Obamas beginning vacation on Martha's Vineyard

OAK BLUFFS, Mass. -- The red carpet has been rolled out on Martha's Vineyard, as signs welcoming the Obama family are up in most businesses around the island.

President Obama arrived in Bourne, Massachusetts on Thursday afternoon, and then made the short trip to Martha's Vineyard, where he reunited with the rest of his family.

Many are hoping to get a glimpse of the president during his 10-day vacation on the island, as the streets of Oak Bluffs were packed with vacationers on Thursday night.

"It would be nice to see the president and his wife. I hear that they're chilling out tonight, but it would be good to see them out and about," said one man.

"I know that they can't obviously hangout with everybody because it is hard with security. It would be nice, but I know that's not reality," said Cindy Cordingley, who is vacationing on the vineyard.

While many were hopeful to see them on their first night on the island, they could understand if the Obamas opted for family time instead.

"We would love to see them, and you know, we don't expect to see them," said another man.

"There's a part of me that hopes that he does stay with his family," said Peggy Duggan.

"I'm just excited to see them go by. I think it would be fun to see the girls, with our girls," said Julia Fleischner, a mother.

The presidential motorcade drove by a large crowd in West Tisbury on Thursday afternoon.

"You're seeing a United States president obviously, so it's pretty cool," said Laurent Span, who videotaped the motorcade.

"I'm happy to have the president here in Martha's Vineyard because he is my favorite friend, my second favorite friend; I'm just happy to have him here," said Mark Lucca, who is excited about the presidential visit.

Last year, the first time the First Family visited the vineyard, President Obama laid low for much of the trip.

He occasionally hit the links, took the First Lady out to dinner, and treated daughters Sasha and Malia to ice cream and candy.

That summer, the whole island was abuzz. This year, for their return trip, it's a little more reserved, with many realizing the Obamas aren't out and about every day.

Along with all the signs, there's been a noticeable upgrade in security, with lots of state troopers now cruising the streets.

"People are excited, hoping the president comes to their store," said Patty Roads.

The First Family is again staying at the Blue Heron Farm, a secluded farm in Chilmark, but they'll inevitably step out once in a while, and plenty of people will be waiting.

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