The Ferry at Daybreak, No Lines at the Art Cliff Diner, and a Little House Called "Seashell Cottage"

Last week’s unexpected visit to Martha’s Vineyard was such a treat. Here’s how I was able to go back a second time this summer to my most favorite place on the planet...

Before returning to college, my son and his girlfriend were planning a last minute trip away. MV was where they really wanted to go, but it can be very tricky finding a place to stay and getting a spot on the ferry with such short notice. Luckily, there was space at a camp site and I helped them secure a ferry ticket. (The only boat available was at 7am!) I then checked an online calendar to see what was happening during the three days they would be on the island. When I saw that they'd be there for Grand Illumination Night, I was beyond jealous. I have always wanted to witness that lovely spectacle. So, my son kindly invited me along! Now I just needed to find a place to stay.

I’m not one for camping, nor did I want to horn in on his trip, so I was bound and determined to find a room for two nights near the action in Oak Bluffs. Plus, to further stay out of his hair, I was going to use my bike to get around. I searched every inn and hotel to no avail. They were all booked and had long waiting lists. I was just about to give up when I came upon a listing for a room at a tiny place in O.B. named Seashell Cottage. To my delight, it was available! 

In order to get to Wood's Hole and catch the 7am ferry, we began our journey by the light of the moon at 1:30am. I offered to drive and with almost no other cars on the road, we arrived at the ferry landing in record time — so early, in fact, that we were put on the 6am ferry. How lovely to watch the sun rise as we made our way to our beloved island.

By 6:45am, we docked in Vineyard Haven and headed to our favorite place for breakfast, The Art Cliff Diner. Eating there generally involves a 45-minute (or more) wait for a table but it's always worth it. This time however, we arrived just as they opened and didn't have to wait at all. (I guess 7am is the time to go. By 7:20, every table was occupied!)

After a delicious Art Cliff breakfast, we drove over to Seashell Cottage and met Carol who graciously rents out one of the bedrooms in her darling house. We also met Birdie, her adorable blue-eyed Cocker Spaniel rescue.

Seashell Cottage sits high above Lagoon Pond and is adjacent to a path that leads to a small neighborhood beach. With a white washed bead-board interior, this little cottage oozes with charm. Have a look inside.

Isn't it sweet? And best of all, it’s walking and biking distance to Oak Bluffs. Bicycles are a popular and perfect mode of transportation on Martha's Vineyard because there are miles of paved bike paths that are safe and separate from the road.

Please check back for more about last week's blissful MV trip. Next time, I’ll share pics of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association cottages as they prepare for their showiest night of the year.

Susan
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Comments

[Susan Ericson]

This is just a lovely post...what a beautiful cottage!

[Susan]

Thanks!!! :)

[Elsie]

Susan that is a beautiful and cozy little cottage. What fun!!! Beautiful pictures as usual.

[Fox and Finch]

Oh, Susan, I can dream about owning a cottage like that...it is all I would need. I wonder why I think life would be simple in a simple home..This is a sweet, dreamy post that I really enjoyed.
-Ginene

[Joan]

What perfect karma you had... I love when everything falls into place even better than you'd ever imagine.
Love the cottage and will keep that name in mind.
Your pictures as always are amazing.
So glad you got away to MV.