Category Archives: Oak Bluffs

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A lot of positive changes are happening around the Island

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While driving around the Island while doing my errands, I couldn’t help but notice all the positive changes that are happening all around. In Oak Bluffs, it seems there is a mini revival going on. Business owners are starting to make much needed repairs and renovations to buildings, breathing new life into the somewhat drab Circuit Avenue. Leading the charge and, one of the biggest changes that you’ll see, is the Lampost and Dive Bar. The largest building on Circuit Avenue had some major renovations done, including creating multi level outdoor dining spaces, improved bathrooms, a crisp and clean paint scheme, and the biggest thing of all, a new kitchen! Food will be prepared by the Chef from Skinny’s Fat Sandwiches. It was the owner’s goal to restore it to all its former grandeur. Did you know the Lampost is considered one of the oldest bar/restaurants on the east coast?

Another familiar Island staple, Basics Clothing, is expanding their store. Now that Edgartown National Bank is taking over the space towards the end of Circuit Ave where The Oyster Bar use to be, Basics is now breaking down the wall between the two spaces, creating a much larger space for the company.

Bad Martha Farmers Brewery

More and more businesses seem to be out and about, getting their buildings cleaned and polished for the coming season.  In Edgartown, There’s a few new restaurants and pubs coming. As you first enter Edgartown on your right, you’ll see a large building going up. Sitting on the front section of Donaroma’s Nursery in Edgartown is the new home to Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery, a 1,900 sqft micropub that includes a bar, brewing area, outdoor seating, and much more.

Isola is the new Italian restaurant coming to Edgartown this Spring. Taking over the old Lattanzi’s spot,  Isola is currently under construction and hopes to be open by end of May.

All these changes seem to be for the better. There are extensions being added to both new and old restaurants, new stores getting their inventory in, and much more. These signs always means that Spring is here, and that the busy season is now just around the corner. I can’t wait for sun, fun, and another wonderful island summer.

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Activities, Adventure, Families, Kids, Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, Water Front, Water View

The Flying Horses, The Oldest Carousel In America

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The Flying Horses

Riding on The Flying Horses is a right of passage for anyone who ever steps on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s right up there with getting Ben and Bill’s Ice Cream, or jumping off Second “Jaws” Bridge. For children, the ride’s magic reaches them as soon as the iconic music hits their ears way down Circuit Ave, but for adults, the magic doesn’t truly hit them till they find themselves vying for their horse or chariot and then competing desperately for the Brass Ring.  No matter how old you are for your first visit to The Flying Horses, its magic, and memories obtained there stay with you for a life time. That magic is what has kept this historic, and iconic ride around for over 100 years.

OakBluffs1880s

The Flying horses in it's original location in Oak Bluffs
The Flying horses in its original location in Oak Bluffs

The Flying Horses first came to life in 1876 where Charles Dare built it originally as a Coney Island  attraction. The remarkable ride didn’t stay there for long though. In 1884 a very wealthy New York resident, F.O. Gordon, purchased the spectacular ride, and had it moved to Oak Bluffs, where it was situated basically where the Island Queen parking lot is today.  When originally built, the carousel was powered by steam, until 1900 when it was converted to electricity and a 10hp motor. The Flying Horses came to its final resting spot in 1889 when the town acquired the ride, and moved it to where it stands today.The Flying Horses  is on the National Register of Historic places, and is designated as National Historic Landmark. 

The Flying Horses in its final home on Circuit Avenue
The Flying Horses in its final home on Circuit Avenue

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Spring Awakening Means Time In The Garden

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Emily Post's Garden

Recently I have noticed more and more signs of spring popping up all around the island. The trees are starting to show new growth, the Crocuses and Snowdrops are starting to pop up everywhere,  Cardinals and Blue Jays are making appearances and,  as hard as it is to believe, The weather seems to be going up in temperature just a scosh. All these signs have me itching to get outside and work in the Garden. The island is home to many amazing gardens, and soon enough just walking through the streets of Edgartown will make you feel as if like walking through an Arboretum or  Botanical Garden.

Here are some great tips for getting your garden ready this spring:

  • Did you know that Corn Gluten is a natural preemptive weed control? Simply sprinkle it around your garden and you won’t see any crabgrass or other pesky weeds popping up. The general timing of this is to apply it just as the forsythia plants start to bloom.
  • Be sure to prune back the following plants to achieve maximum effect come spring:
    • Hydrangeas should be pruned back to the lowest pair of strong buds on last season’s growth
    • Rosa Rugosa should be pruned back roughly 12 inches
    • Any Shrub Roses you may have
  • Now is the time to start adding organic material, such as coffee beans or manure to your garden bed. Make sure you wait until the soil and organic material dries out before you start to dig. Working in the wet soil causes compaction and compound destruction.
  • Once soil reaches 41 degrees on a regular basis you can start to transfer any seedling vegetables you may have planted  indoors before the final frost happens.
    • Hardier vegetables such as carrots and lettuce tend to grow better in the cooler weather, but make sure to have some form of cover handy to keep the plants safe from any overnight frost that may occur.
  • Lastly, take time to shear back any groundcover, such as ivy. They can quickly overtake any garden if not kept in check.

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc
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or
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