Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: Deep Bottom Pond

This spacious rental in West Tisbury offers a view of Deep Bottom Pond. This luxury rental provides association access to Deep Bottom, which provides a dock, which is great for launching small boats.

The beautiful open kitchen and large living room make this rental  the perfect place to enjoy your Martha’s Vineyard vacation.  With  the ability to accommodate eight, this 4-bedroom 3- bathroom, is  sure to be a crowd pleaser.  Equipped with all the amenities you  would expect to find to enhance your vacation this property is a  great home base for you summer getaway!

Located with in great proximity to Long Point Beach the waves of the South Shore are easily accessible.  The beach also provides access to a pond with quiet water to accommodate everyone’s needs!

Please contact me if you have any questions about this vacation property, Deep Bottom Pond or any other vacation homes located on Martha’s Vineyard!

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.

Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: West Tisbury Water View

West Tisbury is a real treasure on Martha’s Vineyard. Officially, it’s part of the slower, less-crowded half of the island known as up-island. But, it’s not all the way out on the west end of the Vineyard, it’s right next to Vineyard Haven and Edgartown. As a result, you truly get the best of both worlds – the quiet, paradise and the easy access to the hustle and bustle of downtown.

This West Tisbury vacation rentals sits off a classic Vineyard dirt road off of the beautiful Lambert’s Cove Road – known for its towering trees, winding curves and access to Lambert’s Cove Beach and Uncle Seth’s Pond (super kid friendly). Like most water view homes, this one has two stories, built in reverse with the living areas – kitchen, living room, deck – all upstairs so you can spend your waking hours looking out across Vineyard Sound. Of course, the all important deck, is perfect for sitting outside for breakfast, lunch and dinner, reading a book off your summer reading list, or just staring up at the Vineyard night sky.

Inside, the house boasts vaulted ceilings, a large fireplace and a contemporary kitchen. Two master bedrooms downstairs have their own private baths, as does a TV room with a sleeper sofa. Bunk beds are perfect for the kids in your crew – or those that feel like kids when they’re on the island!

Lower Makonikey Beach is just a five minute walk from the house, and the front yard is perfect for a game of catch or hide and seek among the stone wall. I highly recommend having dinner right around the corner at the Lambert’s Cove Inn. The food is exquisite and so is the mood (no children under 16 to preserve the romantic atmosphere!)

Please contact me for details about this ideal house set in idyllic West Tis!

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/

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

Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: A quiet retreat in West Tisbury

The good news about renting a house on Martha’s Vineyard is that no matter what your rental looks like, the outside is always gorgeous. But don’t worry because our rental houses can be almost if not as beautiful as the land and sea around them. Especially this stunning three bedroom house in West Tisbury.

Located on the south side of the island on Middle Point Cove across from Long Point Wildlife Refuge and Tisbury Great Pond, this house is very private and tranquil like most of West Tis. The views are unspoiled and view forest, pasture and incredible visions of the water. Water access right from the house lets you kayak from the property over to the South Shore.

But back to the inside. In traditional Vineyard beach house style, the interior is filled with warm wood, high ceilings and wood beams – making it a perfect urban escape. Huge windows let in tons of that Vineyard sunshine, and there’s plenty of room to spread out with a spacious livingroom, den and dining room. The open floor plan let’s you and your family or guests spend time together without being right on top of each other.

The kitchen is the place to be with cool ceramic tile floors, more exposed beams and open shelves, not to mention a peninsula counter with stools. This most important room in the house opens right out into the dining room and living room

No island house would be complete with out deck space! This beach house has a long first floor deck with plenty of chairs and a second floor deck of the master bedroom. In total, the house sleeps and eats. If you’re interested in more information about this house, or in renting it, give me a call or shoot me an email. We still have openings for August and the fall – and, of course, it’s smart to book for next year as soon as you can!

Martha’s Vineyard Artisan Festivals

The ‘Ag Hall’ West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard

One of the many things that makes Martha’s Vineyard so special is the sense of community. People here are supportive and really know how to pull together. And one of the places that we see this evidenced is with the Vineyard Artisans.

Mission Statement

Since 1995 the mission of the Vineyard Artisan Festivals is to promote Island Art & Craft. It is a link between the Island community and the Arts, providing an opportunity for both new and established Island artisans to show and sell their work.

There are so many things I love about that mission statement, but most of all, that the festivals are extended to established and new artists. Because just because you’re new to showing your work, or young, or changing careers does not mean that you aren’t amazingly talented – and I love that everyone gets the chance.

That said, the festivals are always phenomenal! Set up both outside and inside the Grange Hall (the big holiday shows are in the Ag Hall – pictured above!) in West Tisbury, artists set up their wares, talk to visitors and, generally just have a great time. The highlight from this weekend’s first show? Toddler beds that are the exact replicas of the Steamship ferry boats – with working lights and horn! Totally amazing by Bill Moore!

The festivals feature jewelry, wampum, clothing, paintings, photography, weaving, glass and more. Not to be missed!

Here is this 2009 schedule!

12th Annual Summer Festivals June Sundays, July Sundays, July Thursdays, August Sundays, August Thursdays, September Sundays Grange Hall, West Tisbury 10 -2 each day rain or shine with great food and free parking!

