A Special Proposal on the Vineyard

by Vera Thornton

This is for the man who’s about to propose and wants a unique and very special way of doing it. This will give you a lifetime of memories and just about guarantee that you don’t get turned down. The magnificent Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown is offering a package this summer that includes dinner prepared and served for you by their executive chef, Joshua Hollinger, in the historic Edgartown Lighthouse, adjacent to the hotel. This is a one-of-a-kind deal, which includes accommodation in one of the new luxury suites, and breakfast the next morning. It’s only available as a one-night stay on Monday or Wednesday - Chef Josh can’t be away from the busy hotel dining room for even a moment on a weekend! You will be served cocktails and appetizers outside on the top of the Lighthouse, looking down on the beautiful Edgartown harbor, dotted with graceful sailing vessels and yachts of the rich and not-necessarily famous. Dinner will follow inside on the ground floor of the Lighthouse, as Josh cooks right there for you and your sweetie. After dinner, maybe a leisurely walk on the beach in the moonlight, then back to your oh-so-posh suite at the hotel. Ask any woman if that isn’t the ultimate romantic night – only a knight on a white stallion could top this. The package price without tax and gratuity - including dinner, luxury suite accomodation, and breakfast - is $2500.

For more information or to book the Lighthouse Dinner Package, please call 508-627-7000.



Photo credit:
All photos courtesy of the Harbor View Hotel.

The Green Hotel Initiative on Martha's Vineyard

by Vera Thornton

By now I’m sure we’ve all heard about green travel, but what exactly is it? Here's the insider lowdown: vacationing in natural settings while conserving the environment and improving the welfare of the local people. The mantra is - take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. Now the hotel industry is getting on board in a big way, promoting environmentally friendly policies. Green hotels are properties with owners and managers saving water, saving energy, reducing solid waste, and sustaining our planet. When you see a sign on the towel rack that asks you to please consider re-using your linens, that hotel is encouraging you to participate in the conservation of our groundwater by reducing the amount of laundry that’s being done daily. The same goes for the sheet change cards being used in green hotels – if you don’t require your bedding changed daily, let them know. Other policies include recycling programs; the use of locally grown foods; bathroom amenities in bulk dispensers instead of individual plastic containers; the elimination of chemicals in laundry products, cleaning supplies, and paints; the use of 100% cotton towels and linens; the composting of biodegradable food waste; the elimination of plastic cups and dishes; and the use of energy-saving fluorescent bulbs. Just think what a difference it would make around the world if hotels practiced even some of these policies all the time.

Several of the fine hotels and B&B's on the Vineyard are joining the movement to encourage and promote ecological consciousness. Here are a few, and the list will continue to grow, I’m sure.


The Doctor’s House
60 Mount Aldworth Road, Vineyard Haven

This charming small inn is within walking distance of the ferry and the local bus line, so you can save energy (and money) by leaving your car behind. The owner grows her own herbs and vegetables on part of the three gorgeous acres where you have the feel of being in the country. She uses these in the daily gourmet breakfast, and what she doesn't grow, she buys locally. All paper products used are made from recycled products, no plastic ware is used, all appliances are energy saving models, and signs are in all guestrooms encouraging linen re-use.
(508)-696-0859

Hob Knob
128 Main Street, Edgartown

This eco-luxury boutique hotel uses locally grown organic foods for its delicious full breakfast, composts kitchen waste, promotes the linen re-use program, and recently switched from plastic to glass bottled water. Non-toxic cleaning products are used, and non-toxic paint was used in a recent freshening up of the inn. This summer Hob Knob will partner with the FARM Institute in Katama and offer guests a Farm and Breakfast Tour, where they will pedal from the Hob Knob to the farm, participate in chores, and cook breakfast using fresh farm ingredients.
(508)627-9510

The Island Inn
15 Beach Road, Oak Bluffs

This resort hotel adjacent to Farm Neck Golf Course, in an effort to raise its eco-consciousness, has recently become a member of the Green Hotel Association. Plans are in the works this summer to gradually introduce eco-changes suggested by the association, and have already begun with the elimination of small plastic bottles and bar soaps in favor of bulk dispensers. Dramatic results were immediately noted in the decrease of waste and trash – a partially used bar of soap or little bottle gets tossed, after all. All outdoor lighting has been changed to low impact fluorescent, and a recycle program has been established, with more changes on the way.
(508)-693-2002


