Tag Archives: vacation rentals

Activities, Families, Kids, Martha's Vineyard

Special Things to Do with KIDS on Martha’s Vineyard

Leave a comment

There are lots of beaches in the world, and while I think Vineyard beaches are something special, I haven’t met a beach yet that wasn’t filled with water, sand and sun. However, there are many things to do and places to go on this island that you can ONLY find on Martha’s Vineyard. Here are some things not to miss with the kids for the ultimate Vineyard Experience.

The Flying Horses is the oldest working carousel in the country. These 22 horses with real horsehair tails and manes are a favorite with every child.

Mad Martha’s Ice Cream is a traditional Martha’s Vineyard treat. With locations in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, your family will love the homemade taste of their wacky and standard flavors.

Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks, located in West Tisbury, holds a very cool surprise. Taking kids to a glass shop may not be what you usually do, but MV Glassworks is an actual glass blowing studio where visitors can watch how the beautiful vases, plates and cups are made.

You will find The Fabulists in the Amphitheater in Vineyard Haven every Saturday morning in July and August (508-693-6450). A trip to the Fabulists will make for an exciting Saturday morning as kids get to jump out of their seats and onto the stage to help with the improv fairy tales performed by this madcap theater group.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum of the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society is the island’s largest repository of cultural artifacts, historic photographs, archival records, and genealogical records and is a wonderful place to learn about the island. The museum offers a summer’s worth of kids programs, an open library and kid and family nights.

Community Sings happen every Wednesday night in July and August. Located at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs, all are welcome for a romping series of hymns, folk songs, spirituals, rounds, and patriotic songs.

Activities, Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs

Fishing on Martha’s Vineyard

Leave a comment

If you fancy yourself a fisherman or fisherwoman (or want to become one) you’ll be thrilled with all the options you have here on Martha’s Vineyard. There are no required permits needed to cast your line, however you do want to observe town limits for fish size and amount. For more information, talk to experts at local tackle shops like Larry’s Tackle in Edgartown (508-627-5088), Dick’s Bait and Tackle in Oak Bluffs (508-693-7669) and Menemsha Bait and Tackle in Menemsha (508-645-2901). These shops will also be able to provide you with whatever gear you need including tide charts and maps of island fishing spots as well as good advice on which fish you can expect to find off which shores.

There are a number of wonderful fishing spots on the island. Some favorites are:

The inlet and jetties of Lake Tashmoo. This is a great spot for beginners since there are plenty of small striped bass to be found (and even some big ones). It is less crowded than other fishing spots and it is one of the island’s most beautiful locations.

State Beach and Big Bridge. State beach is one of the cleanest and best public beaches for swimming in the Northeast. It’s also a great place to find many of the small and big fish that swim the island’s shores. Fishing fanatics can spend a lovely day at the beach and then watch the sunset while casting their lines directly off the beach or off the adjacent Big Bridge that crosses the Oak Bluffs/Edgartown border. Look out for lots of stripers and false albacore.

Menemsha. Menemsha is one of the last working fishing villages on the island so it would make sense that it’s also a great place to catch a lot of fish. Home to a beautiful public beach and a wide variety of restaurants, fish markets and shops, it’s a great place for the whole family to spend a day. Fishing from the beach or the jetties can yield scup, fluke, bonito and false albacore.

For more information on island fishing, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Association’s great website.

Chappaquiddick, Chilmark, Edgartown, Food, Menemsha, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury

Where to Shop for Food on Martha’s Vineyard

Leave a comment

As you plan your vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, your mind is, most likely, already lying on the beach – probably not shopping at the grocery store. But one of the greatest benefits of renting a house on the island is that you don’t have to dine out for all of your meals or rely on hotel restaurant hours. Your house comes equipped with a complete kitchen – so you can eat your lobsters whenever you like.

Here’s where to shop for groceries:

Down Island
Stop and Shop (Vineyard Haven and Edgartown)
Two convenient locations for this good old, standard supermarket, includes a large organic/natural section and features competitive prices.

Cronig’s Market (Vineyard Haven)
A Vineyard landmark with everything you need. Cronig’s has a great organic/natural section, supports the Island Grown Initiative (Buy Local!) and carries many local items – food and body care. Healthy Additions, found in a separate building to the left of the main store, is stocked with natural snacks, health and beauty products.

Reliable Market (Oak Bluffs)
Classic family store in its 3rd generation, known for its great meat and fantastic butcher and conveniently located in the heart of Oak Bluffs on Circuit Ave.

Katama General Store (Edgartown)
A perfect stop on the way to the beach with groceries, a deli and even catering services.

The Chappy Store (Chappaquiddick)
Right on the main road, about 2 miles from the ferry. Just the basics and sandwiches for the beach.

Up Island
Up Island Cronig’s (West Tisbury)
Smaller version of the Vineyard Haven store conveniently located in West Tisbury – perfect for up-island renters who choose to stay on the quiet side of the island. Up Island Cronig’s has everything you need.

Fiddlehead Farm (West Tisbury)
Great produce, much of it organic, and tasty specialty items with a european flare like crackers, cheeses, sausages and sauces.

Alley’s General Store (West Tisbury)
Right in the heart of town, basic groceries plus all the old-fashioned general store amenities and charm including toys, games and beach fare.

West Tisbury Farmer’s Market (West Tisbury)
Not a ‘store’ in the classic sense, but offering an incredible spread of island grown produce, meats, baked goods, infamous vietnamese springrolls, medicinals and crafts every Saturday and Wednesday all summer. Don’t miss it!

The Chilmark Store (Chilmark)
Staple groceries and goods attached to an island-renowned pizzeria and deli. Pull up a rocker on the front porch and watch life at Beetlebung Corner float by.

Menemsha Market (Menemsha)
Small, quaint and full of little treasures, just like Menemsha. Goods for the beach and books for kids included. Perfect for the groceries and pie when you are all the way up-island.

Tea Lane Caterers & The Phantom Chef (Chilmark)
If you don’t feel like cooking, don’t have time to get to the market or you’re planning a party, call Chef Dee Smith, the Phantom Chef. The food is amazing and the gourmet drop-off meal service is the perfect compliment to your Vineyard vacation.