Full disclosure: I've never camped a day in my life.
Glamping on the other hand....where do I sign up?
I recently had the opportunity to stay at SUMMERCAMP on Martha's Vineyard. This Lark Hotel property has been renovated and designed as an ode to Oak Bluffs' history as a summer "camp" destination. I assure you, however, that there is nothing camp about this hotel as it is the epitome of luxury and boutique with unbelievable harbour views and amenities. It may reflect retro camp vibes with its fun game room (which includes ping pong!), but the rustic, broad veranda, open-concept and tasteful decor makes it the ultimate getaway on the Vineyard.
Major points also, for complimentary beach towels for guests, beach chair rentals at $5 and beach umbrellas at $10. It's also a short walk from the Oaks Bluffs ferry.
A plus for us, with a dog in the family, is that Summercamp is pet-friendly! Also, with a large group, there's no shortage of plush, cosy areas to lounge in, from the front porch to the canteen (bonus points for the free coffee!).
I also must mention that the beds and bedding were the ultimate in comfort! I checked, and they're "Harbor Linen's Soft Wear" only available for hospitality and healthcare providers. I guess that means that I'll have to stay at Summercamp again, then :)
QUICK ISLAND TRANSPORTATION TIPS:
- If you don't bring your own car on the ferry due to the ferry reservations being full, you will have to then park your car at one of the designated parking lots (check the Steamship Authority website the morning of your travel to see which lots are empty). Then there are free shuttles from the parking lots to the ferry (again, check the schedule)
- Once on Martha's Vineyard, there are island buses from town to town, they are $1.25 to each town. Most had long lineups.
- You can rent a car, which makes it much easier to see the whole island, especially if you're there for a shorter time.
- You can ride bikes - they have great trails
- If you rent a moped, you can't drive it all around the island, due to the speed limit and safety, noise etc., Check to see where you are allowed to ride it
RESTAURANT LIST:
- Sharky's Cantina in Oak Bluffs, really great Mexican food in a bar/grill setting (entrees start at about $18 - note that they charge $2 for guacamole due to an avocado shortage)
- Giordano's Pizza, Oak Bluffs, not the best pizza in my opinion
- Vineyard's Best Ice Cream and Coffee Co., in Oak Bluffs had great home-made bagels - but beware of the long line up
- Fat Ronnie's Burger Bar in Oak Bluffs is amazing! Burgers are $10, and you can add fries or onion rings separately. You can order the beef burger according to ounces. Also note that the veggie burger includes 2 patties. They also have a fried cod fish burger. There are several toppings to choose from. However, the toppings are to be included on the burger and are NOT given out as a "side" so don't bother asking. Some burgers were made very neatly while others were sloppily put together. Limited seating.
- Isola, Edgartown, really great pizza, and outdoor seating
- Murdick's Fudge/Ice Cream in Vineyard Haven - the coconut is very tasty!
DOG FRIENDLY RESTAURANT LIST:
- Nancy's is dog-friendly, although we didn't dine there
- Offshore Ale Company has one dog-friendly table outside but it was already taken
- Isola, Edgartown, really great pizza, and outdoor seating (they were very accommodating with having our dog)
- Vineyard's Best Ice Cream and Coffee Co., in Oak Bluffs - dog's can be outside on the patio
Here, a few snapshots of our stay at camp and around the Vineyard...If you follow me on Instagram and Snapchat you might have seen a few more behind the scenes!