Tag Archives: Aquinnah

Great Family Activities on Martha’s Vineyard

Photo from Fordors.com

 

Martha’s Vineyard, our home and playground. There are so many things to do here for all ways of life. Here is a list of some of out favorite activities for you and your family to enjoy together.

  • Beaches
    • South Beach is located is Katama on the other side of Edgartown. With two miles of wide sandy beaches there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Here you can see seals playing in the water, play volleyball on the beach with nets that are already set up, body surf on the large waves, or challenge your family and friends to a friendly game of beach soccer or paddle ball. But be warned, this beach has a very strong current and rip tide, so little kids may not want to swim.
    • State Beach is located between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown on State Beach Road. this 6 mile long beach has shallow calm water that is perfect for families with small children, or if you have rented a boat to waterski/wakeboard. State Beach is also known for “Jaws Bridge” or “Second Bridge”, where people of all ages gather together to jump off of it in to the channel below.
  • Activities
    • Flying Horses is the the older carousel in the country. All the horses are original, hop on and catch the brass ring for a free ride.
    • Parasailing. Perfect for the thrill seeking family, parasailing is an amazing opportunity to see the island from above. If you’re ready to parasail, just go to MV Ocean Sports on the Oak Bluffs Harbor and they’ll set you up for a memory you’ll never forget.
    • Charter Fishing. Martha’s Vineyard is known as a fishing mecca. There are hundreds of charter boats available for fishing, whether you want to catch gental Flukes, or  fighting Sharks and Tuna. The Skipper is a wonderful group fishing boat that takes two trips daily and fishes for flukes, sea bass, blue fish. They have been voted Martha’s Vineyard Best Fishing Boat numerous years in a row, and are perfect for families with younger kids. If you are looking for more private experience, or a stronger fight, I suggest Smokin Eel Charters (Oak Bluffs), Captain Porky’s Bait and Tackle (Edgartown), Contessa Flyfishing (Edgartown), or Tomahawk Charters (Menemsha).
    • Sailing. Sailing is not just a hobby here, it’s a way of life. If you’re looking for lessons for you or your children, Sail MV are the people to speak to. They have lessons for people of all ages and all skill levels. If you’re looking for unique experience, The Black Dog Tall Ships provide a sunset cruise on one of two large restored schooners. If you’re looking for something a little more private on the small scale, Sea Witch  Sailing Charters is a great option.
    • Hiking is used loosely on the island, but there are some amazing walking trails throughout the island. Walk through the State Forest, or any numerous Trustees of Reservation trails.
    • Water Sports include tubing, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding, wind surfing, kite surfing, paddle boarding and more. Check Out MV Ocean Sports, Island Spirit Kayak, and Winds Up for lessons, rentals, and tours.
    • Biplane Ridesare not for the faint of heart. You and one other, will go up over South Beach, fly around, and then suddenly be doing loops and dives, before coming back to the small airfield in Katama. If you’re into thrill seeking Classic Aviators on Martha’s Vineyard are the people to contact! Bring a camera to capture the epic adventures.
  • Another great family trip is a day spent up-island visiting Aquinnah and Menemsha. Aquinnah is home to the beautiful clay cliffs, and artisanal shops from local artist and the Wampanoag Tribe.  After visiting Aquinnah in the morning, take a quick jaunt over to Chilmark Chocolates and pick up some amazing chocolate that are made on site.  Follow that with a trip to Menemsha where you can have lunch and dinner, then watch the beautiful sunsets that make you feel like you’re in a Monet painting.

 

 

We hope you enjoyed this list of great family activities on Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re looking for a home to rent, Click Here to start your search.

 

 

Sandpiper Rentals

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Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: Adorable Aquinnah Retreat

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This charming Aquinnah oasis is perfect for honeymooners or a romantic getaway.  Tucked away in the woods, this quaint home offers all the luxuries and amenities needed to enjoy your Up-Island vacation.

http://piper.sandpiperrental.com/houses/2520/http://piper.sandpiperrental.com/houses/2520/

This unique property offers three different levels to enjoy. The open kitchen located on the ground level allows dinner seating for six.  The screened in porch, also located on the ground level, allows even more space for entertaining. Climb the stairs to the second story where you will find the living room area. Also, located on the second story, is a fabulous deck located above the screened in porch.

http://piper.sandpiperrental.com/houses/2520/http://piper.sandpiperrental.com/houses/2520/

Keep climbing and you will find yourself in the bedroom. Located on the third floor, the bedroom offers a queen size bed with a full bathroom located at the bottom of the stairs on the second floor.

http://piper.sandpiperrental.com/houses/2520/

Located just over a mile from Philbin Beach and around three miles from the famous Aquinnah cliffs this will surely be a vacation to remember.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this vacation rental or about all the beauty Aquinnah has to offer!

Wampum: A Vineyard Tradition

The beauty of Martha’s Vineyard is not only captured in the picturesque cliffs of Aquinnah or in a Menemsha sunset but also in the shell of a Quahog clam. Wampum, which was first created by the Wampanoag Tribe of Martha’s Vineyard, has held great historical significance to islanders and visitors alike. The deep purple beads and jewelry formed from shells are just another way the natural beauty of the island is being celebrated and preserved.

Cutting out disks of color from the shell created the beads and only a few beads could be formed from each shell. Originally, Wampum was used as a form of oral tradition among the tribe. Belts were created to help to pass on the history of the tribe and certain patterns had the potential to declare peace or initiate war.

Today, the beauty of wampum is captured in jewelry found in various stores around the island.  Whether you are buying your first piece of wampum jewelry, giving a gift or adding to your own personal collection, Wampum is a great way to take the beauty and history of Martha’s Vineyard home with you.