Martha's Vineyard Blog

Martha’s Vineyard- an Accessible Island

This week is the 20^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  I believe the act has opened doors for all of us since its inception in 1990; not only the disabled.  Even on a small island such as Martha’s Vineyard, our community is becoming “richer” as more doors are opening for everyone.  The mainstreaming of the disabled into our society is a gift, as our children not only learn acceptance of differences, but develop compassion, comfort and appreciation for those of varying abilities.  

Martha’s Vineyard has a reputation with some as being an “elitist” playground of the rich.  I believe this is an unearned criticism by folks that have never been here or just don’t know it well.   What I see is a diverse community and a variety of people coming to the island throughout the year to enjoy all that this beautiful resort has to offer.  Visitors and “Islanders” of all different ages, abilities, and income levels share this space and (for the most part) manage to get along; and yes, appreciate each other’s differences. 

In writing about disabilities and acceptance, I have to mention one of the most well-loved summer institutions on Martha’s Vineyard -- Camp Jabberwocky.  If you have seen a 4^th of July parade on the Island, you will be familiar with them.   The enthusiasm and joy for life of the campers and volunteer staff is an inspiration!   Camp Jabberwocky is the oldest running sleepover camp for people with disabilities in the United States.  Started 55 years ago as a Cerebral Palsy Camp, Camp Jabberwocky now welcomes 100 children and adults of varying disabilities to Martha’s Vineyard every summer. And the Vineyard community looks forward to welcoming them!  Another loved “institution” that is active in the disabled community is Chilmark Chocolates.  They have an amazingly delicious product and employ many disabled adults year round.  If you have never sampled their product, you really should!

As an interesting aside, embracing people with disabilities is a long standing tradition on Martha’s Vineyard.  During the late 17^th to early 20^th centuries, the majority of the inhabitants of Chilmark (“up-island” on Martha’s Vineyard) all knew sign language because of the large number of community members that were hearing impaired.  According to historical accounts, the hearing impaired members were not seen as disabled because everyone knew sign language and could therefore communicate with each other.   Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language later merged with some others to become what is now American Sign Language.

As a hotel operator for the past 25 years, I have lived through some of the operational challenges to businesses since the ADA was first rolled out.  Trying to figure out how to retro fit old buildings with ramps and widen doorways to accommodate wheelchairs was just the beginning…  Did you ever wonder how to get a wheelchair onto the beach?  Several of our beaches now have board walkways to make them accessible to wheelchairs.  Small communities with older buildings and narrow streets will continue to have accessibility challenges as needed improvements persist; but much progress has been made in the past 20 years, which has benefited all of us.  I hope in the next 20 years all of our communities will evolve into what Chilmark used to be; and no one will be seen as disabled!  Do you have a memory of the ADA creation or the way it has affected you or your time on Martha’s Vineyard?

Unusual Martha's Vineyard Pastimes

So many of our friends and repeat guests already know so much about Martha's Vineyard, that I sometimes find when I’m wearing my concierge hat, that it’s difficult to come up with new suggestions for them. The beaches, nature walks, author’s talks, concerts, theater, etc. run off my tongue with ease, and they are always good things to do again and again.

 

But what about some of the more unusual activities on the island? Did you know, for example, that on Mondays and Thursdays you can play Table Tennis at the West Tisbury School? It all happens between 6:30 and 9 PM, is for all levels, and instruction is available.

 

A little less strenuous is Duplicate Bridge every Tuesday at Stone Church in Vineyard Haven.

 

For those who prefer to be outdoors, try Croquet at 9 AM behind the Edgartown School on Saturdays. Lessons for those who wish to perfect their skills here too.

 

On Fridays and Saturdays, from 8:30 AM until 4PM, join the volunteer builders at Habitat for Humanity. No need for lessons for this one, as no experience is necessary, only a generous spirit.

 

Are you so happy to be away from the city that you have an overpowering desire to get your hands in the soil? On Fridays, go to the Farm Institute in Edgartown for Farmers-In-Training. It’s from 3:30 to 5:30, for ages 11 and up, and requires pre-registration.

