Hi, I’m Maria.

I’m a mom of two amazing children and travel is one of my greatest passions in life. I love sharing what I learn from my trips and encouraging other families to travel too.

On this blog you’ll find practical advice and insider tips on visiting Martha’s Vineyard. You can expect detailed itineraries, the best places to eat and stay, popular things to do (as well as hidden gems!), tons of information for visiting with kids and answers to frequently asked questions about the island.

This blog is for you if:

My experience with travel

I caught the travel bug at an early age and still take every opportunity to explore new places. I’ve been to 30 countries and have gathered a wealth of knowledge about trip planning and crafting amazing itineraries.

I’ve lived in four different countries over the years, but I’m originally from Dublin, Ireland. Now I live in Western Massachussetts. 

Living in Massachusetts makes it easy for me to regularly visit Martha’s Vineyard, one of my all-time favourite destinations.

Martha’s Vineyard

My love affair with this beautiful island began when I moved here at 19, and it has been my home away from home ever since. During a short time spent living in Edgartown, I worked in restaurants and hotels, advising guests on things to see and do.

Since then, I’ve traveled to the Vineyard regularly and each trip enriches my perspective even more. After meeting my husband on the island, we also got engaged and married here.

Now we bring our children who are quickly falling in love with Martha’s Vineyard the same way I did all those years ago.

Even though I’ve been a regular visitor to the island for decades, I found myself with plenty of questions about coming here with young kids.

I couldn’t find much practical advice online so as I researched and learned through experience, I started sharing family travel tips on my Instagram account, Martha’s Vineyard With Kids.

Why Trust my Advice?

After 25 years of visiting Martha’s Vineyard, I’m continuing to grow my knowledge and personal experiences so I can share insights beyond the typical tourist information.

I’ve travelled to the island by car, bus, boat and plane, stayed at hotels, inns and vacation rental homes, rented cars, taken tours, explored the main attractions & hidden gems and eaten at more restaurants than I can count!

I continue to explore new places on every trip and can’t wait to share it all with you.

My Mission

My mission is to help people discover the best of Martha’s Vineyard so their visits here are as special, unique and memorable as possible.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the hundreth, I have lots to share about things to do and see on this amazing island.  I am passionate about sharing my authentic, personal experiences of this wonderful place with other visitors.

Join my Martha’s Vineyard Travel Tips group on Facebook if you have any questions about your trip and I’ll be happy to answer!

Supporting Martha’s Vineyard’s Local Organizations

Every year, I set aside part of my earnings to give back to organizations and causes on the island that are doing important work. While the donations may be modest, they are heartfelt, and it’s my goal to contribute something each year.

Your support by booking through the links on this site helps make these donations possible, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Here are the organizations and causes I’ve supported so far in 2025:

• Martha’s Vineyard Film Society – The Society’s mission is to screen the best in independent films, movie classics, documentaries, and world cinema for diverse audiences of all ages, year-round. They also run film festivals, educational programs, and special events to increase the public’s appreciation of fine cinema.
  
• Team Billy – The Jimmy Fund supports pediatric cancer care and research at The Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Team Billy participated in the Jimmy Fund Walk in memory of Billy Fournier who passed away after bravely fighting hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer.

• Island Grown Initiative – IGI has built a comprehensive local food system serving the majority of year-round islanders. They provide food education for all island children, crops grown on their 42-acre farm and support for those facing food insecurity via the Island Food Pantry.

Your engagement with my blog not only helps you discover the best of Martha’s Vineyard but also supports these meaningful causes. Thank you for being part of this effort!