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    Bike Paths Chappaquiddick Chilmark Chocolates Christmas in Edgartown Weekend Colonial Inn Dining on Martha's Vineyard Eating on Martha's Vineyard Eating Out on a Budget Edgartown Edgartown Lighthouse Edgartown Public Library Edgartown Residence Club Eisenhauer Gallery Fall activites Farm Institute Felix Neck Ferries Flying Horses Carousel Ice Cream & Candy Bazaar Larson's Fish Market Lobster Rolls Mad Martha's Ice Cream Martha's Vineyard Art Galleries Martha's Vineyard Family Activities Martha's Vineyard Film Festival Martha's Vineyard Food Martha's Vineyard Transportation Marthas Vineyard Family Friendly Events Music on Martha's Vineyard North Water Street Oak Bluffs Old Whaling Church Sharkey's Cantina South Beach Steamship Authority The Trustees of Reservations Transportation Up-Island Vacation Safety wasque Written by CJ Written by Joanne Written by Lane Written by Michael Written by Rick

    • Martha's Vineyard Blog

    Guest Post: The ERC (also known as the Luxury Suites)

    by admin, May 8 2013

    by Rick Conti

    I was hanging around the lobby at Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites recently.  Suddenly, someone approached Joanne Sardini, the estimable manager of the establishment, and screamed, “This place is freakin’ awesome!”  I remember the words exactly because…well, I was the one who screamed them.

    Edgartown hotel suite

    The ERC (also known as Luxury Suites) at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites

    It’s true.  Sometimes I’m so overcome with the awesomeness of my place on Martha’s Vineyard that it overflows into marginally anti-social behavior.  Even the words have a surreal sound to them: “My place on Martha’s Vineyard.”  How did that happen to this humble scribe?

    Simple.  The Edgartown Residence Club (ERC) — also know as the Luxury Suites to hotel guests — is the vacation home for people who don’t think they could ever own a vacation home.  This is not the first time I’ve gushed on the ERC. I’ve written about this in the past. Let me be clear — I am neither an employee of the hotel nor a commissioned salesman.  I am blessed to be a fractional owner of the ERC.

    What’s so cool about staying at the ERC?  Permit me to rip a page out of David Letterman’s book by giving you the…

     Top Ten Reasons Why the ERC Is So Freakin’ Awesome

    10) The world’s largest collection of decorative pillows east of the Whaling Church.

    9) Matching front and back deck furniture.

    8) Bathrobes are more plush than the contents of an entire Gund warehouse.

    7) If the wind is blowing in the right direction, I can smell the onion rings cooking at the Newes.

    6) Free loaner bikes with seats the size of a La-Z-Boy.

    5) The only vacation I don’t need a vacation to recover from.

    4) Different bath items every time I visit.

    3) I can read Chesca’s menu right from my deck.

    2) “Farm Boy” on call at the front desk.

    …and the number one reason the ERC is so freakin’ awesome:

    1) Two words: Free cookies!

    That’s a facetious list, of course.  The actual advantages to owning at the ERC are real indeed and would number far more than ten.  I stand by my previous claim that a stay at the ERC is the perfect stress-free vacation.  

    It starts with the staff.  For this entire crew, “above and beyond the call of duty” is standard operating procedure.  In fact, they’ve spoiled me silly.  The other obvious drawing card is the fact that it’s on Martha’s Vineyard.  ’Nuff said.

    My life is now divided into two parts: staying at the ERC and waiting to return to the ERC.  I’m in the process of figuring out how to maximize the former and eliminate the latter.

    I’ll let you know how that goes.

    Spring Activities on Martha’s Vineyard

    by admin, Apr 22 2013

    We love spring on the Vineyard. Every day boasts a restaurant or attraction re-opening for the season.  Unusual and “this time of year” only events, like Woodcocks and Whippoorwills: A Guided Birding Tour (April 25) and the Annual Alpaca Shearing (April 27) take place. Each day, more and more flowers bloom and more folks are out and about strolling the streets and shops.

    Martha's Vineyard hotel outdoor deck

    Balmy spring weather makes our Edgartown hotel’s outdoor decks more popular day by day.

    It truly is the ideal weather for many outdoor activities including bicycling, nature hikes, kayaking, fishing and bird watching. In addition, it’s the perfect seasons to experience the Vineyard’s historical attractions, events, art galleries, shops and boutiques.

