Something for Everyone: Island Time, July 15

Something for Everyone: Island Time, July 15

July 15, 2021

Whether you’ve got small kids or rounds of house guests, you’re probably looking for some great out-of-the-house activities this week. Rain or shine (and how can it not shine, at least a little this weekend?), classes, markets, art shows, wine dinners, walking tours, farm visits — even a boat parade — should do the trick. Read on for highlights (and a list of live music shows); then be sure to check The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar for a complete listing of events.

Floating Parade

In honor of the Old Sculpin Gallery’s latest art exhibit – Catboats! – there will be a Catboat Parade through Edgartown Harbor on Saturday, July 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Led by Captain Kurt Peterson and his catboat, Tigress, the public can view the parade from various vantage points, such as Memorial Wharf, Chappy Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Fuller Street Beach.

After viewing all of the beautiful boats on the water, head over to the Old Sculpin Gallery to view works of art by Martha’s Vineyard Art Association members, including Laura Jemison, whose painting Wingwash graced the poster for the Catboats! show.

Shells + Ceramics

Stop by Merry Farm Pottery in West Tisbury tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. for a Pottery & Oysters night. Micah Thanhauser, of Merry Farm Pottery, will be opening his kiln and showing off new pots. And Noah Mayrand of Tisbury Oyster Co. will be there shucking some fresh and tasty oysters.

Clamming Around

Speaking of fresh shellfish, the town of Tisbury is having a Family Shellfish Day in Lagoon Pond on Saturday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. Parents and kids can learn how to rake up clams, distinguish between a littleneck, a cherrystone and a chowder, plus learn how to shuck one.

No shellfishing license is required, but preregistration is a must. Email [email protected] to sign up.

Fun on the Farm

What does it take to be a certified-organic farm? Lots of hard work, of course! If you’re interested in learning how the Grey Barn and Farm in Chilmark operates, join one of their Public Farm Tours on Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon and Mondays from 9 to 10 a.m. Guests will be guided through a day-in-the-life of an udder-to-table farm, and be introduced to a few of the furry and feathered friends along the way.

Wine + Supper @ State Road

Grab your significant other, or a group of friends, and partake in A Wine Supper at State Road restaurant in West Tisbury on Monday, July 19. Presented by Fantzye Suppers and Wine + Peace, patrons will enjoy a four-course plus dessert, family-style meal prepared by Fantzye. Each course will have a wine pairing and will be led by Wine + Peace founders Sam and Katy Decker, along with winemaker Jason Charles of Vinca Minor.

There are two seating times: 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Email [email protected] with preferred seating time and guest count.

Hello!

Today’s offering will be short and sweet — here at Oyster HQ we’re planning for the first in a months-long cycle of arriving summer visitors. I know we’re not alone, and that many of you are already deep into this seasonal rollercoaster of suddenly becoming a B&B manager/cruise ship director/short- order cook to the masses. Is there some kind of handbook for this? Any secrets to staying sane during rounds of boat pick ups/drop-offs? I know that my Islander in-laws have long had a rule that anyone hoping to stay in the summer must also make a wintertime appearance. I’m thinking of adopting that one too.

If you’re looking for somewhere to take your guests (or send them off to while you go to work — we’re not all on vacation!) I find that the time-honored trifecta of Island-y outdoor markets never disappoints.

The Chilmark Flea is perfect for your Brooklyn friends, the Artisans’ Festival has the Vineyard-inspired wedding/housewarming/thank-you gifts your aunts are asking about, and the Farmers’ Market is where your cousins can pick up ingredients for that dinner they’ll cook you before they go!

Or, drive them all out for a day in Aquinnah. Check out the Aquinnah Native Artisans Market on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Make a day of it with food and live music. Snap a few pics at the cliffs and call it a night.

Adventurers in your crew? Send them off on a Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour . History buffs? Try a Camp Ground Walking Tour . Lucky for all of us, the options this time of year are truly endless. (Much like the loads of laundry we’ll be doing between guests.)

Happy hosting! (And good luck.)

Alex