This article was first published 16 years ago

The Obamas take a vacation

Last updated on: August 25, 2009

US President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia (Extreme Right) and Sasha on their way to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts for a week-long vacation

Image: US President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia (Extreme Right) and Sasha on their way to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts for a week-long vacation
Photographs: Jason Reed/Reuters

On his first vacation at the picturesque Martha's Vineyard after occupying the White House in January this year, United States President Barack Obama is planning to de-stress by spending time with his family, playing golf and catching up on reading.

Obama plans to read books like 'The Way Home' by George Pelecanos; Tom Friedman's 'Hot, Flat and Crowded'; Richard Price's 'Lush Life'; Kent Haruf's 'Plainsong'; and 'John Adams' by David McCullough, during his week-long vacation.

Image: US President Barack Obama waves as he plays golf at Farm Neck Golf Course at Oak Bluffs in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Photographs: Jason Reed/Reuters

"The President really appreciates being here in Martha's Vineyard. He has been coming here for some 10 years now and he plans to come back," White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton, who is accompanying the President at Martha's Vineyard, told reporters.

Image: A storefront sign welcomes US President Barack Obama and his family to Martha's Vineyard.
Photographs: Jason Reed/Reuters

Obama and the First Family arrived at the picturesque island off the south of Cape Code in New England on Sunday. The press corps accompanying the President were requested to respect the privacy of the Obama girls while they are out here on vacation

A restaurant menu, held by a model in a suit representing Obama, advises what vacationers can do, including sampling a Barack-O-Taco, during the president's visit to Martha's Vineyard.

Image: A restaurant menu, held by a model in a suit representing Obama, advises what vacationers can do, including sampling a Barack-O-Taco, during the president's visit to Martha's Vineyard.
Photographs: Jason Reed/Reuters

Responding to a question, Burton said, "I think that it is important for the President, just like it is for any other individual, to take a little time, spend it with their family, re-charge their batteries, so they are ready for the final push for the year".