Harbor reservations are at an all-time high, ferries have robust bookings and the airport is bracing for its annual onslaught of private and commercial planes.
The days are shorter, the air is cooler and the kids are back in school — but this is still tourist season on Martha’s Vineyard, where fall is second only to summer as the Island’s busiest time.
Boosting the shoulder season economy was one topic for discussion at the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development hearing Tuesday. The hearing was part of a statewide listening tour.
It’s difficult to imagine today, but there was a time before resorthood on Martha’s Vineyard — a time before summer houses, before restaurants and shops and sportfishing and sailing.
Five years after the recession hit the national economy, anecdotal reports from Island businesses say the local economy is slowly creeping back to normal. Businesses are reporting slightly improved summer seasons, with higher traffic to the Island, especially in August.
Edgartown is slated to become a bustling cruise ship port this summer, with cruise ships scheduled to dock in town 22 times between May and September.
On Monday the selectmen distributed the American Cruise Lines’ Vineyard schedule, which shows that the company’s three vessels — Independence, American Star and American Glory — will be docking in Edgartown