Posted by CJ Rivard on Tue, Aug 17, 2010
Have the kids not come up with a theme for “What I Did on my Summer Vacation”, or are you just not up to another day at the beach? The Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust, in partnership with the Martha's Vineyard Museum, have come up with a solution to not only these dilemmas, but many others as well. Grab the family or a friend, buy a $15 ticket for entrance to their Edgartown properties, and spend an educational and fun day soaking in some of Martha's Vineyard’s past and present.
The pass will get you into The Martha’s Vineyard Museum, where you could easily spend the entire day making your way through the historical objects, documents, books, photographs, paintings and exhibits.
You can also enjoy The Old Whaling Church on Main Street. It is a magnificent Greek Revival structure, originally built for the Methodist whaling captains and which now serves a perfect venue for weddings, concerts, and lectures.
Next to the church, stop in at The Dr. Daniel Fisher House, an elegant1840 Federal style residence, now used for private parties, and many of the receptions for the church’s weddings.
Stroll through the manicured, vast grounds back to The Vincent House, the Island’s oldest residence, which has been restored to its original beauty with period antiques that represent life on Martha’s Vineyard during the last four centuries.
Now make your way to the harbor and peruse the exquisite art of Island artists at The Old Sculpin Gallery, which is also a museum and historic property. In other lives it has been a sail loft, a grain store, a whale oil factory, and a boat builder’s shed. Sounds like a haven for interesting and talented ghosts to me!
Finish your tour by following the harbor down North Water Street, past all the stately old whaling captain’s homes, to The Edgartown Lighthouse, built in 1881 to safely guide the whalers back home. It’s a delightfully peaceful spot to end and reflect on your new appreciation of Martha’s Vineyard history and lore.
Editor's Note: The Colonial Inn is offerring a Martha's Vineyard History Package for fall that combines all of the above with 2 nights room accomodations for 2, continental breakfast, and a 2 1/2 hour narrated bus tour of the entire island. It's a great value!
Posted by CJ Rivard on Thu, Jul 22, 2010
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.
Image courtesy of Zempenfish.
Posted by Lane Gregory on Sun, May 09, 2010
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
Posted by Lane Gregory on Fri, Jan 22, 2010
Perhaps the most frequent question posed to island people is, "What do you do in the winter?". I get the feeling that many of our summer friends have a vision of a big, domed platter cover coming down from the sky to envelop Vineyard while the locals hibernate from New Years Day until Memorial Day Weekend. Ah, not so. Entertainment is at a minimum, but far from non-existent. It's just that we have a lot more of everything in the summer.
But I'm getting off track here. Mostly, what we're doing here in the winter, is getting ready for the return of all our off Island friends in the Spring! A summer resort takes a huge amount of maintenance! The biggest projects this year are our bridges! I'm sure you have all watched the slow progress of the building of the temporary Lagoon Bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Well, it finally opened this month! It took two barges to being over the new drawbridge section AND the incredible crane that put it in its place. Now the old bridge is being cut up into sections and taken away the same way. The temporary bridge is such an impressive structure, it's hard to believe that it too must eventually meet the same demise. By the time you return this year, the new permanent bridge will be well underway.
Moving along to the other side of Oak Bluffs...Watching the progress on Little Bridge and Big Bridge (as they are affectionately known), along the Beach Road to Edgartown, is an education in engineering in itself. If you were one of the lucky ones who had your 2009 visit spill over into the beautiful fall, you watched as the mobile traffic lights were erected and both bridges lost their ocean side lanes. Since then the rebuilding has begun, with barges, cranes and equipment I've never seen before. Talk about a feat of engineering? How do those four story cranes withstand the gale winds that have been blowing across the pond? And while I'm at it, I'd like to applaud the work crews and traffic cops battling the same winds and storms, sometimes so concealed under thick winter clothing that all you can see is a slit of their sunglass covered eyes. But progress is what they are making, and I'm sure by the summer, all kids (young and old), will be jumping off the newly rebuilt Big Bridge. And when they leave in September, the traffic lights, cranes and construction crews will return to perform the same magic on the pond side of the road next winter.
