It’s January on Martha’s Vineyard and we’re settling in to winter life on the island. Between quiet hikes along the island’s myriad paths and evenings with a good book by the fire, we’re partaking these community-focused events. From a winter safari to glow yoga, these are our top 10 picks for the month:
- Muse on Music: The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse will be hosting a Wicked Good Music Review Friday, January 4 through Sunday, January 6. The event will feature a quartet performing a selection of Broadway tunes and musical standards.
- Join a Winter Walk: Lace up your warm boots and grab a hat and coat to join a Winter Walk hosted by the Polly Hill Arboretum (PHA). Learn about the winter landscape from the PHA staff on Saturday, January 12 from 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
- Experience Arts: Head to the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, January 12 for a Winter Yard performance by Amirah Sackett. Sackett will perform two pieces, inspired by the 13th-century Sufi mystic Rumi, Love Embraces All and Qadar. Buy your tickets in advance on The Yard’s website.
- Discover and Dine: Wednesday, January 16 will mark Sail Martha’s Vineyard’s next Black Dog Dinner Lecture. At this event, Jeff Kaeli, research engineer at the Wood’s Hole Oceanographic Institution, will speak to how new technology led to the discovery of the Spanish galleon, San Jose.
- Seek out a Safari: Take an oversand vehicle on an adventure to explore the winter landscape of Norton Point, Wasque and Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge – and maybe even spot a snowy owl! This Winter Beach Safari will take place on Saturday, January 19 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m, Pre-registration is required.
- Spot an Owl by Moonlight: Join nature lovers at the Big Moon Owl Prowl on Saturday, January 19 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Dress warmly for this winter walk and learn about nocturnal birds on the island.
- Learn About Winter Weather: On Tuesday, January 22, the Vineyard Haven Public Library will be hosting “Tales from the Home of the World's Worst Weather” at 7:00 p.m. This program will include interactive demonstrations, weather instruments, stunning photography, and video footage from the summit all shared by Mount Washington Observatory's Will Broussard.
- Head on a Winter Run: Join the Amity Island Running Club for a weekly run on Thursdays in Edgartown. The group starts together and runners can chose their own distance and pace. Runners convene again at the Newes Pub for a drink and a stretch.
- Get Glowing: Have the kids join this special Glow Yoga event at the Vineyard Haven Public Library on Thursday, January 3 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Children are invited to come in their pajamas and be ready for a glow-in-the-dark yoga experience.
- Gain Some Nature Knowledge: On Thursday, January 10, Suzan Bellincampi will be sharing her new book, The Nature of Martha's Vineyard, which includes a selection her best nature columns over the last sixteen plus full-color photographs by Island photographer Tim Johnson. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.