We found paradise for the second time this year.

Last week was spent on Martha’s Vineyard and we were in heaven.

Our daughter gifted us with an anniversary getaway.

I had not visited Martha’s Vineyard in years and my husband had never been.

We took a fast ferry from Rhode Island. The drive from NYC was an easy 2 1/2 hour journey.

We sailed into Oak Bluffs and took a 15 minute taxi to Edgartown where we were staying.

The happy couple hit the ground running, renting bikes and pedaling around half the island.

We explored the whimsical Victorian cottages in Oak Bluffs. The 318 homes are an exceptionally well-preserved collection of Methodist camp meeting houses laced with fanciful gingerbread details in an array of shapes and colors,

The first day we had a truly delectable lunchtime hot lobster roll without mayonnaise, which I consider sacrilegious, at the Lookout in Oak Bluffs.

Later that day, we experienced an amazing full moon rising over the water at the Atlantic Restaurant in Edgartown and then indulged in a fabulous dinner at Port Hunter.

Day 2 we rented a jeep and covered the entire island.

We stopped and browsed at quaint country stores and farms in West Tisbury.

We hiked the cliffs in Aquinnah and visited Gay Head Lighthouse.

We had two fabulous al fresco lunches at Larsen’s in Menemsha.

We ordered our fresh, beyond delicious lobsters and steamers and ate outside by the water checking out fishing boats piloted by Mark Wahlberg look alikes who dropped off buckets of fresh lobster and fish.

We were dripping in melted butter and loving every minute of it.

When I attack a lobster I leave nothing but shell.

We met newlyweds and had a fun time chowing down and discussing the merits of happy wife, happy life.

One day we went off road driving on South Beach, heading to Chappy.

We were unable to drive across to Chappaquiddick because the Piping Plover were procreating which was a very cool sight and a perfect reason not to disturb nature.

We had coffee and the most unbelievable freshly baked, piping hot croissants at The Behind the Bookstore Cafe along with the best cappuccino thanks to the outstanding skill set of the Aussie barista.

I would definitely frequent Behind the Bookstore every morning if I lived on the island…great vibe.

Sandwiches at the Sweetwater were off the charts.

We had a romantic  anniversary dinner at L’Etoile in Edgartown.

A shout out to Taylor who works at the groovy FatFace store for all the terrific restaurant recommendations.

We stayed at The Sydney, a fantastic new hotel in the center of Edgartown.

We had a large, sunny suite, the aesthetic was modern with a fabulous bathroom stocked with luxurious toiletries.

Tracy, the manager, is a real asset as well as an impressive human being and outstanding baker.

3pm sharp and the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafted throughout the breezeway.

We were so relaxed that I experienced total happiness and relaxation for an extended period of time.

Retail therapy in Edgartown was a fun pastime…loved the Turkish owner at Kissmet, the British import merchandise at FatFace and the offerings at American Rhino which donates over 10% of all proceeds to the preservation of African wildlife.

On the journey home we detoured to Ford’s Lobster in Noank, Connecticut and consumed more steamers and their infamous Lobster Bomb.

Thank you, Courtny for the time of our life.

Marriage longevity has many advantages!