Posted by Rick Conti on Mon, Aug 31, 2009
Among the many attractions of Martha’s Vineyard are the bike paths that wind all over the eastern half of the island. I love the narrow meandering routes they take, whether through woods or along the seashore. Roads are OK for biking for some, but I admit to being a little wary ever since I got clipped by a Hoosier minivan many years ago. I was riding on the West Tisbury Road before the bike path was extended into Edgartown. It was especially unnerving because I had my daughter perched in a child seat on the back of my bike. Maybe you can understand my preference for the bike paths.
There are so many paths and they can take you to lots of places: beaches, lakes, restaurants, town centers, shops, parks, even an airport or two. They can also transport you to less tangible destinations. Here are a few that appeal to my sensibilities…
Fitness is important to many of us. The bike paths are a direct route to that goal. A bike ride is a great non-impact aerobic workout. That doesn’t mean you have to shell out two grand for a titanium bike and enshroud yourself in spandex. I’m passed by those guys (and women) all the time, but I’m getting all the workout I need in my T-shirt and low-end Trek hybrid.
I’ve got nothing against the Lance Armstrong wannabe’s, but I like to set a more leisurely pace. I want to actually see the sights on the path. That’s the second destination I head for. There is real beauty to be seen on the journey. Trees, flowers, wildlife, water, and all the other things that make the Vineyard special. Speed has its rewards, but how can you smell the roses when you can’t even see them? G. K. Chesterton said, “The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder.” It’s a wonder why anyone would miss the wonders of Martha’s Vineyard by turning them into a blur.
Finally, the bike path brings me to a place that I enjoy all too infrequently in today’s world: community. There is a fellowship on the bike path that hearkens back to a previous era. Strangers actually greet one another. It may be a “Good morning” or just a wave or nod of the head, but it feels like neighborhood to me and I like it.
So, strap on that helmet and start pedaling. I’ll see you on the bike path!
Postscript: One final worthy destination for your bike trip: a world free of Multiple Sclerosis. The first weekend of May each year, the Island hosts “Ride the Vineyard”, the kickoff event for the MS Bike trip season. The next one is May 1, 2010. You can support this cause by riding or donating. It’s a great ride with an unbeatable destination! More information can be found at the MS Society’s web site for bike events.
Editor’s Note: New this year, you can also cycle for a good cause in October. The 2009 Cycle Martha’s Vineyard ride will be held on October 17. The 50K or 100K bike ride will benefit the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard and the Martha’s Vineyard Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.
Image courtesy of Dainis Matisons
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 Michael Wilson on Mon, Aug 24, 2009
Okay, yes. We are Newbie parents. We kept as much sugar our of our baby girl’s life as possible during the first year. I have already received mockery from friends and family for this (no TV either. How shocking…) so no taunting the blog-guy!
Now, however, we have discovered the joys of “Icey Creeem” as Kate calls it. We can no longer share a cone with her. She seizes the cone and burrows into it. She can spot an ice cream shop at a hundred yards it seems and gives us a look that says: “So where’s my cone?”
Therefore, our quest for the Best Cone Ever began. So let me review the Shoppes we have purchased our bits ‘o freezy goodness from so far. I will list them from my least favorite to my most. Although I bear no ill will to any…someone has to be last! Remember: I am evaluating by Travelling-With-Toddler criteria. My main concerns are: how hard is it to keep track of Kiddo in this shop and how expensive will this child’s new outfit moistening snack be, since she will wear most of it (not to mention anoint us as well).
Mad Martha’s- This is a popular spot on North Water Street and has a wide array of sundaes and frappes available as well. It shares the space with a sandwich shop so it is usually crowded. The ice cream is great but a tad pricey. (Okay it is the Island so everything is a little more expensive than other places, but I dislike waiting in a crowded shop to pay quite a bit more for ice cream.) They also have no kid’s cone option.
Scoops- They have a great location on the corner of Main and South Water Streets and are a lot roomier inside as you enter. They have a great selection of flavors but not as wide an array of non-cone choices, but that’s okay. They are called “Scoops”. They have a great price on a kid’s sized cone. The only problem I have with their cones is this: they are always super melty. The freezers are open topped and are open all the time and when we buy a cone, it is a race against time to consume any of it before it has liquefied and is dripping off my hands. Maybe the ice cream staying softer prevents the full-time scooping staff from strained wrists or something. (I am not a big fan of sticky mess, as anyone who knows me can attest. Okay…it is ice cream and summer and that combination is never a good combo for anti-sticky lobbyists, but I feel that having to perform bottom-of-the-cone melt control slurps before you have stepped away from the building is asking a bit much of me.)
