martha's vineyard

       After we were finished exploring the mansions in Newport, we made our way back to Massachusetts and found a place to spend the night about an hour away from Wood's Hole, where the ferry to the Vineyard leaves. We got up very early, made a quick stop for breakfast, and caught the bus to the Steamship Authority. Since we had to wait for the next boat, we wandered around the little town, taking pictures with a wall of buoys and getting tea from the local coffee shop.
       It was a cloudy morning, but it was the perfect temperature in Vineyard Haven. Honestly, when we got to the Vineyard, I fell in love. It's one of the cutest places I have ever been, and within this small island lies everything 'New England.' After wandering around and poking into the adorable shops, we decided to stick with a Martha's Vineyard original for lunch, so we headed over to the Black Dog Tavern.
       The Black Dog has become an icon for the Vineyard, and there is actually a store in Newburyport. It was more expensive than our lunch in Newport, but even though it was a little touristy, it was worth it. The side of the restaurant facing the water was all open, and the view was beautiful. I'm not a huge fan of fish, so maybe it was something in the salt air that made me order a codfish sandwich. It was delicious, and came with these enormous fries and delicious cole slaw--it was the perfect New England meal.
       After lunch, we had been planning to rent bikes and let my mom have a break from us, but we were disappointed to learn that hourly rentals weren't available anywhere, and the day rate was $25. After spending $16 each on the ferry, we weren't really up for paying so much, especially when we would probably only ride them for an hour or two. Instead, we took the island bus to Edgartown, which is a little quieter than Vineyard Haven, and only cost a few dollars. My mom found a charming little park to read her book in (so she did get a break from us!), and Diana, Klaudia, and I went exploring. We got matching sweatshirts, in different colors, and got dessert before taking the bus to Oak Bluffs.
       I really didn't want to leave. It was too beautiful and too peaceful, and I actually felt like I was on vacation. I get this feeling a lot when I travel, like at these places, where it just seems tragic to have to go home to Newburyport. Even if it won't be this summer, I know that I will make go back to the Vineyard very soon.

klaudia with the real black dogs

carousel in oak bluffs

"gingerbread houses" in oak bluffs