On the Wings of September: Island Time, September 9

On the Wings of September: Island Time, September 9

September 9, 2021

It’s no accident that this week’s highlights on the Vineyard are mostly outdoors. Glorious sunshine and gentle breezes seem to beckon us out to fly a kite, tour a garden, or create our own outdoor adventures. Even the bits of rain here and there are refreshing and welcome; they don’t seem to bring the heavy humidity of August with them. Plus, the rain gives us an excuse to catch one of the films in this year’s Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival.

On the top of our (outdoor) list this weekend: flying a kite, touring Polly Hill, visiting Chappy, shopping the markets, fishing (!). Read on for more details, and visit The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar for all the events and activities happening soon.

Help the Pollinators!

Butterflies, bees and other pollinators love when your garden is full of native plants. (And it just looks beautiful too.) But how do you know which ones are the best? Join Polly Hill Arboretum horticulturist Oliver Osnoss for a Garden Design with Native Plants for Pollinators class on Friday, September 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to find out.

Tight Lines

Anglers, get your rods at the ready — the 76th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby kicks off on Sunday, September 12 at 12:01 a.m. For those still needing to register, you can do so online or at various locations across the Island.

Take Flight

As the late-summer breeze comes across Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, kites big and small will take to the sky on Saturday, September 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the annual Martha’s Vineyard Wind Festival. Kids can make their own kites, adults can partake in a flying competition and prizes will be awarded to 6 unique designs at the end of the day.

Evening of Arts

PathwaysArts will commemorate their founder —the late Dr. Marianne Goldberg — during a Music, Dance & Literary Multi-Artsnight at the Tisbury Water Works on Sunday, September 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. Performances include a dance routine by Island Hip Hop, spoken word with Niki Patton, a musical set with Mark Grandfield and Jeremy Berlin and more.

Walk & Talk

Ever wonder how Bad Martha picks their local ingredients to brew their beer? Join a Felix Neck naturalist on a Hike & Hopsguided walk of the sanctuary on Wednesday, September 15 from 5 to 6 p.m. to gain insight into the plants and local products used in the beer-making process. Following the walk, participants (must be 21+) will head to the Farmer’s Brewery to enjoy a flight of beer.

Hello and how are you?

How are you really? According to this article (and anyone with whom I’ve engaged in small talk over the past six to eight weeks) you’re spent. The good news is September is here! The less-good: What even is a September anymore?

Whether or not the Island is ready to slow down, after this summer I’d say we all deserve a reset. Now’s the time to treat yourself. A few suggestions:

Take full advantage of the glory that is early fall and head to Chappy for a day. This Friday at 1 p.m. join The Trustees for a Mytoi Meander and learn all about its Japanese influence. $10 non-members.

As usual, yoga opportunities abound. Try child’s pose alpaca style or go back to basics with What Is A Vinyasa? outdoors (or on Zoom) at the West Tisbury library, Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Looking for running buddies? Meet up with the Amity Island Running Club at Bend-in-the-Road Beach for a group run (or walk) where you pick your own pace and distance. Start together and hang out on the beach afterwards. Everyone welcome. Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

Or maybe your self-care involves less sweating. Splurge on a Fantzye Supper at State Road (usually Monday evenings, check Instagram for details) or a Beetlebung Farm garden tour and tasting: this Friday at 5 p.m., tomatoes are center-stage. Email for a spot.

Wishing you a happy weekend full of as much lying down as you like,

Alex