Holiday Season On Martha’s Vineyard: Shopping Local

The Teddy Bear Suite Mascot As Painted By MV Boys & Girls ClubI know that Saturday,  November 26th, was the Shop Local Day promoted nationally, but like so many of us I had to leave Martha’s Vineyard to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday. So, I made it a point to make yesterday my shop local day, or I should say the beginning of my shop local month! I love the holidays and shopping for the perfect gift for those I hold near and dear, and on the Vineyard it is especially fun. It is so different from the hustle and bustle and stress of off-island.  An experience I wish everyone could enjoy.

Success in Oak Bluffs

Though I was only able to visit two towns, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, I was pretty successful in checking off a number of items on my holiday wish list. I started in Oak Bluffs driving by the Christmas tree-lined harbor, with a destination in mind. My mother had scouted out a couple of items earlier this Fall at Craftworks, and I was happy to be able to purchase those items, and a couple bonus yankee swap gifts for the numerous holiday parties happening the next couple of weeks. While walking through town to other stores, I ran into several familiar faces who were also enjoying a little shopping, which of course also added to the fun.  You always have time to chat with friends during the holidays!

Christmas In Edgartown - Local Holiday Shopping Martha's Vineyard

Christmas in Edgartown

Heading over to Edgartown for the second part of my Vineyard holiday shopping adventure, I drove down Main Street and was delighted to see that the windows of stores closed for the off-season were filled with colorful drawings from the kids of the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club.  On a side note, it was a nice reminder that the holiday season is not just about presents and parties, but it is also a time to take a moment and appreciate all that we have and  perhaps do something good for the community.  Whether it is volunteering or making a donation to your favorite charity, in such a small place, each person’s gift makes an impact.

The Boys & Girls Club Teddy Bear Mascot Painting In Scoops Window Edgartown

Of course, the window I really liked was the teddy bear painting in the Scoops’ window. It reminds me of the festivities happening this coming weekend during Christmas in Edgartown, when there are a number of ways to help support Island charities, all of which make giving even that much more enjoyable, including pictures with Santa, our Teddy Bear Suite at the Harbor View Hotel, Breakfast with Santa, and more.

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With an added spring in my step, I strolled through Edgartown and was successful in each store, especially Edgartown Books.  It had just what I was looking for, and of course even more.  I was even able to get a couple of great things for myself, and help my friend Kate with a purchase.  Once again, there were lots of people on the same mission, and there was time to talk about their holidays and catch up.

To take a moment to celebrate the fruits of my labor, I went to Espresso Love for a coffee and to sneak in a toffee white chocolate chip cookie (one of my favorite cookies of all time).  There, I was able to really check items off my list, and think about how much I enjoyed shopping locally here on Martha’s Vineyard.  I was able to support the local businesses and at the same time was reminded that the holidays are about so much more.

What’s been your favorite Martha’s Vineyard holiday experience so far this holiday season? Let me know.

 

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