The Murray’s Summer Getaway

For the past three years we have made it a tradition to visit Martha’s Vineyard. Growing up I’ve always heard of this place typically from The Kennedy’s and most recently The Obama’s visiting, I never thought it would be a destination I would fall in love with.

My husband was invited to visit for the African American Film Festival week in August 2015. I contacted a co-worker because I knew she was from Massachusetts and her family had a home on the island. Jaz provided me with guidance on traveling to the island ….. Thanks Jaz!! It was right on point I found a hotel in Middleboro, checked the hotline to see what parking lot to head to, jumped on the shuttle and Bon Voyage to Oaks Bluffs. Because The Murray’s are typically last minute travelers we couldn’t find a hotel on the actual island nor were we able to get our vehicle across the water. But that didn’t stop us we rented a car and ventured around the island. We ate Lola’s, stopped by the Inkwell beach, ate home made ice-cream and attempted to stop by the film festival.

Fast Forward to 2019, we had to travel early this year because our son Naif started High School on July 28th. Don’t feel bad for Naif he’ll be starting his summer break roughly around June 2 next year. We’ll all probably be still working and he’ll be sleeping and feeling bad for us!

We had to plan a quick getaway fast to have some Murray time!! The African American Film Festival is typically the first weekend in August when we go but we had to ditch those plans. It didn’t matter because Martha’s Vineyard is a fun, relaxing, peaceful and full of adventure family spot. We contacted the Steamboat Authority to check availability for our vehicle and passenger tickets. Once my husband confirmed the room reservations I booked online with the Steamboat Authority. It would be wise to book your trip at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead of time or earlier to guarantee bringing your vehicle over. You can basically go on-line and book everything yourself.

So we drove up to Massachusetts on Tuesday and spent the night at the Marriott Fairfield Inn. Every year I am able to use my points I have accumulated throughout the year for our overnight stay. The hotel has been remodeled since 2015. The only downside is they don’t have a pool but they do have a gym and complimentary breakfast!!

After breakfast the next morning we headed out towards Falmouth. The drive to the Steamboat takes approximately 40 minutes. We arrived roughly around 8 o’ clock for our 8:15 a.m. boarding. We took pictures and recorded videos as usual once we boarded the boat. When the siren sounded for take off it scared the heck out of Sadiah I wish I had it on video… lol It was a little cloudy and chilly that morning.

Day 1 When we arrived on the island we had to kill time before we could check in at the hotel. So we drove around the island, went to the park, ate lunch at my favorite burger bar Fat Ronnie’s, went to the arcade (Naif won at least 3 things), explored the shops, headed to Stop & Shop for a few things, then finally it was time to check in at the Pequot Hotel in Oak Bluffs.

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This year Sadiq decided to upgrade our room to the loft king suite. There was so much more space. We had a living area with a pull out couch, a king size bed behind the living area, a desk workstation, a single room with a day bed and an adjoining bathroom which had access from both rooms. This was lovely we didn’t feel like we were on top of each other. Sadiah claimed the room but slept in the living room with her brother on the couch ….hmmm

We love the Pequot Hotel it’s a bed and breakfast and the staff are uber friendly. They also serve cookies and lemonade everyday at 2 p.m. So when we checked in about 20 minutes later I instructed Sadiah to go down to get cookies .. Yum The beach is literally a block away from the hotel so the kids ventured out down to the beach and to the park again before returning in less than an hour.

Later on that evening we headed out to Edgartown which is about 12 miles from Oak Bluffs to grab something to eat. But we couldn’t decide on anything so we traveled to Vineyard Haven which is approximately 12 miles from Edgartown to grab some Caribbean Cuisine. Okay let me start by saying this restaurant is a must if you like Caribbean food. Sadiq and I ordered the small mixed platter. We chose the Curry & Jerk Chicken, rice & beans, and steamed veggies. It was so much food we were able to split it. The kids ordered beef patties and rice & beans. I also bought a curry chicken patty for a late night snack. You can choose to sit outside or inside at the counter. We sat outside to people watch and enjoy the evening air. The young ladies in the restaurant were very pleasant and patience with us and the chef was humble. I recommend this place hands down or is it hands up? You guys get the picture.

We took some photos in the area then headed back to the beach. Finally we took it in for the evening.

