Archives for April 2012

Apr 26 2012

We are loving all the positive messages from artist and psychotherapist Julia Kidd that are popping up all over the Island!! Who doesn’t need a little more positivity in their day? Ranging from “It is so easy to love you.” to “You are a bright idea,” the messages take the forms of banners (one spans Water street near the hotel), road-side signs, and even projections on movie theater screens.

This public art project leaves the Vineyard on May 7, so make sure you get out and about and see them soon. Kidd has said that the project is intended to make folks feel positive about their lives and inspired.

We spoke to her the other day and she mentioned that Island residents this time of year (gearing up for the season) either feel overwhelmed with work or overwhelmed with the need of work. We couldn’t agree more. Seeing her words of encouragement have brightened up the days of Vineyard Square’s busy staff.

Read more about the project in this MVTimes article.

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Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown

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See the Next Big Thing at a Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

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If you’re looking for a vacation filled with charm and adventure, look no further than Martha’s Vineyard. The New England […]

EDGARTOWN | November 30, 2023

A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel

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EDGARTOWN | October 19, 2023

Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown

As temperatures continue to drop and fall settles in, many people start looking ahead and working on their holiday plans. […]

EDGARTOWN | September 28, 2023

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There are a few ways you can make it through each adventure-filled day during your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel […]

1 2 3 … 37 »

Apr 23 2012

by Rick Conti

Paris has the Eiffel Tower.

New York City has its Empire State Building.

San Francisco boasts the Golden Gate Bridge.

Every great city has a landmark that is visible from almost any vantage point within its limits. Edgartown is no different. In fact, Edgartown does them all one better. While those other architectural wonders are impressive where they stand, the one that is the pride of Edgartown Harbor is mobile.

Mad Max boat sailing off Martha's Vineyard — Mad Max boat sailing off Martha’s Vineyard (photo courtesy of Mad Max Marina).

It’s a massive, fluttering sheet of white suspended from a majestic mast and sporting the image of a surly buccaneer named “Mad Max”. The sinister stare of this profligate privateer surveys the harbor whenever he’s not otherwise occupied cruising the coastline of the Vineyard.

Mad Max is the name of a catamaran that offers cruises to landlubbers like me whose oceanic exploits are normally limited to the ferry. But it’s more than that. It is actually a monument to the seafaring history of the city.

OK, maybe I’m overstating it. I do that. But it is definitely a site that has always represented Edgartown Harbor for me. It peeks above the roofs and gables of the buildings that line the shore, beckoning to the sea everyone within reach of its siren call.

I resisted that call for longer than I care to admit. I remember hosting friends who were visiting the island. Ever the pseudo-local, I put on my best haughty manner as I showed them around, pointing out the scenery and places of interest. As Mad Max loomed over us, with feigned superiority I described its features and told them how I’d always wanted to take it for a sail. One of them called my bluff. “Why not now?” I had no answer.

We all spent the next couple of hours skimming over the waves along the northeast coast of the island. What a ride! We brought some wine and snacks (encouraged by the boat’s management) and took in a view of the coastline we’d never appreciated before. Being one who is prone to mild queasiness on anything but the most placid water surface, I feared the worst on a relatively small boat. No need to worry. The twin-hulled construction makes the ride as smooth as gelato.

One of the craft’s exceptional features is the mesh surface that spans the two hulls on the front half of the boat. We lounged on it as the water rushed just a couple of feet underneath us. We were mermaids and mermen soaring above the surf. (See how the imagination can run away with you on such a magical experience?)

As the sun set, we made our way back to the harbor, where Max could once more lodge leisurely in his niche, overlooking his enchanting empire. The rest of us carried the memory of our excursion long after we had reacquired our land legs.

Try that on the Eiffel Tower.