 

So the next time you’re spending time with us, instead of riding your bike to whichever lighthouse or beach destination, consider some of the more diverse activities our great island has to offer.

Kayaking adventures on Martha's Vineyard

My family has been vacationing on Martha's Vineyard for so long, it seems as if we've done all there is to do and seen all there is to see.  This summer we put that myth to rest. 

 

For an island of only 87 square miles, the Vineyard is home to an amazing variety of landscapes, living spaces, and ecosystems.  At my wife's suggestion, we went exploring via kayak one such area we had never set eyes on before: Long Point Wildlife Refuge.

 

Long Point is managed by The Trustees of Reservations. The Trustees manage dozens of spectacular properties all over Massachusetts.  Long Point is one of several on the Vineyard.  For a reasonable fee (especially for those who are members of the Trustees) we joined a kayak tour with several other people to explore this Undiscovered (to us) Country.

 

Our two hour voyage took place on Tisbury Great Pond, located on the south coast of the island.  Our group was led by a young man named Guillermo.  He was personable, knowledgeable, helpful, and more than patient with those of us who were kayak-challenged. 

 

The only negative aspect of the trip turned out to be a benefit of sorts.  Our entire tour took place under the cloak of a fog that made anything more than fifty feet away look otherworldly and those over one hundred feet mere objects of our imagination.  It was a real impetus to stay as close as possible to Guillermo's lead kayak. 

 

Though we could not see the sights that were distant in that near dream world, we could see the birds and sea life that were nearby, and there was plenty of that.  We also learned a lot about the earliest native inhabitants of the area.  The blessing of the fog was that we were protected from a hot sun that we knew was somewhere beyond the misty shroud.  The exertion of paddling kept us plenty warm.

 

At one point we disembarked on the narrow beach that separates the pond from the ocean.  With the serene pond on one side and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic on the other, all lit by the ethereal glow of daylight in disguise, our intrepid band was energized and moved.

 

While the trip was a first for us, it will not be the last.  I want to go back to see what was beyond the fog!  We were also inspired to explore other unfamiliar Island locales. I doubt we will ever exhaust the possibilities of our vacation home.

 

Making Martha’s Vineyard Vacations Safe & Fun, Part II

The new Martha’s Vineyard Hospital opened last month, with the space to double it’s capacity.  Some people speculate that this was necessary purely due to the transportation related accidents that grace the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital’s emergency room every season…  please don’t be one of the statistics!  Read on to be aware and safe, and if you missed our prior article on general vacation safety, please check it out.

Pedestrian Safety – Do you remember being taught to look both ways before crossing the street?  I am fairly certain that it is a safety concept still being taught today, but it is not regularly practiced in the downtown areas of Martha's Vineyard.  I mention this not to embarrass anyone, because we can all be distracted…  did you just hear that horn beep?  WHAT is that man wearing?!…   Oh, sorry, where was I?  Oh yes, I was mentioning this so that if you happen to be driving on Martha’s Vineyard, you won’t ASSUME that the basic safety rules are being followed by the pedestrians.  Please go extra slowly when driving through our towns, and don’t assume that everyone will wait for a crosswalk before walking in front of your car…  

If you are a pedestrian, please follow these simple but important guidelines:

• Look both ways before crossing the streets and use cross walks whenever possible.
• Be aware of cars in downtown areas.  Even though everyone else is walking down the middle of the street, it is probably not closed to traffic.
• Stay to the right on bicycle paths.
• Do not come from behind a car, and cross in front of it unless you know that the driver has seen you.

Bicycle Safety – Martha’s Vineyard has miles of lovely bike paths to explore, all over the island; but the roads are narrow, with sandy and narrow shoulders… and similar to elsewhere, many of the drivers are extremely impatient in the summer.  Be careful!  Remember these basic safety rules to ensure that your visit is accident free.

• Always use a bike path when one is available.
• When biking on the road, always ride with traffic.
• On the multi-use paths, stay to the right and announce yourself when passing on the left.
• Use caution when crossing in front of driveways or across roads – don’t assume that drivers see you, even if you have the right of way.
• Don’t forget to wear a helmet!