Carousel- I don’t often get to Oak Bluffs in the summer, but we made a special trip one Sunday afternoon and had a delightful time at Carousel. The kid’s cone was a good size for a great price, the flavors were numerous and the shop was big enough not to seem too crowded. The person who served us was what made us enjoy our “icey creeem” the most. He was more than happy to let us try a few different flavors as samples before we committed to a full cone of that flavor and was more that willing to sell al three of us kid sized cones. Some places have to be cajoled into that deal. (Let’s face facts. I am a large, round man. I don’t NEED three whole scoops of ice milk and sugar in my system…the less I have the better, frankly. A small scoop is treat enough for me). When we said we had experienced reluctance from other shops about small cones he grinned and said “Come on! It’s ice cream! They shouldn’t be so serious. I love this job!”
It was a refreshing bit of friendliness during the busy middle of the summer doldrums and it made us instant fans. So many servers and clerks reach that tired point that it felt good to smile at his enthusiasm. He made our day!
So there you have my findings thus far, from least favorite to most.
“There’s one more,” he says in a whisper, casting furtive glances over his shoulder. “The Quarterdeck has a small soft-serve, $2.50 street value. Perfect for when the kid needs her ‘icey creeem’ fix and yer short of cash. It’s our secret vice! Tell them Kiddo sent ya!”
Image courtesy of tedkirwin
Posted by Joanne Sardini on Thu, Aug 20, 2009
No one can come and stay at the Colonial Inn, or indeed in Edgartown, without knowing Chesca’s. This restaurant is an island institution and has built a very loyal following over its 16 years anchoring the porch of the Colonial Inn on North Water Street. ‘Urban Italian’ is how they describe the cuisine – to me that means lots of yummy pastas, great risotto, lots of fresh fish and seafood and a lot of other good stuff besides.
The atmosphere is always hopping – lots of activity and people having fun. They don’t take reservations unless there are 6 people or more, so don’t show up starving and expect to sit straight away – the average wait runs at about a half hour but this leaves time for a cold beverage in a rocking chair on the porch and some good old people watching time. In fact, most of the regulars feel a bit put out if they don’t have to wait as the waiting on the porch is all part of the experience.
At Chesca’s I’m a creature of habit – I know that there are many great items on the menu, but I have my favorites! (Full disclosure time – I work there as a hostess a few nights a week). They have many fantastic entrée options but I like to go the appetizer-salad-dessert route, otherwise I don’t have room for the dessert and it is not-to-be-missed (there are 10 to choose from – the most extensive list I’ve come across!).
I’m a sucker for the Mussels (with leeks, fennel, shallots and white wine) and I ALWAYS need extra bread to go with them to soak up all the delicious broth. Next, I go for the warm Goat Cheese Salad on baby spinach – toasted hazelnuts give it a bit of crunch and the raspberry lime vinaigrette is perfect. I said I always leave room for dessert and my favorite is the Snowball – vanilla bean ice cream, rolled in sponge cake crumbs, surrounded by caramel sauce and crumbled Chilmark Chocolate pieces – simple but DELICIOUS!!!!
If you just can’t get enough Chesca’s during your visit, you can now have the taste of Chesca’s at home all year. Chesca’s Kitchen Table sauces are available at the Farmers Market, Cronigs, Morning Glory Farm and other Island retailers as well as straight from the restaurant. The Thai Chili Glaze, House Balsamic Dressing and yummy Chocolate Sauce are all available to take back home. I use the chili glaze in lots of ways, not just on salmon – on fish, pork or chicken as a glaze, thinned out with some olive oil as a salad dressing or as a warm dipping sauce for egg rolls or other little hors d’oeuvres.
What’s your favorite dish at Chesca’s?
Image courtesy of Chesca’s.
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 Joanne Sardini on Thu, Aug 13, 2009
Great Rock by Joanne Sardini
I already covered most of the Edgartown area beaches in an earlier post, so now to venture a little further afield…
I mentioned in my last post how fun State Beach is – lots of kids, lots of fun, great swimming. If you continue on Beach road to Oak Bluffs you will come across Inkwell Beach, just minutes from the downtown area. You will see lots of people swimming ‘laps’ between the 2 breakwaters every morning and it’s a great spot if you don’t have a car as it is easily accessible on the VTA bus route 13.
Between Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs, next to the drawbridge, is Eastville Beach. A small parking lot can take about 30 cars so it’s always pretty quiet and I love to sit and watch the ferries and other boats coming in and out of Vineyard Haven harbor – sometimes you can be lucky enough to see one of the Black Dog Tall Ships, the Shenandoah or the Alabama, in full sail – spectacular! You can take a ride on one of these beautiful ships, or just sit back and admire.
