Events, Food, Martha's Vineyard, West Tisbury

Weekly Events at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury

August 21, 2008 Leave a comment

Located in the heart of West Tisbury, the historic Grange hall, built in 1859, has recently been restored and is the site for great events all season. Beginning in late June and continuing through September, stop by the Grange Hall for one of three weekly events: The Farmer’s Market, The Artisan’s Fair and the Antique Association Show. All events operate rain or shine and there is ample free parking. Dogs are allowed, but expected to be kept on a short leash.

The Farmer’s Market operates on the grounds of the Grange Hall on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am – noon. Local farmers from all over the island sell their freshest produce here and beautiful cut flowers are for sale everywhere. You can also get tasty homemade pestos and salsas or enjoy and fresh-squeezed lemon or limeade made for you right on the spot. Food is not all that’s available at the Farmer’s Market, sheep farmers also offer their wool yarns and products and the local Alpaca farm has a stand too – complete with friendly alpacas for you to pet. The long line you’ll see at the first stand is for egg rolls and believe it or not, they are worth the wait. The two options (cold roll or fried roll) are equally good – as are the spicy noodles and seaweed salads.

The Artisan’s Fair on Thursdays and Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm features local artists from all over the island. Here you’ll find artists and craftspeople selling everything from their beautiful painted landscapes and ceramic plates and bowls to batik clothing to handmade brooms and gorgeous jewelry. Stalls are set up both outside on the grounds and inside the Grange Hall as well. Make sure to come back more than once as different artists feature their work at different times throughout the summer.

The Antique Association Show operates on Fridays from 9 am – 3 pm and is one of the most loved antique shows on the island. Here collectors and vendors come together to sell and buy some of the island’s remarkable antiques. Nautical items abound as do wicker and cane. You’ll find small household items like plates, cutlery and lamps and you’ll also find larger pieces such as desks, windows and chairs. Both the outside grounds and inside the hall are filled to the top with items for both the collector and the novice to enjoy. Make sure you stop and talk to the vendors as well. They are all very knowledgeable and you’re certain to learn not only historical facts about their wares but some great island history as well.

Families, Kids, Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Beaches

Best Kid-Friendly Beaches on Martha’s Vineyard

August 18, 2008 Leave a comment

Beaches are certainly the main attraction on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer. Some of them have big waves, some don’t. Some of them are pure sand, some are rocky where the waves break. This is your guide to the best kid beaches on the Vineyard. Don’t forget sunscreen, drinks, umbrella or tent, chairs, towels, toys and boogie boards! Here are my favorite kid beaches:

Lambert’s Cove Beach is located in West Tisbury. You need a sticker to park your car here or a walk-on pass to enter. Lambert’s Cove is located on the Vineyard Sound so the water is warm and calm and there’s lots of great rock and shell hunting! Dogs are allowed on the beach in the morning and evening and life guards are on duty until 5 pm.
State Beach is found along the border of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this picturesque public beach is a wonderful place for swimming, building sandcastles and making new friends. Parking is plentiful and it’s an easy walk over the dunes and onto the beach. Your kids will want to stay here all day!
Menemsha Beach rests at the end of the main road in Menemsha, one of the last working fishing villages in New England, this stretch of public beach is a favorite for families. No fee or stickers are required and the water is calm and clear. There are also many great spots to grab lunch so leave the picnic baskets at home.
Long Point is in West Tisbury on a beautiful wildlife refuge, Long Point is a wonderful experience for the whole family. Arrive early during the height of the season as parking lots fill up quickly.
South Beach is the happening beach in Edgartown with some big Atlantic swells, beach volleyball and tons of families. The walk isn’t too bad from the car with various entry points along the road, and the beach is public so you’ll have easy access. There’s a great bike path from town through Katama to the beach.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard Lingo: To Help You Get Around the Island

August 14, 2008 5 Comments

Some handy terms and quick explanations you should know so that you can find your way around the island and sound like an islander…

You are going for a vacation ‘on’ the Vineyard, not ‘in’ or ‘at’ the Vineyard.
‘Chappy’ is short for Chappaquiddick, not what happens to your lips when you’ve been out in the sun for too long. Chappaquiddick is a small island that lies off the eastern tip of Martha’s Vineyard and is part of Edgartown. You can get to Chappy via a small ferry that holds a couple of cars and a bunch of people and bikes. It’s a great day trip from the Vineyard. Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
5 Corners is an adventuresome intersection in downtown Vineyard Haven. It is called 5 Corners because there are 5 streets that form the intersection. Move with caution as only 3 of the approaching roads have stop signs and the other 2 have the right of way. Drive slowly, be nice, enjoy this quirky attraction, and you’ll be just fine.
‘Squibby’ is short for one of the island’s beach treasures, Squibnocket, located in Chilmark as you head towards Aquinnah.
The ‘Flying Horses’ make up the country’s oldest horse carousel. They are beautiful and an island highlight right in downtown Oak Bluffs.
‘Gay Head’ is now called ‘Aquinnah’ and it is the town at the farthest end from the ferries. It is the home of the Wampanoag Native American tribe and the stunning Aquinnah cliffs.
‘Quahog’s’ are clams….so Martha’s Vineyard’s quahog chowdah is clam chowdah – only better.