Going back into Oak Bluffs Center, its east to get distracted, as there's no more Steamship Authority ferry terminal. There again, all you see are large cranes, some very strange looking, large vehicles, and a pile of humongous boulders. Yes, we are finally going to get a new terminal. But not without complications. It seems the old foundation has massive cracks in it, so instead of building the new building structure on it as originally planned, it will have to be replaced too. Why does everything end up costing more? (It's the same at my house!) But things are taking shape. If you can see between all the equipment smothering the dock, you can make out shiny new railings. All should be pretty spiffy for the 2010 season.
And last but not least, lets not forget two major construction projects coming to an end soon and both adding huge new services to the Island - the brand new YMCA and the shiny new, state of the art hospital, both opening this spring. The hospital opening was supposed to have been in February, but due to some faulty flooring adhesive, it has been moved back until April. Details. details. But not to worry, you will have a state-of-the-art facility to bring your skinned knees and sunburns to this summer.
So, you see, life hardly stops on the Island when the days get shorter. In fact, there is quite an impressive flurry of activity. And what does all of this winter maintenance say to you? I sincerely hope the message is that we really care for and about our summer family and want to offer you the very best when you return to us!!
Posted by Lane Gregory on Thu, Nov 05, 2009
Grass by Sporkist
Fall is the opposite of spring. Nowhere have I seen the contrast of the two as obvious as on Martha’s Vineyard. In April, we see a world coming slowly and ambitiously to life. I’m not just talking about the overnight sensation of your brown lawn suddenly showing little patches of lime green. I liken what happens here to ants coming back out of the ground. Suddenly, workmen on ladders are taking plywood down from windows and sprucing up storefronts, and shopkeepers are dusting and sweeping and carting in new merchandise. Seasonal homeowners, fed up with winter, venture back to open up musty houses in hopes that it will hasten the advent of summer. And if we’re lucky enough to get some sunny weekends, brave souls in shorts, but still wearing layers of sweatshirts, descend on the towns to get a jump on the new season. Those of us who live here have fun taking note of the local merchants who move to new venues, thinking the change will bring them a better season than the last. The most positive sign that things are on the upswing is the first time the ferry pulls into Oak Bluffs since last fall. Hope is definitely in the air.
Ah, but I am a fall person. I’ve never bought the theory that it’s a time when everything dies or goes to sleep. There’s a tingle in the air that makes this time of year at least as promising as spring. If you’ve read my previous blogs, you know how I feel about the colors of fall, the long shadows, and the unique quality of the light of October and November. Driving my daily commute from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown, I can barely keep my eyes on the road the marsh grasses on the pond are such a delicious palette of ochres, rusts, greens, and lavenders. And the road, as it takes you toward the Triangle is dappled with sunlight filtering through the tunnel of the tree limbs overhead. You have to beware of deer, fooled by the autumn light into thinking it’s evening, running out in front of you here.
The whole experience is spring in reverse. One by one, we watch the seasonal stores and restaurants locking their doors and posting, “Thank you for a great season” signs in their windows. Now is the time to take advantage of fabulous sales. No department stores with specially brought in sale merchandise here. What you get is dramatically marked down prices on all the unique items you were eyeing in August. Bring your holiday gift list.
You’ll find that activities and entertainment don’t disappear when we roll up the beaches. In fact, there is no better time than an autumn day for a long walk on a beach that was closed to all but town residents in the summer. We still have theater right through the holidays. We have concerts and dance parties, complete with pre-party lessons. Nature walks and kayaking are breathtaking events. Restaurants have specials and two-for-one nights (more on those specials soon). And local bay scallops are in season!
Where we island people made note of location changes in the spring, we now take joy in counting the restaurants that are staying open for the off season. This year, there are several special new ones; State Road in West Tisbury, Deon’s in Oak Bluffs, The Atlantic in Edgartown, and The Mediterranean in its new Oak Bluffs location. Come enjoy dining with the locals who venture out to dine after the throngs have dispersed. You’ll find some of us may be a bit quirky, but in general, we’re a very nice lot and enjoy talking to the visitors who, like us, appreciate our island at this special time of year.
Posted by Lane Gregory on Tue, Sep 22, 2009
Okay, art enthusiasts, now that we’ve exhausted Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, let’s move westward to Vineyard Haven, where we’ll find a different variety of galleries. Main Street is definitely the place to be for Vineyard Haven art. Please keep in mind that this post is the third in a series on Martha’s Vineyard art, and if you are interested in the Edgartown and Oak Bluff’s art districts you can find highlights in the previous articles.
