Destination: On Martha's Vineyard

Just about every summer since I was about 11 my family would head to Martha’s Vineyard. Me, my sister, brother and parents really looked forward to this 2 week vacation of lying out at the Inkwell surrounded by many other black folks, boogie boarding at South Beach, cooking out in the backyard with peeps we only saw during the summer, eating Ben & Bill’s ice cream, and enjoying seafood dinners. Now that we’re older, and living in different cities, our two weeks all together are now random weekends throughout the summer, but our common love for the Vineyard is still the same.

The fam on the 4th

There’s such a rich black heritage and strong family base on the island. You won’t find any clubs here, but there’s always something to do, something chill to get in to, whether bar hopping, jet skiing, golfing, boutique shopping or just people watching on the beach. I guess it’s not too much of a surprise that this Massachusetts island visited by the Clintons during Bill’s presidency may also be the Obamas summer vacation spot this August. Rumor has it that they rented a home in East Chop for two weeks.

An island off Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard is made up of 6 towns…

- Tisbury, including Vineyard Haven and West Chop

- Edgartown noted for its rich whaling tradition

- Oak Bluffs, the most popular destination for blacks which also includes East Chop and Harthaven

- West Tisbury

- Chilmark, including a fishing village of Menemsha

- Aquinnah

ISLAND VISITORS

Some star visitors and residents include, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Spike Lee, David Letterman, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Jake Gyllenol, Reese Witherspoon, Grant and Tamia Hill, Ray Allen, Chuck D, and Diana Ross to list a few.

Jay & B

Bill & Hill

Grant & Tamia

Despite being labeled as “Hollywood’s East” Martha’s Vineyard is very quiet and low-key. Most visitors, even the celebrities come to enjoy the atmosphere and not be seen. The locals are protective and respectful of their privacy.

TRANSPORTATION

In order to get to the island you would need to either fly into Martha’s Vineyard Airport or take a ferry from Falmouth, New Bedford, Hyannis or Quonset Point, Rhode Island. A plus is being able to reserve a spot to bring your vehicle over, but be sure to take care of that in advance.

LODGING

June through August are the best months to visit; however it’s 4th of July til Labor Day weekend when the island is the most lively from my experience. Scattered on the island are several beautiful homes and cottages for rent, as well as bed and breakfast spots and hotels. Once finding out which part of the Vineyard you want to stay, you can then find the best lodging for you. If you don’t plan on bringing a car or renting one (and you certainly don’t have to) I would recommend a locale walking distance to a beach.

EATS and TREATS

Now, you’ll definitely be able to find some great seafood almost anywhere you go, from lobster rolls, to clam strips and mussels, it’s always fresh. One of my favorites spots is Lola’s, it’s New Orleans family or date style restaurant with something for everyone. They even have a bar with live music which is always crowded. For dessert, it’s all about Ben & Bill’s…some of the best homemade ice cream you’ll ever taste and the hot spot of Circuit Ave.

THE BLACK DOG

What started as a tavern and bakery is now a staple logo and souvenir. You can’t possibly go to the Vineyard without at least getting some sort of paraphernalia from one of their locations.