    Here are some spring events happening over the next few weeks:

    April 27: The MV Museum invites you to a special program with beer historian and master brewer of Colonial and Victorian-era beers, Christopher Bowen. Learn about the brewing process and adaptations to changing tastes. Sample of classic beer recipes explore what styles of beer may have been popular on the Island in earlier times. 3:00 pm.

    May 4: 2103 Ride the Vineyard to benefit the MS Society. Choose from 15-, 30-, and 60-mile routes and enjoy the flavor of the island. All bicycle routes begin and end at Martha’s Vineyard High School. After the ride, riders are welcomed back with a cookout. 

    May 9-12: Martha’s Vineyard Wine Festival debuts. The 4-day event celebrates wine and food in homes and businesses throughout the Island.  Wine tastings, restaurant events and The Local Wild Food Challenge are just a few of the anticipated happenings. Proceeds to benefit Island charities. Check out our special package for this event.

     

    Guest Post: Train to Bus to Ferry to Bus — Mass Transit to The Vineyard

    by admin, Apr 8 2013

    By Rick Conti

    Back in the day, before everyone in the country had their own gas-guzzling vehicle, transportation was a community affair. Buses and trains provided much of our transport service. When we travel as individuals, we miss out on connecting with others and seeing our world. Plus, we waste a lot of fuel. Mind you, I’m not suggesting we deep six all our private vehicles. This is America, after all. I am suggesting, however, that we occasionally consider alternatives.

    Train to Boston

    Taking a train to Boston is one leg of a “mass transit” journey to Martha’s Vineyard.

    Here’s my personal experience doing so. My last trip to the island was mostly car-free. As a result, my travel was mostly care-free. It was also fun and productive. It started with a short drive – a couple of miles – to be dropped off at the nearest train station: commuter rail to North Station in Boston. Relaxing. Nota bene: This is not a trip to be taken without reading material. Fortunately, a book has been sitting in my to-be-read pile for a couple of months. It provided all the entertainment I needed for all my travels as well as my stay on the island. In the first three pages, my eyes welled up once and I laughed out loud once.

    When I drive, I usually just scream in anguish or terror. This mode of travel also provides optimal people-watching opportunities. As a writer, nothing feeds my imagination more than observing people and settings, inside and outside the train. Several thoughts were jotted into my writer’s notebook during this leg of my journey.

    The connection from North Station to South Station has its challenges but also its opportunities. Out of necessity, I hopped on the Green Line then transferred to the Red Line. On a better day weather-wise, the walk from one station to the other is a mere one and a quarter miles along the new Rose Kennedy Greenway – public art, fountains, park benches, trees, even food vans on the right days. (You paid for the Big Dig; you might as well enjoy it.) I’m still waiting for that long-discussed connection between the two stations. It’s not likely to happen in my lifetime, but I can dream.

    South Station is a fascinating place. You can go pretty much anywhere from there and you can meet pretty much any kind of person. Most important for my purposes, it’s where the Peter Pan bus departs, bound for Woods Hole. Look: You either like bus travel or you hate it. There must be some latent royalty in me, because I like being driven around. On this day, the weather was horrendous, so I let the driver worry about it while I continued with my book. The seats were plush enough that I drifted off once or twice. (Not recommended if you are the driver.) The best thing about the bus is that it drops me off steps from the ferry terminal.

    I love the ferry. (You can read my previous Ode to the Ferry here.) It, along with the other boat services, is the knothole through which all MV visitors must squeeze through. No bridge. No tunnel. No causeway. We all ride over on the boat. It’s the great leveler. May it live forever. The final piece of the travel puzzle is either a taxi or the terrific MV Transit system to your final destination. If you’re fortunate enough to own a unit at the Edgartown Residence Club, kind sponsors of this blog, you get picked up by a smiling member of their wonderful staff. Now, that’s the way to start a vacation!

    Next stop, home away from home. Bottom line: My experiment was a pleasant success and I will do it again whenever I have the chance. Was it the easiest way to travel? Not necessarily, but since when is easiest best? Besides, any route that takes me to the Vineyard is a good one.

    Your mileage may vary.

