Tag Archives: Martha’s Vineyard

Vineyard Playhouse Shows Shouldn’t Be Missed

Love theater? ChecVineyard Playhousek out the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, located in beautiful Vineyard Haven, MA. The Playhouse, built in 1833, served a variety of purposes in its early life: a public meeting house, an Episcopal church, a Masonic lodge, and more. In 1982, Eileen Wilson and Isabella McKamy founded the theater and, in 1993, moved it to its current Church Street location. Since then, the building has been completely renovated and restored, and even expanded to better serve the cast, crew, and guests.

The Playhouse features a wide variety of plays, ranging from the Bard to modern-day tales by promising young talents, like Barney Norris. Mr. Norris won the 2014 Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright. In April 2015, the Playhouse featured his play, “Visitors,” which The Independent called “a play made with love.” Fans of classic works will enjoy productions by Shakespeare (King John, Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, Henry IV, Henry V, Julius Caesar, and more) and Tennessee Williams. If you’d like to learn more about their productions, visit The Vineyard Playhouse’s Production History.

The excitement at the Vineyard Playhouse extends beyond the stage; the Marilyn Meyerhoff Lobby hosts a variety of fun events throughout the year. This October, the lobby hosted a Poetry Café. The $10 invent included a beverage, a slice of pie, and, of course, readings from local poets. It’s also a popular spot for book releases and stories. Be sure to keep an eye on the Lobby Events page.

If you’re there in the summer, be sure to check out The Fabulists. The Fabulists are a troupe of Playhouse actors performing hilarious script adaptations for children every Saturday during the summer. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and the laughs are guaranteed! Visit The Fabulists webpage to learn more.

Speaking of children, the Vineyard Playhouse also offers Theater Arts Camp. If you’re heading to Martha’s Vineyard for a week in summer, why not enroll your kids in a fun-filled theater experience? The camps are for children ages 7-13, and run from early July through late August (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.). You can view their contact information here.

Come out and join the fun at the Vineyard Playhouse! You never know who might appear! At one single play, the premier of Edward Beck’s “Sweetened Water,” the Playhouse hosted actress and former Miss America Vanessa Williams, actress Amy Irving (Carrie, Yentl, Traffic), and fashion designer Kenneth Cole.

If any (or all) of this interest you, we encourage you to read the Vineyard Playhouse’s theater news and reviews page.

And if you’re heading this way, 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!

What Is There To Do On Lake Tashmoo?

Lake Tashmoo 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

All of the Things We Love About Vineyard Haven, MA

VinVineyard Haveneyard Haven, MA is a must-see for all Martha’s Vineyard visitors.  This small, waterfront town (population: just a shade over 2,000) boasts a picturesque harbor, excellent shopping, and fine dining, all in an area comprising just over 1.5 square miles.  Bring the family (or a significant other) and enjoy an afternoon in this beautiful hamlet.

What We Love About Vineyard Haven

Tranquility – it’s something many people experience far too rarely.  Their busy schedules require constant scampering here and there, day after day.  In Vineyard Haven, those same people can simply be.  Sit harborside and watch ferries arriving and departing.  Wander the quiet streets, absorbing the history emanating from the 17th and 18th century buildings dotting the townscape.  Explore the shops.  Eat at one of the local restaurants.  Above all, just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, located south of Vineyard Haven, protects Martha’s Vineyard’s wildlife and habitat, along with its spectacular views.  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!

Plenty of places (including Vineyard Haven) contain historical homes and buildings.  Few, however, possess an authentic 19th-century carousel.  Flying Horses, located in nearby Oak Bluffs (east of 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.

During the warmer months, Vineyard Haven visitors love swimming at Lake Tashmoo Town Beach.  The beach has two sides: the ocean side and the lake side.  Swimmers wishing to experience warmer and calmer waters should visit the lake side.  Would-be swimmers also have the option of dipping their toes in Tisbury’s Waterworks Park.

Vineyard Haven visitors shouldn’t miss the West Chop Lighthouse.  This 45-foot tall lighthouse, situated along the entrance to Vineyard Haven Harbor, is closed to the public.  Visitors, however, may take pictures of the elegant structure set against the beautiful harbor backdrop.

If, by chance, the weather isn’t great (or you’re simply wandering through town), check out some of the shops in downtown Vineyard Haven.  Photography lovers will enjoy visiting Seaworthy Gallery: a small gallery featuring Jeff Serusa’s stunning photography.  Most of his works have a maritime theme, ranging from the harbor, to boats and ships, to lighthouses.  The gallery also offers a variety of historical New England nautical charts available for purchase.

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!

Image source: Bob P.B. / Flickr