EDGARTOWN | April 5, 2024

Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown

When you plan a stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, there are two things you never have to worry […]

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EDGARTOWN | February 8, 2024

Spend a Day at the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

For anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life for a little while, there’s no better destination than […]

EDGARTOWN | January 31, 2024

See the Next Big Thing at a Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than curling up and watching a movie. Take this pastime to the next level by planning […]

EDGARTOWN | December 18, 2023

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If you’re looking for a vacation filled with charm and adventure, look no further than Martha’s Vineyard. The New England […]

EDGARTOWN | November 30, 2023

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Situated in the heart of downtown Edgartown rests Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Located close to charming shops and world-class […]

EDGARTOWN | October 19, 2023

Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown

As temperatures continue to drop and fall settles in, many people start looking ahead and working on their holiday plans. […]

EDGARTOWN | September 28, 2023

Where to Get the Best Lunch in Edgartown

There are a few ways you can make it through each adventure-filled day during your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel […]

1 2 3 … 37 »

Apr 16 2012

Many of you already know (or at least remember) Joanne Sardini. She holds the record (by far!) for the most mentions in our Trip Advisor reviews (all wonderful of course) and her sweet Scottish lilt has enhanced many a guests’ vacation. Well, what you may not know is that Joanne also is our new General Manager.

Martha's Vineyard hotel General Manager — Joanne Sardini is the new General Manager at our downtown Edgartown, MA hotel.

She took the reins a few months ago and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We’re already seeing great positive changes under her leadership, including fantastic new special offers and creative packages for YOU, our valued guests. After 11 years with Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, Joanne knows the hotel and the island inside and out. She, her husband Paul, and puppy Dunbar live on the island year-round. Just let her know what you need during your visit and she (or he great staff) will take care of it.

Also New for the 2012 Season

1. New Kitchen = Fresh Baked Breakfast. We’ve built out our kitchen and added new appliances. This means new items for our morning breakfast buffet offerings. Keep your eyes peeled for croissants, fresh-baked muffins and other homemade goodies.

2. New Linens. We’ve refreshed all the sheets and towels in our rooms to new, higher-grade linens. Now, when you slip into bed (or dry yourself off) you’ll discover a silky new softness!

EDGARTOWN | April 5, 2024

Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown

When you plan a stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, there are two things you never have to worry […]

FAMILY | March 29, 2024

Explore Memorable Things to Do & See in West Tisbury

Planning a relaxing vacation doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Martha’s Vineyard is the […]

EDGARTOWN | February 8, 2024

Spend a Day at the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

For anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life for a little while, there’s no better destination than […]

EDGARTOWN | January 31, 2024

See the Next Big Thing at a Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than curling up and watching a movie. Take this pastime to the next level by planning […]

EDGARTOWN | December 18, 2023

A Guide on How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard

If you’re looking for a vacation filled with charm and adventure, look no further than Martha’s Vineyard. The New England […]

EDGARTOWN | November 30, 2023

A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel

Situated in the heart of downtown Edgartown rests Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Located close to charming shops and world-class […]

EDGARTOWN | October 19, 2023

Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown

As temperatures continue to drop and fall settles in, many people start looking ahead and working on their holiday plans. […]

EDGARTOWN | September 28, 2023

Where to Get the Best Lunch in Edgartown

There are a few ways you can make it through each adventure-filled day during your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel […]

1 2 3 … 37 »

Apr 09 2012

by Rick Conti

When someone mentions “fast food”, what do you think of? I think of plastic. The fast food joints’ signs? Plastic. The furniture? More plastic! The food? Well, I can’t be certain, but it sure seems like more of the same. So why do people go to those places? Either they’re slaves to conformity or they have a thing for plastic.

One more reason to come to Martha’s Vineyard! There are almost no such places here. I don’t want to name names, but you won’t find any burger places with Scottish names or creepy looking royalty.

But if you really must have fast food, you can actually find it on the Vineyard. Like everything else here, however, fast food Vineyard-style is way better than anything you’ll find on the mainland. Let’s look at a few places where the food is plenty quick, but it comes with a free side of spectacular seascape. Oh yeah, and it’s edible.

Oak Bluffs is a great place to get some pizza, pronto. You won’t find the mass-produced discs of dubious food-like substances that you get at the chains, but you will find Giordano’s real Italian pizza. On a sultry summer evening, there’s nothing like walking up to Giordano’s take-out window and ordering a fresh, hot slice of pizza heaven. Get extra napkins.

Fast deli food in Edartown, MA — Martha’s VIneyard has many “non-chain” fast food options, including a number of great delis.

