Before the impending move, Micki really wanted us and Grandma Judy to experience Martha's Vineyard together (we'd never been and neither had Grandma Judy). So the last weekend before their big move to Colorado, Ian and I headed to the Cape for a final hurrah. We arrived Friday evening, and woke up bright and early the next day to catch the Island Queen Ferry. It was a beautiful day, and so we picked seats on the upper deck to enjoy the views. And we even saw a biplane fly-by!
A short 30 minutes later, we arrived on Martha's Vineyard. Micki had a full day planned for us, to make the most of our time. We strolled around Oaks Bluff (after picking up some Murdick's Fudge and caramel corn to sustain us). The gingerbread cottages were particularly fascinating. The cluster of tiny, ornate houses started out as a summertime Methodist campground with open air revivals. Lodging for the revivals started out in tents, which were eventually replaced by permanent structures. From the outside, it's hard to believe these tiny summer cottages, built in the mid-1800s, have transitioned into modern homes.
We made our way to the bus stop to get to our next destination — the Polly Hill Arboretum — but due to some unlucky timing, we ended up taking a cab. We spent a few hours wandering the grounds, and it turns out we were there at an incredible time. All of the peonies were in full bloom, and we saw some incredible trees in bloom as well, like the dogwood allée, and the giant Julian magnolia.
We finished up just in time for the private island tour Micki had scheduled with a local guide. He picked us up at the arboretum, and we spent the next few hours driving all over the island. We picked up some chowder and crab cakes at Larsen's Fish Market, visited the Gay Head Cliffs and Lighthouse, passed lots of locations where Jaws filmed, and learned more of the local history and culture. We finished up back in Oaks Bluff with just enough time before the ferry to make an ice cream pit stop.
The next day, back on the Cape, we stuffed ourselves at the Old Yarmouth Inn's brunch buffet before beach hopping the afternoon away, and ending up, as we usually do, at Katie's for ice cream.
Micki and Grandma Judy, thanks so much for making our first trip to the Vineyard such a great one. We're going to miss our New England adventures with you!