Head ‘Up-Island’ to the more rural areas of Martha’s Vineyard and public beaches are a little scarcer. Many of the beaches in this area are private or restricted access, so be careful not to wander where you may not be welcome. With that said, there are a few gems that cannot be left out…One of my favorite hidden gems is Great Rock Bight. Not the easiest beach to find, it is about 3.8 miles along North Road from the intersection with State Road. Parking is very limited so be prepared to get there early. The property is managed by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank and has a lovely walking trail which winds through scenic woodlands to the beach. Be aware that the stairs to the beach are very steep – it can be a tough climb back, so pack light! When you get to the beach you can’t miss the Great Rock about 20 feet off shore. Relax on the sandy stretch near the stairs, or wander along the rocky stretch to your left and discover rock ponds and hidden coves.
Another ‘Up-Island’ gem is Moshup Trail – featured on the Travel Channel as America’s best walking beach – this is another Land Bank property. Less than half a mile from the public parking and bus stop at Aquinnah, this stretch of Atlantic beach sits in the shadow of the Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head lighthouse. It takes a little effort to get to this out of the way location, but it is definitely worth it! Just don’t climb on the cliffs, they are a Nationally Protected Landmark and it is a Federal offence to climb on them or take a piece home. Enjoy the surf, the sand and have a roll in the clay mud – it is said to have restorative powers.
There are lots of other great spots – which one is your favorite?
Posted by CJ Rivard on Mon, Aug 10, 2009
A Martha’s Vineyard vacation doesn’t have to be the posh, high end, “take out a loan, we’re going on vacation” kind of vacation that you so frequently read about in connection with The Vineyard. A lot of down to earth (and really nice) people live and vacation here and have to make the fun work on a limited budget. In this post I am focusing on affordable dining-out options in Vineyard Haven; but if you missed the posts on Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, please check these out as well.
Vineyard Haven has the obligatory coffee shops along it’s Main St. that offer a quick and inexpensive “breakfast to go”. I like the variety at the M.V.Bagel Authority on Upper Main St, and Mocha Motts on lower Main. The Waterside Market (also on Upper Main) is a little more upscale and offers more seating to enjoy your coffee and breakfast sandwich if you choose to not take it “to go”. If you are hankering to treat yourself to a full breakfast, The Art Cliff diner is a Vineyard Haven tradition that should not be missed. They are located on Beach Rd., and have fabulous food. The diner is understandably popular with the local community as well as return visitors, so get there early or plan to wait!
Just down from the Art Cliff on Beach Rd. is the Net Result Seafood Market. The Net Result offers a great take-out menu that makes seafood an affordable option. I also understand that their tuna and smoked bluefish pates are delicious! Another great alternative for lunch (or dinner) is Bob’s Pizza and Subs right on Main St. They have indoor seating, or you can sit outside and watch the crowds wandering by. One of the things that my kid’s like best about Bob’s Pizza is that it’s right next door to a large Candy and Ice Cream Emporium (which is very convenient!).
Dinner in Vineyard Haven offers some unique opportunities. When considering dining out in Vineyard Haven, remember that it is a dry town. This is not a bad thing if you plan ahead, and can actually save you a considerable amount of money on your beverages of choice. Just keep in mind that a lot of restaurants do charge a corkage fee for the privilege of bringing your alcohol in.
If you like Lobster Rolls, you HAVE to stop by Grace Church (on Woodlawn Ave.) on Friday evenings between 4:30 and 7:30 for take out (from the beginning of May through the end of September). Their lobster rolls don’t have any fillers and at $13, they have the best price on the island! They’ve been voted best lobster roll on the island in The Best of the Vineyard for the past 3 years, so get there early… there is always a crowd and they might run out!
The Blue Canoe Waterfront Grill is a new restaurant, right on Beach Rd., which is getting great reviews. Because they have a more casual sandwich menu along with full dinners, you can enjoy harbor view dining for a very reasonable price… and the food is great! Another casual, fun alternative for families is the Island Cove Mini Golf Grill. Located on State Rd., families can enjoy a simple meal from their grill in between an evening’s golfing and rock climbing adventure!
Saltwater (on Beach Rd. beside the Net Result) is another great “water front” dining experience. They have lovely views of Lagoon Pond, and are open for lunch, Sunday brunch, and take out as well as dinner. The food and atmosphere are wonderful… and the winelist fits everyone’s budget as it is B.Y.O.B.
