Loines Observatory of the Maria Mitchell Association on Milk Street Extension on Nantucket is open for public viewing on a regular schedule year round, and for frequent special astronomical events. Climb a ladder to the eyepiece of a fine, old telescope and sample the sights of the distant heavens. You'll also have the opportunity to see a new 24-inch research telescope. The observatory’s 24-inch research telescope and operating systems, weighing over 1,500 pounds, were hoisted into place by crane through the Loines observatory dome on April 11, 2007. The first color photographs were taken with the new telescope soon thereafter. Remember, observing is weather dependent, so check the skies or call ahead. Phone: 508-228-9273.

Beaches of Martha’s Vineyard

If it is summer and you are on Martha’s Vineyard, you must, must, must get to the beach. Here is a list of the public beaches that are open to non-residents: Aquinnah Public Beach (Moshup Beach) is off Moshup Trail. Expect at 10-minute walk from the parking lot on cleared trail. Paid parking in summer. The Aquinnah Cliffs are spectacular to see and photograph, but they are fragile – do not climb on the cliffs. East Beach (Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation) is on the island of Chappaquiddick. Access is from Dike Bridge and Wasque. Open to all; fee for non-members. Eastville Beach is at the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Fuller Street Beach is at the end of Fuller Street near Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown. Joseph Sylvia State Beach comprises two miles of mild beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The Edgartown end of this beach is known as Bend-in-the-Road Beach. Lake Tashmoo Town Beach (Herring Creek Beach) is at the end of Herring Creek Road on Lake Tashmoo in Vineyard Haven.
Lighthouse Beach is a harbor beach at Starbuck's Neck, off North Water Street near the center of Edgartown. Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beach is accessible via Waldron's Bottom Road. Beach passes and memberships to The Trustees of Reservations are available. Menemsha Public Beach is next to Menemsha Harbor. Gentle beach typical of the north shore. Norton Point is three miles of barrier beach on the south shore in Edgartown at the end of Katama Road. Surf on one side with protected salt pond on the other. Oak Bluffs Town Beach is adjacent to town wharf and Steamship Authority dock. Owen Park Beach is on the harbor off Main Street in Vineyard Haven, near the business district. South Beach State Park is one mile between Herring Creek Road and Katama Road. State owned, managed by Edgartown. Rough surf, lifeguards in season. Tisbury Town Beach (Owen Little Way Town Beach) on off Owen Little Way, next to the Vine Haven Yacht Club. Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce phone: 800-505-4815.

Beaches of Nantucket

Besides its other pleasures, like great shopping and fine dining, Nantucket is blessed with beautiful beaches, and a visit to the island requires at least one (or more) full, slow-moving days at the beach. Here is a sampler, courtesy of the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce. Jetties Beach is easy bike ride from town and a public shuttle service is available. Great for families, with changing rooms, playground, public tennis courts, and a boardwalk. Windsurfing, sailboat, and kayak lessons and rentals available. Beach-accessible wheelchairs also are available. Brant Point is an easy walk or bike ride. There is no lifeguard and the strong current is for experienced swimmers only. It is a scenic beach, complete with a lighthouse, and a pleasant spot to sit and watch the boats rounding the point. Children's Beach is on the harbor and an easy walk from town. With its parks, playground, picnic tables and bandstand, it is ideal for small children. Free concerts on Thursdays and Sundays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dionis Beach is three miles by bike. Sheltered by dunes, calm waters for swimming, safe for children.
Francis Street Beach is a five-minute walk from Main Street. Calm harbor waters for swimming. Turtle climb, kayak rentals. Surfside Beach is located at the end of Surfside Road, a 2.2-mile ride on paved bike path or via shuttle bus. Good beach for families: picnics, kite flying, beach games, and surfcasting after 5 p.m. Surf can be heavy. Beach-accessible wheelchairs are available. Miacomet Beach is located at the end of Miacomet Road. Heavy surf. Cisco Beach is a four-mile bike ride to end of Hummock Pond Road. Heavy surf. Madaket Beach is as far west as you can go. Get there by shuttle bus service or a 5.5-mile bike ride on scenic, paved bike path. Heavy surf. Food available nearby. Famous for viewing sunsets. Siasconset Beach is reachable by regular shuttle service or 6-mile ride on paved bike path. Surf can be heavy. Food and restrooms available in nearby village of Sconset. Check out the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce website. Phone: 508-228-1700.