Edgartown doesn’t seem like the kind of hamlet to host fast food, but they have just the place for diners in a hurry. The Quarterdeck is a classic waterfront take-out eatery. Walk up, place your order, and in no time you’re downing fabulous fried clams, lobster bisque, burgers, fries, even soft-serve ice cream. Take the short walk to the dock to partake of your fleet feast while watching the On-Time ferry make its rounds to and from Chappy. Pure joy. You won’t find that at Wendy’s.

(Edgartown also has Espresso Love, but they deserve – and will get – a column all their own!)

Up island would seem like another longshot for quick cuisine, but it’s there, too. No mainland chain can hold a frozen shoestring fry to The Bite in Menemsha. You’ll forget all about the drive-up window at MacDonald’s when you’re munching on fish and chips while watching the sun set on Menemsha beach, just steps away.

Finally, name any restaurant, fast or slow, with a view that matches Faith’s Seafood Shack at Gay Head in Aquinnah. With everything from whole lobster to hot dogs to sushi, everyone will find something delectable. Even if you aren’t hungry, the scenery makes it worth the trip.

These are just a few of the places on the island where the food is fast but would be worth the wait no matter how long it took. There’s fast food and there’s fast food. On the Vineyard, the emphasis is always on the food… and the atmosphere.

Here’s a site that lists many of the take-out places for all you manic munching mavens.

EDGARTOWN | April 5, 2024

Where to Get the Best Pizza on Martha’s Vineyard Near Edgartown

When you plan a stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, there are two things you never have to worry […]

FAMILY | March 29, 2024

Explore Memorable Things to Do & See in West Tisbury

Planning a relaxing vacation doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Martha’s Vineyard is the […]

EDGARTOWN | February 8, 2024

Spend a Day at the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

For anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life for a little while, there’s no better destination than […]

EDGARTOWN | January 31, 2024

See the Next Big Thing at a Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than curling up and watching a movie. Take this pastime to the next level by planning […]

EDGARTOWN | December 18, 2023

A Guide on How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard

If you’re looking for a vacation filled with charm and adventure, look no further than Martha’s Vineyard. The New England […]

EDGARTOWN | November 30, 2023

A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel

Situated in the heart of downtown Edgartown rests Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Located close to charming shops and world-class […]

EDGARTOWN | October 19, 2023

Celebrate the Season | A Guide to Christmas in Edgartown

As temperatures continue to drop and fall settles in, many people start looking ahead and working on their holiday plans. […]

EDGARTOWN | September 28, 2023

Where to Get the Best Lunch in Edgartown

There are a few ways you can make it through each adventure-filled day during your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel […]

1 2 3 … 37 »

Apr 04 2012

It’s not just the daffodils or the re-opening of our Martha’s Vineyard hotel rooms in the Main Wing that herald the coming of spring. One of our favorite harbingers of the coming season is the resumed operations of our island’s own historic treasure – The Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs. It opens this weekend.

Exterior of Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs, MA — The Flying Horses carousel in Oak Bluffs.

According to the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation website, the carousel is the nation’s oldest platform carousel and has been designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a national landmark. Constructed in 1876 by Charles Dare, it is one of only two Dare carousels still in existence.

Originally operated as a Coney Island, NY amusement, it was moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884, where it has lived in its red barn, delighting generations of Island residents and visitors ever since. Look for our Facebook Friday Deal this week for a special involving the carousel.

Another “big deal” spring opening is the re-emergence of one of Egartown’s favorite restaurants – Chesca’s. Located right here at the Square, Chesca’s is a ‘must stop’ for every visitor. The menu features Island favorites and fresh seafood, and includes a mix of traditional and more contemporary Italian cuisine.

Described as “bridging the gap between upscale and comfort” foods, Chesca’s also features a wonderful and varied wine lists and classic cocktails. They re-open April 12 for dinner Thur-Sun, closed Mon, Tues, Wed. Serving 5.30-9:00 pm. Visit Chesca’s website.

EDGARTOWN | April 5, 2024

Archives for April 2012

by Rick Conti

Also New for the 2012 Season

by Rick Conti

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