The first family will be vacationing at the Blue Heron Farm in Martha's Vineyard starting this weekend. Boston.com says U.S. presidents have been visiting this area of the country since Ulysses S. Grant was president in the 1870s. The Wall Street Journal also has a article about the location and offers a three-day plan that the Obamas or anyone staying in Martha's Vineyard could follow.
There has been some criticism of the Obama's trip because of the cost at a time when many Americans are struggling. USA Todaysays rents at places similar to the Blue Heron Farm can cost $30,000 or more each week.
The pricey rental in hard times has drawn criticism. "The president is paying for his family's vacation," deputy press secretary Bill Burton says.
Obama has addressed the question. "Do I think every single day about the hardships that people are going through? Absolutely," he said in an interview with Katie Couric. "Do I think the American people think that because of those hardships I shouldn't spend some quality time with my daughters? I don't think that's what the American people think."
The Daily Beast says the Martha's Vineyard estate rents for $35,000 to $50,000 a week.
Matt Drudge may well have dreamt it last night, but it also happens to be true: Obama and family are planning to holiday at a Martha’s Vineyard property of the sort that rents for $35,000-$50,000 a week. Negotiations are being finalized for the rental of Blue Heron Farm, a 28.5-acre pile in the town of Chilmark that boasts a swimming pool, a small basketball court, and even a golf tee. There are four dwellings to choose from and more than a half dozen other structures in which to swing a cat. (Chilmark, by the way, was deemed the most expensive small town in all America by Business Week back in 2007. It has since shot up again in value by several hundred million dollars.)
It sounds like a great place to say. The article does say the Obamas are paying their own way. The Obama family did stop by the more affordable Grand Canyon recently as part of their summer vacation.
CBS says local businesses are hoping for an end of summer economic boost from the Obama's trip. Take a look:
