This is the last Edgartown column of 2025, and it’s a good time to look back at the year. I started writing this column in February, so not a full year just yet, but in that time, the response has been ever so delightful, and I want to thank you. The proverbial “you” includes not only every person that reads me; it also includes every person who physically stops me on Main Street, in line at Rosewater Market, or at the pews at St. Elizabeth’s to say they read the column and loved something about it. Writing can sometimes be a thankless job, and being acknowledged for the 400 words I write every week is lovely, so thank you.
I considered listing what opened and what closed in town this year, but I know I’d miss some key places and I’d never hear the end of it, so on that note, we’ll skip the lists in favor of favorite moments. I asked a few Edgartownians what their favorite moment in town was for 2025, here are their answers:
“My favorite 2025 Edgartown moment was being part of bringing the ‘Good Morning America’ crew live from New York to the Edgartown docks to celebrate ‘Jaws’’ 50th. Standing there with a handful of friends and Island business leaders, sharing the energy and pride of our community on a national stage, felt like a powerful celebration of everything that makes our Island so special.” –Erica Ashton, Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce
“Marrying John Adams at Edgartown Town Hall with Town Clerk Karen Medeiros on July 3 was my favorite 2025 moment; there’s truly nothing like saying ‘I do’ at the top of Town Hall in the heart of town.” –Camilla Adams, Town Bar & Grill MV
“My favorite thing is sitting at the Carnegie desk. It’s a front-row seat to Edgartown life; it’s like a box of chocolates. You never know who you’re going to get: a neighbor, someone from halfway across the Island, or someone from halfway around the world.” –Sissy Biggers, Vineyard Preservation Trust
“Any night that included a walk into town with my kids and ended by the harbor with goodies from the Candy Bazaar was a favorite moment for us.” –Julia Tarka, Rosewater Market
“Some of my favorite moments this year were the unplanned Kenworthy visits where Karen somehow knew exactly what I needed before I did. Equal parts styling session, pep talk, and the best kind of retail therapy.” –Emily Hall, Free People
“The Mothers’ Circle that Molly Flam hosts at Slough Farm on Wednesdays has been an incredible gift as I muddle through this postpartum time. Wonderful connections in a beautiful space!” –Morgen Schroeder, Catboat Coffee Co.
“I would have to say Winnetu hosting the 50th anniversary screening of the iconic film ‘Jaws’ was my favorite memory of 2025. I never want to watch one of my favorite movies without a 65-piece orchestra performing the live musical accompaniment. Truly unforgettable.” –Matt Moore, Winnetu Oceanside Resort
“There was a day in late June, just after school got out, we were in a true heat wave. I quickly worked early, and spent the entire afternoon till a beautiful sunset at Bend in the Road with Robyn, my wife, and our kids, it was just perfect.” –Simon Athearn, Morning Glory Farm
“Is it just me, or does Christmas in Edgartown keep getting better? Over the past few years, this longtime annual tradition has truly leveled up thanks to the leadership of the Edgartown Board of Trade. The work they do is invaluable in positioning Edgartown as a destination and bringing visitors to the Island during the off-season, which means so much for our local businesses. This year, I loved being in town for the festivities with my brother’s family, watching my nieces Rory and Brooke and my nephew Link make holiday memories of their own.” –Elizabeth Rothwell, Vineyard Golf Club
“My most memorable moment this year in Edgartown was serving Issa Rae breakfast at the Edgartown Diner!” –Ralston Francis, Edgartown Diner
“A meaningful moment this year was trying the delicious gingerbread cookies my mother-in-law Janice Donaroma handmade for our Evening of Enchantment to share with our community. That process took days of batch-making them!” –Gislaine Donaroma, Donaroma’s Nursery & Landscaping
My personal favorite moment in 2025? Walking/running all around Edgartown and Katama training for the Falmouth Road Race this year. This town built the legs I ran with on endless miles and for that, I’m thankful!
If you’d like to continue the conversation, please email me at marnely@gmail.com with your favorite moment in Edgartown of 2025, and I’ll be sure to use it in an upcoming column!
