The Mr. and I took a three day hiatus to the island of Martha’s Vineyard – just a 2.5 hour drive and then 45 minute ferry ride is all it takes to get to one of my favorite places on earth. It’s also one of the favorite places on earth of some 100, 000 other people. So, while there’s still a lot of wild, rugged, natural beauty on island and you can get away from it all if you go to the right places, it’s also extremely peopley in summer months. We found a mid-week trip is easier to navigate. There are no traffic lights on island and no fast food joints (imagine that! ) … and people manage to be polite to one another most of the time, and survive on decent food.
I love the excited feeling of pulling up to the ferry docks, driving on to the Ferry and sitting on the deck as we make the brief crossing to the island. Like a kid again, and I wish for all of you that you get that giddy feeling now and then, it’s good for the soul.
This is the Island Home ferry – in this photo we’ve just driven off it (cars in bottom level) and are on the beach nextdoor at the famous Black Dog restaurant, waiting for the lunch at noon opening. We’ve made this a tradition, and a better fish and chips dish you’ll be hardpressed to find.
Of the six towns on the island, Edgartown is our favorite place to stay. The Harborside Inn is our go to for short stays – right on the water, amidst all the quaint shops and restaurants, it’s a convenient location in a great walking neighborhood. The flowers absolutely everywhere are stunning… there is one landscape company on island in charge of all the planters, and most early mornings you’ll see the crews out there deadheading and watering, sweeping up debri.
In July the hydrangea, roses and daylilies are in full bloom – just glorious.
I noticed a white poodle is the accessory most yacht owners carry on and off boat with them. Many of those poodles have strollers if their owner is strolling around town. The poodle on this boat has a very good life, dining nightly with his/her owners on the upper deck, strolling up main street in the cool morning air, while the crew hoses the decks and squeegees the windows.
Flowers and american flags everywhere… the island patriotism is clear and present.
Below is a giant Linden tree – this photo does not do it’s size justice –
Edgartown Light – a favorite spot….
So photogenic, a great place to catch the morning sunrise or
evening breezes after a hearty meal.
And hearty meals were aplenty (ahem)
Katama airfield – the Right Fork Diner – fantastic, healthy choice foods…
If you’re on island, I highly recommend the experience.
The farm institute is just down the road..
We made our traditional trek through…
admiring the gardens and fields full of cows.
There are many beaches around the island – our favorites are the kid friendly
State beach that also includes the Jaws Bridge.. .
(I made the jump in my 51st year)
Gay Head, Moshup Beach (Aquinnah) … which we didn’t visit this year..
And South Beach, which can be wild at times…
The water here in the Atlantic Ocean is so clean and powerful. The hues are navy and sea blue-green. So refreshing ,too.
Funny thing – If you’re a jeeper you know all about the Jeep wave (or peace sign). Most jeepers are wavers. I’m a waver myself – I believe in upholding the tradition – which started when the original jeepers – GP-ers (general purpose vehicle) army folk used these vehicles in their operations. When they passed each other, they waved as a sign of camaraderie. For whatever the reason, on Martha’s Vineyard, no one waves. I mean NO ONE. Yet once you cross the ferry back to the mainland, the waves begin again. So bizarre. I thought about it. And I’ve come up with this. There are many many Jeeps available for rent on the island because you can take them offroading on some of the beaches and tourists think that’s way cool. Perhaps the tourists who don’t normally drive a Jeep aren’t aware of the Jeep tradition, and so they don’t wave or peace out. Perhaps the real jeepers who live on island have gotten so tired of being snubbed, they don’t bother anymore.
I waved anyway… I think jeep rental places should put a sign on the dash explaining the tradition. Some thingsshould be upheld, ya know?
My Jeep still carries the sand from our adventures this week, I think I’ll leave it there.
Heading home on the Governor… a smaller freight ferry.
More Vineyard posts HERE .
Till soon, Friends – I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.
