60 years ago the Vineyard had a slightly different feel… it wasn’t yet known as a Presidential and celebrity retreat. President Obama will be making his annual visit shortly and we saw many many flags on display and some storefronts paying tributeto the occasion. While I will assume there had always been an influx of summer people, the extent of it now can be… frustrating. Weekend crowds in the towns of Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven and Edgartown make parking a nightmare at prime dining and shopping times, and beach parking or grocery shopping are an experience all it’s own. When I see the congestion and the rudeness and arrogance of some summer visitors, I feel sorry for the locals. Their towns are taken over and littered on, although they make their best efforts to be cordial and keep the place clean.
That being said, there is still much natural beauty on island as you head out onto the country roads and explore. There are working organic produce farms and wildflower fields, old fashioned air fields, riding stables, an alpaca farm, livestock farms that provide organic beef, pork, etc… and ofcourse the beautiful shoreline. Katama, West Tisbury, Chilmark, Menemsha and Aquinnah (Gay Head), while popular with tourists, are still mostly uncongested and retain their bucolic rural beauty.
K, M & M took a trail ride through the West Tisbury woods and fields thanks to Arrowhead Farm…
(photo above taken from internet)
Tomorrow.. Edgartown!