I often describe the arrival of summer on Martha’s Vineyard as the prospect of a visit from a favorite aunt – you can’t wait for them to arrive, but after 3 months, you’re ready for it to be over! This year, I have mixed emotions about this. Labor Day, the traditional ‘end’ of summer season on Martha’s Vineyard, is marked by crisp mornings and evenings with abundant sunshine throughout the day – in short a perfect weather end to a not so perfect weather summer. This is where my problem lies – I feel like I just didn’t get enough summer in yet! And then I remember the sage advice I give to lots of vacationers – the best is yet to come – come back in September – it’s the BEST month!
September on the Vineyard is a very special experience. Somehow everything is a little softer – the light is beautiful, especially in the early evenings, with some of the most amazing sunsets and sunrises I have every seen. The visitors seem less rushed and harried and the workers are all happy to have “made it” to September with another summer season behind them. Sure, weekends can still get a little crazy due to the booming Island wedding season but if you can come to Martha’s Vineyard mid-week in September you will surely be delighted.
It’s still warm enough to get to the beach without having to fight for a spot to lay your towel. The water is warmed by those long summer days and is warmer now than through most of July so a swim is definitely not out of the question. The air is dry enough that a long walk or bike ride is not hampered by that pesky humidity. There are surprising bargains to be had as the stores sell off their merchandise at discounted prices to empty out for the next season and to top it off, dining is made easier by the dwindling crowds – no more 1 hour waits for a table – yippee!
If you are a visitor, undoubtedly the other great part about visiting in September is the cost. At the Colonial Inn, there are some great mid-week special rates that extend through the fall that really help you stretch that dollar!
So summer need not end at Labor Day – come and play among the locals – do a survey among them and I promise that 95% will tell you that September is their favorite month – give it a go!
What else do you love about September?
No one can come and stay at the Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, or indeed in Edgartown, without knowing Chesca’s. This restaurant is an island institution and has built a very loyal following over its 16 years anchoring the porch of the Colonial Inn on North Water Street. ‘Urban Italian’ is how they describe the cuisine – to me that means lots of yummy pastas, great risotto, lots of fresh fish and seafood and a lot of other good stuff besides.
