Still, kicking back on Martha's Vineyard -- playground for just about every possible flavor of East Coast elite -- is awkward for a president contending with a global financial crisis and sagging poll ratings.

The Obamas typically stay at Blue Heron Farm, a large private property estimated to rent for between $35k and $50k a week. While on the Vineyard, the president likes to play golf, go on family bike rides, head out for a meal or ice cream, and other leisure pursuits. This year, there are likely to be fewer photos.