Diversity is a buzzword people like to throw around, referring mostly to people who look or behave differently from one another. Rarely does it refer to anything much beyond the surface. The fact is that true diversity occurs deep within. It can rarely be seen from the outside but must be experienced personally. I contend that Martha’s Vineyard offers a variety unlike other places. There are so many different things to do for so many different kinds of people in so many different types of places.
A diversity of places…
The terrain, dwellings, and sights on the island are so varied that you might be tempted to think you are in more than one place at the same time. Hills, farms, beaches, forests, busy streets, and quiet parks are among the habitats available to enjoy. If you have a change of mood, a change of environment is only a short drive, walk, bike ride, or bus trip away. In fact, you could become disoriented just by turning around in some locales.
There is even variety in similar ecosystems: State Beach can be as calm as a lake while South Beach can be so tempestuous that it can toss you like so much dirty laundry..
…with a diversity of activities…
From the serenity of kayaking in a placid lagoon to the insanity of parasailing on the turbulent air currents above State Beach, there is truly something for everyone here. I like to sit on South Beach and read, but if I decide to soar silently over that beach, gliders await at nearby Katama airfield offering that option. I can bike on the flat paths around the airport or challenge the hills of Aquinnah.
What youngster can resist the lure of the brass ring on the Flying Horses? (What parent can resist helping said child?) If that’s too tame for the older kids, they can take real horse rides through the fields and trails of West Tisbury. The Aggie is a blast while neighboring Polly Hill Arboretum is a tranquil refuge.
Dining offers the same variety. The Quarterdeck, a classic walk-up clam shack, is mere steps away from the upscale L’Etoile, but don’t try wearing the same apparel to both.
…for a diversity of people.
Families, singles, infants, and elders will all find appropriate diversions. The crazies and the lazies will similarly find their niches. Rich retirees from New Jersey coexist with newlyweds from Chicago. The acclaimed and the obscure can rub elbows in shops and bars. During the summer, you might be served ice cream by a college senior from Bulgaria or buy a drink from a senior citizen native islander.
I love many things about the Vineyard, but high on the list is that I feel as if I can visit many different places with a single visit to the Island.
I walked out of my house the other day and my daughter said “It smells like spring!” She was right… spring has arrived and it’s amusing to see the excitement that a sunny day can bring to our Martha’s Vineyard community after a long, cold and gray winter. The enthusiasm in the air is contagious! Personally, being a southerner by upbringing, my joy is unmatched to once again feel the sun’s warmth. Having lived in New England for more years than I need to share, I have learned that I can’t watch the calendar and hold my breath for this annual occurrence. Some years we experience the joy of warming weather and burgeoning spring blossoms in March, and other years we seem to skip spring entirely and blast right into summer in late June.
South Beach is anything but cool. It’s crowded, cacophonous and constantly in motion. To be really cool, you’ve gotta be seen at Lucy Vincent, Wasque, Moshup or one of the other more exclusive spots. But exclusivity is the problem for me. I don’t want to have to be a resident, I don’t want to have to take a boat (ferry) to the beach and I sure as shootin’ don’t want to pay!
Hello friends. It’s hard to believe that the busy month of August is almost upon us. Those of you who are August regulars know that the BIG activities and events all occur in fast succession at the end of the season. Being a bit of a recluse myself, I have always admired our end of summer visitors. I figure they are happy people who, more than anything else, love being around other happy people. Sometimes the crowds can be a little overwhelming, but there is not one event in August that isn’t worth the inconvenience of having your toes stepped on occasionally.
