What is Wampum and Why is it Special to Martha’s Vineyard

October 23, 2008 1 Comment

Wampum, that beautiful, purpley, white bead, has very significant meaning and the shells it is made from are abundant on Martha’s Vineyard.

The term Wampum comes from a word “wampumpeag”, which in Narraganset, most literally means “white string of beads”.

Wampum beads are made in two colors: white, “Wòmpi”, beads from the whelk and purple-black ,“Súki”, beads from the growth rings of the Quahog shell.

It was originally used by Indigenious Americans, Native Americans and traders as a form of currency. In the year 1637 the Massachusetts General Court officially announced that 6 beads were equal to one penny.

Wampum was also commonly used to pay taxes. But Wampum was certainly used for more than just money. It was very symbolic and often used for engagements, marriages, ceremony and condolence ceremonies. The creamy white colored shell beads of the symbolized internal energies of peace, harmony, and contentment. In fact, the traditional wedding band of the Wampanoag is made of white Wampum.

Sadly, Wampum can no longer be used to pay taxes, but on Martha’s Vineyard, the jewelry created with Wampum by the Wampanoag Tribe is a treasured resource. While Wampum is available across the island, it’s worth the ride to Aquinnah, the home of the Wampanoag and the most beautiful Wampum designs I’ve seen.

Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, MV Rentals

Edgartown Dream Home, Martha’s Vineyard Ultimate Vacation

October 20, 2008 4 Comments

If you’re looking for a beautiful Edgartown vacation rental that has five bedroom complete with four and a half bathrooms, a pool and a patio, this is the house for you. Tucked in the woods, it’s private but still easily accessible. Brand new its equipped with just about everything you could imagine, outside shower, deck, pool, 52” TV home theater system, washer/dryer, high speed internet, air conditioning and more.

With two master bedrooms and three others all outfitted with full baths the house can easily accommodate 10 people. The fabulous cooking kitchen is decked out with a stainless steel refrigerator, microwave, stovetop and oven, full sink and plenty of counter space.

The four seasons room, with glass sliding doors to the patio and entire walls of window, is the perfect place to curl up and read a book, and the home entertainment system in the family room is great for those one or two rainy days we sometimes get in an otherwise perfectly sunny summer! There’s also a TV (with cable) in each of the master bedrooms and the kitchen.

In keeping with the woodsy, natural feel of the Vineyard, this house features hardwood floors in all the bathrooms and a beautiful wooden deck off the second floor master bedroom overlooking the grounds and pool. A patio in the back of the house with furniture and a grill is great for a family BBQ.

This house goes out of it’s way to wrap you up in the ultimate, carefree, Vineyard vacation.

Aquinnah, Martha's Vineyard

Aquinnah, It’s Worth The Drive

October 16, 2008 Leave a comment

It’s true, it’s a long haul all the way to the cliffs of Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head) on Martha’s Vineyard, but it pays off. Breathtaking views of the ocean, a tiny little island town, beaches for miles, a 212 year old lighthouse and, of course, the cliffs, swirls of red and orange clay cascading down into the beautiful Atlantic ocean.

The little town atop the cliffs is most commonly referred to as The Aquinnah Circle. In the summertime and fall the circle is full of little souvenir shops that sell adorable island treasures, especially Wampum bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

Also in the circle you can find the delicious Aquinnah Restaurant. Operated and run by two Wampanoag families, the restaurant is open from mid-April to mid-October. A favorite breakfast is the Tomahawk special, which consists of two homemade fish cakes atop poached eggs, covered with salsa and melted cheddar cheese. They also serve lunch, a variety of sandwiches, burgers and delicious salads. Dinner entrees consist of a large array of island seafood including scallops, mussels, striped bass, shrimp, lobster and much more.

If you’re looking to stay in Aquinnah, try the Outermost Inn. Run by the island’s own Taylor family (yes, as in James)! For more information visit their website.

Aquinnah is most popular in the summertime while it is busy and bustling, but even in the offseason a long walk on the beach in one of nature’s most beautiful island locations is dynamic.

If you choose to rent a house up-island in Aquinnah, we have many to choose from, like this:

Expect quiet, amazing sunsets and sweeping views.