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!

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.

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.

Chris Velan

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 kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter and cooler…and it’s hard not to start dreaming about next summer on the Vineyard! Don’t worry, I don’t think you’re crazy, I think you’re very, very smart because planning for a fantastic 2010 summer on the Vineyard really does need to start now!

Here’s my checklist to keep you fully on top of things:

1. If you want the house of your rental dreams, book it now! The fall is actually our busiest booking time as folks scramble for primo houses. Our inventory is huge, our site has been updated and is beautiful, and we get new listings every day!

2. Make plans with friends and family as soon as possible. It’s much easier to plan a vacation for two, or even a family of five (who all do exactly what you tell them because three of them are kids!), than it is to plan for your extended family or groups of friends. The sooner you all get your schedules set, the less stress you’ll have. No one should have their summer planned yet – so you’ll be asking them to commit before you have to dance around everyone else’s commitments.

3. Ferry reservations. Yes, I know you can’t actually book your ferry reservations until February, but let me remind you how much less stressful it will be to plan the times you would like to sail (and sync them up with any other travel you need to do to get here) when you aren’t under the gun of opening day on the Steamships Advanced Reservations Line!! I recommend that you plan it out on paper and clip it to your February calendar. On the big day, just go online and book those tickets!

4. Same with the plane. You can book your plane reservations now and they do fill up! Also, unlike the ferry, airline fares are cheaper if purchased in advance.

5. If you’re really eager, create a list of all of the things you love doing on the island – include beaches to visit, restaurants, festivals and stores. This can be especially fun with the whole family as you reflect on the summer of ’09 and get ready for the summer of ’10. Then make a big calendar and start jotting down activities you don’t want to miss. You can even decorate it with pics from summers past. When the snow starts to fall, this beautiful calendar and homage to Martha’s Vineyard will be sure to warm you up…

Any other questions, concerns, delightful memories to share? Don’t hesitate to ask me!

Image credit: WillPosh

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!

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!

The front porch is covered and the back deck is perfect for lazing around in the sun. And the colors, art and furniture of the house compliments the Victorian stylings with a classic Vineyard look. The property also includes an historic barn and a two bedroom guest house which is also available for rent, but not included. The surrounding land is perfect for evening strolls or a pick-up Frisbee game before dinner – a wonderful place for children to run around and enjoy the glorious Vineyard sea air!

The inside of the house is just as glorious as the outside with open, bright colors, clean lines and all the nooks and crannies that Victorian’s offer. The circular turret and the bump outs allow for cozy spots within and gorgeous architecture from without.

Important to note: The entire first floor is wheelchair accessible and includes a first floor king/double-twin bedroom and a fully wheelchair accessible bathroom.

I look forward to booking this house for you! Contact me for details on this or any of our properties here.

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/