Martha’s Vineyard is GREEN!

July 31, 2008 Leave a comment

Something you’ll notice when you vacation on Martha’s Vineyard is that we’re into saving the environment, protecting the island and sustainable living on the island. We invite and encourage you to do the same while you’re here – Martha’s Vineyard is a precious place! From alternative energy to buy local to organic farming to eco-friendly products, here’s your guide to a green Martha’s Vineyard.

Island Grown Initiative. IGI is a grassroots, non-profit organization that promotes locally grown food and the local farmers that grow it. They have built community and support for the farmers on the island and great awareness about the importance of growing local on the island and beyond. Also, they sell terrific shirts and sweatshirts.

The Bio Store. Found just before you go over the bridge from Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs, EcoMV’s Bio Store is full of clothes, food, packaging, fabric, bodycare and cleaning supplies that are non-toxic, sustainable and biodegradable. They even have biodegradable to-go containers, cups, plates, and eating utensils – all made out of corn and used by many island eateries.

South Mountain Company. A building company with a big green heart that powers their offices with wind and builds solar and wind energy alternatives into many of their homes. They also use Clivus composting toilets whenever possible – saving the island’s water resources. Building materials are taken from sustainable woods and other creative places – recycled windshield wipers for shower tiles anyone?

CSA. Community Support Agriculture is a system where community members by shares of a farm ahead of time in return for farm goods – the community commits to supporting the farm ahead of time. Three MV CSA’s of note:
Whipporwill Farm provides good old farm produce – veggies, fruits and flowers.They aren’t certified organic, but use all organic farming methods.
Flat Point Poultry has an organic, free-range poultry CSA.
Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm is the first ever natural fiber CSA, selling shares in wool sheared from their Angora Goats, Cormo, Cotswold and Babydoll Southdown sheep. Recently written up in the Wall Street Journal.

Alternative Energy. Many islanders are using wind (including the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School), solar and sustainable pellets to energize their home. There are many resources on the island including: Vineyard Alternative Heating and South Mountain Company.

Recycling. Quite simply, Martha’s Vineyard recycles. Your rental house should provide information on what to do with trash and recycling for that particular property. Thanks for pitching in!

Events, Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs

Village Spotlight: Oak Bluffs

July 28, 2008 Leave a comment

Once known as “Cottage City”, Oak bluffs is a truly unique resort town on Martha’s Vineyard full of color and character to this day.

Located on the northeast shore of the island, Oak Bluffs offers an historical edge which includes The Flying Horses Carousel – the oldest operating platform carousel In the United States, The Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association in the heart of Oak Bluffs which showcases hundreds of painted Victorian “Gingerbread” cottages to be dazzled by, and of course the Tabernacle – the physical and spiritual center of the Campground which was built in 1879 by John W. Hoyt of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Home to the largest marina on the island, the finest golf course, beautiful public beaches, public parks and wildlife galore, Oak Bluffs is your destination of choice for trendy and artsy shopping. See a movie, enjoy a night on the town with live entertainment and dancing (OB being one of the two “wet” towns on the island that serve alcohol), eat at one of the excellent restaurants or just take a walk down the thrilling Circuit Ave, the town’s main drag.

Several special events emphasize Oak Bluffs personality and take place annually: Grand Illumination Night in the Campground cottages, the Monster Shark Tournament, and the August Fireman’s Association Fireworks. At The Grand Illumination, residents of the Campground place ornate Chinese lanterns (some electric, some still lit with just a candle), around each Gingerbread Cottage. The lanterns remain dark until after dusk. At an appointed hour, people gather in the Tabernacle for a sing-along and community gathering. At the end all the lights go out and thousands of Chinese lanterns spring to life in a brilliant cascade of light throughout the campground. The celebration ends after visitors walk through the Campground enjoying the sights and sounds of an event taken straight from the turn of the century and brought to life every year in this quaint town of Oak Bluffs.

Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Haven, Vineyard Towns

Village Spotlight: Vineyard Haven

July 24, 2008 Leave a comment

The village of Vineyard Haven, located in the town of Tisbury, is the main port for Martha’s Vineyard. The harbor is the year-round home to the island ferries run by The Steamship Authority (passengers, cars and freight) and the New England Fast Ferry (passengers only), and it is filled with private and charter sail boats throughout the year and especially each summer. Once you step ashore, some of the best the Vineyard has to offer is within walking distance.

The famous Black Dog Tavern, bakery and retail shops stand steps away from the ferry, and most visitors mark their summer visits by purchasing their annual Black Dog t-shirts. Sitting on the porch at the tavern happily devouring your lobster dinner remains a highlight and is always worth the wait. No reservations accepted, but it’s a joy to sit on the small beach and watch the harbor while you wait for your name to be called.

Bike and car rentals are close by to help you get around, but you don’t even need them to explore Vineyard Haven’s Main Street. This picturesque, shopping extravaganza of a street boasts unique boutique style shops filled with clothes, cool stuff, books and art. Some of our favorite spots are The Green Room (men and women’s clothing), Bunch of Grapes (one of the greatest bookstores ever) and Rainy Day (literally filled with too many fantastic items to list here). Art galleries abound and showcased artists often capture the spirit and beauty of the island.

Vineyard Haven offers excellent dining (Le Grenier) and quick eats (ArtCliff)…and plenty of ice cream (Mad Martha’s) – just to name a few hot spots. The Mansion House hotel, spa, health club and restaurant (Zephrus) stands right on the corner of Main and State Road giving guests full service inside and total access to the town. If it rains, duck into the Capawock movie theater, a refreshing change from the multi-plex, or find the Vineyard Playhouse which features a summer packed with world-renowned plays and actors in a unique Vineyard setting.

And if you have time, wander just a block or two past Main Street, up away from the harbor. You’ll find the a beautiful, seaside, New England town – white clapboard homes, lush gardens and tons of character.