Birdwatching and Saltwater Fishing
Are the Best at Wasque Reservation

Wasque Reservation on Chappaquiddick Island off Martha’s Vineyard is a saltwater fisherman’s paradise and a superb spot for birdwatching and strolls along a beautiful shore. Popular in summer, the 1,000 acres of preserved land – including Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Mytoi, and Norton Point Beach – offer plenty of places to explore year-round. Like the herons and egrets that congregate here to fish, saltwater anglers find Wasque a fine destination for striped bass and bluefish. Hikers will find 1.5 miles of trails through rare sand barrens. Restrooms, picnic tables, bike rack, fresh water by hand pump. Open year-round, daily. Phone: 508-627-7689.

Exotic Creatures Offer Shivers at Reptile and Bird Preserve

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Exotic reptiles and birds. C’mon, you know you (or someone in your family) loves to examine these magnificent creatures. A kindred spirit is Gus Ben-David, operator of the World or Reptiles and Birds Park on Bachelder Road in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. Park residents who welcome visitors include giant pythons, an Endangered Rhinoceros Iguana; A Giant 'Pettable' Tortoise; an eight-foot Crocodile Lizard; a caiman, bald and golden eagles, fancy pigeons, exotic pheasants, and native and exotic waterfowl. Ben-David is eager to show you around and stoke your inner herpetologist. Phone: 508-627-5634.

Going to Market on the Island

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As lazy day or weekend on Martha’s Vineyard is a perfect time to wander to the West Tisbury Farmers Market , which is open on Saturday and Wednesday mornings at the Old Agricultural Hall, 1067 State Road in West Tisbury. The combination of the brightly colored floral bouquets, the scent of freshly harvested produce, the savory edibles offered and the music on Saturdays all combine to truly create a feast for the senses. Bring your children to visit the alpacas and enjoy the live fiddle music. And watch for the chance to try some more exotic treats, like wheatgrass juice and Vietnamese spring rolls. Phone: 508-693-9561.

Marine Ecosystems on Display

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The Coskata-Coatue (also known as Great Point) Wildlife Refuge off Wauwinet Road in Nantucket is a beautiful and complex ecosystem of rolling maritime dunes and beach plants, a red cedar savanna and woodland, a maritime oak forest that of gnarled, wind-blown trees, salt marsh, a lagoon, and more. People can explore the 200-acre property and join ranger-led tours of the historic Great Point Lighthouse. Phone: 508-228-5646

Mission: To Surprise and Delight

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Nantucket Bookworks at 25 Broad Street in Nantucket, declares that its mission is “surprise and delight visitors.” This is a full-service, general interest bookstore selling new books, with a small selection of out-of-print Nantucket titles. There is an extensive children's room, card room, young adult section, and Nantucket Book section. Also, you never know what kind of eclectic sidelines might wind up in the store. The store sells and accepts ABA gift cards, good for use at more than 200 participating independent bookstores across the country. Open daily, year-round. Hours vary seasonally. Phone: 508-228-4000

Revival Movement of the 1850s
Produced This Charmed Neighborhood

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The Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, located in the town of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, is a neighborhood of hundreds of colorful, ornate “gingerbread cottages” that are a delight to the eye and great fun to see and photograph. The neighborhood has its roots in the religious revival camp meeting movement of the 1850s. Members of the campground – originally a tent community -- conducted popular Bible meetings where the cottages are now.

Rural Nantucket Is Home to <br>This Brewer / Distiller / Vintner Rural Nantucket Is Home to
This Brewer / Distiller / Vintner

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A day trip through the lovely country side of Nantucket can get a spirited boost with a stop at the family -operated Cisco Brewers, Nantucket Vineyard, and Triple Eight Distillery . In addition to its flagship product, Triple Eight Vodka, the distillery produces Triple Eight Orange Vodka, Hurricane Rum, Gale Force Gin and Notch (“not scotch”) single malt whiskey. Combining old world techniques with state of the art technology, the vineyard’s wine selections include delicious vintages that you won't find anywhere else. The owners encourage visitors to their operation, at 5 and 7 Bartlett Farm Road. Open daily, with tours by appointment. Phone: 508-325-5929.