Category Archives: Activities

Adventure, Beaches, Feature, Fishing, Quiet Getaways, Water Sports

What Is There To Do On Lake Tashmoo?

November 20, 2015 Sandpiper Rentals Staff Leave a comment

Lake Tashmoo, on northeastern Martha’s Vineyard, is a calm, beautiful lake located just minutes from nearby Vineyard Haven. According to legend, the lake received its name after Tashmoo, son of Phohoganot, came to the area and discovered paradise. We don’t like to brag, but we think he might’ve been right.

Here are our favorite things to do on Lake Tashmoo:

Swim: Despite its latitude, Lake Tashmoo is a relatively warm lake. Its shallow, protected waters provide an ideal spot to take a dip. It should be noted that the lake side is slightly warmer and calmer than the ocean side, so that may be your best swimming option.
Kayak: The calm waters provide ideal paddling conditions, and its 270 acres ensure kayakers have plenty of room to maneuver. It’s an ideal family adventure!
Sunset cruise: Enjoy a Martha’s Vineyard sunset from the bow of a chartered sailboat. Some charters allow visitors to bring food and drink aboard, making it possible to blend the sunset’s brilliant yellows and oranges with a ruby-red Pinot noir, or a golden chardonnay. If you’re looking for a romantic outing, this has our vote.
Fishing: Surf-casting is popular on Lake Tashmoo. You can try fishing from the beach, the jetty, or perhaps even from a canoe or kayak. If you’re a fisherman, it’s not to be missed!

Before (or after) Lake Tashmoo, visit nearby Vineyard Haven. There, you can find multiple interesting experiences, including:

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary, located just outside Vineyard Haven, protects the area’s wildlife and habitat. Visitors to the sanctuary may enjoy guided group tours, either by foot or kayak, learning about the area’s flora and fauna. Have kids? Bring them along! The sanctuary hosts a variety of fun, child-friendly activities , such as Nature Bingo and a Mass Audubon Quest. Don’t miss out on an adventure through this magnificent slice of Vineyard Haven!
Flying Horses: Oak Bluffs, located just ten minutes from Vineyard Haven, boasts America’s oldest platform carousel. Swing by this National Historic Landmark and, for only $1.50, take a ride on a century-old steed.
Wandering: Vineyard Haven provides an ideal setting for a walk. The town center, which is small enough to explore in a day, contains numerous shops hosting a variety of works by local artists and craftsmen. One such example would be the Seaworthy Gallery, which sells stunning prints of the surrounding area, all captured in the sadly-disappearing medium of film photography.

Come see the beautiful sites in and around Vineyard Haven and Lake Tashmoo. Be sure to reserve your accommodations through Sandpiper Rentals. Our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals are ideal for relaxing and unwinding in between all of the great activities you can participate in during your time on the island. Our rental properties are located all over Martha’s Vineyard, so you can choose to stay on your favorite part of the island. Whether you want to be right in town or more isolated, we have the perfect rental for you. Our homes are all unique, yet they all offer comfortable accommodations and luxurious amenities. Visit our website to check availability and learn about all of our services!

Beaches, Feature, Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Haven

What’s So Great About the Town of Tisbury, MA?

September 17, 2015 Sandpiper Rentals Staff Leave a comment

town of Tisdale, Mass., Sandpiper Rentals — Photo Credit: Tichnor Bros. Inc./ Boat landing at Vineyard Haven,/Flickr Mass.

While the roots of the town of Tisbury, Massachusetts run deep, the name of this small coastal town located on Martha’s Vineyard is somewhat obscured. The town of Tisbury, which was incorporated as such within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1671, has come to be known by locals and visitors alike as Vineyard Haven.

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Events, Feature, Martha's Vineyard, News

5 Famous Movies Filmed on Martha’s Vineyard

September 3, 2015 Sandpiper Rentals Staff Leave a comment

Martha’s Vineyard may be well known for its beautiful beaches and quaint island appeal. However, many movie producers also regard it as a premier location to capture the charm and sophistication that radiates from the island.

While it may come across as a quiet retreat, the iconic landscapes and landmarks of Martha’s Vineyard have played a key role in a number of films. Here is a look at 5 famous movies filmed on Martha’s Vineyard!

Jaws

The most well-known movie filmed on Martha’s Vineyard is likely the 1974 classic, Jaws. The hugely successful Jaws helped coin the term “summer blockbuster” and launched the career of Steven Spielberg. It also helped put Martha’s Vineyard on the map as a premier tourist destination.

Spielberg cast many island natives in the movie. Martha’s Vineyard locals Christopher Rebello was selected to play Chief Brody’s oldest son, Michael Brody; Jay Mello was cast as the younger son, Sean Brody; and Lee Fierro was chosen to play Mrs. Kintner. Numerous other residents were cast as extras throughout the film.

Jaws II and Jaws: The Revenge

Scenes from the films Jaws II and Jaws: The Revenge were also filmed on Martha’s Vineyard. In Jaws II, Chief Brody must battle another mega shark that torments quiet Amity Island. In the third installment of this movie franchise, Chief Brody’s widow must overcome a shark she believes is targeting her family for revenge.

Sabrina

The 1995 remake of Sabrina starring Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear and Julia Ormond featured iconic scenes on Martha’s Vineyard. As the characters Linus and Sabrina try to avoid the upcoming nuptials of Linus’ brother, David, they spend time enjoying the sights of the island.

Stuck on You

The 2003 film Stuck on You is a tale of conjoined twins Bob and Walt Tenor played by Matt Damon and Craig Kinnear. The brothers’ wild adventures take them from their home on Oak Bluffs to Hollywood so Walt can pursue an acting career. Stuck on You was directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly who have been known to frequent the island.

Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

These 5 famous movies filmed on Martha’s Vineyard represent the mainstream cinema, however the island is also known for showcasing various independent films courtesy of the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. The organization was developed in 2001 by a group of friends looking for more thought provoking films.

This annual event will be held March 17-20, 2016. There is also a summer series at several local venues which features live music before the show.

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These Hollywood blockbusters represent 5 famous movies filmed on Martha’s Vineyard. All these movies filmed over the years have led to Martha’s Vineyard being a great destination for celebrity sightings: Ted Dansen, Michael J Fox, and Tony Shalhoub of Monk fame are all frequently spotted on the island. Sandpiper Rentals even has the former home of Patricia Neal on offer as a vacation rental for your next visit!

While these films do a wonderful job of highlighting the many unique offerings of Martha’s Vineyard, they are no substitute for experiencing it yourself.

When you get the urge to enjoy the beauty and charm of this magnificent island, be sure to make your accommodations with Sandpiper Rentals. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or a non-stop adventure, our unique homes offer something that will make your stay truly extraordinary. From cozy to colossal, in the mix or on the fly, Sandpiper will ensure your trip is unforgettable.