The Mo and I were grateful to be invited to Martha's Vineyard by the Ventura Family for a fun filled patriotic beach getaway. We ate, we drank, we read, we beached.. did I already mention, we ATE?
We woke up at the crack of dawn and left the house at 6 AM to catch the first Island Queen Ferry of the day. Price for a ticket was $12.00 one way or $20.00 round trip. Since we reached capacity, the ferry left a bit early before the scheduled departure time.
Once we boarded and got settled in the back of the vessel, we headed to the bar for blood Mary's and mimosas to kick off the vacation.
Less than 45 minutes, we arrived at Oaks Bluff where Grace and Frank were waiting for us at the dock. We drove to the MVCMA, where the cute gingerbread house community is located. They are all so cute, each house has its own color theme and character. We would be staying at the family's "Purple Angel."
The front porch is a great place for people watching and enjoying drinks and meals.
It was great to sit out on the porch and watch the community 4th of July parade come by.
I've only been to the vineyard a handful of times but here are my recommendations for a great time:
Beaches:
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
(In between Oaks Bluff and Edgartown)
I really loved this beach for its serenity and quietness. You have to get there early to get parking along the main Beach road. Access to the beach is quick along the path. The water was clear and calm. I didn't fell crowded at all and it was great location to watch the fireworks from. You're really not supposed to bring alcohol on the beach but we did and were responsible adults.
Nearby, there is a small bridge that people jump off of for fun. I did it one year and I was petrified. It took me 20 minutes before I finally jumped off.
At night time, it's just as beautiful...
South Beach
Katama Road
Edgartown, MA
South Beach is really nice. Parking is ample and if you have a permit, you can bring your car right onto the beach. There are much more waves and riptides at this beach so use extra caution. This beach has bathroom facilities but the walk from the car is much longer.
Gay Head
(Aquinnah - Martha's Vineyard)
Although we didn't get in on any nude beach action, there is a clothing optional beach at the Gay Head Lighthouse area. We just went for the view of the beautiful ocean and recently moved light house.
Menemsha Public Beach
Chilmark, MA
Here's another beach we visited but didn't partake in any sunbathing or swimming action. The beach is a bit on the rocky side and parking is a bitch! We mainly visited for the plethora of seafood options within the area. The Bite & Larsen's Fish Market are both iconic eateries for the island. There's no real sit down area but people can't order their food and find a place to eat by the docks. It's quintessential New England seafood dining on the island.
Oak Bluffs marina is a great place to grab a drink and people watch. On our last day, we sat at Coop DeVille on the harbor and slurped up freshly shucked clams. The menu was well priced and had all the fried seafood staples. Although they are known for their wings, we didn't partake. When in the vineyard, eat seafood.
I was sad to leave the island but we had to catch the ferry and head back to Woods hole. I was glad we got the early because the line was super long. Luckily for us, there was no traffic and we made it over the Bourne bridge in no time.
Thanks so much to our gracious hosts, the Ventura's, for an amazing weekend!
Until next time...
 |
| Freshly shucked clams in Manemsha |
We woke up at the crack of dawn and left the house at 6 AM to catch the first Island Queen Ferry of the day. Price for a ticket was $12.00 one way or $20.00 round trip. Since we reached capacity, the ferry left a bit early before the scheduled departure time.
Once we boarded and got settled in the back of the vessel, we headed to the bar for blood Mary's and mimosas to kick off the vacation.
Less than 45 minutes, we arrived at Oaks Bluff where Grace and Frank were waiting for us at the dock. We drove to the MVCMA, where the cute gingerbread house community is located. They are all so cute, each house has its own color theme and character. We would be staying at the family's "Purple Angel."
The front porch is a great place for people watching and enjoying drinks and meals.
It was great to sit out on the porch and watch the community 4th of July parade come by.
I've only been to the vineyard a handful of times but here are my recommendations for a great time:
Beaches:
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
(In between Oaks Bluff and Edgartown)
I really loved this beach for its serenity and quietness. You have to get there early to get parking along the main Beach road. Access to the beach is quick along the path. The water was clear and calm. I didn't fell crowded at all and it was great location to watch the fireworks from. You're really not supposed to bring alcohol on the beach but we did and were responsible adults.
Nearby, there is a small bridge that people jump off of for fun. I did it one year and I was petrified. It took me 20 minutes before I finally jumped off.
At night time, it's just as beautiful...
South Beach
Katama Road
Edgartown, MA
South Beach is really nice. Parking is ample and if you have a permit, you can bring your car right onto the beach. There are much more waves and riptides at this beach so use extra caution. This beach has bathroom facilities but the walk from the car is much longer.
Gay Head
(Aquinnah - Martha's Vineyard)
Although we didn't get in on any nude beach action, there is a clothing optional beach at the Gay Head Lighthouse area. We just went for the view of the beautiful ocean and recently moved light house.
Menemsha Public Beach
Chilmark, MA
Here's another beach we visited but didn't partake in any sunbathing or swimming action. The beach is a bit on the rocky side and parking is a bitch! We mainly visited for the plethora of seafood options within the area. The Bite & Larsen's Fish Market are both iconic eateries for the island. There's no real sit down area but people can't order their food and find a place to eat by the docks. It's quintessential New England seafood dining on the island.
Oak Bluffs marina is a great place to grab a drink and people watch. On our last day, we sat at Coop DeVille on the harbor and slurped up freshly shucked clams. The menu was well priced and had all the fried seafood staples. Although they are known for their wings, we didn't partake. When in the vineyard, eat seafood.
I was sad to leave the island but we had to catch the ferry and head back to Woods hole. I was glad we got the early because the line was super long. Luckily for us, there was no traffic and we made it over the Bourne bridge in no time.
Thanks so much to our gracious hosts, the Ventura's, for an amazing weekend!
Until next time...
