Category Archives: Quiet Getaways

Great Ways to Relax on Martha’s Vineyard

April 11, 2018 Andrew Leave a comment

There are many great ways to relax while vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard. Here are a few of our best ideas to get you excited about unwinding this summer!

A Day at The Spa

Treat yourself to a spa day. There are some wonderful locations throughout the island to lay back, relax, and be pampered. Spa days are not just a way to come out looking pretty on the outside from haircuts, nail treatments, or waxing. Enjoying what a spa offers can also make your insides pretty.

Many locations offer facials and body wraps that help rejuvenate and exfoliate, while also detoxifying and hydrating the body. Some examples of wraps include:

Mud Wraps; known for detoxing and revitalizing the body or even dissolving deep muscle tension.

Lemon Grass Wrap; helps exfoliate the skin, while rehydrating the body.

Mermaid Wrap; A fruit scrub said to exfoliate, with coconut that fights aging.

Many spa locations also offer massage treatments. Massages are another great way to relax and relieve tension and help your body to relax while on vacation. You might find out that a scalp massage is something for you!

Meditation

Meditation is a great way to relax while on vacation. It’s a great way to get some rest, relax your mind and ease your thoughts. Some like to meditate through words, in a journal or aloud. Whichever way you enjoy meditating, what better place is there then on an island, surrounded by the glorious sounds of the waves from the ocean, and the calm atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of a city.

Yoga

Yoga has been found to be a great way to relax and meditate. There are many forms of yoga, including regular, hot yoga, paddle board yoga, or even pre-natal. You don’t have to just be inside to stretch and pose, many offerings are outside in a field, yard, or on the beach. Yoga is focused around breathing, meditating, and the adoption of specific body postures. Yoga is overall great for health and relaxation.

We look forward to seeing you soon here on Martha’s Vineyard!

Activities, Chappaquiddick, East Chop, Edgartown, Feature, Quiet Getaways, Things To Do, West Chop

The Must-See Lighthouses of Martha’s Vineyard

February 27, 2018 Andrew Leave a comment

Martha’s Vineyard has many charms to offer those who come here to visit throughout the year. Although many come for the beach, nice weather and amazing seafood, Martha’s Vineyard has a rich and detailed history behind its beauty. One of the most telling of historical monuments here on the island is its lighthouses. All of the lighthouses on the island have their own unique story and character. Here are five of the lighthouses that you must see during your Martha’s Vineyard vacation!

West Chop Lighthouse: Located in Vineyard Haven

Originally built wooden in 1817, and rebuilt in 1838 of bricks. It is the only lighthouse on the island that does not offer access to the public. This lighthouse does host and houses some of the Coast Guard on the island. The area where the lighthouse sits used to be a sheep Pasture and is situated just minutes away from the downtown area of Vineyard Haven. Downtown Vineyard Haven was one of the major whaling ports on the island, is now where travelers and tourists near and far travel aboard the Steamship Authority to Martha’s Vineyard.

East Chop Lighthouse: Located on Telegraph Hill in Oak Bluffs

Originally built in 1828. This particular lighthouse used to receive signals from the island of Nantucket and transmit them to the rest of the island, and Cape coastal towns like Woods Hole. The Coast Guard took over the lighthouse in the Early 1930’s and the keeper’s house was removed in 1933 and never re-built. In the summer season, you will find many people and/or events take place near the lighthouse enjoying the sunset.

Edgartown Lighthouse: Located in Edgartown

Originally built in 1828 it was a ¼ mile from shore, and the only way to reach the light was by boat. Over years the lighthouse has had some structural damage from storms and the current lighthouse (built in 1938) sits on mainland surrounded by a beautiful beach. This beach sees a lot of weddings year round, as well as family picnics. The lighthouse offers tours throughout the summer season. With a 360 degree view at the top glance Chappaquiddick, the harbor, and surrounding Captain’s houses on Water St.

Cape Pogue Lighthouse: Located on the island of Chappaquiddick (part of Edgartown)

The original structure was built in 1801, and this building has sure taken a beating over the years. Being situated on the cliffs close to the edge of the island, it has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 5 times. The current lighthouse was built in 1922 and has been moved more recently to avoid having to rebuild again. The lighthouse is part of the Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge, run by the Trustees, and in season offers tours. It is a bit of a walk to get to, but a wonderful reward when you get there.

Gay Head Lighthouse: Located in Aquinnah

Originally built of wood in 1799, and had to be moved in 1844 from erosion of the cliffs. In 1856 the structure was rebuilt after a terrible storm and did so with bricks. Gay Head light is located on top of the clay cliffs, which over time and with major storms has taken a beating. This lighthouse has moved several more times since it’s rebuilding, most recently just a few years ago. In season they do offer tours of the lighthouse, and at the top, you really can’t beat the view. You can see along the coast to “up island” and take in the breathtaking view of the islands beauty. From below the area offers a viewing station to enjoy the view of the cliffs up close.

Visiting the Lighthouses of Martha’s Vineyard is a must for vacationers. We look forward to welcoming you this summer!

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!