Christmas in Edgartown

Help ring in the Christmas season while at the same time participating in a Vineyard tradition. Christmas in Edgartown is a weekend full of festivities, and of course shopping, which is guaranteed to get everyone in your family into the holiday spirit!

The weekend starts with the lighting of the Edgartown lighthouse. Come enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while listening to music provided by The Contemporary Music Center. After the lighting bundle up for a hayride through the decorated streets of Edgartown.

The fun continues into Saturday, which is filled with activities for all ages. Whether you get your picture taken with Santa, with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Martha’s Vineyard or sinning along to the Minnesingers Holiday Family Concert the day will filled  making holiday memories.

There are many more activities that go into Sunday evening. If your looking for a weekend getaway, or just want to bundle up and hop the ferry for a day trip, come experience all that Christmas in Edgartown has to offer!

Halloween on Martha’s Vineyard

Whether you’re into spooky stuff or just good old fashioned fun, the Vineyard offers some great Halloween festivities.

If you love the thrill of the scary, I highly recommend that you hit Bunch of Grapes bookstore where they have a vast collection of haunted stories about the island. And, for the younger set, they’ll have a Halloween-themed story time with mask making at 10:30. Also for kids, the West Tisbury public library will have an event with hayrides and treats from 3-5pm. And there’s annual trick or treating around the island, in the towns of Vineyard Haven and Edgartown (Colonial Inn) specifically – at stores and at private homes.

For the adults on the Vineyard, it’s a whole different bag of tricks! The fantastic restaurant, the Mediterranean, is hosting a fundraising/hellraising party to benefit WVVY (or local radio station that promotes local music and artists). There’ll be a $500 cash prize for best costume. Tickets are $15 advance purchase and $20 at the door.  The party starts at 9 pm.

And, finally, Nectar’s is hosting their 4th Annual Halloween Disco Party! Billed as an ‘insane freakin’ disco inferno Halloween costume party’, the festivities will feature The Boogies – the Vineyard’s favorite 10-piece live disco tribute band. Prizes, games, hilarity to be had. 21+; $20 admission.

Fall is a great time to come to the Vineyard – great vacation rental rates, beautiful foliage, quiet, warm days and cool nights. We hope to see you soon! Let me know if I can help you find a rental for you and yours! Happy Halloween and stay safe!

Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: Edgartown’s Crème de la Crème

Every Vineyard town has a certain flavor – as distinct as the easy rolling hills of West Tisbury, the seaside charm of Vineyard Haven, the sparkling nightlife of Oak Bluffs and, of course, the New England beauty, manicured streets and vibrant roses of Edgartown. Today’s featured vacation home, defines this old world gentility with it’s decor, gardens and location. In fact, this historic home was once owned by Emily Post!

We simply must start with the garden – famous for more than 25 species of Dahlias, some descended from the original plantings dating from the 1920’s. And though the house is tucked in close to town, it boasts an expansive front yard and a separate enclosed side yard. Up top, a roof-top Captain’s Walk offers views of Nantucket Sound and a front row seat for one of Edgartown’s summer highlights – the annual 4th of July parade.

The interior of the house is elegant, but comfortable with bright colors and plenty of room to spread out. Five bedrooms provide room for ten to sleep easily. Of course, you might want to take advantage of the ocean breeze coming in from the beach and harbor, but you also have the option of air-conditioning as the house is outfitted with a brand new system. And don’t forget about the kids! This house has a wonderful playroom just for them…

Of course, location is tres importante! This property is conveniently and quietly located between Fuller Beach and Main Street and some of the best boutique shopping and eating on the east coast.I highly recommend treating yourself to a luxurious dinner at Alchemy, found right on Main Street.

Martha’s Vineyard music and nightlife at Nectar’s

For a long time now, a live music club known near and far, has sat in a cool little spot next to the airport. It wore the name Hot Tin Roof, and then The Outerland, and now, it’s Nectar’s. The Nectar’s crew actually hails from Burlington, VT and they’re known for launching the band Phish (if you haven’t heard of them, ask anyone 40 and under.) Since 1975, Nectar’s has lived by the motto: Go see live music.

