Sunday, September 9, 2012

[travels] martha's vineyard

The weather was perfect for our long weekend in Martha's Vineyard.  Despite being such a small island, Martha's Vineyard has a lot to offer, from charming main streets, to cool galleries, and beautiful shorelines and lighthouses (and how can I forget, delicious seafood!).

We spent the first day exploring Oaks Bluffs, one of the Steamship Authority Ports.  The 8am ferry got us to the island before it was awake, so we had plenty of time to wander through the delightful gingerbread houses.  The miniature Victorian style houses were all sorts of bright hues and had adorable names.  Walk in deeper, and you get to the tabernacle at the center, where concerts and town meetings take place.  That evening, we headed to Menemsha and the Fisherman's Markets for fresh seafood.  We enjoyed Crabby Patty wraps, clam chowder, and a lobster roll on the beach as we waited for the sunset.  We missed the sunset due to clouds, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
Brian standing in front of a row of Gingerbread Houses

The sun starting to set over Menemsha
The second day was split between Lucy Vincent Beach and Acquinnah.  Lucy Vincent beach is a local favorite.  We were able to secure a pass from our hosts at Summersweet Bed and Breakfast (Don and Gail are so sweet).  

I was most looking forward to seeing the Acquinnah cliffs because I had missed them my first visit.  After enjoying the view from the cliffs, we headed down to the beach, where we stayed awaiting the sunset.  
View from Acquinnah Cliffs

Raining in the distance

Despite looking forward most to Acquinnah, my favorite town in Martha's Vineyard was actually Edgartown.  The beach and lighthouse area feels untainted and has the perfect combination of flora and sand looking out to the water. 
Edgartown beachfront

[travels] Letchworth State Park: The Grand Canyon of the East

With it's 3 waterfalls and long beautiful gorge, Letchworth State park is called the Grand Canyon of the East.  Starting from the bottom falls, it was a leisurely hike to the middle and upper falls.
The best views were from Inspiration point near the middle falls, but the upper falls also looked impressive with the old railroad bridge as the backdrop.
Upper Falls