Had I been a little more timely in getting this written, I would have started you off at #9 Main St., Vineyard Haven, where the Archeo Gallery spent the better part of the summer. Unfortunately, they have recently packed up and returned to their winter home in Florida. Should we be lucky enough to have them return in 2010, you will find that they are not what we generally think of when we think “art gallery.” Instead of walls lined with paintings, you’ll find a bountiful display of African rugs, furniture, art, masks, sculpture, and pottery. If you are looking for the truly unique piece for either yourself, or as a gift, this should not be missed.
Next, visit Kara Taylor Fine Art at #19 and take a deep, relaxing breath looking at her hauntingly serene, deep contrast paintings and photographs. It’s sort of like a slow walk in the woods on a beautiful fall day.
Now, stroll down the street and plan to spend more than a little time in the building that houses #s 54/56. On the street floor, you’ll find the Simon Gallery and Louisa Gould Gallery. What more can be said about Peter Simon’s incredible photography? Everyone who buys his Vineyard Calendar every year raise your hand. I, myself, would be lost without it. Always breathtaking. Always a new vision and perspective of the island. And what adds a special dimension to this gallery is Peter’s lovely wife Ronni and her exquisite one-of-a-kind jewelry. You’ll have a hard time limiting your purchases.
Next door, the Louisa Gould Gallery is more traditional, but no less exciting. Here, you’ll find an eclectic display of landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, and Louisa’s lovely photography.
I know you’ll be a bit saturated with art by now, but it’s not time to get lazy. Climb the stairs and end your Vineyard Haven stroll at the Shaw Cramer Gallery. Here also is a collection of very unique contemporary fine crafts and paintings.
I’ll bet you think that I’ve exhausted the subject of Martha’s Vineyard galleries. Think again. Some of the best is yet to come. But the “stroll” is over. You’ll need to get out the bus tickets or the car keys. Coming soon: Destination art that’s worth the journey!
Image of metal nests by Phil Lichtenhan, available at Shaw Cramer Gallery
Posted by Lane Gregory on Thu, Aug 27, 2009
Time to move our gallery stroll to Oak Bluffs. First, my apologies to all of the wonderful galleries I do not include in my ruminations. I know there are many, but I am trying to keep my selection to a literal stroll. Perhaps, in the future, I will blog about the notable artistic destinations that require transportation. For now, we’ll stick to Oak Bluffs on foot.
We’ll start by leaving the crowds on Circuit Avenue and wind our way through the peaceful, colorful campgrounds to Dukes County Avenue where, for a number of years, a group of talented and enterprising people have slowly been building up an expanding community called the Arts District. Begin at the newly renovated old firehouse, now the Alison Shaw Gallery. I don’t know a soul who doesn’t catch his or her breath the first time they see Alison’s colorful photography. Her prints of everything from the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market to a peaceful dawn on Oak Bluffs Harbor are just the reminders of the Vineyard that you’ll want to take home.
Cross the street and check out the Dragonfly Gallery. Under new management this year, it is still an intimate and inviting venue for an eclectic collection of island paintings, photographs, and sculptures.
Next, turn right outside the door and walk two doors down to PIK NIK, a treasure trove of delights for the eyes. In the main building, you’ll find contemporary art, accessories, jewelry, and apparel. A great place to find unusual gifts! The Studio Annex in the back displays the exciting work of emerging new artists. Plan to spending a little time here.
Now, let’s wander back to busy Circuit Avenue. Notice how the light and shadows have changed in the campground since you walked through earlier. Doesn’t it make you want to take out your camera and give Alison Shaw a run for her money? There is unlimited inspiration for artists on Martha’s Vineyard.
Make a right turn on Circuit Ave. for a short walk to one of Oak Bluffs’ most prized institutions, the Cousen Rose Gallery, now in its 30th year. The bright and charming, pink gingerbread style building holds a wonderful offering of original art, one of a kind jewelry, and gift items.
If you have time for one more and want something completely different, walk just a little further on upper Circuit and turn left onto Uncas Avenue to the brand new NYE Gallery, where you’ll feel like you’ve just been beamed to Soho. The atmosphere and artwork is contemporary, fun, and refreshing.
