With the Democratic National Convention out of the way and the fall campaign season looming, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will return to Martha’s Vineyard for a two-week vacation in August.
The White House confirmed Friday what has pretty much been common knowledge on Martha’s Vineyard for months. “On Saturday, August 6th, the First Family will travel to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts,” a White House spokesman said in a press release distributed Friday. “On Sunday, August 21st, they will return to Washington, D.C. There are no public events scheduled, and further details regarding the First Family’s travel to Massachusetts will be available in the coming days.”
The Obamas have returned to the Island all but one year of Mr. Obama’s presidency.
Official confirmation followed preparations that began months ago when the White House began making reservations to accommodate the large entourage of Secret Service agents, White House staffers, and support personnel who are responsible for the safety and success of the president’s vacation.
In 2014 and 2015, the Obamas stayed at the home of Joanne Hubschman on Gosnold’s Way off Prospect Hill Road, which overlooks the north shore and Vineyard Sound. The seven-bedroom, nine-bath, 8,100-square-foot house sits on a 10-acre lot and features 17 rooms in total, expansive water views of Vineyard Sound, an infinity pool and hot tub, and a dual tennis-basketball court.
The Obamas are expected to return to the same neighborhood this summer.
Past presidential vacation activities have included golf, more golf, bike trips with the family, hikes, and dinners with friends.
Mr. Obama and his family have vacationed on the Island every year since his 2008 election, with the exception of 2012, when he was campaigning for re-election. Chilmark is their favored vacation spot.
In 2009, 2010, and 2011, the first family rented Blue Heron Farm in Chilmark, a 28.5-acre compound on Tisbury Great Pond. In 2013, the first family rented a house in Chilmark just off South Road. The location necessitated a road closure that left some Island residents grumbling about the inconvenience.