Day 2 Beach Day! We left the do not disturb sign on the door however the cleaning staff left a full bag of clean towels and extra wash cloths just in case. I love this place the people are so thoughtful. The sheets and towels are clean and fresh and I love the way they smell (I know weird).

At the beach the water was a little chilly but it was a relaxing day not too hot just perfect. It was great watching the yachts and sailboats ride by, children playing with their kites, people listening to music just enjoying themselves. Naif and Sadiah tossed the ball around and played in the water. We forgot our speaker at home so we just free loaded off the people next to us. I read my book and walked down to the water to get a feel. The only complaint I have about the beach is it’s a little rocky with shells in the sand closer to the water. Other than that the water is clear and the beach is clean. A seagull came extremely close, I guess he smelled my chicken patty and tried to go for it. We also witnessed one bold seagull go to someone’s area and try to dig in their book bag … smh

We stayed on the beach for approximately 3 hours then walked to the park. I tried to walk everywhere to get my steps in. Naif wanted to play basketball and Sadiah if she could swing all day she would. Last year Sadiah and I started a swing contest so it was competition time. Sadiah got a head start she went on two but I beat her anyway for cheating. She said, “Mommy it’s not fair you are taller” I responded, “you cheated” …. ha. It’s fun to start a tradition with my daughter, I may be older but somethings I can still do. Now she can definitely beat me at bike riding, I threw in the towel.

Speaking of bike riding Sadiah wanted to go riding after the park but we were hungry and done! We stopped at the Sandbar Grill to eat dinner. It is an outside tavern near the dock so we were seated outside where the tables are stationed in the sand, it’s cool. I ordered the Glazed Salmon with yellow squash. Sadiq, Sadiah, and Naif ordered burgers. Everything was delicious!

We headed back to the room, took a shower, relaxed for a moment then the kids and I went back out to go shopping. The hotel is literally 6/7 minutes walking distance to the shops. And again I needed to incorporate exercise into every activity. We walked to town because Naif wanted a souvenir. We went up and down the strip until finally he decided to go back to the Stay Wavy store to buy socks. Sadiah and I found these cute little necklaces at the Corner Store, it’s literally named that. Sadiah’s necklace has daughter engraved and mine has mom with a little heart. I also found one for my friend who has a birthday coming soon. The kids were getting upset me because I kept going in a lot of stores. I thought they wanted to go shopping? Oh they just wanted to get what they wanted… kids!!

Day 3 Check out day! We packed the car and headed to town for the Women of Color quilting exhibit. Before we could get down the street we noticed the African American Cultural Festival. So we parked the car and got out to see what was going on. We were greeted by a woman who started to give us a little history of the event. The festival marked its tenth year anniversary in existence, where there are about twenty vendors yearly. The Cottagers, Inc. raise money for scholarships for High School students on the island.

There was a Caribbean Chef from the island on site who was preparing lunch for purchase, a freshly squeeze orange & lemon juice stand, along with skin care products, clothes, books, jewelry etc. There was also a special Madame C. J. Walker exhibit on the 2nd floor of The Cottage. There were original documents, curling irons, hair products produced by Madame C.J. Walker the license plate from her vehicle and a documentary playing on the television monitor. We were told her great grand-daughter was there but we didn’t get a chance to meet her.

After we ate lunch we stopped by the Women of Color quilting exhibit before heading to Anderson’s bike rental so Sadiah and I can go bike riding. I was the only one so lucky to volunteer to ride with her Naif and Sadiq backed out. I really wanted to back out too but she would have been disappointed. We grabbed our bikes made sure I had a comfy seat this go round and headed towards the bike trail. We rode I believe about three miles to Edgartown to the Jaws Bridge. This is where Steven Spielberg filmed the classic movie Jaws. Islanders and visitors go there to jump off the infamous bridge into the ocean. It’s fun to watch I don’t think I’ll ever try it.

We rode the bikes for about an hour and a half then headed back to return them. We ate home made ice cream, went back to the park before grabbing pizza and salad to head back to the ship to board to go home. It was a wonderful three days. I slept the majority of the ride back home.

Have you ever been to Martha’s Vineyard? Are you thinking about going? Lets us know in the comments Until next year, Salute!

xo,

Alghashiyah