Ten Must Do’s During Your Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Week

A week on Martha’s Vineyard can pass in the blink of an eye.  There is so much beautiful scenery and so many activities you could fill many weeks with great experiences.  Here are a few that you should consider.  Even if you just want to lounge at the beach, take some time to travel to various beaches and enjoy the sites along the way!

1. Chilmark Chocolates
2. Aquinnah Shops
3. Menemsha Sunset w/ Lobsters on the Beach
4. State Beach bridge jumping
5. Kayak with the Trustees – Cape Pogue (chappaquiddick)
6. Tour a Lighthouse
7. Shop for fresh veggies at Morning Glory Farm or West Tisbury Farmers Market
8. Walk on the beach and then Ice Cream in town one or more evening(s)
9. Carousel in Oak Bluffs, even if you don’t have kids, take a ride!
10. Biking from town to town

Hope to see you out there next season!

Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: Chappaquiddick

Wile away the summer days on the island of Chappaquiddick.  It is a special place with many unique characteristics. This house offers what we like to call “Chappy Charm” with many updated amenities.  The views across the meadow and out to the marsh and ocean make this the perfect picture of serenity.

This house and guest house not only offer great proximity to the highly desirable south shore beaches at Wasque but also a mooring for your boat near the Chappy ferry.  Enjoy beautiful summer days and nights with the ocean breezes and lovely sunsets right from the deck and screened porches on this property.

The master suite on the upper level with an enhanced view out to the sea also has a cat walk to a screened gazebo style porch making this a lovely romantic getaway.  There’s not much more you could ask for in a Chappy rental!

For more information please contact Anne Mayhew at annemayhew@gmail.com

Welcoming the Holidays Edgartown Style

Christmas in Edgartown weekend is my favorite way to get into the holiday spirit.  This is the 26th year we have been celebrating the weekend event.  It will be held on December 11-14, 2008.  There are so many activities for everyone!  The weekend is packed to entertain and enthrall adults and children alike.

My favorite event is the Evening of Enchantment at Donaroma’s Nursery just outside Edgartown center.  It is a stunning display that families big and small can enjoy at no charge.  They also offer boxwood tree and wreath decorating session throughout the weekend with a charge for supplies.

The streets of town are decorated, the shop owners welcome visitors with holiday cheer and you can even find some unique and special gifts to tick off your holiday shopping lists.

The mini singer concert is offered on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon at the Old Whaling Church right downtown.  It will truly warm even the grichiest of hearts.   Visit the Edgartown Board of Trade website to see a full schedule for the weekend.

What is Wampum and Why is it Special to Martha’s Vineyard

Wampum, that beautiful, purpley, white bead, has very significant meaning and the shells it is made from are abundant on Martha’s Vineyard.

The term Wampum comes from a word “wampumpeag”, which in Narraganset, most literally means “white string of beads”.

Wampum beads are made in two colors: white, “Wòmpi”, beads from the whelk and purple-black ,“Súki”, beads from the growth rings of the Quahog shell.

It was originally used by Indigenious Americans, Native Americans and traders as a form of currency. In the year 1637 the Massachusetts General Court officially announced that 6 beads were equal to one penny.

Wampum was also commonly used to pay taxes. But Wampum was certainly used for more than just money. It was very symbolic and often used for engagements, marriages, ceremony and condolence ceremonies. The creamy white colored shell beads of the symbolized internal energies of peace, harmony, and contentment. In fact, the traditional wedding band of the Wampanoag is made of white Wampum.

Sadly, Wampum can no longer be used to pay taxes, but on Martha’s Vineyard, the jewelry created with Wampum by the Wampanoag Tribe is a treasured resource. While Wampum is available across the island, it’s worth the ride to Aquinnah, the home of the Wampanoag and the most beautiful Wampum designs I’ve seen.

Aquinnah, It’s Worth The Drive

It’s true, it’s a long haul all the way to the cliffs of Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head) on Martha’s Vineyard, but it pays off. Breathtaking views of the ocean, a tiny little island town, beaches for miles, a 212 year old lighthouse and, of course, the cliffs, swirls of red and orange clay cascading down into the beautiful Atlantic ocean.

The little town atop the cliffs is most commonly referred to as The Aquinnah Circle. In the summertime and fall the circle is full of little souvenir shops that sell adorable island treasures, especially Wampum bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

Also in the circle you can find the delicious Aquinnah Restaurant.  Operated and run by two Wampanoag families, the restaurant is open from mid-April to mid-October. A favorite breakfast is the Tomahawk special, which consists of two homemade fish cakes atop poached eggs, covered with salsa and melted cheddar cheese. They also serve lunch, a variety of sandwiches, burgers and delicious salads. Dinner entrees consist of a large array of island seafood including scallops, mussels, striped bass, shrimp, lobster and much more.

