Tag Archives: Martha’s Vineyard

Get the Low-Down at the Vineyard Gazette

The Vineyard GazetteThere is something unique about life on Martha’s Vineyard. The atmosphere is special and island life moves at a different pace than life on the mainland. One special part of life on Martha’s Vineyard is the local newspaper, the Vineyard Gazette. Residents and visitors alike get their news from this publication and the paper has a long history on the island. So when you’re on Martha’s Vineyard and want to stay informed, grab a copy of the Vineyard Gazette!

About the Vineyard Gazette

The Vineyard Gazette a broadsheet newspaper and is the only paid circulation newspaper on Martha’s Vineyard. It has a rival in the free tabloid, the Martha’s Vineyard Times. The Vineyard Gazette has a long history on the island and has been a part of island life since the 1800s. The paper was founded by Edgar Marchant in 1846. The first issue was published on May, 14th of 1846. Edgar Marchant was the paper’s original editor and he was a champion of the idea that the island should become a summer resort destination and wrote supporting pieces about the idea in the paper. After passing through different owners throughout the years, in 2011 the newspaper was purchased by Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. and his wife Nancy. They appointed Jane Seagrave as publisher the same year. The paper home office is located in the heart of historic Edgartown.

Features of the Vineyard Gazette

As the island’s only paid circulation, the Vineyard Gazette provides the island’s residents and visitors with a lot of useful information. They feature headline news stories from the island as well as the rest of the nation and international news. Other sections of the newspaper include Arts & Entertainment, Opinion, Events, Nature & Science, Sports, Island Information, and more.

Reading the Vineyard Gazette

One of the best things about the Vineyard Gazette is where you are when you read it. Because it is a Martha’s Vineyard newspaper, you’ll more than likely be on the Vineyard when you’re reading it. You can sit out on a deck and enjoy the stories of the day while you enjoy the sea breeze and excellent views of the island. There’s nothing more relaxing than kicking back in the morning as you have your coffee and reading about what’s happening on Martha’s Vineyard. Plus, it’s always a good idea to stay informed, even if you are just visiting the island for a short while.

Now that you know about the Vineyard Gazette, you should find the perfect place to read it in one of our wonderful Martha’s Vineyard rental properties. Sandpiper Rentals has a large selection of vacation homes to suit the needs of travelers of all types. The different homes accommodate both large and small parties so you’re sure to find one to fit your specifications. Plus, our rentals are located throughout of the island so you can choose which town or beach you want to be closest to during your stay. Though they’re all unique, our vacation rentals all offer great accommodations and luxurious amenities that will make the property feel like your home-away-from-home. There is no better way to stay on Martha’s Vineyard than to choose a property from Sandpiper Rentals. We can’t wait to see you on the island soon!

Plan a Martha’s Vineyard Vacation

Ralf / Martha's Vineyard / Flickr
Ralf / Martha’s Vineyard / Flickr

Summer is fast approaching which means it’s a great time to start planning your Martha’s Vineyard vacation! Let Sandpiper Rentals help you make the most of your time on Martha’s Vineyard and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Start Your Martha’s Vineyard Vacation on a Ferry

First of all, enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Woods Hole, Massachusetts to Martha’s Vineyard. The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard. They offer low fares along with convenient times and frequent departures to get you to your destination on time. Steamship Authority has ferries that go to Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole several times during the day, allowing you to find a time that works when going from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard and back. The trip lasts about 45 minutes and you can enjoy free Wi-Fi while on a Steamship Authority ferry.

Restaurants to Enjoy

The ferry lands at Vineyard Haven which has several great restaurants to try. These top restaurants include the Copper Wok, the Black Dog Tavern and the Little House Café. The Black Dog Tavern has a great view of the ferries coming in and out while providing an excellent atmosphere to dine.

Touring Martha’s Vineyard

One way to travel around the island is to rent a bike to ride. Wheel Happy rents a variety of bikes and will deliver them to your rental house on the island. If you’re looking for maps and places to ride, Wheel Happy will provide you with information on where to ride and everything you’ll need. This is a great way to travel around Martha’s Vineyard.

