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 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 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/

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!