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Feature, Martha's Vineyard, Tashmoo, Things To Do, Vineyard Haven

All of the Things We Love About Vineyard Haven, MA

November 13, 2015 Sandpiper Rentals Staff Leave a comment

Vineyard 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

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?

Image source: M. King / Flickr

Feature

How to Enjoy the Best of Christmas in Edgartown

October 22, 2015 Sandpiper Rentals Staff Leave a comment

Come join us this December for Christmas in Edgartown. This holiday season, enjoy a number of fun, family-friendly activities, including the annual Chowder Contest, a Christmas Parade, the lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse, an Annual Holiday Gift Show, fine shopping and dining, a number of other holiday-themed events benefiting various charities, and of course our Open House Tour from 11AM-1PM Saturday, December 12. This year, the festivities begin on Thursday, December 10, and run through Sunday, December 13. Bring the whole family and soak up the Christmas spirit on beautiful Martha’s Vineyard!

Christmas in Edgartown wouldn’t be complete without the annual Great Chowder Contest. This year marks the 31st iteration of this delicious tradition. Last December, more than a dozen teams from a variety of organizations competed to earn the title of Chowder Champion, and this year promises even more savory creations. The contestants need you, the audience, to sample their offerings and determine the Best Seafood Chowder and Best Quahog Chowder. They have not announced the exact details for this year, but past years contests have occurred on Saturdays, with $8 tickets benefiting the Red Stocking Fund: an organization dedicated to providing presents to children in economically-disadvantaged families. Visit the Edgartown Board of Trade website for more details.

The annual Christmas Parade returns to Christmas in Edgartown. Bring the kids and spend a few hours basking in the Christmas spirit, complete with Santa Claus, fire trucks, and floats! Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleasing spectacle. The event is confirmed, but the date and time have not yet been announced. Stay tuned to the Edgartown Board of Trade website for more details.

Christmas in Edgartown attendees will also have a chance to buy handmade items at the Annual Holiday Gift Show. This year’s event, which takes place Saturday, December 12 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., features gifts handcrafted one-at-a-time from numerous local artisans (view a complete list here).

The Lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse occurs every Christmas in Edgartown. This year’s event, free of charge and open to the public, takes place on Friday, December 11 at 5 p.m. Come spend your early evening enjoying hot chocolate, live music, and holiday goodies in a gorgeous setting. At 5:59, join the others in counting down the final seconds until the 6 p.m. lighting ceremony. Before you attend the ceremony, be sure to read up on the Edgartown Lighthouse’s solemn history. Afterward, head over to Alchemy and enjoy a fine-dining experience in a cozy atmosphere.

These are just a sampling of the holiday festivities Edgartown is planning. For more information, please visit the Edgartown Board of Trade’s website.

When you’re making your holiday 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: David Berkowitz / Flickr