Speaking of refreshing, it’s now probably time to rest your feet by the harbor and refresh yourself with something tall and cold. Watch the boats drift in and out and prepare yourself for another delightful, artistic adventure in Vineyard Haven.
Image courtesy of Alison Shaw
Posted by Lane Gregory on Mon, Aug 17, 2009
Eisenhauer Gallery
Like most people who live on Martha’s Vineyard, I wear more than one hat. I love my job here with our guests at the Colonial Inn & Edgartown Residence Club, but I also would not feel like a whole person if I ever gave up my identity as a freelance illustrator. Those of us with an artist’s eye seem to be drawn to the island, which I blame on the truly magical quality of the light, whose beauty seems to reach its pinnacle in September and October. My theory has always been that this is caused by some mystical reflection off of all the water that surrounds us. No matter the reason, I’m sure all of you who have spent time here have lost yourselves in the beauty of the island also. But have you ever considered taking some of it home with you? The multitude of local and visiting artists make it possible for you to do just that. Stroll our countless galleries to take in the love of Martha’s Vineyard that covers the canvases of these incredibly talented men and women. There are far too many to name in one blog, so I will start right here in Edgartown.
You don’t even have to leave the Colonial Inn to visit one of the most versatile galleries in town, the Eisenhauer Gallery. Here you can find beautiful pastoral and seaside landscapes, classic still-lifes, and whimsical character studies, not to mention unique sculptures, one of a kind antiques, and an exquisite collection of jewelry.
Exit our back door and enter the Debra M. Gaines Gallery in Nevin Square. You won’t be able to resist taking home some of her reasonably priced, breathtaking island photography and/or her husband’s lovely Vineyard paintings.
Next, turn left and walk half a block to the Christina Gallery on the corner of Winter and North Water Streets to take in the ample collection of Impressionist oil landscapes and florals, still-lifes, and antique prints and maps.
Just across North Water Street, the North Water Gallery shows some of the islands most noted and respected artists. Feast your eyes and senses on some of the most exquisite landscapes and nautical oil paintings on Martha’s Vineyard.
For a completely different offering, turn right out the door and right again on Kelley Street, past the municipal lot, and into the Belushi Pisano Gallery, which honored us by moving to Edgartown from Vineyard Haven this year. The bright, happy interior is the perfect backdrop for the contemporary paintings and ceramics on display here.
Turn left on Dock Street and finish your art walk at the historic Old Sculpin Gallery and see their permanent collection of made-on-the-Vineyard art from 1879 to the present. If your walk has inspired your artistic abilities, you can sign up here for classes and workshops!
That’s enough of a stroll for one day, but keep your artistic juices flowing, because I haven’t even touched Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven or the very special up island galleries yet!
Posted by Lane Gregory on Sat, Aug 01, 2009
…Ah, now that I’ve caught my breath, on with August events. It is those of you that spend the last two weeks of the month with us who are the most adventurous and inexhaustible. I decided long ago that you all must go home and have another week of vacation to recuperate before returning to regular life and obligations.
The events that dominate the end of the season are three of the most family-friendly fun times you can imagine. Wednesday, August 19th, is the 137th annual Grand Illumination Night in Oak Bluffs. The tradition of Grand Illumination began in 1869 in honor of Governor’s Day. This year, start the night with an early dinner of lobster and fried clams on the harbor, then wander over to the Tabernacle in the campground by 7 to enjoy the Community Sing and the Vineyard Haven Band Concert that precedes the Illumination. Really, when was the last time you and the kids sang “Oh, Suzanna” together? As the evening grows dimmer, the tension and expectation mounts. The miracle occurs when it’s finally dark. In perfect synchronization, hundreds of Chinese paper lanterns light up the night, creating an absolutely magical spectacle. Outfit the kids with glow sticks to add to the magic, stroll the campground, compare the lanterns (many antique and unique), and chat with the owners of these incredible, colorful gingerbread cottages. Some residents even dress in period costume for you, and most have colorful tales to share. It’s a night you’ll never forget.
If you’re ready for more activity on Thursday the 20th, hop in the car or on the bus and head to West Tisbury for the opening of the 148th annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. It gets underway at 10 AM. (If you’re totally done in from the night before, don’t despair. The Fair continues through Sunday.) They don’t make country fairs like this anymore. Ride the rides, watch the horse pull and woodsmen competition, join the contests (don’t forget everyone’s favorite – the skillet toss), view the blue-ribbon livestock and luscious home-baked goods, and eat local delicacies until you burst. Hint to those who love the fair, but have a difficult time with crowds: go on Friday night when the rest of the island is at the fireworks.
