MV On The Spot

On Martha’s Vineyard, we begin booking rental homes for the following season before the current one ends!  Many families decide they like coming to the island every year for a least one week.  If they like the rental property they are staying in, and know they will be back, it makes sense for them to commit to the same house while they are here.

Rental home bookings continue through the fall and right up until the beginning of the season.  Critical things to consider when trying to decide when to book your vacation home:

• Most owners know whether their repeat tenants are coming back by the end of September.  If you are a new tenant or looking to change houses it may be difficult to get a commitment prior to that.
• Steamship Authority (vehicle ferry) opens up ticket sales for the summer months around mid January.  Tickets sell out quickly for the weekend turnover days during the season.
• January is a strong booking month because of the ferry ticket sales and many popular houses will book up quickly.
• Rental homes are listed through out the season, to a certain degree, making last minutes bookings a strong possibility.

All in all, you should consider booking your Martha’s Vineyard vacation home ahead of time, especially, if you have specific criteria, price and dates in mind.  If you can be somewhat flexible, any time is a good time!  We have a house for you with over 500 listings in our inventory.

North Water Street, one of the most historic,  runs along the north side of Edgartown Harbor.  The street is lined with captain’s houses that date back to the whaling days and ends with The Harborview Hotel.

Being the last house prior to the hotel gives the guest of this house the versitillity of enjoying their own private vacation rental with the ability to utilize the restaurant amenities right next door.

Enjoy summer days on the front porch admiring the view of Edgartown Harbor with the Edgartown Lighthouse and beach just steps away.  Don’t like to lounge out front with an open view from the street?  No problem.  Lovely den on the upper level in the back of the house.  Can be used as office or just a quiet reading nook.

This property brings you back to what old Vineyard summers must have felt like (only with upgraded amenities for today’s comforts).  Perfect house for multi-generational family with separate guest accommodations off the back of the house.

Love this property, let me know what you think!

Christmas in Edgartown weekend is my favorite way to get into the holiday spirit.  This is the 26th year we have been celebrating the weekend event.  It will be held on December 11-14, 2008.  There are so many activities for everyone!  The weekend is packed to entertain and enthrall adults and children alike.

My favorite event is the Evening of Enchantment at Donaroma’s Nursery just outside Edgartown center.  It is a stunning display that families big and small can enjoy at no charge.  They also offer boxwood tree and wreath decorating session throughout the weekend with a charge for supplies.

The streets of town are decorated, the shop owners welcome visitors with holiday cheer and you can even find some unique and special gifts to tick off your holiday shopping lists.

The mini singer concert is offered on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon at the Old Whaling Church right downtown.  It will truly warm even the grichiest of hearts.   Visit the Edgartown Board of Trade website to see a full schedule for the weekend.

One of the best taste treats you will ever have!  The Bay Scallops that are harvested in the late fall and through the winter are some of the sweetest, tastiest and most versitale harvests we have.  The season in most towns on the island begins around the 1st of October for family catch.  Each family is allowed to harvest 1/2 bushel per week as long as you have a shellfish permit.

Our family has enjoyed wading in the pond during low tide and scooping up the scallops with a rake.  I would recommend waders at this time of the year!  The commercial season opens November 1 and they are allowed to catch 2-3 bushels a day depending on the town you fish in, with Saturday and Sundays closed.  The commercial boats tend to use a drag on the bottom and then hoist their catch onto the boat.  Whether you are using a family permit or commercial, it is the shucking that can take the most time to complete.

Bay Scalloping is not only one of the tastiest harvests it is also environmentally friendly.  The Bay Scallop has a little over a two year lifespan.  They spawn in their second year, in the summer months, and die toward the end of their second year.  By harvesting the scallop in November and throughout the winter we are able to enjoy the delectable shellfish prior to it’s demise.  The seed then reaches it’s maturity the following year.

