Tag Archives: Live Like A Local

Martha’s Vineyard Christmas Tree Tradition

Martha's Vineyard Christmas

Since the 1950’s it has been a holiday tradition for many Martha’s Vineyard locals to purchase their Christmas trees from a somewhat surprising source. They head out with family in tow to select the perfect tree not from a nursery, store or garden center but instead to get a “Legion Pumper” Christmas tree from Tisbury […]

Secret Martha’s Vineyard – Biking Tisbury Meadow Preserve

Tisbury Meadows Trail Head Sign

Tisbury Meadow Preserve in Vineyard Haven is a wonderfully pristine “Down-Island” hiking trail that is hidden in plain sight. It is an 84 acre MV Land Bank property with a trail head located directly on State Road between the “Down-Island” turning on to Lambert’s Cove Road and the Scottish Bakehouse  (on the left hand side […]

Secret Martha’s Vineyard – Little Duarte’s Pond Preserve

Little Duartes Pond

One of the best ways to discover Martha’s Vineyard is setting out on one of the many Martha’s Vineyard hiking trails. Vineyard Haven is surrounded by conservation areas to protect its aquifer and provide green space around the town. The conservation areas provide wonderful opportunities for off-road biking and hiking through woodlands and pasture. These […]

Secret Martha’s Vineyard – Ice House Pond

Jetty at Ice House Pond

Some of the most breathtakingly beautiful and authentically Martha’s Vineyard spots on this island are also some of the most difficult to get to. That all, of course, helps in keeping them true local experiences. One such place is serene Ice House Pond (formerly Old House Pond) in West Tisbury. This is a deep glacial […]

Secret Martha’s Vineyard – Phillips Preserve Hike

Martha's Vineyard Hikes

It would take a lifetime of Martha’s Vineyard vacations to discover all the hidden spots and secret places that are tucked away on the island. That’s one of the reasons that we are always encouraging our guests at the inn to keep returning! It’s also why I’m going to dedicate some blogs to insider tips […]

Martha’s Vineyard Hotels

Martha's Vineyard Beach

Martha’s Vineyard has always been an avid proponent of the “buy-local” philosophy and has tried to maintain a healthy resistance to chains establishing themselves on the island. This has proved successful over the years and has helped keep the island character that is so loved by locals and visitors alike. Inevitably the rise in property […]

Experience Martha’s Vineyard – Oyster Farm Tour

Martha's Vineyard Oysters

Jonathan Swift once declared, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster”, so we should raise a glass to that bold (and probably ravenous) man who discovered the joyous taste of the oyster. A vacation to Martha’s Vineyard provides opportunity for the (over)eating of these aesthetically challenged mollusks farmed right here on the […]

Best Places To Eat On Martha’s Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Oysters

Places to eat on Martha’s Vineyard are not hard to come by. There is a plethora of gastronomic goodies, delightful dishes, succulent spreads, mouth-watering menus and tasty treats. Here are some of our favorite places to eat on Martha’s Vineyard. As the island has become a leading location in farm-to-table food and the top foodie […]

Birding on Martha’s Vineyard – 2016 Annual Bird Count

Martha's Vineyard Birdwatching

I was thrilled to be invited this week to take part in the 2016 annual Martha’s Vineyard Christmas bird count. A true “Live Like a Local” experience and a marvelous opportunity for a bird lover given the incredible diversity of birds that call Martha’s Vineyard their winter abode. This Christmas time event is part of […]