The fireworks: the grand finale of the Vineyard summer season. Sponsored and skillfully executed by the Oak Bluffs Fireman’s Civic Association, this event is a must for young and old. Bring your picnic baskets to Ocean Park on Friday the 21st and claim your spot for a spectacular display. Don’t fool yourself into thinking this is some small town, low budget offering. I’d match it against Boston any day. Of course, some of us remember the year it had been rain-dated twice, eventually taking place on a night when the cloud cover was so low, you couldn’t see anything bursting above it. We figure it can’t happen twice in the same place. The Vineyard Haven Band entertains from the gazebo, starting at 8 PM, and the main show goes on at about 9. You won’t be sorry.
You may be tired after all of this, though, so I’m happy to inform you that that is the end of a very busy week. The summer goes out with a bang! So head home, relax, laugh and reminisce about your 2009 August adventures, and rest up for 2010’s, because after experiencing them once, you’ll be hooked forever.
Image courtesy of Martha’s Vineyard Campmeeting Assoc.
Posted by Lane Gregory on Sat, Jul 25, 2009
Hello friends. It’s hard to believe that the busy month of August is almost upon us. Those of you who are August regulars know that the BIG activities and events all occur in fast succession at the end of the season. Being a bit of a recluse myself, I have always admired our end of summer visitors. I figure they are happy people who, more than anything else, love being around other happy people. Sometimes the crowds can be a little overwhelming, but there is not one event in August that isn’t worth the inconvenience of having your toes stepped on occasionally.
So many things of note occur in August, that I believe I’ll have to commit myself to at least two blog posts, beginning with the first couple weeks of this extraordinary month.
Everything kicks off on the third of August with the annual Possible Dreams Auction. This wonderful event is in its 31st year and has become a legend in its own time. All benefits go directly to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, which provides accessible education and health and human services for islanders. We are eternally grateful to all the seasonal and year round celebrities and high-profile executives who generously donate their time and personal talents and gifts to this great cause. Not to mention the army of auction volunteers who knock themselves out making the entire event run smooth as silk.
I am not talking about bidding on Aunt Agnes’s vintage pearls, or Uncle John’s antique tool collection here. This year, you can bid on an opportunity to bring along 17 of your closest friends to enjoy a private suite at the Garden for the Celtics game of your choice, including a pregame dinner with managing partner Wyc Grousbeck and Celtics legend JoJo White.
The more hands-on bidders can try for a private kitesurfing lesson with Black Dog CEO Rob Douglas and actor Lenny Clark, finish with a Black Dog catered picnic on the beach, and go home with the kite.
Perhaps you’d prefer 18 holes and lunch at Farm Neck Golf Club with presidential pal Vernon Jordan.
Or moms and dads might like to treat your kids to a picnic with Clifford, the big Red Dog and his creator Norman Birdwell and take home an original painting of Clifford in a Vineyard setting.
These are only several of the Dreams offered this year. And there are always lots of surprises. True, the auction is not quite the same without dear Art Buchwald at the podium, and there will be an extra air of sadness that our beloved Walter Cronkite, a regular at the auction, is no longer with us. But it will not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants of 2009. We are all very excited about the new venue, two large tents on Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, where even more people than before can enjoy the fun. The action starts at 3:30 PM. Don’t be embarrassed if you’re not there to bid. Spend the $25 admission fee just for the fun, or give yourself a special treat and go for the $300 post auction dinner. It’s all for an incredible cause, that you’ll be proud to have been a part of. For more information, the Possible Dreams website.
And if that’s not enough excitement for you, on the fifth, enter the 5th annual Sand and Sculpture Contest on South Beach from 10 AM until 3 PM. Then clean the sand from between your toes by the 10th, put on your casual best, and go to the Hospice Summer Soiree and Auction at 5:30 PM at Farm Neck Golf Club.
Phew! Wait until I get to the last two weeks of August and tell you about Grand Illumination Night, Oak Bluffs Fireworks, and the Agricultural Fair! Coming soon…
Image courtesy of hrh_23