There seem to be many environmental impacts on the bay scallop and some say the amount of scallops available on any given year is cyclical.  Sometimes Oak Bluffs will have a better year over Edgartown.  Chilmark and Aquinnah tend to compare notes on the subject as well.  Vineyard Haven is certainly not out of the mix either. This year happens to be a banner year for all Martha’s Vineyard towns and I intend to make the very most of it.  You can too by contacting Edgartown Seafood Market at 508-627-3791.  They have been packaging and shipping scallops across the country since the commercial opening on November 1.  Stay tuned for some of my favorite recipes!

Whether you’re here for the weekend or for the summer, rainy days do not need to mean being stuck in the house with bored kids and cabin fever. There are lots of great activities to do with your kids whether it’s lightly drizzling or you’ve got a daylong downpour.

It’s safe to assume that you’ll encounter a rainy day or two here on the Vineyard so be sure to pack rain gear for everyone – as well as books and a deck of cards. While everyone loves a day at the beach, families can have a great day spending time reading together (aloud or individually) or playing games - especially when you’ve had day after day of bright sunshine, this can be a relaxing break. Many vacation rentals come equipped with a bunch of games, but be sure to ask or bring your own.

If it’s somewhat wet, but not a total washout, it’s a great day for hiking on one of the many trails on the island. Put on the raincoats and boots and head to Cedar Tree Neck or the trails of Trustees of the Reservation and get the kids involved in the beautiful natural world here.

If it’s really pouring, travel to one of the town libraries to find new books or rent movies. Each town has it’s own library with great kid’s sections and most with extensive free movie rental. Town libraries have different hours so look up yours ahead of time. Also check to see what events they have going on for kids that day. There are often story times posted at each town library: Chilmark Library, Edgartown Library, Oak Bluffs Library, Vineyard Haven Library, West Tisbury Library, and Aquinnah Library (508-645-2314),

If renting movies and getting out the popcorn is your thing then Island Entertainment (508-693-7441) in Vineyard Haven also has a huge selection of movie rentals for the whole family. With everything from classics to new releases to cult and foreign films, you’re sure to find something to please even your family movie-buff. Hollywood Video (508-627-3533) in Edgartown’s Post Office Square also has a great selection and great rental rates.

If you are an arts & crafts family than a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to get down and be creative. Shirley’s Hardware in Vineyard Haven has a great selection of craft items from glue sticks to glitter and pipe cleaners to paper. There’s also Beadnicks (508-693-7650) off Main Street in Vineyard Haven where the beader in your family will think they’ve entered heaven. The shop’s mantra is “Don’t Worry, Bead Happy.” Sold individually and by weight, this huge selection of beads can be thrilling or somewhat overwhelming. Luckily there’s plenty of staff on hand to help you choose your beads and they’ll even sit down and help your kids create their masterpieces.

Rainy Day matinees are a tradition on Martha’s Vineyard. On sunny days, you won’t find a matinee anywhere on the island but on rainy days there’s usually at least one or two showings. There’s no rhyme or reason for which of the four movie theaters on the island will offer which movie but call 508-627-MOVY as one of them is sure to be showing something kid friendly.

Best of all? Martha’s Vineyard boasts some of the most breathtaking rainbows I’ve ever seen. So, when the rain does clear and you see that Vineyard sun poking through the clouds, make sure to go outside and look towards the sky.

There are lots of beaches in the world, and while I think Vineyard beaches are something special, I haven’t met a beach yet that wasn’t filled with water, sand and sun. However, there are many things to do and places to go on this island that you can ONLY find on Martha’s Vineyard. Here are some things not to miss with the kids for the ultimate Vineyard Experience.

The Flying Horses is the oldest working carousel in the country. These 22 horses with real horsehair tails and manes are a favorite with every child.

Mad Martha’s Ice Cream is a traditional Martha’s Vineyard treat. With locations in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, your family will love the homemade taste of their wacky and standard flavors.

Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks, located in West Tisbury, holds a very cool surprise. Taking kids to a glass shop may not be what you usually do, but MV Glassworks is an actual glass blowing studio where visitors can watch how the beautiful vases, plates and cups are made.