Mopeds – Every year there are several serious moped accidents on Martha’s Vineyard.  Regardless of the moped driver’s skill level, there are many impatient “city drivers” on our roads in the summer.  This doesn’t bode well for a slow moped on a 2 lane road, with a sandy and narrow shoulder.  If you need a way to see the entire island, consider taking an island tour.  It has the added benefit of a historical narrative being included, along with being able to see most of the island (minus the tour of the new Martha’s Vineyard Hospital accident room).  We also have an excellent public transportation system if you would like to explore the island independently.

What’s your favorite mode of transportation when exploring the area?  Do you have any examples of distracted visitors to share for our general safety awareness?

Martha's Vineyard Memorial Weekend plans

So here it comes again - the official kick off for the summer on Martha's Vineyard - Memorial Day weekend.  If you believe what "they" say, we can now wear our white clothes and sandals with pride as we enter what promises to be another fun filled summer season.

It is already shaping up to be a busy weekend with lots of great events going on.  If you enjoy browsing the many wonderful galleries the Island has to offer, then you are in luck - a number of galleries are having shows to kick off the season.  The Eisenhauer Gallery here at the Colonial Inn will be featuring some new artists at their show on Saturday evening. As an extra treat favorite Island band, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish will be playing at the show, so stop by, say hi and get your groove on!

Up-Island, both the Grange Hall and the New Ag Hall are hosts to much anticipated annual shows. The Grange Hall plays host the 12th Annual Vineyard Artisans Memorial Day Show on Saturday and Sunday.  This is the kick off to the Vineyard Artisans summer season which sees them at the same location every Sunday in June and Thursdays and Sundays in July and August.  This show features arts, crafts and jewelry from many renowned local artists. 

The New Ag Hall is hosting the Friends of Family Planning's annual art show.  If you are in town early and would like to support this cause, their Gala Preview Party is on Thursday evening.  The show itself runs Friday to Sunday from 10-6.

If you get to Martha's Vineyard early enough on Friday you can see a touching tribute to the holiday and a great reminder as to why many of you have the day off work on Monday.  The March to the Sea by the children of Tisbury school is a lovely tribute to the memory of all of those we have lost.  See the kids, waving their flags as they march from Tisbury School to Owen Park starting at noon.

This is just a sampling of the many fun and interesting events that are going on, not to mention all the new stores opening, old stores re-opening, restaurants old and new and much more besides.

How will you be spending your holiday weekend?

 

Photo Credit; US Army

Ferry 'cross the Vineyard Sound

Probably one of the least romanticized aspects of Martha’s Vineyard is the Steamship Authority's ferry service.  It's old.  It's stodgy.  It's even smelly on occasion.  People may make disparaging comments about the boats or the service or the crowds, but I'll have none of it.  Think of me what you will, but I like the ferry.  It's the people's option.

The best part about taking the ferry is the separation that it provides from the land-locked life.  When I'm riding on the ferry, traversing Vineyard Sound to the Island, I can feel the anxiety and stress falling from me as if an oversized knapsack has been loosed from my back after a long, arduous hike.  As I anticipate a stay on the Island, my shoulders seem to rise an inch or two from the sheer relief of burdens picked up on the mainland.  I need that time of adjustment.

If there were a bridge or tunnel to the Vineyard, as some souvenir car stickers would have you believe, I would still take the boat.  I like the physical and emotional transition that it affords.  That's why, when taking the car on the ferry, it's best to get out and spend the crossing time topside.  Getting into the car and not getting out until you are on the Island has the same effect as driving over a bridge.  You just don't get the break you need to start a real vacation.

Today there are two primary steamships making the voyage from Woods Hole, my preferred point of departure: the three-year-old “M/V Island Home” and the venerable (by comparison) “M/V Martha's Vineyard”.  (There is also a set of freighter ships, but I prefer to stay with the passenger vessels.  Even I have my limits!)  My preference is for the bi-directional newer ship.  It doesn't need to turn around upon MV arrival as the older boat does.  Thus, I can set my feet on Island soil that much sooner.

