Category Archives: Martha’s Vineyard

Events, Martha's Vineyard, Things To Do

Plan a Martha’s Vineyard Vacation

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Ralf / Martha's Vineyard / Flickr
Ralf / Martha’s Vineyard / Flickr

Summer is fast approaching which means it’s a great time to start planning your Martha’s Vineyard vacation! Let Sandpiper Rentals help you make the most of your time on Martha’s Vineyard and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Start Your Martha’s Vineyard Vacation on a Ferry

First of all, enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Woods Hole, Massachusetts to Martha’s Vineyard. The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard. They offer low fares along with convenient times and frequent departures to get you to your destination on time. Steamship Authority has ferries that go to Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole several times during the day, allowing you to find a time that works when going from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard and back. The trip lasts about 45 minutes and you can enjoy free Wi-Fi while on a Steamship Authority ferry.

Restaurants to Enjoy

The ferry lands at Vineyard Haven which has several great restaurants to try. These top restaurants include the Copper Wok, the Black Dog Tavern and the Little House Café. The Black Dog Tavern has a great view of the ferries coming in and out while providing an excellent atmosphere to dine.

Touring Martha’s Vineyard

One way to travel around the island is to rent a bike to ride. Wheel Happy rents a variety of bikes and will deliver them to your rental house on the island. If you’re looking for maps and places to ride, Wheel Happy will provide you with information on where to ride and everything you’ll need. This is a great way to travel around Martha’s Vineyard.

If you’re looking for a car to rent while you’re on Martha’s Vineyard, Sun n’ Fun rents cars, convertibles, Jeeps and vans so you can get anywhere you want on the island. Located in Oak Bluffs, Sun n’ Fun will pick you up in the car of your choice and even offers child seats. The staff will also provide you with knowledge and information on where to go.

Lighthouses and Hiking on Martha’s Vineyard

Enjoy time outside by visiting one of the many great lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard including the Gay Head Lighthouse, the East Chop Lighthouse and the Edgartown Lighthouse. Make sure to go hiking at Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary which features some of the best outdoor trails on Martha’s Vineyard.

Beaches on Martha’s Vineyard

Grab your bathing suit and a towel and relax at one of the renowned beaches. The South Beach in Edgartown is a large public beach that has great surf. State Beach is located between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs and is great for children. Aquinnah Beach has scenic cliffs and wonderful scenery that is worth a visit.

Golfing on Martha’s Vineyard

For the golfers, there are two courses open to the public on Martha’s Vineyard, Farm Neck Golf Club and Mink Meadows Golf Club. Grab your clubs and head out to the links. If you’re on vacation, rentals are available and the pro shops have anything you might need.

When planning your dream Martha’s Vineyard vacation, let Sandpiper Rentals help you find the ideal vacation property. We have several properties located throughout the island that are sure to complete your Martha’s Vineyard vacation.

Getting Here, Martha's Vineyard, Things To Do

Visit Us Via the Martha’s Vineyard Ferry

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Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism / Marthas Vineyard, Steamship Authority Ferry / Flickr
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism / Marthas Vineyard, Steamship Authority Ferry / Flickr

When looking to visit Martha’s Vineyard, enjoy the ease and comfort of taking a ferry. There are several options to check out from a number of different locations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Here are ways you can visit us via the Martha’s Vineyard Ferry.

Martha’s Vineyard Ferry from Woods Hole

The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard. They offer low fares along with convenient times and frequent departures to get you to your destination on time. Steamship Authority has ferries that go to Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole several times during the day, allowing you to find a time that works when going from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard and back. The trip lasts about 45 minutes and you can enjoy free Wi-Fi when on a Steamship Authority ferry.

There is an on-board snack bar offering refreshments, beer and wine. The ferry offers plenty of comfortable seating for the trip. If you’re looking to bring your vehicle with you to Martha’s Vineyard, you can make a reservation ahead of time in preparation for your trip. Transporting a vehicle without a reservation is allowed on stand-by basis unless it’s a busy holiday time. Stand-by is not allowed during peak (summer) season. You can be wait-listed, but have you must have an existing reservation to do so. For more information, click over to Steamship Authority’s website.

 

Passenger reservations are not required for the traditional ferries to Martha’s Vineyard. Passengers and vehicles must be at the dock and ready for boarding at least 30 minutes prior to departure. If it’s during the summer, it’s recommended that you arrive 45-60 minutes ahead of departure. Visitors can also park their cars in Steamship Authority’s lots and use their shuttle to get to the ferry. For more information, visit Steamship Authority’s website.

