I posted before about the home that we had rented out for a reasonable price on Martha's Vineyard but couldn't remember the specific info . . . <BR> <BR>website: a1vacations.com <BR> <BR>go to massachusetts, martha's vineyard. There are great deals where people are renting out private homes which is what we did!

i have lived on martha's vineyard during the summer for 10 years. it is prone to a lot of "don't bother if you're not rich" notions. it's simply not true. more the case - it involves some extra legwork, looking early (start in jan&feb) for rentals and reservations, and relying on chatting up the locals to find the best eats, bars, beaches, and entertainment. the natural scenery and recreation on both islands is extraordinary. the daytime crowds give way to relaxed evenings, very laid-back people - most of them NOT uber-wealthy! - and lots of stars (the kind in the sky, mostly but sometimes, the kind you see on TV and in the movies). they are very special places, but sometimes, information is hard to find. people tend to keep their favourites a secret! and if u visit, you'll understand why! <BR> <BR>martha's vineyard info: the attleboro recommendation is a good one. also, the captain benbow inn on new york avenue in oak bluffs is around $100 a night in season and a quick walk to town. the pequot inn in oak bluffs, too, is reasonable. the chadwick inn in edgartown is affordable. the edgartown commons for efficency apts. - great rates, right in town. the nashua house right in oak bluffs center is dirt cheap but ... funky (shared baths). <BR> <BR>check the two island papers for MV house rental listings, sometimes u find the best deals thru the owners directly: martha's vineyard times and the vineyard gazette. both have websites. almost all realtors deal mostly with people like yourselves, and don't just cater to super rich folk. you would be making a mistake not to call on them, most house and apt./condo renters use them. <BR> <BR>good MV eateries that are GREAT and won't break the bank: the newes from america - an old colonial pub in edgartown; jimmy sea's in oak bluffs - expect a wait in summer time; cafe moxie in vineyard haven; chesca's in edgartown (awesome!); and the offshore ale house in oak bluffs. <BR> <BR>u can email me directly with any other martha's vineyard Qs - i am a tour guide and know lotsa ... stuff about the island. my favourite activity? going to the thrift store (excellent finds!) in vineyard haven and scouring estate and yard sales on the island - even better!**! <BR> <BR>have fun. enjoy yourself. it really is a wonderful place to visit, done right. i like september best, then oct, then june. <BR> <BR>bye! <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. We have had to cut back the number of nights we'll be there drastically, thanks to family issues. But we are looking forward to a couple of days and will carry everyone's suggestions with us. I figure this is a scouting trip for next year or the one after. (And yes, we have already applied for reservations on the ferry.) <BR> <BR>Gratefully.