The Steamship is reliable and consistent.  It runs year round and only the harshest of weather keeps it from its appointed rounds.  Its persistence accounts for some exciting happenings.  I recall a particularly rough crossing, during which one courageous soul insisted on sitting on the outside deck of the ferry.  As he sat alone  (no one else was foolhardy enough to venture outside on this passage) reading his newspaper, a rogue wave came over the front of the ship, engulfing him in bone-chilling salt water.  He came back inside, humbled, wiser, and soaked to the marrow.

I don't mean to disparage the obvious benefits of the alternative means of transport.  The “Island Queen”, a passenger-only vessel that takes its patrons from Falmouth Harbor to Oak Bluffs Harbor, is fast and convenient, with far less hectic departures and arrivals.  From the other side of Falmouth Harbor, the quaint “Pied Piper” will drop you off right in downtown Edgartown.  (How cool is that?)  I won't touch on the relative merits of the air routes to the Vineyard.  That discussion is left for the more affluent among us.

All things considered, however, I prefer the pace, tradition, and yes, the price of the Steamship Authority option.  Truth be told, anything that gets me to the Vineyard is appreciated!  In this case, because of the delights of the destination, getting there is not nearly half the fun!

Vineyard Spring Spruce Up!

Hello to friends of the Colonial Inn and Martha’s Vineyard. I’m happy to be back at work and in the loop after a quiet winter away from everyone. The Vineyard is bustling with spring activity. All of the busy little worker ants are scurrying about getting the island ready for our 2010 visitors. Restaurants and stores are opening their doors at record speed. As usual, you will find much the same, as well as some changes.

To follow up on the island doings I discussed in my last blog, let me start with the bridges along State Beach between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. As I mentioned then, they will be only half finished for this upcoming season, but you will certainly be impressed with the progress. From what I can tell, as I peek through all the work equipment as I drive by, both bridges will now arch a bit in the center, making the jump from Big Bridge a bit more challenging for all you aquatic daredevils. The railing is now going up, and it is an architectural delight.

Another work of art awaits you at the dock in Oak Bluffs. The new ferry terminal accomplishes what few new structures can. It is not only stunning and functional, but looks like it belongs to the scenery it inhabits. In addition to the impressive new building itself, the walkway down the Steamship Authority terminal dock is now much sturdier and completely covered to protect you when you happen to arrive on one of our infrequent stormy days. Just across the street, new road construction will keep the traffic flowing far better than ever before.

On the way into Vineyard Haven, check out our fantastic new hospital. Don’t hesitate to stop in and visit the long awaited, state of the art facility. Travelling on, you’ll find the now completed, temporary Lagoon drawbridge. The old bridge has finally disappeared into thin air, or at least to some salvage yard, and the area is greatly improved. The only thing you might find disconcerting is that there is now a bend in the road as you both approach and leave the bridge. Take special heed of this especially if you are dining in Vineyard Haven, whose residents have just agreed to allow beer and wine sales in restaurants. (That’s right folks. No more BYOB!) After all, we would hate to see you miss the curve and end up several feet beyond in the new hospital.

All in all, the Vineyard is mightily spruced up and waiting for you. Come see us soon.

Photos Credit: cdsessums

Making Martha’s Vineyard Vacations Safe & Fun

Over the past 17 years that I have been on the Vineyard, I have repeatedly been astounded at least once or twice every season by the carelessness of a visitor.  I don’t think that this is a unique phenomenon to Martha’s Vineyard, but is common in vacation destinations around the world.  I used to work with a Director of Security who gave a unique introduction of the island to our new hires each year:  “This is not Fantasy Island” he would warn (remember that show?!), and he had a point.  Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful and relatively safe, relaxed community; but it is not advisable (anywhere!) to completely let your guard down and assume that anything goes because you are on vacation.  For example, it is not a good idea to allow your six year old to wander down the street (or into it), without you while you window shop.  OK, I know that’s an extreme example, but I’ve seen it happen… 

Safety and security are awkward topics for me as a hotelier to address, because someone might wrongly extrapolate from this that Martha’s Vineyard is not a safe place to visit.  I care about the experience that all of our guests have, however, and want everyone’s memories of Martha’s Vineyard to be positive.  If a few safety reminders can ensure that your vacation is safe and accident free, I will take my chances here.  Of course, if you are reading this, you are probably not one of those “careless visitors”; but please read on so that “the carless ones” do not take you unaware.

