Blog

The 17th annual Evening of Discovery took place in Vineyard Haven Saturday evening June 27th. Guests were asked to wear black and white to celebrate the theme based on the Museum’s exhibit of Alfred Eisenstaedt’s photographs of Islanders. Under a grand white tent on the grounds of the Marine Hospital, more than 400 people mingled, snacked, and bid on a wide range of items before sitting down to a delicious elegant dinner.  Set with the harbor on one side, and the historic building towering above, it was a beautiful and dramatic location.  It seemed that everyone was excited for the Museum to achieve its manifold and ambitious goals, most of which focus on education.  David Nathans proudly described some of the programs that involve kids learning about Island history of all kinds- social, natural and economic.  The Gayhead Lighthouse was highlighted because of its recent relocation.

Edgartown Board of Trade hosted a terrific evening of hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the Dunes, last Tuesday.  The Dunes, formerly Lure, is the new beautiful restaurant at Winnetu Oceanside Resort.  The interior is sleek and welcoming with so many different spots to enjoy, many with water views...  The bar is substantial as are the various dining areas, but now with the extensive deck and poolside service, it really feels like a modern escape by the Atlantic.

There is a little known and magical waterfront neighborhood on the north shore of Martha's Vineyard called Chappaquonsett. Today there are only 10 homes in this very special area surrounded by protected woodland and beautiful water. It lies directly across Vineyard Sound from Woods Hole and the Elizabeth Islands. The word Chappaquonsett is native American,  meaning "where the nets dry". Not surprising since its most eastern point is now the entrance to Lake Tashmoo which was once the site of a famous and productive herring run before fresh water Tashmoo was connected to Vineyard Sound.

The Gay Head Light made it to her new location, safe and secure, over 180' from the eroding cliff! The move took two and a half days as hydraulic power pushed this 400 ton treasure gently and slowly along steel tracks. Now she rests as the engineered concrete block foundation is built to fill in the gap from the steel beams as they are retracted, and the move path is back-filled with all soils returning to their original location at the same compaction rate as existed prior to the move. Then the plant materials will be returned and the overall landscape plan will unfold, paying hommage to the lighthouse site from the 1800s with stone wall and repurposing of materials found during the excavation. The Lighthouse is planned to re-open to the public sometime in late July.

Highly desirable South Shore Chilmark location with pond frontage and dock on Chilmark Pond. The four-bedroom home has ocean views and the interior takes in the natural setting with extensive south facing windows, expansive south facing decks and a hot but from which to enjoy water views of the Atlantic ocean. This quality well-built home affords instant relaxation with easy kayaking or paddle boarding on the Pond or sepnd the day on Chilmark's pristine Lucy Vincent Beach. $2,550,000.

THE CAPAWOCK THEATRE OPENING

It is hard to believe that the Eisenhauer Gallery in Edgartown is celebrating its 15th year!  Fortunately Elizabeth and her husband Paul are experts in planning a wonderful gallery opening.  With oysters on the half shell, a range of fine wines, and Jonny Hoy playing in the courtyard, everyone had the fun of enjoying art and people… all the rocking chairs on the porch were full and in motion….

After two and a half years of planning and fundraising, the Gay Head Light will start to move to its new location on Thurs, May 28. It will take approximately three days to move along steel tracks to a safer distance of 180' from the eroding cliff edge, which geologists estimate will give the structure another 150 years! This is a truly remarkable project to save an island treasure. The lighthouse will open to visitors again by the end of July 2015.

MORNING GLORY FARM (WHERE YEAR ROUNDERS AND SUMMER FOLKS UNITE)

Although it has been highly reported, it is still amazing to drive to Chappaquiddick from South Beach across Norton Point!  Many remember when a 2.5 mile strip of sand connected Chappy to Edgartown, until a harsh storm in 2007 created the breach at Norton Point. Since then avid fisherman and nature lovers accessed their favorite places from South Beach in Katama or Chappaquiddick.