You will find The Fabulists in the Amphitheater in Vineyard Haven every Saturday morning in July and August (508-693-6450). A trip to the Fabulists will make for an exciting Saturday morning as kids get to jump out of their seats and onto the stage to help with the improv fairy tales performed by this madcap theater group.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum of the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society is the island’s largest repository of cultural artifacts, historic photographs, archival records, and genealogical records and is a wonderful place to learn about the island. The museum offers a summer’s worth of kids programs, an open library and kid and family nights.

Community Sings happen every Wednesday night in July and August. Located at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs, all are welcome for a romping series of hymns, folk songs, spirituals, rounds, and patriotic songs.

There are tons of great restaurants on the island, but if you’re traveling with kids you’ll need to know where to get an inexpensive, good, fast meal…and luckily the island has many wonderful options.

Oak Bluffs
Sharky’s Cantina was voted Best Family Restaurant this year and it’s no surprise. Meals are quick, tasty and there’s a great kid’s menu – complete with bottomless drinks and a free shark toy! They are now located in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Linda Jean’s is a great Oak Bluffs restaurant that will easily have something for everyone in your family. Make sure you don’t miss out on their absolutely wonderful pancakes! Call 508-693-4093 for more info.

The Slice of Life is a less expensive version of some of the fancier Vineyard spots featuring a great selection of carefully prepared food, incredible pizza and one of the Island’s best burgers! They are currently located in Oak Bluffs, but opening a second restaurant in West Tisbury in the summer of ‘09. Call 508-693-3838 for more info.

Pomodoro serves every family’s favorite – PIZZA! This Oak Bluffs eatery has a great selection of pastas and salads and their huge dining room means you’ll get a table a little faster than some of the smaller spots. Take out is also available. Call 508-696-3002 for more info.

Vineyard Haven
The Art Cliff Diner in Vineyard Haven is a favorite with locals and summer folks alike. It is one of the island’s most loved restaurants for its always fabulous food and funky décor. There can be a wait and the hours can change so call ahead and bring your appetites – you won’t be disappointed! Call 508-693-4093 for more info.

Edgartown
If you are staying in town, The Quarter Deck Restaurant may become your kids favorite places for a meal and when you see how quick and easy it is to get the fried clams, burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, it may become one of your favorites too. Call 508-627-5346 for more info.

The Wharf is one of the only pub-style eateries on the island. Parents will love the family orientated atmosphere, the great local seafood and the very reasonable kids menu (including a $4 PB&J).

The Grill on Main is a more upscale family restaurant but you’ll love the new Prix Fixe menu and extensive wine list. A good way to eat well and bring the kids along.

West Tisbury
Fella’s Takeout run by the famous Fella’s Caterers, is a favorite for breakfast sandwiches and yummy, inexpensive take away lunches that are perfect for picnics. Call 508-693-6924 for more info.

The Scottish Bakehouse is officially in Tisbury, but it’s seconds away from the town line and it’s decidedly not in Vineyard Haven, so I’m listing it as West Tis. They have a pretty full menu of egg sandwhiches, stir-fries and salads which are amazing, but the baked goods are out of this world. Breads, muffins, croissant, brownies, pies, coffee cake, cake…I could go on and on. There are a few picnic tables outside, and there’s a great little porch, but mostly this is a pick up and take home kind of place. Call 508-693-6633 for more info.

Chilmark
You’ll find really good pizza at the Chilmark Store as well as huge sandwiches and fresh salads. The store is very crowded at lunch so call and order ahead if you’re planning to feed a big group. But, one of our favorite things? Hanging out on the big porch, rocking in oversized rocking chairs and lazing the afternoon away post-beach…

Menemsha
The Galley in Menemsha is a great place to take away a quick meal to eat on the beach or you can enjoy it on their back deck that looks out over the fishing boats. The Galley not only has a great, inexpensive menu with lots of choices, it also has ice cream! Call 508-645-9819 for more info.

