July 7, 2008

Island Time

DailyCandy Goes to Martha’s Vineyard

Less than three hours from Boston via car ferry, Martha’s Vineyard offers buckets of family fun.

Make home base the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, with in-room kitchenettes, free activities, and shuttles to town. At the adjoining Lure restaurant, enjoy a family breakfast buffet and games.

Catch a brass ring for a free ride at the Flying Horses Carousel. For downtime and rainy days, stock up at Riley’s Reads.

When togetherness wears thin, tell all to get lost in the five-acre corn maze at Farm Institute, opening mid-July. Then cool off at Long Point Wildlife Refuge, which limits visitors so it feels like a private paradise.

Can you dig it?

DRIVE
Micro Mini Car Day
What: See and hear dozens of exotic automobiles, like the Messerschmitt (a three-wheel bubble car) and BMW’s Isetta (egg shaped with a refrigerator-like door).
Why: Get revved up.
When: Sat., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Larz Anderson Auto Museum, 15 Newton St., Brookline (617-522-6547).

CREEP
Big Bugs
What: Exhibit shows a variety of creepy crawlers with 25-foot-tall sculptures in the outdoor gardens.
Why: What’s buggin’ you?
When: Starts Sat. Thru Sept. 1, daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 1-Oct. 31, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: New England Wild Flower’s Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham (508-877-7630).

FISH
Martins Pond Children’s Fishing Derby
What: Compete to catch the biggest fish in the pond.
Why: Take the bait.
When: Sat., 8-11 a.m.
Where: Clarke Park, Burroughs Rd., North Reading.