Martha’s Vineyard Magazine was honored as a finalist in the 2010 National City and Regional Magazine Awards for three categories: general excellence, ancillary publications for its Home & Garden magazine, and leisure/lifestyle interests for its three-part series on wild edibles.

Earlier this week at the awards in Providence, R.I., the judges in the category of general excellence noted: “Even the ‘fluff’ in Martha’s Vineyard Magazine has gravitas, as one might expect from a place that has attracted political and literary intellectuals for so many years. Serious articles about drug use, the survival of independent bookstores, or interviews with literary luminaries are the bread and butter of the magazine. But it doesn’t forget the sugar and salt, and sprinkles fun in just enough quantity to transform the magazine into a rich visual and informational dish.”

For Ancillary Publications, the judges commended Martha’s Vineyard Home & Garden: “This absolutely beautiful magazine gives readers dream homes to drool over and stories about gardeners who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Terrific photos splash across pages in clean, uncluttered layouts. Elegant niceties about angel-wing begonias mix with unexpected details on indoor composting toilets and how to use chickens as a source of heat.”

For the magazine’s articles on Spring’s Wild Edibles, Summer’s Wild Edibles, and Fall’s Wild Edibles in the category of leisure/lifestyle interests, the judges commented that “this three-part series highlights various foods and ingredients available on the Island during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Large photos depict locals collecting watercress, cutting wild roses and foraging for sassafras. The packages provide useful service, such as what plants should look like during the growing season and enticing recipes.”

The awards were given by a nationwide association of city and regional magazines that are general interest consumer publications with paid, audited circulation.

For more information, see online mvmagazine.com.