Also in Menemsha is the world famous clamshack of Jaws fame - The Bite. This traditional clam shack has won its share of awards for their delicious fried clams, but don’t stop there – they’ve also got fried scallops, oysters, calamari, etc. and one of the freshest fish sandwiches you’ve ever tried.

The Homeport is another option for sunset dinners. Eat in the restaurant and enjoy fresh lobsters and corn as well as panoramic views of Menemsha pond or order from the “Back Door” and take that same food with you down to Menemsha beach.

Beaches are certainly the main attraction on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer. Some of them have big waves, some don’t. Some of them are pure sand, some are rocky where the waves break. This is your guide to the best kid beaches on the Vineyard. Don’t forget sunscreen, drinks, umbrella or tent, chairs, towels, toys and boogie boards! Here are my favorite kid beaches:

• Lambert’s Cove Beach is located in West Tisbury. You need a sticker to park your car here or a walk-on pass to enter. Lambert’s Cove  is located on the Vineyard Sound so the water is warm and calm and there’s lots of great rock and shell hunting! Dogs are allowed on the beach in the morning and evening and life guards are on duty until 5 pm.
• State Beach is found along the border of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this picturesque public beach is a wonderful place for swimming, building sandcastles and making new friends. Parking is plentiful and it’s an easy walk over the dunes and onto the beach. Your kids will want to stay here all day!
• Menemsha Beach rests at the end of the main road in Menemsha, one of the last working fishing villages in New England, this stretch of public beach is a favorite for families. No fee or stickers are required and the water is calm and clear. There are also many great spots to grab lunch so leave the picnic baskets at home.
• Long Point is in West Tisbury on a beautiful wildlife refuge, Long Point is a wonderful experience for the whole family. Arrive early during the height of the season as parking lots fill up quickly.
• South Beach is the happening beach in Edgartown with some big Atlantic swells, beach volleyball and tons of families. The walk isn’t too bad from the car with various entry points along the road, and the beach is public so you’ll have easy access. There’s a great bike path from town through Katama to the beach.

One of the highlights of the summer on Martha’s Vineyard is the West Tisbury Agricultural Country Fair with Mid-Way sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society. Every August for four days (Thursday - Sunday), the fairgrounds host the classics at this real old-fashioned fair.

Kids and adults alike enjoy rides, games, shucking and fiddle contests, the skillet throw, horse pull, woodsmen competition, the fiber-arts tent and dog & livestock shows. There is no resisting the live music, puppet and dance shows…and, of course, the tournament of all tournaments - Cow Chip Bingo.

NOTE: Come to the fair hungry. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find: local restaurants have booths showcasing their best recipes, the MV Fire Departments grill hotdogs and burgers, local schools provide ice cream and there’s kettle corn, fresh lemonade and cotton candy galore.

The Ag Fair is just one of the many summer traditions on the island, making August a fantastic and event-filled time to visit Martha’s Vineyard.

Prices and dates for the annual Ag Fair can be found here.

When people ask me to describe Oak Bluffs, I tell them about the Flying Horses because, to me, the carousel illustrates the flavor of the town perfectly. It’s colorful, historic, loud, full of laughter & fun and unlike any other place in the world.

The Oak Bluffs carousel is the nation’s oldest operating platform carousel and a National Historic Landmark cared for by the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. Built by Charles W.F. Dare in 1876, the Flying Horses arrived on Martha’s Vineyard in 1884.

Featuring small and large horses, as well as carriages to ride on, the Flying Horses challenge you to catch the brass ring as your circle round. The lucky rider who captures the brass ring wins a free ride. Rides are $1.50 and you can buy a season pass if you know you’ll be climbing aboard again and again. Around the carousel is an arcade complete with games and snacks and open windows pulling the nearby ocean breeze inside to cool the riders.

The carousel is located at the bottom of Circuit Ave - the town’s main drag featuring great shopping, movies, ice cream, fudge and restaurants ranging from pizza to oysters on the half shell - an extension of the excitement and energy of the Flying Horses.

Cool fact: check out your horse’s eyes…you’ll find a surprise!