There are many travel options to arrive to Woods Hole from Boston and New York City, along with the surrounding areas so you can catch the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard on Steamship Authority.

Martha’s Vineyard Ferry from Hyannis

Hy-Line Cruises offers secondary passenger ferry service from Hyannis, a nearby town to Woods Hole. There are several times to leave from Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard each day. Depending on the season, make sure to check the schedule to see when the ferries are leaving.

Martha’s Vineyard Ferry from Falmouth

Island Queen resumes ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard on May 22 out of Falmouth. Enjoy the 35-minute trip on the ferry that operates from May to October. Although Island Queen does not offer vehicle transportation, they do offer bicycle and pet transportation along with passengers. Passengers are advised to arrive 45-minutes ahead of departure time.

Martha’s Vineyard Ferry from Quonset Point

The Vineyard Fast Ferry takes passengers from Quonset Point, Rhode Island to Martha’s Vineyard. Operating at a high speed, the Vineyard Fast Ferry can accommodate over 400 passengers, bikes and luggage. Located minutes from I-95, the ferry is convenient to passengers in other parts of New England. Parking is offered for $10 a day.

Martha’s Vineyard Ferry from New Bedford

The Seastreak offers a 60-minute passenger ferry ride from New Bedford. Kids ride for free on the comfortable vessel. On-site parking is available.

There are many great options for visitors to choose when coming to Martha’s Vineyard. Let Sandpiper Rentals help you find a great vacation home to rent on Martha’s Vineyard and then take a comfortable and scenic ferry ride over. There are many great things to experience on Martha’s Vineyard and there are affordable and convenient ways to enjoy them!

Food, Martha's Vineyard, Things To Do

5 Top Vineyard Haven Restaurants

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Amy Meredith / Vineyard Haven / Flickr
Amy Meredith / Vineyard Haven / Flickr

Vineyard Haven is home to many great restaurants that are favorites with the locals and others visiting Martha’s Vineyard. When staying on Martha’s Vineyard, make sure to try the many great restaurants in Vineyard Haven. There are many options in the area that include fresh seafood, delicious breakfast items and anything in-between. Take a look at the five top Vineyard Haven restaurants.

Copper Wok
This very popular restaurant is a great location to go for Chinese food. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Copper Wok has a large menu and features generous portions. There are several sushi options that are incredibly fresh and delicious. The Copper Wok features a friendly atmosphere and affordable prices which makes for a great meal out for lunch or dinner. Take out is always available if you want to eat at home.

Blue Canoe
Head to the Blue Canoe for a delicious meal with a great view and a great atmosphere. There is great indoor and outdoor seating that makes for a good lunch spot and a terrific dinner destination. Try the traditional clam chowder or the crab cake spring rolls as an appetizer. Fresh lobster and other great seafood are on the menu complete with classic staples like filet mignon and Cobb salad. This waterfront grill is a short walk from the ferry dock in Vineyard Haven and is a great spot to try.

Little House Café
Voted the “Best Lunch” on the Vineyard by the 2014 Martha’s Vineyard Magazine poll, the Little House Café is a cozy spot for coffee in the morning with fresh-baked goods to a scrumptious lunch or a fantastic dinner. Using high quality ingredients, the little House Café strives to make a unique and delicious meal. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available as well, making this a great spot to stop at anytime during the day.

Art Cliff Diner
The Art Cliff Diner is one of the most popular spots for a meal in Vineyard Haven. The food is always fresh and well-prepared. With delicious breakfast food, there are many creative options while the crepes and French toast are great selections. It’s a small and cozy spot so there can be a line to get in at times but the food is worth the stop!

Black Dog Tavern
The Black Dog Tavern has long provided great meals for the residents of Martha’s Vineyard. The restaurant overlooks the water so you can watch the ferry depart and arrive. Enjoy a cozy, relaxed and rustic atmosphere that has a menu with selections like roast chicken and grilled marinated steak tips. The Black Dog Tavern provides breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure to also head to the bakery and café which has take-out breakfast and lunch items.

Vineyard Haven has many great spots to stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When staying in Vineyard Haven or on Martha’s Vineyard, let Sandpiper Rentals help you find a terrific place to stay so you can enjoy the great restaurants that Vineyard Haven has to offer!