay stuck in your winter rut, get out of the house and have fun!

#marthas vineyard activities #martha's vineyard activity #things do on on martha's vineyard #things to do on marthas vineyard #mv activities

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Have the Winter Blues Got You Down?

Most of the beautiful down-island beaches in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown are open to the general public and are just a walk or a short bike ride from town. While good deal of the Vineyard's splendid up-island shoreline is privately owned or restricted to town residents, you are eligible to purchase a beach permit if you have a vacation rental in one of the up-island communities. Just bring a copy of your lease to the appropriate town hall. West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah have some of the Island’s most stunning sandy shores so it is well worth the effort.  And you can do much more than just swim and play in the sand at our beaches!  Stroll along the water’s edge while you pick up a striking shell or a choice bit of sea glass at the Joseph Sylvia State Beach. Bring a blanket and picnic supper and settle in to experience one of the magnificent island sunsets at the Menemsha Public Beach. Decide to dig for clams on the coast of Chappaquiddick Island or try your hand at fishing from the shore at Wasque Point. (A shellfish or fishing license is required for these activities. You can visit the local Town Hall to apply.) You may even track down a few hidden coves at one the Vineyard’s many nature preserves by requesting a map of local conservation properties from the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank.  Be adventurous and have a go at windsurfing or perhaps a guided kayaking tour along one of the ponds. The possibilities are never-ending. Plan now for your Vineyard beach vacation and enjoy visualizing yourself relaxing in the sun and surf this summer!