Tag Archives: Chappaquiddick

Martha's Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard Lingo: To Help You Get Around the Island

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Some handy terms and quick explanations you should know so that you can find your way around the island and sound like an islander…

  1. You are going for a vacation ‘on’ the Vineyard, not ‘in’ or ‘at’ the Vineyard.
  2. ‘Chappy’ is short for Chappaquiddick, not what happens to your lips when you’ve been out in the sun for too long. Chappaquiddick is a small island that lies off the eastern tip of Martha’s Vineyard and is part of Edgartown. You can get to Chappy via a small ferry that holds a couple of cars and a bunch of people and bikes. It’s a great day trip from the Vineyard. Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
  3. 5 Corners is an adventuresome intersection in downtown Vineyard Haven. It is called 5 Corners because there are 5 streets that form the intersection. Move with caution as only 3 of the approaching roads have stop signs and the other 2 have the right of way. Drive slowly, be nice, enjoy this quirky attraction, and you’ll be just fine.
  4. ‘Squibby’ is short for one of the island’s beach treasures, Squibnocket, located in Chilmark as you head towards Aquinnah.
  5. The ‘Flying Horses’ make up the country’s oldest horse carousel. They are beautiful and an island highlight right in downtown Oak Bluffs.
  6. ‘Gay Head’ is now called ‘Aquinnah’ and it is the town at the farthest end from the ferries. It is the home of the Wampanoag Native American tribe and the stunning Aquinnah cliffs.
  7. ‘Quahog’s’ are clams….so Martha’s Vineyard’s quahog chowdah is clam chowdah – only better.
Chappaquiddick, Families, Martha's Vineyard, MV Rentals

Chappaquiddick Exclusive: Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental

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I get excited about all of my rentals because every property on Martha’s Vineyard offers something unique and surprising. But, sometimes I list houses that truly blow me away – this is definitely one of those houses. Note: this house is available for 1-2 weeks this August 2008 only!

When you arrive at this Chappy compound, you will not want to leave – and you won’t have to because everything you need is right there. Made for big groups and surrounded by fields and ocean, it’s the ultimate getaway.

Magnitude. Perfect for entertaining or for bringing the whole family, the property includes a charming guest house, and in total offers 6 bedrooms, 3 kitchens and 6.5 bathrooms, housing up to 12 people. Set on 20 acres, this Chappy property offers total privacy and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Amusement. Pool, tennis court, pristine Chappy beaches nearby, Master Suite & kitchen that open on to covered patios, porches & decks surrounding the house, a private 6 hole golf course next door and 20 secluded acres to explore…need I say more?


Habitation. The house is newly remodeled and includes a family room, study and a bow window perfect for reading and relaxing. This space invites a full house and pure festivity, while offering quiet places for Vineyard escape and serenity.

For more pictures, details or rental inquiries, email me at annemayhew@gmail.com or call 508-627-6070 x27.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard LINGO: Up-Island & Down-Island

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On Martha’s Vineyard, we speak our own island language…
When you arrive on the island, you’ll discover quickly that the island has been divided, more or less, into two parts: up-island and down-island.

Up-Island
When you hear someone say ‘up-island,’ they are referring to the towns of West Tisbury, Aquinnah, Chilmark and it’s small fishing harbor, Menemsha. The up-island towns are quiet, quaint and slow with each town center consisting, primarily, of town hall, the library, the post office and a few choice stores, galleries, restaurants and inns.

The houses up-island are spread out and often secluded, and the landscape features forests, rolling hills, farms and beach highlights like the cliffs in Aquinnah. When you’re up-island, you’ll spend time in your car or on your bike fetching groceries and glimpsing civilization…but, only if you want to.

Down-Island
Down-island refers to Edgartown, Vineyard Haven (Tisbury) and Oak Bluffs. These three towns are known for their bustling and unique ‘downtowns’ packed with dynamic shopping, art, food, dining and entertainment. With an abundance of summer traffic, people and cars, their is also an endless list of things to do and see.

While there are quiet beaches to be found, the main down-island beaches, State Beach in Oak Bluffs and South Beach in Edgartown/Katama, are bustling with people, beach games and surf from dawn to dusk.

And…just to make things a little more interesting, there’s a small island off the coast of Edgartown called Chappaquiddick, or ‘Chappy’, that serves as the ‘up-island’ of Edgartown. It’s small and quiet. There aren’t many cars, houses are spread out and the beaches are incredible.