Photo Credits:
Photo #1: The Green Tortoise
Photo #2: The Hob Knob
Photo #3: The Doctor's House
Photo #4: The Island Inn

Budget Eating on Martha's Vineyard

by Vera Thornton

Congratulations to the fine and inexpensive Martha’s Vineyard eating establishments who were featured in the New York Times Travel Section on Friday, June 13th! Journalist David Allen featured the Slice of Life in Oak Bluffs, and in Edgartown: Among the Flowers, the Newes Pub and the Morning Glory Farm Stand.

The Slice of Life in Oak Bluffs is a popular local spot with creative and delicious gourmet food, beautifully presented in a casual atmosphere looking out onto Circuit Avenue. The waitresses are cute, savvy and efficient, and will catch you up on the local behind the scenes news if you’re lucky. David and his wife dined on the Portobello sandwich and the fried green tomato BLT, clam chowder, butterscotch pudding, and chased it all down with a Wachusett IPA. Lunch for two = $33.50.

In Edgartown they discovered the Newes From America Pub, and enjoyed a snack of spicy fries, served as always in a greasy paper bag. These are unquestionably the best fries on the island, I can attest. Drinks consisted of Capt’n Eli’s draft root beer and Sea Dog Blue Paw wheat ale with real blueberries floating in the foam. Snack = $14.25.

Lunch was a chunky lobster roll at Among the Flowers Café for $14.95. While not cheap, this is less than the going rate, even off-island, and you get to enjoy your lunch (breakfast and dinner, too) outdoors on the patio, which offers cool breezes and fabulous people-watching under the blue and white awning, with the harbor in the background.

The following day found David and wife at the Morning Glory Farm Stand just one mile from the center of Edgartown. There they discovered the islanders’ secret: healthy and delicious local food for less than you pay in a restaurant. For around $15 they feasted on a salad for two, red lentil soup, drinks, and dessert – freshly baked strawberry-rhubarb cobbler. The farm stand has a shaded porch with rocking chairs, and plenty of space under the sun on the grass for your picnic. And their fresh bread and pies are so yummy that people wait in line for the baker to bring out her wares.

Photo credits:
Photo #1 - Courtesy of Slice of Life
Photo #2 - Courtesy of Among the Flowers Cafe
Photo #3 - Courtesy of Morning Glory Farm Stand

by Vera Thornton

Gourmet Stroll
When: Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Old Whaling Church Lawn, Main Street, Edgartown

This is the place to see and be seen on the Vineyard, and marks the official start of the prepsters social season. In its 23rd year, it has become a must-do for the A-listers of the Island, and tickets go quickly. Under tents on the grassy lawn between the Doctor Daniel Fisher House and the Whaling Church, there is food, drink, music, and dancing. Restaurants and caterers donate their signature dishes - the food is abundant, varied, and delicious. Beverage purveyors are pouring generously, everything from hand-crafted beers to fine champagne and designer waters. No one leaves hungry or thirsty! When you’re sufficiently relaxed and in the dancing mood, Jerry Bennett and the Sultans of Swing provide the hottest music around, and the party kicks into high gear. For amusing lasting memories of the evening, photographer Joe Mikos takes pictures on his velvet couch and puts them on-line for sale the next day. (My advice: get your picture taken early in the evening rather that later…). This event was originally held on a Saturday, but the restaurants were all empty that night because the whole town was at the Taste, so the sponsors agreed to move it to Thursday!

Tickets: $125 per person 
For information or to purchase tickets please call: 508-627-4440

The event is a benefit for the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation

 Trust.

Photo credits:

All photos courtesy of Joe Mikos Photography.

