Washed Ashore on Martha’s Vineyard

Consider me a wash ashore, a local phrase for anyone not a native son or daughter, on Martha’s Vineyard because my first visit was delightful. 

A business-related trip brought me to the offshore Massachusetts island and I hope I can find ways to come back again. While my stay was short, only 2 days, I feel I got good exposure to the look, feel, and flavor of the island. 

Travel to and from the island was quite interesting because it required taking a plane between Baltimore to Boston and then a very small 9 seat propeller plane back and forth from her island. I even got to sit in the copilot seat on the way there on a sunset flight! The way back was a little bumpier than I would like but you can’t beat the speed the speed of a plane over the ferry alternative. 

I stayed at the Harborside Inn in downtown Edgartown, an old whaling village, which was right in the middle of all the lowkey action the shops and restaurants have to offer. I enjoyed window shopping and admiring the beautiful, stately, coastal homes which were all impeccably landscaped.

The group I traveled with organized a tour of the island with the local travel guide group Experience Martha’s Vineyard who shared first hand local knowledge about island life. The tour included visits to where Jaws was filmed back in the 1970’s, historic InkWell Beach, a historic and well known bathing spot for African Americans in the 20th century, a look at many different home architectural styles and farmland. I found it interesting that there are no traffic signals  on the island and no national chains, saving a lone Dairy Queen grandfathered from the past. The guides pointed out famous residents l, past and present, on the island including the Obamas and Caroline Kennedy, Spike Lee, and Diane Sawyer. We also learned about the islands Native American population and history, and visited a Native American owned business The Orange Peel Cafe bakery. 

We stopped in a small fishing village, Menemsha, for some local island fare before heading to the cliffs on the western part of the island. I had a large New England ClamChowder and potato salad. 

The Aquinnah, or Gay Head Cliffs, were stunning at sunset. We gathered at an overlook area and watched the sun set on the open waters and took photos of the old lighthouse and cliffs.  A high point on the island, the area around the cliffs is natural and rugged with stunning views. 

 I closed out my trip to endearing island with an early morning walk to the light house and  swim at Fuller Street Beach in Edgartown not long after the sun came up. The water was still like glass, cool, and refreshing that time of the morning. The water was see through and shallow for a long distance. I made sure to float on my back and absorb the sounds and bright blue sky before drying off and heading to work.

While I’m not sure when I will have a chance to go back, I feel I am better for having had the chance to visit this special place. Don’t hesitate to go if you ever have the opportunity. Til next time Martha’s Vineyard!