Tag Archives: Martha’s Vineyard

Feature, Martha's Vineyard Artisans, Things To Do

Why You Should Plan to Visit Old Sculpin Gallery

November 5, 2015 Sandpiper Rentals Staff Leave a comment

The Old Sculpin Gallery‘s mission: “to increase facilities of art education, create interest in the arts, make an art center for the whole island, establish a permanent collection, and preserve an old landmark.”

Martha’s Vineyard’s Old Sculpin Gallery provides visitors a chance to stroll among paintings crafted by some of the Vineyard’s finest artists. The 61-year old gallery’s permanent collection contains artwork from 19 renowned local painters, some of whom sell their work on-site. Additionally, the gallery hosts an All-Vineyard Art Show every year, awarding prizes in a variety of composition categories, such as oils, pastels, watercolors, photography, and collages.

If you’re interested in taking a more active role in the arts, you can also sign up for a variety of The Old Sculpin Gallery’s classes and workshops. The gallery offers classes for all age ranges, including children. Past children’s classes included drawing, etching, and numerous types of painting. Adults can get in on the fun, too; the gallery hosts numerous classes and events. Currently, the website lists watercolor workshops, portraits in pastels with Janis Langley, still life in pastels with Janis Langley, and general painting workshops with Eva Cincotta.

The Old Sculpin Gallery also hosts a number of events, such as their “Painting the Vineyard” outings. This series of events, which take place in June and July, allow artists to congregate at all five area lighthouses: Cape Pogue, East Chop, West Chop, Gay Head, and Edgartown. These beautiful structures provide a stunning backdrop — and inspiration — for creating a majestic work of art.

After you’ve completed your Old Sculpin Gallery tour, why not take a tour of the Edgartown Lighthouse? The cast-iron, 45-foot tall lighthouse is located in a picturesque setting, just a short walk from downtown Edgartown. The tours are only offered certain times of the year (typically May through early October), but the shoreline on which it stands is open year-round. If you’re there late in the day, you may even catch a beautiful New England sunset. Currently, the Edgartown Lighthouse is ranked #2 in TripAdvisor’s Things to Do in Edgartown. Don’t miss out!

Marching around those sandy beaches builds up an appetite. Why not seek satiation at The Wharf: a cozy, family-friendly restaurant just over a half-mile from the Edgartown Lighthouse (and just a tenth of a mile from The Old Sculpin Gallery). In addition to the restaurant, The Wharf offers a pub and a “back bar,” featuring live music, DJs, trivia, and karaoke. What better way to end the day than with good food, a good drink, and live entertainment?

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: M. King / Flickr

Feature

Our Favorite Things to See at the Edgartown Lighthouse

October 15, 2015 Sandpiper Rentals Staff Leave a comment

The cast-iron, 45-foot-tall Edgartown Lighthouse stands guard over the Edgartown Harbor on stunning Martha’s Vineyard. The lighthouse, originally built in 1828, met its destruction in the Hurricane of 1938. The Coast Guard promptly rebuilt the structure and maintained it until January 2014, when the Town of Edgartown received ownership. It is currently maintained by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

Interesting Features of the Edgartown Lighthouse

One of the most interesting features of the Edgartown Lighthouse is the so-called ‘Bridge of Sighs.’ In 1830, Congress commissioned a wooden walkway from the shore to the actual structure. Families of departing sailors often stood on its wooden planks and watched their loved ones recede into the distance. Families of whalers, in particular, were hard-hit; whaling voyages were dangerous, and often lasted up to five years. Even in the best-case scenario, families and friends lived without their loved ones for years at a time. Additionally, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum established the lighthouse as a memorial to all children who’ve died. Parents who’ve lost children can have their child’s name engraved into a granite cobblestone and placed in the lighthouse’s foundation. The Edgartown Lighthouse saved countless lives through its purpose, but also serves as a solemn memorial to all those taken too young.

The Edgartown Lighthouse is open to the public from May through early October. A lighthouse keeper is available during the designated hours (typically 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). The hours of operation may vary due to weather. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for children under 12 and Martha’s Vineyard Museum members.