Patrons’ Dinner and Gala Auction
When: Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Dr. Fisher House Lawn, Main Street, Edgartown


There had to be something on Saturday night, right? This is Part II of the Prese

rvation Trust’s big annual fundraising event, and it’s as much fun as the stroll, withou

t the dancing! There are two auctions, live and silent, and plenty of outstanding food and drink. Cocktail hour is followed by a fabulous seated dinner from the caterer to the stars V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons, and then the fun begins. The

inimitable Clarence “Trip”Barnes, famous Island 

character and legend in his own time, takes over the show as the auctioneer. Trip has been doing this for years, and he is ooops!, politically incorrect, irreverent, and thoroughly enjoyable.  Auction items are one-of-a-kind Vineyard items like last year’s original Margot Datz painting – mermaids, of course, that was the cover of the Auction invitation. Some of the items being put up for bid this year will include private fireworks, a Ray Ellis original, a cocktail party at the Field Gallery, a Nantucket excursion, and likely the most coveted of all: a downtown Edgartown parking space in the gated Winter Street lot!

Tickets: $150 per person
Purchase tickets on-line: http://www.mvpreservation.org/calendar.php
For information call: 508-627-4440
The event is a benefit for the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust

Photo credit:  Courtesy of the Martha's Vineyard Times

The Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots on Martha's Vineyard

by Vera Thornton

Breakfast has always been a favorite of mine – it gets the day off to a good start with no dishes to clean up. And we get the opportunity to dine out without doing so much damage to the pocketbook . These breakfast and brunch restaurants range from simple to gourmet, in a variety of different settings and locations all over the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard.



Edgartown

Harbor View Hotel and Resort
131 North Water Street, Edgartown
(508) 627–3761


The Water Street Restaurant in the spectacularly renovated Harbor View Hotel is truly elegant, with exceptional food, flawless presentation, and one of the best views on the island. It is a wonderful experience, perfect for any special occasion. Daily breakfast and Sunday brunch are served in the floor-to-ceiling windowed dining room overlooking idyllic Edgartown Harbor with its historic lighthouse. The smoked salmon with cream cheese, red onions, and capers is my favorite brunch indulgence! Reservations accepted.

Among the Flowers Café
17 Mayhew Lane, Edgartown
(508) 627-3233

This is a homey little place with blue-checked tablecloths and a flower-filled patio, one of the few spots where you can dine outside on the Vineyard. They have wonderful waffles and lattes, and indoor dining is available if you prefer. Rachel Ray liked the homemade granola so much that she put the Flowers' recipe on her food network website! Click on their name above to see it. No reservations accepted.






The Edgartown Inn
56 North Water Street, Edgartown
(508) 627-4794

This whaling captain’s home became an inn in the early 1800’s, and has been serving a full country breakfast to their guests and the public ever since. It's small and quaint, and feels like being in someone's home. Outdoor seating is available in the courtyard, and the homemade muffins are wonderful. Reservations accepted.

Dock Street Coffee Shop
Dock Street, Edgartown
(508) 627-5232

This is a genuine greasy spoon that hasn't changed at all in years, an unexpected delight in toney Edgartown. The menu is basic and inexpensive, and the same cook has been there forever. He knows what over-easy means. The food is regarded by locals as the best cure going for a hangover. No reservations accepted.

Vineyard Haven

Art Cliff Diner, Vineyard Haven
(508) 693-1224

This is an extremely popular local place, which has been “discovered” in the last few years. It’s a vintage diner, relatively small, with about 12 tables and 6 seats at the counter, and no reservations are taken. The waiting line on a Sunday morning usually fills up the whole parking lot. That’s because the food is superb, creative, plentiful, and you can see a lot of interesting people, celebrity types included. My favorite breakfast dish is the Bull's Eye - poached eggs and a codfish cake over arugula, covered with Hollandaise.




The Black Dog Tavern
20 Beach Street Extension, Vineyard Haven Harbor
(508) 693-9223

Scenically located on the harbor, you can watch the ferry boats and other graceful sailing vessels as they come and go. The Black Dog has been an island tradition for decades, since Captain Robert Douglas started it in 1969, because at that time there was no year-round restaurant in Vineyard Haven. Can you even imagine? Ever since, it's been a favorite and it’s easy to see why: great atmosphere, gorgeous view, delicious breakfast. No reservations taken. The Green Monstah Breakfast Burrito is healthy and delicious, with spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and cheese. Yummy!

