On Martha's 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 driving, ferry reservations can be booked up to one hour prior to sailing.  Visit the Steamship Authority website for schedules and more information.

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 take your pick!

An Authentic Vineyard Experience
Once here, you’ll have a front row seat to the ‘real’ Vineyard, avidly sought but seldom found by  summer visitors.  Start the day with breakfast at the ubiquitous Black Dog for a view of 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 in both Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven are other good options.

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, visit ON SALE MV . 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
First time visistors can acquaint themselves with each of the Island towns.  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. Hungry? Garcia’s just next door offers 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 tiny Chappaquiddick. Here, the beautiful MyToi Gardens and the sweeping vistas of the Atlantic off  Wasque Beach will hold you spellbound. 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 for dinner and planning the night’s activities. Go casual at Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs offering pub fare and its own micro-brews.  Détente and Alchemy, both in Edgartown, are open for fine dining. The Square Rigger in Edgartown and the Ocean View in Oak Bluffs serve great lobster dinners.  As spring progresses, the list of restaurant re-openings grows daily. 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!