On the Vineyard, telltale signs of spring are everywhere:
Check out the south side of just about any stone wall and you'll find snowdrops and the plucky crocus. Mornings are again full of birdsong and "opening on..." signs are popping up everywhere. If you like to bike, hike, relax or just want to see what Martha's Vineyard is all about, a spring weekend could be your perfect opportunity.
East to Get to, Easy to Love
Getting here couldn’t be easier. Take advantage of the Jet Blue/ Cape Air cooperative schedule that links Cape Air flights to the Island with Jet Blue service that includes Boston. Or, if you’re driving, ferry reservations can be booked up to one hour prior to sailing. Visit the Steamship Authority website for schedules and more information.
Contrary to what some may think, there are great
accommodation options available at prices that would make summer visitors swoon.
If you’re unfamiliar with
Island towns, take a moment to acquaint yourself with what Vineyard Haven, Edgartown and Oak Bluffs have to offer, then browse through the inns and bed & breakfasts listed under accommodations.
An Authentic Vineyard Experience
Once you’ve arrived you’ll find you have a front row seat to the ‘real’ Vineyard so avidly sought and seldom found by the summer visitor. Starting the day with breakfast at the ubiquitous Black Dog is always a goods choice offering, literally, a window on Vineyard Haven’s harbor activities. Or opt for Linda Jean’s in Oak Bluffs where the town’s cognoscente gather daily. For something simpler, Mocha Motts on Main St. in Vineyard Haven and Circuit Ave. in Oak Bluffs are good options as is the Beetlebung Coffee House where you can watch the comings and goings along the Beach Road.
Once fortified, the day is yours to enjoy. To get started, check in with MVOL.com’s calendar of events. Here you’ll find activities of all sorts to help you to explore the Vineyard’s nooks and crannies. If you like to hike, Trustees of Reservation properties offer both organized walks and the opportunity to explore their beautiful properties solo.
Shopping the off-Season Sales
Or, if you prefer to do your hiking through sale racks and great shops pay a quick visit to MVOL.com’s ON SALE MV then head out to browse Circuit Avenue, and the Main Streets of Edgartown and Vineyard Haven. Don’t miss the extravagant merchandise at Midnight Farm, owned by Island icon Carly Simon. For a ‘very Vineyard’ jewelry experience be sure to at least try on a wampum bracelet, available at Claudia’s, Sioux Eagle, Moonstone and CB Stark Jewelers.
Exploring Martha's Vineyard Up Island and Down
If you’ve not been here before, make some time in your day to acquaint yourself with each of the
Island towns.
My favorite approach is to drive up Island to the Aquinnah Cliffs first thing in the morning, then meander back through the scenic fishing
port of Menemsha and beautiful Chilmark
with it’s stone walls, sheep farms and breathtaking views across the south shore to the sea.
Continuing down
Island, stop and have a look in at Alley’s General Store where the aim of selling just about everything has not changed in over a hundred years . If the morning has left you hungry, Garcia’s just next door offers a
fine selection of foods to go. Don’t neglect to pay a visit to the delightful dancing ladies of the Field Gallery right across the way.
Continue on to Edgartown where you’ll find the “On Time” ferry to take you across to tiny Chappaquiddick. Here, the beautiful MyToi Gardens and the sweeping vistas of the Atlantic off Wasque Beach will hold you spellbound. Once back in Edgartown proper, take some time to admire the stately 19th century captain’s homes. If you’re curious about their former owners, the town cemetery, with graves dating to the 17th century, is right outside of town.
Seafood and So Many Other Choices
Chances are by now you’ll be ready to decide where to have
dinner and plan the night’s activities. If casual is what you crave, Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs offers pub fare and its own micro-brews while Détente and Alchemy in Edgartown are open for fine dining. If lobster or other seafood is your preference both the Square Rigger in Edgartown and the Ocean View in Oak Bluffs are available. These are just a few of the many options, including French, Italian and bistro menus, available to you. As the spring progresses, the list of restaurant re-openings grows daily. For entertainment, check the MVOL.com’s
calendar listings for movies, live music and special events.
On day two of your visit, sleep in then savor a leisurely brunch before completing your tour of the Island in Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.This will provide you with a laid-back last day and allow you to travel home stress-free. In Oak Bluffs, a walk along the waterfront and through the historic Methodist Campgrounds will make it obvious why this town has been a popular summer resort for some 150 years.
Hope to see you soon!