Their belief in supporting local bands, small bands and real musicians is strong and impassioned. Here on the Vineyard, they keep the music coming all year round, but also make time in the weekly schedule for local night every Monday and the Family Dance-o-Rama every Sunday from 5:30 – 7:30. Of course there’s food and drink to be had, specifically Nectar’s world famous Gravy Fries.

True to form and in sync with the Vineyard’s knack for giving back to the community, Nectar’s will hold a benefit concert on November 14th to support Plum Hill School and the Island Waldorf Community. Bringing in fantastic, Canadian singer/songwriter Chris Velan from Montreal, with local favorites like Entrain and Ben Taylor, the night promises to be one to remember.

Fall seems to be blooming late on the island this year, so if you come out for the weekend, mid-November, you may still catch some beautiful autumn colors. Don’t forget that rental rates are lower in the off season…and let me know if I can help you find the perfect weekend getaway…Nectar’s will supply the music! Check out their website for all upcoming shows.

The 64th Annual Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby on Martha’s Vineyard

When the days turn cooler and get a little shorter, and the summer crowds have thinned out, the local spring to life for a most beloved autumn tradition. The 64th Annual Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby has begun, running from September 13th to October 17th. Friends gather in their favorite places, spending long days on the water – sometimes squeezing in time before or after work and oftentimes taking a vacation time after a long and hard-worked summer. Stories are made, tales are spun, but most importantly, fish are caught!

You can register online or stop by Coop’s Bait & Tackle, Dick’s Bait & Tackle, or Larry’s Tackle to pick up your credentials.  For more information, visit the Derby’s website where you can also keep tabs on the front runners and daily news concerning the derby and the Vineyard.

The derby was started just after World War II and today it brings in fishermen from all over the world with participation reaching 2,000 in recent years. According to 1987’s derby president Ed Jerome, “From the informal committee-type approach, we’ve gone towards the formal non-profit structure. This is a tournament run for and by fishermen. It now takes the derby a full year to organize. From the organizational standpoint the new derby begins just as the old one draws to a close.”

And, there’s a new mission that is very Vineyard, in light of its dedication to giving back. Since 1987, the derby has given $64,000 in scholarships to Island high school graduates.

Some derby rules to remember:
Ice Your Catch: Donations to our fillet program MUST be iced.
Respect The Island: Pack out trash and obey private property signs.
Respect The Fish: Carefully and quickly release all fish you do not weigh in.
Know The Rules: Be aware of MA fishing regs and Derby Rules/Boundaries.

This year, I’m proud to say, is the first year that I’ve entered a fish in the derby! Total thrill!

Martha’s Vineyard Living Local Festival

Martha’s Vineyard is as progressive and very eco-friendly as it is beach-filled and gorgeous. We’ve embraced the living local movement with gusto, many members of our community are actually leaders in the rally! All spring, summer and fall, the markets are filled with local produce, meats, art and music. The restaurants plan their menus around what island farms are harvesting. Even our grocery stores carry local goods.

And every fall, the Island Grown Initiative throws a massive festival to celebrate the Vineyard’s local community. The Living Local Harvest Fest runs this weekend, Oct. 2 & 3 and is “a rich program of free community events that aim to increase awareness and accelerate the uptake of sustainable living on Martha’s Vineyard.”

From food, live demos, panel discussions to a gorgeous market from local artisans, herbalists to energy specialists – this festival has it all. There are stories from the Wampanoags, kids activities, music and even community yoga. Everything can be found at the West Tisbury Ag Hall…I’ll meet you at the pie eating contest!

For the full schedule, please visit http://www.livinglocalharvestfest.org/

The FARM Institute: Corn Maze and Local Food

Fall means back to school, Halloween, cool nights and, around here, the Corn Maze as one of the best family and kid activities around!

If you’ve never been to a corn maze, it’s a very cool. Here’s how it works:

1. Let the corn grow super tall – as in at least 6 or 7 feet.
2. Drive the tractor through cutting a path in the corn.
3. Create a maze with these paths complete with dead-ends, spirals, forks in the road and just one or a few paths to freedom!