If you’re looking for a car to rent while you’re on Martha’s Vineyard, Sun n’ Fun rents cars, convertibles, Jeeps and vans so you can get anywhere you want on the island. Located in Oak Bluffs, Sun n’ Fun will pick you up in the car of your choice and even offers child seats. The staff will also provide you with knowledge and information on where to go.

Lighthouses and Hiking on Martha’s Vineyard

Enjoy time outside by visiting one of the many great lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard including the Gay Head Lighthouse, the East Chop Lighthouse and the Edgartown Lighthouse. Make sure to go hiking at Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary which features some of the best outdoor trails on Martha’s Vineyard.

Beaches on Martha’s Vineyard

Grab your bathing suit and a towel and relax at one of the renowned beaches. The South Beach in Edgartown is a large public beach that has great surf. State Beach is located between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs and is great for children. Aquinnah Beach has scenic cliffs and wonderful scenery that is worth a visit.

Golfing on Martha’s Vineyard

For the golfers, there are two courses open to the public on Martha’s Vineyard, Farm Neck Golf Club and Mink Meadows Golf Club. Grab your clubs and head out to the links. If you’re on vacation, rentals are available and the pro shops have anything you might need.

When planning your dream Martha’s Vineyard vacation, let Sandpiper Rentals help you find the ideal vacation property. We have several properties located throughout the island that are sure to complete your Martha’s Vineyard vacation.

Our Favorite Things To Do in Edgartown MA

Ernest McGray, Jr. / Edgartown Light House / Flickr
Ernest McGray, Jr. / Edgartown Light House / Flickr

Edgartown MA has plenty to offer everyone visiting Martha’s Vineyard and is a fantastic place to stay on your trip. Edgartown is one of the most sought-after destinations on the Vineyard, and Sandpiper Rentals has many homes to rent in the area, including harbor front Captain’s houses dating back to the old Whaling Days of the Vineyard. There are many great boating and beach options, and a wonderful downtown area with shopping, restaurants, galleries and more! Here are our favorite things to do in Edgartown MA.

Beaches in Edgartown MA

Edgartown has great beaches including South Beach which is very popular. The shoreline is pristine with firm sand, making it perfect for strolling up and down the beach along the water. There are great waves and gorgeous scenery to make South Beach the place to go when in Edgartown.  The surf is excellent and easily accessible with a public bus running every 15 minutes. For an amazing view and quieter surf, head to Lighthouse Beach which is just a 10-minute walk from downtown. From there, it’s easy to enjoy picturesque views of Edgartown and the harbor beyond. State Beach is perfect for young children and walks. It has calm waters. The second bridge is known from the Jaws movie and every summer hundreds of people jump off it.

The Lighthouse of Edgartown MA

For a spectacular and unique Edgartown visit, look no further than the Edgartown Lighthouse. This is a must-see area of Martha’s Vineyard and has amazing views of the historic lighthouse and surrounding area. Admission is $5 for the lighthouse which will be operating at times during the summer. Recent renovations have made the lighthouse a great stop and have made it more accessible for visitors.

Fishing Charters from Edgartown MA

While you’re in Edgartown, try out one of the fine fishing charters that are based in the harbor. Several charters will take you out for some of the best fishing on the East Coast. See what made the area so famous for fishing. Wayfarer Charters offers fishing charters and sunset cruises. Jean Marie Fishing Charters and Great Harbour Sport Fishing Charters are some of the other charter companies located in Edgartown.

Established in 1907 and operating out of its current location since 1927, the Edgartown Yacht Club offers the best in yachting, sailboat racing, and seamanship on Martha’s Vineyard. The club holds several racing events throughout the year, including Edgartown Race Weekend (July 23 – 25) and the ‘Round-the-Island Race (July 25) and the 12-Metre Regatta in August.

When in Edgartown, catch the Chappy Ferry to Chappaquiddick Island, one of the best kept secrets in New England. This peaceful, quaint island is serviced by the On Time and On Time II ferries which have a long and colorful history. Several scenes from the movie classic ‘Jaws’ were filmed on Chappaquiddick to give you an idea of the scenic parts of the area.

The Katama area of Edgartown is closest to the surfside of the beach and contains many rental properties. There are also many rental properties in the three mile stretch from beach to downtown. There are so many great things to experience in Edgartown MA. Let Sandpiper Rentals help you find the ideal place to stay when you are in Edgartown so you can experience all the great things the area has to offer.