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New to Martha’s Vineyard This Spring

April 10, 2013 Anne Mayhew Leave a comment

What a gorgeous day today on Martha’s Vineyard! This is perhaps my favorite time of the year – next to Derby Season that is. The weather is turning in our favor, stores and restaurants are opening up again, and boats are slowly going into the water. After months of holding its breath the island is finally exhaling, bringing with it fresh hope and new adventures.

There’s a lot happening this spring. On the construction front, the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority pier is currently being worked on to fix the damaged caused by Hurricane Sandy. Also the Roundabout has started, and in theory, should be ready for traffic by April 15. Construction workers will still be working on it through Memorial Day, then stop for the summer. They will continue working after Labor Day weekend where they will finish the bike paths, sidewalks, and the last of the landscaping. Also, please note that East Chop Drive is currently a one-way street due to massive damage from Hurricane Sandy. We are quietly waiting to hear what will happen to the road.

Vineyard Haven will be getting a new restaurant on May 1st. Restaurateur, JB Blau, owner of Sharky’s, Chowder Company, and Dreamland, is now bringing us Copper Wok. Located where Zephrus use to be, Copper Wok will be a Pan Asian restaurant that will serve lunch and dinner 7 days a week all year round. Vineyard Haven can now claim that they are the first town to have a pizza place that delivers. No, that wasn’t a typo. The island now has a pizza place that delivers Porto Pizza, located across from the steamship terminal, first opened late last season so many people didn’t know that they deliver. This will be their first full season delivering to the tri-town area, and won’t deliver past 9 PM, but hey, at least there’s delivery now! Finally, Vineyard Haven will be home to a “reality” tv show this summer. “The Vineyard” will start filming in May at newly renovated Black Dog Tavern, and is set to air July 24 on ABC Family.

In Oak Bluffs, all your favorite restaurants are opening this month. The Lookout Tavern recently opened with a bang. There was standing room only for a couple of hours there. On the harbor Coop Deville is set to open April 19th, and Nancy’s is set to open shortly after that. The popular nightclub, The Lampost opened its doors on April 1st. They are now partnering with Skinny’s Fat Sandwiches. Now you can play pool, watch your favorite Boston team, and grab a bite to eat.

Edgartown has its fair share of new restaurants and shops as well. Eleven North is a semi-upscale restaurant located at 11 North Water Street. After opening last fall they now have a new chef with daily specials that will make your mouth water. The second restaurant to open last fall is Lucky Hanks, serving farm to table fare. Lucky Hanks is located on Upper Main Street, near Stop and Shop, and everything served there is fresh, organic, and locally grown. Espresso Love, one of our favorite places to go for coffee and a bite to eat, got a complete renovation over the winter. Along with new plumbing and electrical, they have laid out a new floor and extended their counter space, it will still be the same great Espresso Love, only better. Not Your Sugar Mama’s is opening a second location this season. calm your sweet tooth at their new Winter Street location. Don’t worry about not fitting into a bikini after indulging here; all their products are gluten free and made from organic sugar. You’ll notice a few changes with stores as well. Vineyard Vines flagship store is moving out of Nevin Square and into a location on N. Water Street. moving in to their old space will be a luxury food store.

We’re excited to see all these new things happening all around us.

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Local’s Guide: Oak Bluffs

April 2, 2013 Anne Mayhew Leave a comment

Where to Eat:

Nancy’s on the harbor is great for all occasions. They have food ranging from a burger and fries to scrumptious seafood dishes that melt in your mouth. On top of that there are many dining options all in one location. If you just want a quick bite to eat, order from the snack bar and eat outside under the warm summer sun. Perhaps you want to enjoy a nice refreshing drink and some appetizers with your friends; I suggest sitting on the upstairs outdoor patio over looking the harbor. Last, but certainly not least, if you need some air conditioning after a long day out in the sun dine inside. You still have an amazing view of the sunset over the harbor, and the dining fare ranges from burger and fries, and incredibly creative seafood dishes. Adults: if it’s after 5pm, you have to order a drink from Donovan. He has become a staple at Nancy’s and creates some of the best adult beverages on the island. I suggest the Donovan’s Delight or the Dirty Banana, they are his signature drinks and are absolutely delicious.
Coop De Ville is also located on the harbor, but it’s more low key. “The Coop”, as the locals call it, has a very relaxed atmosphere offering casual family dinning including lobsters, steamers, fried clams, and chicken wings. They even offer a Raw Bar.
Just off the harbor is the Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company, which provides a relaxed family atmosphere with a sophisticated flair. ‘Cho. Co.’ makes their award winning chowder from scratch every day; also they have a fresh raw bar where you can order oyster ‘shooters’. For example, the Citrus Vodka Shooter is an oyster topped with cocktail sauce, Tabasco sauce and a dash of citrus vodka. Other offerings include nightly specials, fresh seafood, and many other succulent options.
In the mood for a fun atmosphere with a unique twist? Visit Sharky’s Cantina, for an authentic Mexican meal and fresh Margaritas. Sharky’s is known for its laid back family atmosphere, great service, friendly staff, and their large portions. If you order the nacho’s thinking it will just be enough for one, think again! They have 12 ooey gooey layers stacked high enough to feed 2-3 people, and that’s the regular size! I suggest ordering either the fajitas with the marinated stake, or the Grandios Burrito. Don’t worry about bringing young children to this restaurant; they provide crayons and coloring books, as well as a kids menu.
Last but certainly not least on our list is the Offshore Ale Co. Here they brew their own beer, and serve hearty traditional meals such as fish and chips, meat loaf, and bangers and mash. One of my favorite things they have there is the specialty pizzas they serve from their wood fired brick oven. My favorite is the Chicken Pesto pizza. I order it all the time!

