Tag Archives: Sandpiper Rentals

How Does the Steamship Authority Work?

Matha's Vineyard Steamship Authority Ferry

For those of you that have been to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, you know that the process of bringing a vehicle along on your Vineyard vacation can be very trying if you don’t know the process!  Our island population goes from around 15,000 year round residents to 100,000 August visitors.  You really do need to take a ferry to and from the island.  It is a 45 minute ferry ride from the Cape.

Oak Bluffs Beach Front Rental

Once you have booked your Vineyard vacation rental, you will need to work on making arrangements for getting here.  The Steamship Authority does not take reservations for the summer season until sometime in January.  This year they open reservations online and via mail on January 20th.  Mark your calendars!  They will open the phone lines up on January 27, 2009.

Sometimes it feels like you have won the lottery when you get just the right times for your reservations for your August vacation.   The process can seem unbearable much of the time but following are some tips that might help:

  • Go online to the Steamship Authority and sign up for your profile number and pin prior to making your reservation.
  • Go online as soon as you can on January 20, be patient as you may get bumped off the site due to high volume.
  • Book any time you can on the day of travel or as close to the day of travel and request to be wait listed for your preferred times.

You should know that the wait list system does seem to work out for most travelers that are reserving their tickets this far in advance.   The steamship has represented in the past that they do not completely book all of the boats so they will have some flexibility.  Things do shift around but you may not know for sure right up until travel time.  They do also have a day of sail number you can call to try to change your reservation while you are on the road.

I once had a customer call and book a house one Saturday in August, drive down and get right on the boat and arrive at my office to pay for their vacation home and pick up their key, all in the same day.  This is not the norm and I do not recommend you wait to see if this works but, please realize that some of the systems that may seem very flawed can work well in the end!

The 3 Best Oak Bluffs Beaches to See This Summer

oak bluffs beachesOak Bluffs beaches are among the finest on Martha’s Vineyard.  If you’re heading to the northeastern side of the island, you’ll want to check out these three beaches:

Oak Bluffs Town Beach: Oak Bluffs Town Beach is located next to the Steamship Authority Pier, just off of Sea View Avenue.  This picturesque beach, though a bit narrow and rocky, provides beautiful views of Nantucket Sound.  Reviewers often comment on the water’s clarity.  If you want to experience the views without all the sand and rocks, you can also sit on benches located atop the sea wall.  It’s convenient.  It’s beautiful.  If you have time, it’s well worth a visit.

Eastville Beach: Eastville Beach faces Vineyard Haven Harbor.  It actually stands next to the drawbridge separating Vineyard Haven from Oak Bluffs.  Visitors often rave about its placid nature, with gentle laves lapping the shoreline.  As an added bonus, there’s also a small beach on the channel which runs under the drawbridge.  Swimming isn’t recommended in the channel, though; the current is strong, and it receives heavy boat traffic.  Be sure to hang around for the spectacular sunset!

Joseph Sylvia State Beach: Joseph Sylvia State Beach stands between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.  The road it’s on, Beach Road, runs along a narrow strip of land which separates Sengekontacket Pond (to the west) from Nantucket Sound (to the east).  The beach is easily bike accessible via pathway.  The small waves make it perfect for families with small children, and the clear blue water invites beachgoers in for a dip.  If you’re the adventurous sort, you can jump off the nearby bridge into the cool water 15-20 feet below.  If, for some reason, you only have time to visit one Oak Bluffs beach, this is the one to visit.

An interesting factoid: Steven Spielberg shot parts of Jaws at Joseph Sylvia State Beach.  In fact, the bridge people launch themselves from is unofficially referred to as the “Jaws Bridge” due to its presence in the movie.

Additionally, if you’re in Edgartown, you’ll hear this beach referred to as “Bend-in-the-Road Beach.”  Despite the different names, they are, in fact, the same place.

Another beach alternative:

If you’re on the west side of Oak Bluffs, you might also consider visiting beautiful Lake Tashmoo in nearby Vineyard Haven.  We wrote a blog post about Lake Tashmoo earlier this year (What is There to Do on Lake Tashmoo?).  The town of Vineyard Haven is only about a 10-15 minute drive from Oak Bluffs, so it’s worth the short detour to see a beautiful lake and an equally-beautiful town.

If you’d like to view a more complete listing of Martha’s Vineyard beaches, click here.

If you’re heading to one of these beautiful beaches, 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!