While You’re Out and About

Why not make a day of some of Edgartown’s numerous attractions? Enjoy walking through historic downtown Edgartown, wandering along beautiful South Beach, or just enjoying the shopping and beautiful galleries. You could even spend a day exploring all three of Martha’s Vineyard’s public lighthouses (Edgartown, East Chop, and Gay Head). Visitors to all three of these structures experience unsurpassed views of their area’s breathtaking beauty. If you’re adventurous, you could even charter a boat for an afternoon!

After your day out and about, enjoy a casual dinner in a fun atmosphere, visit The Wharf Pub and Restaurant. Looking for something a little fancier? Try Alchemy, located on Main Street in downtown Edgartown.

Plan Your Stay on Martha’s Vineyard

When you’re making your sightseeing plans, be sure to reserve your accommodations with 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!

Photo credit: bpprice / Flickr

Events, Feature, Martha's Vineyard, News

5 Famous Movies Filmed on Martha’s Vineyard

September 3, 2015 Sandpiper Rentals Staff Leave a comment

Martha’s Vineyard may be well known for its beautiful beaches and quaint island appeal. However, many movie producers also regard it as a premier location to capture the charm and sophistication that radiates from the island.

While it may come across as a quiet retreat, the iconic landscapes and landmarks of Martha’s Vineyard have played a key role in a number of films. Here is a look at 5 famous movies filmed on Martha’s Vineyard!

Jaws

The most well-known movie filmed on Martha’s Vineyard is likely the 1974 classic, Jaws. The hugely successful Jaws helped coin the term “summer blockbuster” and launched the career of Steven Spielberg. It also helped put Martha’s Vineyard on the map as a premier tourist destination.

Spielberg cast many island natives in the movie. Martha’s Vineyard locals Christopher Rebello was selected to play Chief Brody’s oldest son, Michael Brody; Jay Mello was cast as the younger son, Sean Brody; and Lee Fierro was chosen to play Mrs. Kintner. Numerous other residents were cast as extras throughout the film.

Jaws II and Jaws: The Revenge

Scenes from the films Jaws II and Jaws: The Revenge were also filmed on Martha’s Vineyard. In Jaws II, Chief Brody must battle another mega shark that torments quiet Amity Island. In the third installment of this movie franchise, Chief Brody’s widow must overcome a shark she believes is targeting her family for revenge.

Sabrina

The 1995 remake of Sabrina starring Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear and Julia Ormond featured iconic scenes on Martha’s Vineyard. As the characters Linus and Sabrina try to avoid the upcoming nuptials of Linus’ brother, David, they spend time enjoying the sights of the island.

Stuck on You

The 2003 film Stuck on You is a tale of conjoined twins Bob and Walt Tenor played by Matt Damon and Craig Kinnear. The brothers’ wild adventures take them from their home on Oak Bluffs to Hollywood so Walt can pursue an acting career. Stuck on You was directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly who have been known to frequent the island.

Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival

These 5 famous movies filmed on Martha’s Vineyard represent the mainstream cinema, however the island is also known for showcasing various independent films courtesy of the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival. The organization was developed in 2001 by a group of friends looking for more thought provoking films.

This annual event will be held March 17-20, 2016. There is also a summer series at several local venues which features live music before the show.

—

These Hollywood blockbusters represent 5 famous movies filmed on Martha’s Vineyard. All these movies filmed over the years have led to Martha’s Vineyard being a great destination for celebrity sightings: Ted Dansen, Michael J Fox, and Tony Shalhoub of Monk fame are all frequently spotted on the island. Sandpiper Rentals even has the former home of Patricia Neal on offer as a vacation rental for your next visit!

While these films do a wonderful job of highlighting the many unique offerings of Martha’s Vineyard, they are no substitute for experiencing it yourself.

When you get the urge to enjoy the beauty and charm of this magnificent island, be sure to make your accommodations with Sandpiper Rentals. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or a non-stop adventure, our unique homes offer something that will make your stay truly extraordinary. From cozy to colossal, in the mix or on the fly, Sandpiper will ensure your trip is unforgettable.