What to do:

Visit the Flying Horses Carousel. I have so many amazing memories from coming here with my parents, and even working here as my first job ever. The Flying Horses is the oldest carousel in the country! Built originally in 1876, this carousel has been entertaining families for generations, and generations to come. Not only is it a carousel, but it’s also a game. Catch the brass ring and you win a free ride! under the same roof is a small arcade and concession stand. If you’re here with your family do not bother going on a rainy day, the line will be out the door. Instead, try coming later in the evening when the lines aren’t that long.
Up for some water sports? Rent jet-skis from MV Ocean Sports located right on the harbor. You can also go para-sailing, tubing, and a few other fun activities with your family or friends
If you’re traveling with younger kids, I highly suggest going to the arcade located right on Circuit Ave, the main street of Oak Bluffs. Kids will have a blast playing all the games and winning prizes.
Oak Bluffs is home to many charter sports fishing boats, such as the Smokin Eel or The Skipper. Many of the charter captains around here have been fishing the local waters since they were a little boy with their fathers. if you’re up for some great fishing I highly recommend one of these two boats. The Smokin Eel is a private charter boat that can take up to six people at a time for either a full or half day for inshore or offshore fishing. The skipper takes multiple families out for half day trips and only stays inshore. Don’t let that discourage you though, you can still catch a Sea Bass or Stripper during your trip.

Events:

Hot Rod Weekend Between June 14 – 16 Oak Bluffs is home to the Boston Area Roadster Club. Every year this large group of antique and hot rod cars gather here to raise money for their charity of choice. Owner park their cars all along the harbor, letting you take pictures look either under the hood or at the interior of these beautiful vehicles.
Harbor Fest Every year the residents and businesses of Oak Bluffs put together a festival on the harbor celebrating the arrival of summer. This year, on June 22, there will be live bands, great food, and local artisans selling their wares under pop up tents.
Summer Solstice Fireworks All day long their will be events throughout the town, culminating in fireworks at 9 PM
Monster Shark Tournament July 18 – 21. Every year serious big game fisherman gather on our little island for two days of shark fishing. The biggest shark wins. On Friday and Saturday between 3 – 7 pm you can gather at Our Market on the corner of the harbor and watch all the giant sharks being weighed in.
Grand Illumination Every year in the middle of August, before school begins and people start to head back to their normal lives, the gingerbread cottages behind Circuit Ave hang lanterns from their porches and decorate. At exactly the same time everyone lights their lanterns and the neighborhood is transformed into a magical little village for a couple of hours.
End of Summer Fireworks Fireworks held every year to end the summer season with a bang. This year the fireworks will be August 16 at around 9 PM. The best viewing spot is from Ocean Park. Get there early because seating will be scarce.

If you’re interested in finding a home in or around Oak Bluffs, Click Here

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc

Rent@sandpiperrental.com

Activities, Events, Families, Feature, Food, Getting Here, Kids, Martha's Vineyard, Owen Little Way, Owen Park Beach, Shopping, Vineyard Haven

Local’s Guide: Vineyard Haven

March 19, 2013 Anne Mayhew Leave a comment

Originally named Homes Hole in the eighteenth century, Vineyard Haven is the access point to and from the ‘mainland’. The Steamship Authority runs in and out of Vineyard Haven on a year round basis, and it’s home to roughly 2,000 year round residents. Here you’ll find quaint little boutiques, restaurants and galleries lining Main Street while wooden boats lazily swaying on their moorings basking in the summer sun in the harbor.

Vineyard Haven is home to the world famous Black Dog company. What originally started as a small Tavern for locals to gather for a decent hot meal on a cold dreary night, has grown to include an internationally known clothing line, cafes, bakeries, a wharf, and last but certainly not least, the Black Dog Tall Ships. The two large Schooners offer one of a kind experiences ranging from sunset sails to kids camps.

Vineyard Haven is also home to The Art Cliff, a small dinner with seating for about fifty that serves breakfast and lunch. The food here is well worth the wait for a table; even in the dead of winter locals are sitting outside waiting for a table. Another amazing bonus? During the summer months The Art Cliff has a food truck that they open in their parking lot between the hours of five PM to two AM for those who may need a late night snack. We recommend you try the garlic truffle fries. While they are available during lunch hours, the fries are so much better from the truck. They add more garlic and truffle oil to them as well as other herbs that just push it over the top. If you’re not in the mood for fries, then go for the double chocolate doughnut holes. Freshly made and dipped in warm frosting, these guys will satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth.

On Fridays during the summer Grace Church is home to incredible Lobster Rolls that are so full of lobster you start to wonder if there’s even bread holding it all in. Just a short walk down Main Street and a on to Woodlawn Ave and you’re there!

Once a year Vineyard Haven is hosts the Tisbury Street Fair. Main Street shuts down to traffic and booths line the streets with live music is played and great events for the kids to enjoy.

To find a home near Vineyard Haven, Click Here

Sandpiper Rentals, inc

rent@sandpiperrental.com