Sunday, June 19, 2011

Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs

Yes, it's as beautiful as you've heard. And, no, we had neither a presidential nor a celebrity sighting.

We had breakfast at Betsy's Diner in Falmouth before we boarded the ferry. A diner true to it's name, and if you are familiar with the show, Gilmore Girls, it has a vibe similar to that of Luke's Diner. There is a sign posted right on the front door instructing you not to use your cell phones in their establishment. There are clear rules, as you can see, posted right on the menu explaining it all. Locals don't seem to mind these rules, as there is a wait to get in. And, yes, you must wait outside in the parking lot. The food was great and so worth all of the rules!

We were traveling to see Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, and oh, those cute little cottages in Oak Bluffs. It's an adventure and an expense in itself just to get across the water. First, you have to park your car, for about $12.00, then you get onto a packed bus with people carrying everything from coffee pots to televisions with them, as there are no big box stores selling such things on the island. The bus route is winding and steep. It travels quickly and makes no stops. I couldn't decide if it was more like riding a roller coaster thru Walmart on the day after Thanksgiving, or that crazy trolley ride in the beginning of the last Harry Potter movie. But it was so worth it.
Once you got off of the bus, you had to purchase a ticket for the ferry to take you across to the land of the beautiful people. It was about $8.00 each way. We were hoping to see a whale, but all we saw were seagulls, ducks, and one brave windsurfer.

What's this? Land Ho! Vineyard Haven.

There were several lovely shops just steps from where you get off the ferry. My favorite was Mix, a small antique and gift shop. It was so cool! Fabulous vintage signs and art, as well as new accessories for your time at the beach.

After hitting a few shops, including a yummy cupcake shop, and crowded candy store with gorgeous-looking dark chocolate-covered marshmallows, we caught the bus, again $2.00 per town, or you can purchase a pass valid for 24 hours for about $7.00. We were headed to Oak Bluffs to see the Victorian cottages with their camp meeting history. We were not disappointed. It was so peaceful. These little charmers wind around street after street. And in the center of this little village sits the Tabernacle, an open-air gazebo with rows and rows of church pews. Services are held every Wednesday evening, bringing residents and visitors together to sing.

This one's for sale - any takers? A girl can dream, can't she?

All of this and just a short walk to the beach.

When I grow up, I want to be one of the beautiful people. I want to summer at Martha's Vineyard. I want to spend Wednesday evenings singing at the Tabernacle with my neighbors. No, we didn't see the Obama family vacationing there, but if being President gets you that kind of time off, I'm going to start my campaign tomorrow.

Next stop, five glorious days of junk loving, junk food eating, Brimfield, Brimfield and more Brimfield.

Smiles,

Carol

7 comments:

Tattered Top Hat said...

Hey mom! Favorite here. Loving the blog. I knew you could do it! You're so blogsy-savvy, it really shows that even parents can figure the Internet now! :) Wish I could've joins y'all for the trip; maybe next year. I just CAN'T have my sisters become your new favorites since they trot the globe with you.

Love you,

Princess # 3

Hillarie said...

I really did miss out by not going with you guys on this day!! Won't be making that mistake again. Your pics are fabulous and your posts are even better. I want to blog just like you when I grow up. I just have one question, did you have the nerve to call on the cottage that was for sale? If we start saving now we would probably have enough in say, about 150 years! Can we do layaway?
H&K,
Hillarie

jacklynn4 said...

It looks like you had a great time in New England. Pix of the treasures you found at Brimfield please:)

Carol said...

Hillarie,

I didn't call about the cottage, but I did look it up online. It was over 300,000.00. Nope, I don't think there is a layaway program, tee hee.
Love,

Carol

Rebecca said...

Hello
I have to say I have never had any desire to go and see the beautiful people or their houses but now you have changed my mind. I guess I just haven't thought of it really. For one I didn't know that the houses were so wonderful with such great architectural detailing. How wonderful you could take this trip, can't wait to hear about Brimfield
Blessings
Rebecca

Melissa said...

The more you blog! The more I want to go! I bet you fell in love with those houses. It would be so much fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol,
My name is Jane and I'm with Dwellable.
I was looking for blogs about Oak Bluffs to share on our site and I came across your post...If you're open to it, shoot me an email at jane(at)dwellable(dot)com.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Jane