Tag Archives: reduced rental rates

Activities, Adventure, Aquinnah, Edgartown, Families, Feature, Food, Kids, Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha, Oak Bluffs, Quiet Getaways, Renters, Shopping, South Beach, State Beach, Trails, Vineyard Beaches, Vineyard Haven, Vineyard Towns, Water Sports

Great Family Activities on Martha’s Vineyard

April 16, 2013 Anne Mayhew Leave a comment

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

Rent@sandpiperrentals.com

Activities, Events, Families, Martha's Vineyard

The 64th Annual Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby on Martha’s Vineyard

October 5, 2009 Anne Mayhew Leave a comment

When the days turn cooler and get a little shorter, and the summer crowds have thinned out, the local spring to life for a most beloved autumn tradition. The 64th Annual Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby has begun, running from September 13th to October 17th. Friends gather in their favorite places, spending long days on the water – sometimes squeezing in time before or after work and oftentimes taking a vacation time after a long and hard-worked summer. Stories are made, tales are spun, but most importantly, fish are caught!

You can register online or stop by Coop’s Bait & Tackle, Dick’s Bait & Tackle, or Larry’s Tackle to pick up your credentials. For more information, visit the Derby’s website where you can also keep tabs on the front runners and daily news concerning the derby and the Vineyard.

The derby was started just after World War II and today it brings in fishermen from all over the world with participation reaching 2,000 in recent years. According to 1987’s derby president Ed Jerome, “From the informal committee-type approach, we’ve gone towards the formal non-profit structure. This is a tournament run for and by fishermen. It now takes the derby a full year to organize. From the organizational standpoint the new derby begins just as the old one draws to a close.”

And, there’s a new mission that is very Vineyard, in light of its dedication to giving back. Since 1987, the derby has given $64,000 in scholarships to Island high school graduates.

Some derby rules to remember:
Ice Your Catch: Donations to our fillet program MUST be iced.
Respect The Island: Pack out trash and obey private property signs.
Respect The Fish: Carefully and quickly release all fish you do not weigh in.
Know The Rules: Be aware of MA fishing regs and Derby Rules/Boundaries.

This year, I’m proud to say, is the first year that I’ve entered a fish in the derby! Total thrill!

Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, MV Rentals, Vineyard Beaches, Vineyard Towns

Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rentals: Chilmark Victorian

September 30, 2009 Leave a comment

Chilmark’s south shore offers some of the best the Vineyard has to offer: gorgeous beaches, dazzling sunsets, tantalizing quiet…and grand summer houses. This Victorian house sits atop a hill, offering 270-degree views over meadows, ponds and ocean. With access to both Menemsha Pond and private Hancock Beach, this house that sleeps 10 and feeds 12, is perfect for big family gatherings. Spread out into two sprawling living rooms, a new kitchen wing loaded with sun-filled windows and five bedrooms complete with water views.

The front porch is covered and the back deck is perfect for lazing around in the sun. And the colors, art and furniture of the house compliments the Victorian stylings with a classic Vineyard look. The property also includes an historic barn and a two bedroom guest house which is also available for rent, but not included. The surrounding land is perfect for evening strolls or a pick-up Frisbee game before dinner – a wonderful place for children to run around and enjoy the glorious Vineyard sea air!

The inside of the house is just as glorious as the outside with open, bright colors, clean lines and all the nooks and crannies that Victorian’s offer. The circular turret and the bump outs allow for cozy spots within and gorgeous architecture from without.

Important to note: The entire first floor is wheelchair accessible and includes a first floor king/double-twin bedroom and a fully wheelchair accessible bathroom.

I look forward to booking this house for you! Contact me for details on this or any of our properties here.