Tag Archives: Black Dog

Activities, Chilmark, Families, Kids, Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Towns

A Dream Trip for Kids on the Black Dog Tall Ships

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This really is like something out of the Goonies…or Pirates of the Caribbean. But, bottom line, I live in the coolest place ever!

Every spring, the 4th and 5th graders at the Chilmark School (and several others!), where my kids spend their days, get to head out for a week-long trip on the Black Dog Tall Ships. It’s possibly one of the most fantastic things about being a kid on Martha’s Vineyard all year round. My son Christopher is on tap for this year’s trip – he is beyond excited.

The teachers incorporate things like math, science, cooking, weather – and even being a good person and pulling your weight – into the trip which is a close-quartered adventure that is absolutely a lesson in community living!

The crew is, of course, passionate about sailing, the boat and the water of Martha’s Vineyard. Check out this video from PlumTV to get the full scoop and see the kids, and the boat, in action.

Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Haven, Vineyard Towns

Village Spotlight: Vineyard Haven

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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.