President Barack Obama is back on the Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard, his summer vacation spot of choice, a day earlier than originally planned.
Eager for a vacation, Obama left the White House on Friday afternoon with his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha, instead of on Saturday as initially planned.
Air Force One landed at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station on Cape Cod just before 6 p.m. The president, first lady and their daughter, Sasha, stepped off the plane before getting on the helicopter for the quick trip to Martha’s Vineyard.
There was no sign of their other daughter, Malia.
"I think it's great. I think he needs a break, this is a great place to do it, this is a great African American community," said tourist Bill Turpie. "I'm delighted he can be here."
"I don't want to be interfered with the traffic and the blockage and all that," said Renee Gary, who is also visiting Martha's Vineyard. "I wonder if they feel as congested as we do. The town really isn't big enough for them, their entourage and the people. So they need to leave the entourage at home."
No such luck — the presidential motorcade will be easy to spot as it comes through whenever the Obama's pop up somewhere on the island. Roads close and crowds build when the famous family leaves their secluded rental for a taste of the island.
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Nancy's Restaurant, the Soft as a Grape souvenir shop and Alley's General Store have all played host to the first family in the past.
"We operate every day as every day is a presidential visit. We try to maintain that for everyone, not just the president," said Spencer Booker of Alley's General Store. "But it's nice for him. I hope he comes in and shops around with his daughters and his family. It would be nice."
The president has been known to play several rounds of golf on the Vineyard. The Obama's have come here every year except one since they’ve been in the White House.
"We're fortunate in that the first family does a great job enjoying the island like anyone enjoys the island," said Nancy Gardella of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce. "They're out golfing, cycling. They're on beaches, they're having family time. And the president and his wife are out enjoying dinner and date nights. And that's what everybody should be doing on vacation."
The president has no public events scheduled during the 17 days he will spend with his family at a rented seven-bedroom, nine-bath property on the island.
It will be Obama's sixth Martha's Vineyard vacation since he took office in 2009. He skipped a summer vacation during his 2012 re-election campaign.
