I just returned from my favorite place on earth, Martha's Vineyard. (Yes, on earth...)
A 45 minute ferry ride off the southeast coast of Massachusetts, this quaint 23-mile long island made up of 10 communities is a treasure trove of sun, sand and rich history. First settled in 1642, the typical year round population of about 15,000 swells to about 100,000 during the summer months.
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| Moshup Beach in Aquinnah |
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| The Lighthouse and Cliffs at Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head) |
My family typically rents a cottage in Oak Bluffs, the island's "epi-center" where the best entertainment, shopping, and dining can be found as well as beautiful beaches such as the Inkwell and State Beach.
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| The Inkwell in Oak Bluffs |
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| Circuit Avenue Shopping District in Oak Bluffs |
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| Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs |
Oak Bluffs is a summer vacation destination for the African-American middle class. There is a rich history of lumaniaries - past and present - from the worlds of politics, education, entertainment and literature who have spent time there. Senator Edward Brooks, Henry Louis Gates, Spike Lee, and Dorothy West have all been residents of the community. The Kennedys, the Clintons and the Obamas have vacationed in Chappaquaddick, Chilmark and Edgartown in Martha's Vineyard as well.
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Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven
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| Oak Bluffs Gazebo |
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| The Black Dog Bakery |
The thing I love most about the Vineyard (other than the beaches) is that passersby speak to one another. Its laid back energy is a welcomed respite from the NYC fast pace of life. The year-round residents do things on "Vineyard time," so much so that Oak Bluffs made Frommer's List of '10 Towns That Do Things Their Own Way.' It would be quite annoying if I weren't on vacation.
An interesting bit of trivia: Contrary to popular believe (because of the name) there are no wineries on Martha's Vineyard. The one and only winery closed in 2008. But there is plenty of seafood.
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| The Bite in Menemsha |
Until next summer...
Peace and Blessings,
Tammy
Photos courtesy of ElleDecor.com and Frommers.com.
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