Island Cove Adventures Mini-Golf is the Perfect Way to Spend an Afternoon with Family and Friends
by Johanna Bernhard
The course is vibrant. Lined with an assortment of tall, sweeping trees, leafy bushes and colorful flowers, there is a feeling of serenity. Electric blue water cascades from the waterfall, over the man-made rock face of the cave below, and flows into the river. The pond aligning the wooden deck is filled with goldfish, frogs and few remaining coy.
The bucket is bottomless. Red, blue, green, purple and yellow balls fill its entirety. After the money is exchanged, the hand delves deep into the bucket to withdraw the color of choice. With putter in hand, the game begins.
Island Cove Adventures is home to the only mini-golf course on the island. Located on State Road in Vineyard Haven, the 18-hole golf course takes you around streams, over bridges and through a cave. As the name of the business states, it really is an adventure. Owners Mary and Jay Gosselin started the business in 1992 after the neighboring mini-golf course, which Jay would frequent with his daughter, was shut down. He decided that the island needed another one. Mary wasn’t interested in the business idea whatsoever.
“I told my husband I wouldn’t be tricked or manipulated into it,” she said.
She is now the manager.
“I have gotten more fulfillment, enjoyment and laughter than I ever could’ve anticipated,” she added.
The golf course is open April to October. During the summer, when school is not in session, the course is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Island Cove mini-golf is a popular destination among families, including multi-generation families, such as grandparents, parents and grandchildren all competing for the winning title.
It’s also a wonderful place for a first date. You can mess around while doing something fun, so it takes the pressure off, according to Gosselin.
The theme of the course is highlighted by the water mill and geezer situated in the pond next to the 18th hole. Swirling and squirting water continuously, the eye-catching features prove to be popular among customers.
Aside from the main features, there are numerous aspects of the course that appeal to customers, especially children. At the end of the 18th hole, once the ball has been putted, it disappears. This adds an aspect of mystery to the game as baffled children go in search of their ball.
If a player gets a hole-in-one during the game, a member of staff hands them a bucket of balls at the end. If they pull out a ball with the number that matches the number of the hole where they scored their hole-in-one, they receive a free pass to Island Cove Adventures mini-golf. On a busy day when there are clouds overhead, blocking the course from direct sunlight, Island Cove receives around 400 customers. The business is also home to a rock wall, an ice cream bar with an array of flavors and the Island Cove Grill, open from 11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
For a round of golf, an adult can expect to pay $9 and a child, $8. There is also a $22 package deal that includes a round of mini-golf, a meal from the grill, a drink and an ice cream, topped off with the opportunity to scale the rock wall. Customer service is an important part of the job for Mary and Jay, who believe friendliness is an essential aspect of their work so that families can relax, feel safe and have a great time.
Island Cove mini-golf is an upbeat place with hands on staff. Mini-golf is the perfect activity for families and friends, couples looking for a romantic evening, and birthday parties. During the summer months the course is popular, so make sure you arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the entire experience.