    Our Martha’s Vineyard Hotel “Springs Open” with New Beds!

    by admin, Apr 1 2013

    Spring is finally in the air here on Martha’s Vineyard. The Flying Horses Carousel has re-opened (yay!), robins have returned and seemingly the Lion of March is gone and the Lamb has arrived!

    Edgartown hotel new mattresses

    Our Edgartown hotel has all new mattresses for our 2013 spring re-opening!

    And, speaking of arrival, we look forward to yours as we re-open the full hotel in just little over a week on April 12, 2013. Bring your hiking shoes and watch the island’s spring gardens take shape. We are eager to welcome you back for the official season with brand new mattresses!

    Restful nights at Vineyard Square just got more restful. We have ALL NEW beds for 2013. Five of us test-drove (test-napped?) a bunch of brands and settled on the heavenly Serta Presidential Pillow Tops.

    Engineered with input from the National Sleep Foundation, we found these mattresses to be universally appealing to our backs (ranging in age from 22 to 65). Come enjoy a lovely night’s sleep on the loveliest of islands!

    Also check out check out Family Fun Getaway and “Spring Open” Specials – great deals for April and May!

    Dine at Lambert’s Cove Inn

    by admin, Mar 11 2013

    Lambert’s Cove Inn has re-opened its restaurant for the year, and it is a great spot to enjoy a wonderful meal during the waning days of the quiet season. With 4 fire places going and the sounds of Edith Piaf’s sultry French voice whispering in your ear, it is the perfect place to kick back and savor an evening.

    Martha's Vineayrd Dining

    Lambert’s Cove Inn restaurant dining room

    Don’t miss out on the restaurant’s Thursday night oyster extravaganza with 10 different types of oysters from hot to cold. Fridays you can enjoy a 3-course meal for $30. On Saturday nights, the inn offers dinner and musical performance. Dine to some the most talented artists on the Island — no cover, no minimum to buy — just the promise you’ll have fun!

    Guest Post: Spring Forth on the Vineyard

    by admin, Mar 5 2013

    by Rick Conti

    As has been opined in previous posts, the Vineyard in the off-season carries its own rewards.  One doesn’t have to wait for the peak season to appreciate its marvels.  For example, except during winter’s most aggressive cold snaps, when the air itself seems frozen solid, making the winds feel as if they’re trying to strip the skin from your cheeks, a walk up North Water Street and down the narrow path to Edgartown Lighthouse is a brisk pleasure year-round.

    Martha's Vineyard Spring

    Biking, blooming beaches and beds! three great reason’s to visit in the spring

    Just the same, I anticipate spring at least as much as the crocuses do.  Like those little bulbs, I spend much of the winter virtually underground.  When their buds break through the earth’s crust, they are as desperate to find the signs of spring as I am.  They don’t like cold and darkness any more than I do.

    On the Vineyard, clues to the beginning of spring evidence themselves everywhere I look.  And I’m looking hard indeed.

    Island handymen (and women) and landscapers mobilize like a peaceful militia readying homes and businesses for summer’s onslaught.  

    The “see you in the spring” signs and wide expanses of paper sheets that have blocked store windows and doors for the past few months are dropping like over-sized autumn leaves as shops and restaurants pop open at random times and locations like the aforementioned bulbs.  Some old reliables may not see the new season, but new possibilities always fill the void.

    Each ferry from the mainland carries a few more vehicles and visitors than the previous one.  The flow will increase exponentially until cooler heads and weather prevail several months from now.

    Each day, the sun ascends earlier, stays aloft longer, and shines warmer.  Illumination becomes not just one night in Oak Bluffs, but a spring-long celebration in the island sky.  Fear of foul weather, palpable and constant as the tides, dissipates like a morning fog at South Beach under a July sun.

    The air’s a little milder, the sea a little calmer.  The fireplace yields to the deck as the preferred spot to read a book.  April is imminent, not just a rumor.  

    So, take nothing for granted any time of year, but keep an eye out for those crocuses and look out for spring.  It’s at the door.  Open wide and welcome.

    Gorgeous Island Photography – Vineyard Colors

    by admin, Feb 18 2013

    Just when we thought we knew The Vineyard like the backs of our hands, along comes a couple to open our eyes anew to this amazing island. Moira and Yann take daily early morning photos of Martha’s Vineyard that will take your breath away.

