Tag Archives: mv vacation rentals

A Shepherd’s Tale: Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm

fiberfarm

Martha’s Vineyard is one of those places where dreams come true. I know that sounds cheesey – but it’s true. This place is magical, and it invites innovation, especially of the green kind.

Susan Gibbs is a perfect example. Once upon a time, Susan was a producer for CBS – now, she’s a shepherd. But, she’s not just a shepherd. She started the world’s first natural fiber (wool from sheep and angora goats) CSA. CSA stands for community supported agriculture which essentially means that shareholders buy the wool or products of the upcoming farming season. Think of it like not pre-selling your inventory before you place any orders.

The best part is that the shareholders of the Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm are so invested in the farm, the business, the animals – they’ve really become a community. They read Susan’s blog religiously, comment like mad, travel long distances for shearings and events, help her raise money for charity – and support her to no end when a lamb is sick or anything else bad happens.

For her part, Susan blogs every day, works her buns off and is hilarious. We’re thrilled that she and the Fiber Farm call the Vineyard home!!! You can find her here with her flock, at Fiberfest and at the Farmer’s Market in West Tisbury all summer long…

The Fiber Farm has been wildly successful. They’ve been written up in the Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair – and I’m sure Martha Stewart is not far behind!

(Oh, and she has a second flock up in New York’s Hudson Valley too!)

Special Things to Do with KIDS on Martha’s Vineyard

There are lots of beaches in the world, and while I think Vineyard beaches are something special, I haven’t met a beach yet that wasn’t filled with water, sand and sun. However, there are many things to do and places to go on this island that you can ONLY find on Martha’s Vineyard. Here are some things not to miss with the kids for the ultimate Vineyard Experience.

The Flying Horses is the oldest working carousel in the country. These 22 horses with real horsehair tails and manes are a favorite with every child.

Mad Martha’s Ice Cream is a traditional Martha’s Vineyard treat. With locations in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, your family will love the homemade taste of their wacky and standard flavors.

Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks, located in West Tisbury, holds a very cool surprise. Taking kids to a glass shop may not be what you usually do, but MV Glassworks is an actual glass blowing studio where visitors can watch how the beautiful vases, plates and cups are made.

You will find The Fabulists in the Amphitheater in Vineyard Haven every Saturday morning in July and August (508-693-6450). A trip to the Fabulists will make for an exciting Saturday morning as kids get to jump out of their seats and onto the stage to help with the improv fairy tales performed by this madcap theater group.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum of the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society is the island’s largest repository of cultural artifacts, historic photographs, archival records, and genealogical records and is a wonderful place to learn about the island. The museum offers a summer’s worth of kids programs, an open library and kid and family nights.

Community Sings happen every Wednesday night in July and August. Located at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs, all are welcome for a romping series of hymns, folk songs, spirituals, rounds, and patriotic songs.