Oak Bluffs

The Slice of Life
50 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
(508) 693-3838

This little gem is a café-bakery with a relaxed atmosphere, fabulous food, and friendly service. It’s a hip local spot owned by the couple who used to also own the Sweet Life Café across the street. Proven credentials in the culinary world! Try the Campground Scramble: Black Forest ham, carmelized onions, and Swiss cheese - fantastic! If you have room left, the desserts are divine, too. No reservations accepted for breakfast.

Park Corner Bistro
20H Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs
(508) 696-9922

This is an elegant little place with a small bar that serves Sunday Brunch. If you’re in Oak Bluffs and looking for something a little more upscale, try this one. It's worthy of a celebration. The Portuguese Sweet Bread French Toast keeps me coming back. Pair it with a mimosa and you're on the way to a memorable Sunday.




Linda Jean’s
25 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
(508) 693-4093

If you want a break from the gourmet world, this is the place to go. With tasty, hearty food, Linda Jean's is a casual, unpretentious spot with large portions and affordable prices. A favorite all year round, and an outstanding value. Comfortable booths, just right for families. Great big, fluffy pancakes go perfectly with the spicy sausage patties. No reservations accepted. Leave your name with the hostess and receive a beeper on which you will be paged when your table is ready.

Aquinnah
The Aquinnah Shop
At the Cliffs, Aquinnah
(508) 645-3867

Owned and operated by native Wampanoags, it's worth the drive for the view alone, but the food is also terrific, and you can sit outside and see the clay cliffs. The Tomahawk Special is a winner: poached eggs and fish cakes covered with salsa and melted cheese. No reservations accepted.


Photo credits:

Photo #1 & #2 - Harbor View Hotel and Resort
Photo #3 - Tom Harpel
Photo #4 - The Black Dog
Photo #6 - Brandon Martin-Anderson

Walking Trails on Martha's Vineyard

By Vera Thornton

Whether you’re a serious hiker or a casual stroller, you’ll definitely want to bring your sneakers and go for a trail walk while you’re on the Vineyard. The island is lucky to have several conservation organizations that have preserved acres and acres of open space with over 50 marked public trails, open to everyone all year-round. There’s a great pocket-size book called Walking Trails of Martha’s Vineyard by William Flender that’s a useful tool for walkers. Here are some of my favorites:

Edgartown

Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary
This is a 17-acre preserve that offers a short easy walk, and it’s practically in downtown Edgartown. It’s a grassy meadow with lovely vistas of Nantucket Sound and Eel Pond, where two swans can regularly be spotted. The large freshwater pond is Old Ice House Pond, with a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, comorants, otters, and muskrats.

Directions: Take Main Street in Edgartown to Pease’s Point Way to Planting Field Way - it’s .2 miles on the right. Dogs are welcomed on leashes. A Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation property.

Caroline Tuthill Wildlife Preserve
A tranquil walk through pine woods and marshes beside Sengekontacket Pond. A couple of moderate hills, views of the pond, and a granite bench for resting about half way through the trail. This is a self-guided nature walk. The numbers in the brochure provided at the trailhead correspond to numbered markers along the trail. Dogs are welcomed on leashes.

Directions: From downtown Edgartown, travel 0.5 miles on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. Parking area on the side of the road.  A Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation property.

Chilmark

Waskosim’s Rock
The rock is a huge boulder created by glacier movement eons ago, with a fissure down the middle created by a lightning bolt. People say the rock looks like a breaching whale, see what you think. It sits on one of the highest peaks on the island, where you have a dramatic view of Vineyard Sound. This 185 acre property was set to be developed into a multitude of houses when it was acquired by the M.V. Land Bank in 1990. Instead, it’s a vast area of unspoiled rolling hills and valleys. What a conservation success story!

Directions: To get there from down-island follow North Road past the West Tisbury-Chilmark town line. It’s on the left before the intersection with Tea Lane.  A Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank property.


Great Rock Bight
Another big rock! But do you know what a “bight” is? It’s another word for “bay,” and that’s where this boulder sits. A short, steep trail through difficult terrain leads down to a gorgeous 1300 foot stretch of sandy beach on Vineyard Sound with views of the Aquinnah cliffs. Hiking and swimming at the same place – what could be better? There is also a handicapped-accessible, wide and shady level walking trail through tall trees and grassy fields, and restroom facilities. Note that in the summer pets are not allowed on the beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Directions: Travel 3.8 miles on North Road after its intersection with State Road in West Tisbury; turn right at land bank logo and follow signs to trailhead. It’s easy to miss this one if you’re not looking, as the sign is very low to the ground. Parking and access are limited – in the summer go early or you may be turned away.  A Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank property.