General security – Although the island is relatively safe, remember that ANYONE can come across on the boat.  We don’t screen out the ones with criminal records…  Similar to any vacation destination, you should remember to:

• Shut your room door all the way, and bolt it at night
• Do not give your room number out to strangers (or friends in front of strangers)
• Lock cars and bicycles when not in use
• Do not leave valuables in your car, or your room
• Use a safe deposit box to store valuables
• Don’t leave valuables on your beach blanket when you go for a walk or swim
• Don’t allow young children to wander off because it’s a safe place (they can still step in front of a car with a distracted driver).

 General safety – During the summer the two most common obstacles to our summer fun are the sun (we love to see it, but getting too much is never a good time!) and ticks.  Similar to the rest of the northeastern seaboard, Martha’s Vineyard has a healthy three season tick population of which everyone should be aware.  Please keep the following tips in mind this summer:

• Wear sunscreen, and reapply regularly
• Don’t forget hats, long sleeve shirts, etc. to block the sun when you’ve had too much, so you can stay outside.
• Check for ticks after being out in fields or at the beach
• If possible when hiking, wear long pants, long sleeves, and tuck pants in socks (a real fashion statement!)
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated

Everyone is familiar with the hazards of over exposure to the sun (so don’t do it – you could miss out on days of your vacation); but for more information on tick bourn disease prevention, you can refer to the Martha’s Vineyard Lyme Disease Association website.

I know that all of this seems like common sense, so thank you for bearing with me.  No one needs to be paranoid about safety in this beautiful island community, but it is advisable to just be aware.  The most alarming lack of safety awareness that I have seen, however, is summarized under the transportation category…   another post in and of itself, so please watch this space.   

So what are your safety tips when travelling?  Keep in mind, you can always drink the water here on Martha’s Vineyard!  Although… I don’t really recommend it if you are swimming.  It’s a bit salty!

Outdoor Martha's Vineyard!

As I write this I am looking out on a beautifully sunny spring day - I know we are all harping on about how nice spring on Martha's Vineyard is this year but please understand - we don't get this beautiful spring weather every year!  I'm glad it is here though, as there are lots of great outdoor events going on this weekend that I'm sure you'll want to get involved in if you are on Island.

First off there is the Work for Wildlife Volunteer Day at Felix Neck Sanctuary.  If you are a regular reader of our blog, you have already heard a little about this beautiful Mass Audubon property in Edgartown.  This Saturday, from 9 til noon, gives everyone an opportunity to help maintain this wonderful 250 acre sanctuary by helping with the butterfly gardens. There will be benches to be built, weeding and clearing to be done and other tasks to be assigned - dress appropriately and roll up your sleeves for the hardwork!

Once you have given up some sweat for a good cause, head on up Edgartown - Vineyard Haven Road to The Island Alpaca Farm for their annual Sheering Day and Open House.  Check out these amazing animals and learn about this beautiful herd. As well as watching the sheering, there will be lots of other activites for all ages and don't forget to check out the farm store for yarns and knit items produced from last years fleece.

I think any Island outdoor day should be topped off with a picnic dinner and sunset. There are lots of great food options - you have already heard some of our favorites here, here, here, here and here. Then it's a 'where to see sunset?' decision. The beauty of this time of year (and I might get in trouble for this tip but here goes), is all of those 'town' beaches that you can't enjoy in the summer because you don't have the right sticker on your car window.  Well, there's no one there to check the stickers just now so head up Island and check out some of those very special spots.  Lucy Vincent and  Lobsterville are 2 of my favorites but don't forget about Lamberts Cove beach (and it's much closer to the 'down Island' towns) for a spectacular sunset. Then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy some more of the beauty of Nature on Martha's Vineyard.