The maze is open 7 days a week from 10 am – 7 pm at the Farm Institute, Edgartown. The Admission Fee of $5/$10 and benefits the FARM Institute.

Of course, buying pumpkins, apples and fresh apple cider round out the experience of cool crisp air and the sound of waves crashing from nearby South Beach. And don’t forget to wander around the FARM – beautiful animals and a store complete with FARM grown vegetables and meats are available. My favorite is the sausage made from their own, naturally-raised pork, salt, pepper and fennel. The flavor is divine!

Image credit: hassan abdel-rahman

Tivoli Day in Oak Bluffs

Okay, so it’s not quite warm enough to hit the beach, but the fun on Martha’s Vineyard really doesn’t stop when the cool breezes start to blow. This Saturday, September 19, is Oak Bluff’s annual Tivoli Day Festival. Marking the end of the summer, this party is one big neighborhood celebration meets huge street fair.

Live music, awesome food from local restaurants and arts and crafts for the island’s artisans fill the streets. Not to be missed, many of the Circuit Avenue merchants will be offering bargains left over from their summer stock. Tivoli Day is a always a family event and super kid friendly, with the children’s parade taking the top spot as one of the best parts of the day! The island’s youngest decorate bikes, wagons and, sometimes even their pets – before taking to the streets to show off their finery.

Oak Bluffs is known for the picturesque and charming Cottage City, a wonderful neighborhood of gingerbread cottages just beyond Circuit Ave. where Tivoli Day takes place. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit to OB, make sure you take time to take a stroll through to see the colors as they hold the warmth of summer just a little longer than the rest of the island!

Admission is free and the festivities run from 12-5 pm. FYI, the rain date is September 20. For more information contact Dennis daRosa at 508-693-0110 or dendarosa@yahoo.com.

If you’re looking for an Oak Bluffs vacation rental, please contact me!

Waters of the World in Oak Bluffs

So here we are on Martha’s Vineyard, surrounded by water and aquatic life…but it’s kind of hard to see! I mean crabs and clams and starfish abound, but what about all of the other life that hangs out in the depths below? Thankfully, the new aquarium in Oak Bluffs (right downtown!) lets us see everything.

Waters of the World features sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, invertebrates, alligators, anaconda, eels, barracuda stingrays and many other exotic fish. They also have special exhibits that showcase the aquatic life and ecosystems from areas around the globe like: the  Caribbean, the Nile River, the Amazon, the Everglades and the Great Barrier Reef.

Visit the touching pools, watch the sharks being fed and make sure you check out the retail store where you can start your own home aquarium.  Visit www.watersoftheworld.org for details, hours and directions.

Martha’s Vineyard Ag Fair 2009

Let’s me see…

• Summer?…Check!
• August?…Check!
• Warm and steamy beach days?…Check!
• The summer event we’ve all been waiting for?..Check!

It’s time for the Martha’s Vineyard annual Ag Fair! Beginning August 20th and running through the 23rd from 10am to 11pm (7pm on Sunday!), it’ll be non-stop fun. Here’s a smattering of what we all have to look forward to at the fairgrounds in West Tisbury!

• Fair food – cotton candy, lemonade, fried dough and more!
• A full assortment of amusement rides from Midway
• Games and contests
• Skillet toss and the horse pull
• Woodsmen competition
• Fiber-arts tent, photography and painting
• Live Music!
• Dog & livestock shows
• Biggest and best local produce
• Puppet shows and live dance performances
• Local wares and goods
• Workshops
• Celebrity sightings (okay, I can’t promise this, but the Obama’s will be in town and the island is crawling with celeb families that truly love this old-time fair!

It’s 10 days away, but guess what? We do still have some last minute openings for August rentals if you decide on a last minute trip to the fair! Contact me for details, options and more information.

Hope to see you at the Ag fair! It’s a great place to be for kids, families, teens and beyond – there truly is something for everyone.

Image credit: OmarOmar

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