May 2012 - Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites

We had busy “full house” Memorial Day Weekend here at Vineyard Square. Thanks to all of you who came to herald summer with us!

Martha's Vineyard Beach — June heralds the start of beach weather!

As the next few weeks roll by, temperatures will rise and we’ll see more and more families back at our Martha’s Vineyard hotel as schools let out and vacations begin. Umbrellas begin to dot the sand on the beaches and the streets buzz with shoppers.

June also heralds some of the season’s first outdoor attractions. Walking tours swing into gear as do guided kayak glides with a Felix Neck naturalist. Plus, the Sharks baseball season kicks off on June 9 (woot woot!).

Mid-June welcomes the vastly popular Taste of the Vineyard. In fact, Thursday night’s Gourmet Stroll on June 14 offers the Island’s best food, wine and handcrafted beers from over 75 outstanding fine food and beverage participants. Rooms are almost gone, so stop reading and BOOK NOW!

It promises to be a shining summer here at The Square. We look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks!

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 »

by Rick Conti

Class, welcome to MV101. In this course you will learn the fundamentals of a Martha’s Vineyard vacation. Pay close attention and take copious notes. There will be a test upon completion of the course.

Oak Bluffs gingerbread houses — Oak Bluffs’ gingerbread houses are a must for any first-time Martha’s Vineyard visitor.

First, it’s important to understand that Martha’s Vineyard is an island. (Say it with me, “island”.) You can’t drive to it. Practical jokes notwithstanding, there is no tunnel or bridge to take you there. You must arrive by boat or, if you have the wherewithal or are a sitting president, by plane.

When you are hungry, do not – I repeat, do not – go looking for McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Chuck E. Cheese’s, or any other of that ilk. You won’t find them. Even if you could locate one of those beasts, it would be in very bad taste (quite literally) to patronize them. Martha’s Vineyard specializes in real food. Good food. Leave the chains where they belong: on the mainland or on your snow tires.

The preferred method of transportation on the Vineyard is the VTA, or Vineyard Transit Authority. You can get anywhere on the island for a reasonable price, especially if you purchase a multi-day pass. You can also rent a moped if you want to annoy drivers and immediately identify yourself as el tourista. (Not recommended. Points will be deducted.)

For a more leisurely pace and healthful experience, bicycles are an excellent alternative. You can bring your own over on the boat (see “island” above) or rent one at any number of convenient shops. The bike path system is superb, offering plenty of safe, off-the-road routes to a variety of island destinations.

Speaking of destinations, you will need to take in all of the following sights if you are to have a true neophyte’s MV vacation:

The Flying Horses
The Gingerbread Houses, a.k.a. Methodist Campground, a.k.a. MV Camp Meeting Association
Sunset on Menemsha Beach
South Beach
Gay Head
The Jaws Bridge

[Note: More advanced activities will be explored in detail in the follow-on class to this one: MV102, for which this class is a prerequisite.]

While a day trip is a perfectly acceptable way to get a cursory view of the island, it is strongly recommended that several days be set aside for the complete “MV Experience”©. (Extra credit – and extra enjoyment – will be granted to those who stay at Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites, sponsors of this session. No fee has been a paid for this promotional announcement.)

Finally, a long walk is a required project for this class. The following locations will be accepted as fulfilling this requirement:

Mytoi gardens on Chappaquiddick
Polly Hill Arboretum
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Any beach

There are many other possible walking trails, but they are recommended only for our more advanced students.

Now it’s time for your test: Grab a ferry and visit.

Good luck.

EDGARTOWN | April 5, 2024

Archives for May 2012

by Rick Conti

Footer