    All days of the year, in all four seasons, the pair uncover layer after layer of insight and intrigue in our harbors, beaches and back roads. The results are insightful. Check out the full collection on their website, Vineyard Colors.

    Morning at the Ocean on Martha's Vineyard

    Martha’s Vineyard seaside on a winter morning. Photo by Vineyard Colors.


    Independent professionals by trade, the couple struggled to make ends meet in the economic downturn. So, starting in June of 2009, they took on an early morning paper route to help pay the bills. Hitting the road at 3:45 am was tough at first, but in their words, “what started as pure drudgery turned into a revelation: driving the vineyard’s deserted roads at Dawn is exhilarating! Winter or Summer, rain or shine, we are surrounded by beauty. To convince our incredulous friends and family we weren’t delusional, we decided to share pictures every day. More than 700 consecutive days and 65,000 (mostly bad) pictures later, we are hooked to this routine.”

    And we are so glad they are! Their photos — particularly of the quiet months of winter and early spring – show us a side of The Vineyard that we usually sleep through. They plan to soon add an online store to their website to sell photo notecards. Until they do, you can purchase the notecards at Alley’s General Store in West Tisbury, Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven, Conroy’s Apothecary in both Oak Buffs and West Tisbury, and The Scottish Bakehouse in Tisbury.

    It has really inspired us. In fact, it has inspired us SO MUCH we are offering a new “Capture the Quiet Season” package for amateur photographers. Check out our Special Offers page for complete details.

    Guest Post: The Life of Winter on Martha’s Vineyard

    by admin, Feb 4 2013

    by Rick Conti

    Most people have heard the old idiom referring to the darkest, coldest days of the year as “the dead of winter.”  This humble writer is here to tell you that there is life in the cold, dark days of winter if you have the good fortune to spend them on Martha’s Vineyard.

    The beach in winter.

    The beach in winter.

    Last month, I wrote about a few of the culinary diversions available to off-season visitors to this fair isle.  There’s more to do than eat, however.  

    The absence of the crowds that characterize the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer gives the cool, crisp, peaceful days of winter a special feel every bit as pleasurable in their own way as the high season, if you know how to take advantage of them.  Fortunately for you, dear reader, I’m here to give you the advice you need for a winter respite.

    First of all, there’s the beach.  The beach is for summer activities only, right?  Wrong.  A walk on the beach on a brisk winter day, provided you’re dressed for it, provides a sensory treat that’s hard to match.  Chances are that you’ll have the sand to yourself whether you choose to pass the time hiking, jogging, or simply sitting and drinking in the sights and sounds of the ever-changing shore.

    My personal preference is for a good winter beach exploration.  With no competition to hinder you, there is an undisturbed environment awaiting your curiosity.  My most memorable finds include some amazing driftwood and shells, not to mention the carcasses of a massive sea turtle and a seal.

    Dead animals and frozen toes not to your taste?  Then warm yourself in front of a blazing fire with a cup of cocoa or the hot beverage of your choice.  There are fireplaces in many restaurants and hotels, but my hearths of choice are located in the luxury suites at the Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites.  (No gratuity was awarded for this shameless promotion, although I can always dream.)  Okay, so the switch-controlled, gas-powered fires aren’t exactly authentic old school, but… what the heck.  You can light and stoke the wood for half an hour while I curl up by the gas fire in an instant.

    In winter, the air, clear as a perfect diamond, shimmers with color and spark.  The water’s surface is flecked with frozen silver and gold.  And sunsets take on a unique glow unknown in the other seasons.  Seeing any of that during a stroll on a winter beach or wooded island lane will remain frozen in your memory long after the frost has thawed.

    After all that outside activity, you’ll have built up an appetite for a hearty meal of warm comfort food.  I commend your attention to my previous post on island winter fare .

    Save a cup of cocoa and room by the fire for me.  We can compare dead animal sightings.

    Active February Events on Martha’s Vineyard

    by admin, Jan 23 2013

    Break the hold of cabin fever and get your body moving with a visit to The Vineyard in February. Here’s what’s happening to get your blood flowing:

    Running on Martha's Vineyard

    Martha’s Vineyard 20 mile race in February.