Do you have a favorite, “affordable” grazing spot that I haven’t mentioned yet? Please leave a comment so that all of our blog readers can read about it!
Image courtesy of Pizza Pie-er
Posted by Rick Conti on Thu, Aug 06, 2009
South Beach is anything but cool. It’s crowded, cacophonous and constantly in motion. To be really cool, you’ve gotta be seen at Lucy Vincent, Wasque, Moshup or one of the other more exclusive spots. But exclusivity is the problem for me. I don’t want to have to be a resident, I don’t want to have to take a boat (ferry) to the beach and I sure as shootin’ don’t want to pay!
Beaches should be a populist affair. Liberty and justice, everyone created equal, power to the people, all for one and one for all and all that. South Beach fits that bill to a capital “T”. The ocean there is no respecter of persons. The waves at Katama (a.k.a. South Beach) will slap you around mercilessly, be you pauper or prince, president or peon. When it dunks you under, it doesn’t ask first if you’re a year-rounder, a Yankee fan or a Cabot.
Just a few miles from downtown Edgartown, there is no fee for parking, although you might have to fight for your vehicle’s place in the sun. The bike path leads right up to the sand. Life guards in classic bright red. Kites in the sky chasing sight-seeing biplanes and gliders. Entire families embroiled in full contact Frisbee battles. Every shape, size and color of sun-bather. This is the real deal!
Yet, South Beach does have its touches of gentility as well. The houses overlooking the sea from the far side of Atlantic Drive are nothing short of awe-inspiring. And the porta-potties are really first rate. These are not your run-of-the-mill construction site denizens. These beauties set the standard for functionality and cleanliness. (OK, maybe I’ve gone too far with that one.)
Actually, it’s the surf that does it for me. South Beach has the most awesome surf (or “waves of the sea” as my kids called them when they were little). I don’t even have to get in it. (Sometimes, I prefer not to!) I just have to watch it, breakers eternally rushing in then sliding back into their own oncoming successors. No, I just have to hear it. The crashing surf is a natural symphony to my ears, with its own fascinatin’ rhythm and melody. It’s truly a rhapsody in blue, green and many other hues as well.
So there you have it. Take your Lambert’s Cove and your wildlife refuges. The life at Katama is wild enough for me! Give me liberty or give me… Well, give me South Beach and I’ll be happy.
Image courtesy of Trustees of Reservations
Posted by CJ Rivard on Mon, Aug 03, 2009
Because there are so many great eating options from which to choose on Martha’s Vineyard, I have divided the choices geographically, and am focusing on Oak Bluffs in this post. If you missed Part 1 (Edgartown) please check it out and add your personal favorites.
You can ask just about any islander for a reasonably priced eating option in Oak Bluffs, and one of their suggestions will probably be Linda Jean’s Restaurant on Circuit Ave. This diner has been a local favorite forever (OK, not really forever, but they’ve been in business a long time – always a good sign!) Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the diner serves consistently good food, and provides fast and friendly service. Without hesitation, Linda Jeans would be my top breakfast recommendation.
Beyond breakfast, the options expand… You may have noticed that there are many take-out and sandwich shops in Oak Bluffs, so for a family, a sub to share & a beach picnic is still your most affordable option. But for atmosphere, why not grab a sandwich (or a beverage & apps) while relaxing from a stool overlooking the Oak Bluffs Harbor? Nancy’s, Coop De Ville, and the Look Out Tavern will all fit the bill. Nancy’s has been in business since 1956, and their downstairs snack bar menu offers great casual, affordable fare. Coop De Ville is known for their outdoor raw bar and 8 flavors of buffalo chicken wings, and The Look Out Tavern is a fun place to stop for sushi.
For dinner, The Park Corner Bistro (on Kennebec Ave) supplies great atmosphere and delicious food for one affordable price! You can choose from full dinner options, or a more casual (and less expensive) bar menu that is available all day. Under new ownership this year, they have expanded their offerings to appeal to everyone’s budget.
Across the street and up the block from The Park Corner Bistro is another great, long time favorite eaterie called Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta Restaurant. The entrees are in a mid-price range, but the portions are so huge that you can share one with a friend (for an additional fee). If you like pasta, the food is awesome and not to be missed!
If you are looking for something different, Mediterranean on Beach Road has incredible, authentic mediterranean cuisine, ambiance, and entertainment nightly in the summer. If you don’t want to spend as much for a full dinner, they offer a “light meal” and “tapas” menu in their bar area. It is really worth the trip!
Hmmmm, so much to eat, so little time! What are your favorite dining out spots in Oak Bluffs?
Image courtest of Coop De Ville.
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.