What are you doing this weekend?

 

Photo Credits:

Painted Lady by Olibac

Orino Alpaca by Cliff 1066

Sunset by Joanne Sardini :)

 

 

Spring Arrives on Martha's Vineyard

I walked out of my house the other day and my daughter said “It smells like spring!”  She was right… spring has arrived and it’s amusing to see the excitement that a sunny day can bring to our Martha’s Vineyard community after a long, cold and gray winter.  The enthusiasm in the air is contagious!  Personally, being a southerner by upbringing, my joy is unmatched to once again feel the sun’s warmth.  Having lived in New England for more years than I need to share, I have learned that I can't watch the calendar and hold my breath for this annual occurrence.  Some years we experience the joy of warming weather and burgeoning spring blossoms in March, and other years we seem to skip spring entirely and blast right into summer in late June.

Thankfully, this year seems to be following the first path and we are all relishing the early emergence of this celebrated season.  What does one do on the island in spring?  Ahhhh, I was hoping you would ask!  The answers are as varied as the population, but here are some family friendly highlights:

My family’s favorite spring ritual is to head to South Beach to “chase waves”.  This is a spring tradition because it is too cold and windy in the winter when the kids inevitably get wet (my 8 year old usually ends up looking like he has been swimming…) I usually find very few other people on the beach in the spring, and having an expanse of beach and ocean all to yourself is a very peaceful feeling…  as long as you cant hear my kids yelling at the waves!  I also appreciate the spring at South Beach because the kids (other than the 8 year old) are not tempted to go swimming.  The surf and current can be very strong, so I avoid South Beach for the warmer, swimming expeditions; but for wave chasing, it’s perfect!

One sign of spring that may be unique for Martha’s Vineyard is the much anticipated opening of Edgartown’s Dairy Queen.  This year’s opening day saw a line wrapped around the porch and into the parking lot!  I personally do not think it is the quality of their soft serve that draws this kind of crowd (although it’s yummy).  It may be the general absence of fast food or chain stores on the island, or the fact that they were closed all winter.  The Dairy Queen is one of the first seasonal operations to reopen, and it is a sure sign of spring!  Being a crank in crowds, I avoid “opening day”, but we did make our first obligatory spring pilgrimage to Martha’s Vineyard’s Dairy Queen the following weekend.  Although there was a little chill in the air, we ate our ice cream at their picnic tables in the sunshine, and enjoyed every minute of it!

Another anticipated spring opening is the Flying Horse Carousel.  My children are getting older, but I think a visit to the Carousel will continue to be an annual spring tradition until they have kids of their own to put on those beautiful antique horses!  This year the Flying Horses opened on Easter weekend for weekends, and will be open all week during the April school vacation week April 19-23.   As I confessed earlier that I try to avoid crowds, you can probably guess why I like to visit the Flying Horses in the spring.  A spring visit usually buys me a "pass" with the kids during the more popular summer months…  I always have a strategy!

A pilgrimage to Felix Neck is another spring tradition.  Felix Neck is an Audubon Sanctuary and open year round; but as I am a wimp in the cold  Southerner at heart, I tend to avoid outdoor activities in January and February.  Spring is a great time to explore their four miles of nature trails and look for signs of new life.  Along the way, some of us enjoy the impressive views of woodlands, meadows, and ponds, as well as the salt marsh and barrier beach.  I say some of us, because my 8 year old doesn’t slow down from chasing wildlife long enough to enjoy the scenery.  But everyone enjoys the peace after he is worn out!  I am sure that some of the other parents out there can relate!  The Nature Center and Discovery Room at Felix Neck is also worth a visit.  They now have an “owl cam” to see barn owls nesting in their barn dormer.

If that’s not enough reasons to come for a visit this spring, The Colonial Inn is offering really attractive spring rates that are sure to convince you that you shouldn't wait to come explore Martha’s Vineyard!  What are your favorite spring time traditions?  I’d love to hear your ideas and hope to see you spending some fun family time on Martha’s Vineyard soon!

Photo by Noahg