    Family Dance-o-rama
    Saturdays from February 9th, 5-7 pm
    Dreamland, Oak Bluffs

    Bust a move on the dance floor with disco lights and glo-necklaces as DJ Shizz spins your favorite dance tunes from pop to hip-hop to motown and disco. Family-friendly dinner menu and refreshments (full bar and soft drinks) available upstairs in the Dreamland ballroom.

    MV 20 Miler Race
    Saturday February 16

    This is a “must do” race for die-hard runners of many levels. From highly competitive athletes looking for a test of their Boston readiness, to dedicated recreational runners seeking to extend the length of their monthly long-run, this race offers the chance to combine a visit to one our beautiful shore community with a race on a fast course! Register here.

    Full Moon Owl Prowl
    Friday, February 22, 6- 7:30 pm
    Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

    Hoo’s out there? Owls silently fly through island woods and fields. Join naturalists at Felix Neck for a full moon walk to look, listen, and learn about these nocturnal birds. Observe resident barn owls in the sanctuary’s owl cam and perhaps out on the trails. Warm up with hot chocolate and tea at the Nature Center. No registration required. Admission for members is free; $5 non-members.

    Guest Post: Winter Eats on the Vineyard

    by admin, Dec 31 2012

    by Rick Conti

    Some folks think Martha’s Vineyard rolls up its streets and byways some time after Columbus Day. The stores and restaurants batten down their hatches until Spring shines its vernal light on the island.

    edgartown restaurant salmon entree

    Seafood tops the menus at Martha's Vineyard restaurants

    To paraphrase Carnac the Magnificent, “Wrong again, barnacle breath!”

    The Vineyard is a special place. Time has no bearing on that fact. There is no reason not to enjoy its varied graces in January as well as July. In many ways, it’s better in the off-season. When the Byrd’s sang in “Turn, Turn, Turn” about a “time of peace” in the 60′s (or when Pete Seeger wrote the song in the 50′s or when Solomon wrote the original words in the… way long time ago) they might have been (but weren’t) talking about MV in Winter. There is a still to soothe the soul and a calm to rejuvenate the body.

    Plus, there are ample parking spaces at Sharky’s.

    Since eating is a favorite activity on the island, let’s consider our options for eateries in the lower season.

    At the aforementioned Sharky’s in Oak Bluffs or Edgartown, it’s Cinco de Mayo every day, no matter the season. If you are among the unfortunate ones who have never visited our south of the border friends, there’s already a whole post on it here: http://www.vineyardsquarehotel.com/2010/08/marthas-vineyard-has-greatest-place-to-eat-in-the-whole-wide-world/

    The Wharf Pub in Edgartown is also a year-round hangout. It’s been there since, oh, about forever. Rumor has it that Thomas Mayhew (1593-1682) used to attend their Trivia Nights. (No one beat him in the history category.) It’s a family place with good food at good prices.

    Espresso Love deserves its own post and will likely get one. Virtually everyone within 10 miles stops there for their morning java fix, regardless of the month. Beyond the beans, their sandwiches and pastries keep me coming back.

    A new restaurant on Water street – a stone throw from the hotel – is making waves as a high-end joint that’s open year-round. 11 North features fare from chef Matt Stogryn. Stogryn has has created gastronomic happiness all over the country at Elisabeth Daniel in San Francisco, Tremont 647 in Boston, and on the Island at The Sweet Life Café in Oak Bluffs. Dishes feature a combination of organic meats and local veggies for a nicely varied menu that includes burgers, tuna tartare, and whole poussin.

    For cold-weather ambiance, it’s hard to beat The Newes from America on a brisk night. Besides having one of the coolest names ever, this place seems to generate its own warmth. From the dark wood furnishings, to the fieldstone wall, to the etched glass, the place feels as warm and inviting as the British pubs it emulates. A massive and ever-changing selection of brews simply completes the picture. The fact that it’s only a few dozen steps from Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites makes it the perfect place to stroll to, no matter what Old Man Winter throws our way.

    The only things missing in the off-season are the ice cream shops. For some reason, they all close down for the winter. You’ll just have to settle for a pint of Ben & Jerry’s from Cronig’s. You’ll survive.

    There are, in fact, lots of restaurants open year-round on the Vineyard, but there’s more to do than just eat. Look for my post next month for some ideas.