Tyler and I flew up to New England over Labor Day Weekend to appreciate a complimentary stay I received in exchange for some business marketing photography. :) We enjoyed the island of Martha’s Vineyard a couple years ago and were looking forward to going back and reliving some of our favorite memories from our precious trip, and making some new ones too.
We flew into Boston and drove south to Woods Hole, catching the mid-day ferry over to Vineyard Haven Harbor on the northeastern tip of the island. They pack so many different kinds and sizes of vehicles onto the ferry like sardines… We got out of the car and sat up top with many of the other passengers to breathe in the salty air and catch a little sun before arriving.
We stayed at the Charles & Charles again, because we loved it so much the last time. We couldn’t wait to swim in the saltwater pool and enjoy the incredible homemade breakfasts.
Each detail was just as we remembered. The pretty dappled light coming in, the light trickling of the pool water, and the cool breeze through the trees.
We stayed in the same suite as before too, with a couple of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies waiting for us and a bottle of red!
We went to dinner and fell asleep early since we were tired from traveling, and we wanted to be rested for the next day’s adventure.
The following morning, we were served with a mixed berry and sweet potato juice, coffee, a smashed potato with an egg, a side of “spider” corn cake and jam, and fresh fruit. It was delectable, so bright and enjoyable, and just as we remembered from before.
We started the day off with some window shopping in Vineyard Haven and driving around to a few enticing local spots.
We ventured west to Aquinnah to see the lighthouse again, and tour the museum there. We love learning about the indigenous people and history wherever we go. That evening, we got a pizza from Porto’s (we actually talk about this pizza at home pretty often and wish we could find one comparable around here… it’s so good) and drove down Beach Road a bit to the bridge just outside of Vineyard Haven where you can watch the boats and see the sunset.
The next morning, breakfast began with two of the best biscuits I’ve ever had in my life. They were a sourdough recipe apparently, with a side of homemade raspberry jam. When I took a bite of the biscuits, I just laughed. I couldn’t help but laugh and smile with every bite. It was just that good, buttery, flaky, savory, and just everything I wanted but deprive myself of on regular days.
After the biscuit, we were presented with a poached egg over squash blossom risotto with parmigiano reggiano cheese and a side of fresh fruit. It was amazing.
We spent the morning at the MV Museum, learning about the island’s history and native Aquinnah tribe.
I loved the museum’s little row of cafe chairs in the sunlight, I could have curled up in one and taken a nap.
My favorite part of the museum was the storms at sea exhibit where they had artifacts and stories of local shipwrecks. In the corner, they asked guests to account for a strong weather memory of their own. Reading these was one of my most cherished memories of the weekend.
Tyler loved seeing the scrimshaw. I thought the dough cutters were so neat. Amazing how they would draw and etch into the bone.
We continued exploring the island, ending the evening with a sunset and dinner at State Road with a lovely ambiance, delicious meals, some wine, and dessert.
Our third and final breakfast was delightful. We enjoyed a popover with scrambled eggs, homemade granola, and dried watermelon. We savored every bite until the very last. There’s just something special about brunch by the pool is just beyond lovely and we didn’t want it to end.
We spent our last day driving the perimeter of the island, going through each little town and exploring.
We ended in the place we loved most from before - Menemsha, with two lobster rolls and some chips on a rock on the harbor, watching the cars and boats go by.
There’s nothing quite like eating a New England lobster roll outside right on the water like that. Just so simple and great.
It was time to catch the ferry home. This was actually one of my other favorite memories from the trip. The weather was gorgeous and the wind was so therapeutic and relaxing, along with the sounds of the harbor and the hum of the driving ship.
What a beautiful place to visit. We are grateful for the opportunity to have gone again and can’t wait to see what our next adventure may entail! Any suggestions?