14th Annual Labor Day Festival Labor Day Weekend – September 5-6 Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury 10 – 5 each day

6th Annual Columbus Day Festival October 11. 10 – 4 pm Grange Hall, West Tisbury

13th Annual Thanksgiving Day Festival Thanksgiving Weekend – Nov. 27 – 28 Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury 10 – 4 each day

2nd Annual Holiday Festival December 12. 10 – 4 Grange Hall, West Tisbury Image courtesy of Slapjack

Finding Bliss: Yoga on Martha’s Vineyard

Long heralded as a health haven, the Vineyard has fresh air, locally grown food and TONS of yoga. With all we have to offer, you could rent a house and take yoga classes all day creating your very own island yoga retreat!

Here’s a sampling of yoga classes, teachers and styles around Martha’s Vineyard. Note: please check the local newspapers for class schedules!

Yoga Barn. Scarlet Jarrell was so in love and inspired by a barn she saw in Vermont that she had it taken apart and put back together in Chilmark (see the image above!). Scarlet Yoga offers a wide range of teachers and style throughout the week including Kripalu, Anusara, Vinyasa and Trance Dance. (908) 310-9133

Vineyard Complimentary Medicine (VCM) in West Tisbury offers a wide variety of classes and teachers including gentle, moderate and advanced.

Martha Abbott, Kripalu Yoga. Martha is a longtime Kripalu teacher and Kripalu is known for being a very heart-ful practice – embracing the needs of each individual student and paying special attention to the breath and compassion for the practice. Martha was a director of the Kripalu yoga teacher training and specializes in the art of movement. (508) 693-5364

Broga. Just like it sounds, this yoga class is for guys (and girls) who like a lot of arm work and strengthening. Every Saturday afternoon at the Island Cohousing Common House in West Tisbury. (774) 238-0176

Bikram & Hot Yoga. Get ready to sweat as you go through the classic Bikram flow at Vineyard Yoga in West Tisbury. (508) 696-7755

Power Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Yoga for Men. Some of the Vineyard’s best including Sheri Sidoti (Fly Yoga) offer these phenomenal classes at Rise Studio in Vineyard Haven. (774) 238-0176

The Yard. Famous for their dance performances, The Yard also offers yoga classes during the summer. Soak up serenity in this world renowned studio in Chilmark. (508) 645-9662

Many of the teachers on the island (Sherry Sidoti, MJ Bindu Delekta, Martha Abbott, Megan Grennan and more) offer private classes as well!

Don’t forget to check the local papers for correct times once you arrive on the island and NAMASTE!

Free WiFi on Martha’s Vineyard

Our hope, of course, is that you’ll come to the island and totally unplug. Things really do move slower around here, but we realize that it’s hard to disconnect completely sometimes. Luckily, many of our local cafes and such feature free WiFi. Here’s a list of some tops spots that are ‘connected’:

• Beetlebung Coffee House, Vineyard Haven, is close to the ferry and has both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Black Dog Cafe, Vineyard Haven, one of my favorite WiFi spots with big couches and overstuffed chairs as well as great coffee, baked goods and sandwiches.
• Mocha Mott’s, Vineyard Haven, classic coffee house right on Main Street, note: loud music.
• Espresso Love, Edgartown, with muffins so good even President Clinton couldn’t get enough of them, Espresso Love has indoor and outdoor seating, full bakery, lunch and dinner.
• Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown, one of the most beautiful hotels on the island, WiFi is available in the lobby, dining and hotel rooms.
• Offshore Ale Co., Oak Bluffs, good food and great entertainment right off of OB’s main strip.
• Steamship Authority Terminal, Vineyard Haven & Oak Bluffs, not only can you enjoy WiFi on the ferry, you can also use it in the terminal and in the standby line from your car!

Many of our rental houses have either wireless internet or cable hook-ups, just let me know if you have to have internet access…or if you’d rather not even be tempted!

Image courtesy of Jem

Village Spotlight: West Tisbury

Lambert’s Cove Sunset

Farmland, rolling hills and sweet beaches define West Tis, and it’s the only town that spans the island from the north coast to the south shoreline. Officially considered up-island, because of its size, the eastern edge borders the down island towns and doesn’t feel quite so far removed as Chilmark or Aquinnah. Still, the majority of West Tis is rural and forest filled – inviting you to get lost in the delights of the island.

Some things that you won’t want to miss:

West Tisbury Farmer’s Market. Every Saturday and Wednesday morning all summer, the farmers pick their best and bring it to the West Tis center for the market. Not only is their fresh seasonal produce, but you’ll also find baked goods, meat, jams, salsas, wool – and the best spring rolls ever!

The Artisan’s Festival. Vineyard artists including glass blowers, weavers, jewelry makers, clothing designers, painters, potters and more head to the Grange Hall every Thursday and Sunday for one of the best summer fairs around.

As you drive up State Road from Vineyard Haven, you’ll come upon a wonder strip of stores. At Glass Works, you can watch the fascinating art of blowing glass. Both Citrine and Banana’s Gallery have very cool women’s clothes that you won’t find anywhere else. Fiddlehead Farm has local and organic produce and incredible gourmet treats including the best smoked salmon and tuna ever. Coming soon, the owners of Oak Bluff’s popular restaurant, The Slice of Life, are about to open up a new restaurant in West Tisbury – very exciting.

And don’t forget the beaches! Lambert’s Cove is the town beach (sticker required) on the north side. It boasts calm waters and gorgeous sunsets. Almost across the street, you’ll find Seth’s Pond the perfect spot for little ones. Long Point Beach is on the ocean side and is part of the Trustees of the Reservation – so you do need to belong or pay a fee to enter. West Tisbury holds the island’s commercial airport and miles and miles of bike trails as well.

Of course, we have a wide variety of rental properties in West Tisbury as well. On the water, tucked in the woods, near town, in the middle of nowhere…just let me know what you’re looking for!

Image courtesy of petersbar

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