Mod JAWS: When Midlife Meets Movie Magic on Martha’s Vineyard
What happens when you blend the spirit of the mod.life community with a dash of Hollywood nostalgia? You get a weekend that’s equal parts adventure and pure joy. Recently, our founder Jennifer Abernethy—longtime JAWS devotee and modern muse—set out for Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic film that made us all just a little wary of the water.
Jennifer has been a fan since 1975, when JAWS first sent chills down her spine. Decades later, standing on the very shores where Spielberg’s masterpiece was filmed, she found herself surrounded by superfans from across the globe.
What happens when you mix the mod.life spirit with a legendary film anniversary? Founder Jennifer Abernethy brought her lifelong love of JAWS to Martha’s Vineyard for the 50th anniversary celebration—and it was the ultimate adventure for any modern woman ready to embrace fun at any age.
Here’s what made this trip unforgettable:
Immersive JAWS Experience: The Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s “Jaws at 50: A Deeper Dive” exhibition featured rare photos, original props, and behind-the-scenes stories about how the island became the legendary Amity Island.
Replica of the ORCA Boat: Fans could step inside a scaled recreation of the iconic ORCA interior, making movie history come alive.
Richard Dreyfuss in Attendance: The legendary actor joined the festivities, adding star power and nostalgia to the weekend.
Global Fan Connections: Jennifer met fellow JAWS fans from around the world, sharing memories and excitement.
Island Beauty: Exploring Martha’s Vineyard’s stunning beaches and charming streets was the perfect complement to the cinematic celebration.
Being invited into the home of one of the movie extras and hearing her story about being in the infamous “beach scene”.
But the real takeaway? Sometimes, the most empowering thing you can do is say yes to your inner child. Whether you’re wandering the windswept beaches of Martha’s Vineyard or chasing a long-held dream, these moments of play are what keep us vibrant. Jennifer’s advice for every modern woman at midlife and beyond: “Do something fun—something that thrills you. You’ll never regret it.”
Let this be your invitation: Embrace your passions, book the trip, and live your own mod.life adventure. Why not!
Jennifer at Martha’s Vineyard Museum at JAWS 50th movie celebration!