Jump start your summer now!  June provides the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to weekends away, exploring and staking out your favorite spots for the weeks ahead. Go beyond the traditional activities of beach and barbecue by rediscovering summertime favorites from years gone by as well as trying something new.  Vineyard businesses up and running, ready to help you start the season off in style!

Get Here Fast, Have More Fun -
Air Transport Inc.
Don’t let traffic deprive you of even one minute of your  weekend. Air Transport Inc.’s charter flights can make the most of every moment. Air Transport Inc. has been flying personal air charter in the Northeast since 1988. Please visit us at www.airtransportinc.com to learn more about your personal flight experience. 888-720-3808

Front Row Seat for Sunrise -
Capricorn House Bed & Breakfast
What better way to start each day of the  weekend that watching the sun rise over Nantucket  Sound from the spacious wrap around porch at the Capricorn House Bed & Breakfast!  Located within easy walking distance of  the beach as well as great shopping, restaurants and entertainment in downtown Oak Bluffs,  you'll enjoy warm hospitality, a complimentary continental breakfast and charming ambiance. Ocean view rooms have private decks; all rooms have private modern baths. Don't wait ...reserve your front row seat for the sunrise now. 508-693-2848 or email: capricornbandb@aol.com

If Summer is Music to Your Ears -
above ground records
Kick off the summer season right - pick-up your New York Times ‘Sunday Style’ endorsed tee and sweat-shirts at above ground records at the Great Harbor Triangle  in Edgartown while selecting the soundtrack for your summer from their great selection of new and used CDs, DVDs, vinyl and accessories. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10:30 – 6:30 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. www.abovegroundrecordsmv.com or 508-627-4678.

The Art of Island Living - Carol Craven Gallery
Among the pleasures of  a Vineyard summer is the opportunity to view the Island through the eyes of the many artists who display their work in Island art galleries.  Carol Craven Gallery  begins the summer 2008 season with an exhibition titled: "New Work/Gallery Group" including gallery artists Derek Buckner, Claire Chalfoun, Kitty Cloud, Palmer Davis, Nancy Furino, Anne Grandin, Gregory Kammerer, Joan Kennedy, Kathy Peck, Gary Mottau, Harry Seymour and David Tierney. The Gallery looks forward to another fantastic season celebrating the 13th year of Carol Craven Gallery and their beautiful collection of American Modernist works by Thomas Hart Benton and others. Call the Gallery for the complete schedule of our Sunday opening receptions at 508-693-3535.

Beyond Barbecue - Lattanzi's Restaurant & Pizzeria
In the mood for something quick and or is fine dining on your  weekend menu?  Either way, Lattanzi’s Restaurant or Lattanzi’s Pizza – both located in Edgartown’s flower-filled Post Office Square – are open and ready to serve you.  The restaurant offers classic northern Italian cuisine in several beautifully appointed  rooms that comprise the dining area.  Steps away, rustic pies piled with savory toppings emerge bubbling from the pizzeria’s brick oven. Pasta, salads and antipasti offer other delicious options.  A great way to top off an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing in downtown Edgartown!

Savoring Seafood (and more!)  by the Sea - Coop de Ville 
Is there any scent more evocative of summer than the tantalizing aroma of seafood carried by a salty ocean breeze? At Coop de Ville savor succulent clams and other raw bar items just steps away from Oak Bluffs Harbor.  Or kick off your weekend with lobster, corn and creamy clam chowder. Bring the family for steamers, fried clams and eight flavors of Buffalo chicken wings. If you're a fan of Rachel Ray's $40 a Day this popular Vineyard seafood restaurant  may look familiar to you! 
On the harbor in Oak Bluffs. 508-693-3420.

Something to Celebrate -The Sweet Life Cafe
Welcome the season of outdoor dining in style at Oak Bluffs' elegant Sweet Life Cafe. Now open five nights a week, Thursday - Monday, guests can enjoy the first greens of spring, pristine lsland oysters, quail and sweet pea risotto along with other seasonal favorites. The Cafe has expanded its wine cellar to include vintages from 27 countries. Or, for something truly unique, drink in the taste of spring with a cocktail St. Germain, infused with the delicate scent of elder flowers. Dine in the beautiful restored Victorian dining room, or, spring weather permitting, under the now blooming side garden's twinkle-light stars. 63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs. 508-696-0200

Rediscover Summer & Each Other-The Thorncroft Inn
Once Memorial Day has passed, can school vacations be far behind? Steal away for a weekend at Vineyard Haven’s AAA four-diamond award winning couples-only Thorncroft Inn where every possible attention is given to your comfort and enjoyment.  Over 2 acres of expansive lawns and established gardens surround this beautiful retreat with its elegant country home ambiance and in-room spas and whirlpools. 460 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, (800) 332-1236 - (508) 693-3333. www.thorncroft.com

                                                                       Fishing for a Good Time - Larry's Tackle Shop
On- or off shore, the Vineyard is synonymous with great fishing. So move those franks and hamburgers to the side of the grill and make room for the fresh-caught fish that will be the centerpiece of your weekend cook-out. A visit to Larry’s Tackle Shop at 258 Upper Main Street in Edgartown provides everything you’ll need to reel in the big one: rods, reels, bait, lures and, if you’re lucky some invaluable advise from Steve about fishing Vineyard waters.  Hours are Monday - Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm and Sunday 10 am -2 pm.