 
Menemsha Hills
This is my all-time favorite, not because it offers so many beautiful vistas and is a little challenging, but because it’s LONG! It takes a minimum of an hour if you’re pushing, closer to two is not unusual. There are two intersecting trail loops through woods and wetlands, up a hill to one of the highest points on the Vineyard, and down a steep sandy path to a rocky beach. There is a wooden observation deck with a bench for a little sit-down. The views are staggering: you can see both the north and south coasts, the village of Menemsha, the Elizabeth Islands, and the Aquinnah Lighthouse. In season there are free printed trail maps and an independent, self-guided tour. In season a toilet is also provided. Dogs are not allowed on this walk.

Directions: Travel about 7 miles on North Road from its intersection with State Road in West Tisbury. Entrance is just past Tabor House Lane on the right. The sign is a small green and white one that hangs a little higher than eye level.  A Trustees of Reservations property.

For more information about Martha’s Vineyard conservation organizations, visit the following addresses:

The Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation
www.sheriffsmeadow.org
(508) 693-5207

Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission
http://www.mvlandbank.com
(509) 627-7141

The Trustees of Reservations
www.thetrustees.org
(781) 784-0567

Photo Credits: Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations

April On Martha's Vineyard

by Vera Thornton

It’s springtime and we’re all anxious to get out and enjoy the outdoors again. Luckily, the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Martha’s Vineyard has scheduled events every weekend during the month of April that are inexpensive and fun for the entire family. Felix Neck is owned and operated by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and members receive discounted ticket prices. April is a wonderful time to visit Martha’s Vineyard and I hope that you can include a few of these events to make your visit enjoyable and memorable.

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary – April, 2008 Events:

Osprey Festival
Saturday, April 12th - 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This is the 15th annual festival for this bird of prey, also known as the fishhawk - it feeds exclusively on live fish, diving into the water feet first to catch one. Activities include a craft tent, guided walks, live raptors, and more. Did you know that osprey’s mate for life? Which makes them a favorite of mine! Come and celebrate this remarkable bird.

Admission Fee:
Members: $3.00; Non-members: $6:00

Woodcock Wandering
Tuesday, April 15th & Wednesday, April 16th – 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What a romantic bird – it only mates at sunset! Then it struts around a little, flies into the air about 200 feet, and spirals back down to the ground – all to impress the females. We’ll be watching and hoping to catch one of these impressive performances.

Admission Fee:
Members: Free; Non-members: $5.00

Moonrise Meander
Sunday, April 20th – 7:30 p.m.

Doesn’t this sound wonderful: a guided walk in the moonlight. The full moon will be rising over Sengekontacket Pond as the sun sets over the marsh and fields behind you. Suzan Bellincampi, Sanctuary Director, will be your guide on this brisk early evening walk. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

Admission:
Members: Free; Non-members: $5.00; Children under 8 are free.

Work for Wildlife-Volunteer Day
Saturday, April 26th – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Felix Neck Garden Party: Help us get our butterfly garden ready for summer; participate in bench building and be on hand for feeding time (12:00 -1:00 p.m.) at Felix Neck. This event is fun for the whole family.
Admission Fee: Free

Salamanders & Sundaes
Sunday, April 27th – 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate spring with an ice cream social and a salamander stroll. We’ll search under rocks, logs, and leaf litter for red backed salamanders and top the walk off by making sundaes.

Admission Fee:
Members: $2.00; Non-members: $4.00; Children under 3 free

Pinkletink Prowls
Wednesday, April 30th – 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Listen to the cacophony of pinks and tinks from the frogs as we take a walk to some of the different ponds at Felix Neck to listen for the male pinkletinks calling for their mates. These tiny little male frogs softly begin their nightly mating calls as they thaw from their winter hibernation. As the temperature continues to warm, they create a symphony of spring that islanders wait for every year.

Admission Fee:
Members: Free; Non-members: $5.00

For More Information, visit: Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

Photo #2: Justen Walker
Photo #3: Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary