“Trail” along the island’s walking paths
“Trail” along the island’s walking paths
Here’s a question: when you think of Martha’s Vineyard, what is the first picture you “see” in your mind? If your answer is “beach” and / or “ocean,” you are obviously right.
But the beautiful seashore is not our only asset – did you know that Martha’s Vineyard is also a hikers’ paradise? In fact, if you want to discover the island’s stunning nature and fascinating history, walking is the best way to do that (not to mention another significant benefit of all this footwork –an excellent workout!)
So put on your walking shoes, hat, backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, and iPod (more about it later) and start exploring all the nooks and crannies of our island!
The roads less traveled
If you are a novice hiker, or just new to Martha’s Vineyard, don’t worry about not knowing the lay of the land. An excellent source of information is the website of The Trustees of Reservations, an organization that preserves “properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value” on Martha’s Vineyard and other parts of Massachusetts.
On the site, you will find a guide to places like Longpoint Wildlife Refuge, Norton Point Beach, Menemsha Hills, and other local spots that are definitely worth a visit.
Perhaps the best source of “hiking knowledge” is WALKING TRAILS OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD by William Flender, published by the Vineyard Conservation Society.
Walk and listen
Now, let’s go back to the aforementioned iPod. It’s an important piece of your hiking equipment – even if it is the smallest one – because nothing makes the whole experience more enjoyable than listening to good music while you walk.
Of course, you can choose any kind of music you want, but may we suggest that you include some hiking-appropriate tunes on your playlist. For instance:
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
The Happy Wanderer – The Stargazers
Country Lane – The Bee Gees
Climb Every Mountain – The Sound of Music
Happy Trails To You – Ray Rogers and Dale Evans
It’s all in our heads
Obviously, there are many more songs you can listen to while you hike – upbeat tunes if you walk briskly or mellow ones if you prefer a leisurely stroll.
We’ll let you in on a secret: when we (i.e. the musicians at Martha’s Vineyard Live Music) hike, music plays in our heads. No, no, we are not crazy, but that’s what happens when music is an integral part of your life.
What tunes are playing in our heads? Mostly the kind we perform live in local clubs and other venues. Let’s put it this way: hiking along Martha’s Vineyard trails while listening to music is a truly HEADY experience!