If you’re looking to stay in Aquinnah, try the Outermost Inn. Run by the island’s own Taylor family (yes, as in James)!  For more information visit their website.

Aquinnah is most popular in the summertime while it is busy and bustling, but even in the offseason a long walk on the beach in one of nature’s most beautiful island locations is dynamic.

If you choose to rent a house up-island in Aquinnah, we have many to choose from, like this:

Expect quiet, amazing sunsets and sweeping views.

The Private Cooks and Chefs of Martha’s Vineyard

I don’t know about you, but when I’m on vacation, I enjoy taking a break from cooking…and cleaning up the kitchen when the eating is done! But, part of the reason that you want to rent a house on Martha’s Vineyard, is so that you’ll have a kitchen and you won’t have to go out for every meal – as you would if you were staying in a hotel.

Private cooks and chefs are the answer and the Vineyard has some special chefs to offer. You can arrange for them to make a single meal or every meal for your entire stay – just for one, two or the whole family (and your friends). These women specialize in listening to your dietary needs and your taste bud desires!

Nisa Kontje Webster gets right to the heart of a true Vineyard meal. Born and raised on the island, she can turn anything into a gourmet meal and she’s a wonderfully calm and personable addition to any kitchen – you’ll hardly know she’s there and you won’t want her to leave! 508.566.0464

Elizabeth Germain is the slow food aficionado on the island focussing on foods made from scratch with original recipes – the antithesis to fast food (think McDonalds) with emphasis on local, organic and healing recipes. 617.5159279

Laura Silber specializes in coastal fusion pulling from many different coastal cultures uses all local ingredients but with Asian and French flairs. Clean and simple enough that you can eat it everyday.

Heather Gude
A little bit richer and a bit fancier than the rest, Heather’s fusion style has South American and Southeast Asian influences. 508.930.8519

The Caterers of Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a prized destination for special events – weddings, anniversaries, reunions and more. And, of course, no celebration is complete without lots and lots of food.

The Vineyard has many incredible caterers. They know the island, the venues, the local fare. Here’s a quick list of some favorites and what makes them special. But, food is a personal thing so I highly recommend that you meet these caterers and taste test!!! Not a bad way to spend an afternoon…

Jan Buhrman, of The Kitchen Porch, highlights her New England country style. Seen in her menus and presentations, she goes for the fresh, local and abundant feel of a big old country meal. She’s also available for private cheffing.

Jamie Hamlin is known for both her catering to the stars and her aesthetics in the food and its presentation which is elegant from start to finish.

Dee Smith of Tea Lane Caterers is proud of the diversity and quality of the food she creates. Everything is made from scratch and is created to match your event perfectly. Dee also does private cheffing under the guise of the Phantom Chef.

Perry Ambulos of Truly Scrumptious Catering and Cafe is always a highlight at fundraisers around the island and known for his incredible hors d’oeuvres.

Annie Foley has been cheffing and catering for over 15 years, creating the perfect atmosphere for your event – from the traditional New England meal to the something more on the wild side.

Charter Fishing on Martha’s Vineyard

With all the talk about the annual Fishing Derby, I can’t help but think about a different kind of fishing – the kind that has you cared for, charter style.
If it is bigger fish you’re after than there are numerous charter-fishing boats available from all ports of the island and most guarantee you’ll catch more fish than you want! Captains of these boats are knowledgeable, familiar with the island’s waters and fish and are excited to work with fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Here are some of my favorites:
Menemsha Blues Charters run by Captain Jonathan Boyd not only boasts “Fish Guaranteed,” but is captained by a former Harbor Master of the busy Menemsha harbor. Climb aboard the 31-foot Mary Sea and head out into the deeper waters for a yield of striped bass and bluefish.

Capt. Porky’s Fishing Charters run by Captain Everett “Porky” Francis has won the Best of the Vineyard for Charter Fishing and runs both in-shore and off-shore charters as well as half and full day excursions. The 30-foot Blackwatch White Water heads out of the docks in Edgartown and is open seven days a week.

Flashy Lady Charters run by Captian Dick Vincent may be your best bet as their slogan is “No Bass – No Pay!” The boat record is a monster 55 pounder striped bass. Captain Dick has catered to many other satisfied customers over the last 13 years as a charter captain. The Flashy Lady is a traditional 26-foot bass boat that carries a maximum of four adults and leaves Menemsha twice-daily Rain or Shine!

Martha’s Vineyard Fishing Derby, 2008

Every fall, the fishermen and women and children of Martha’s Vineyard and beyond begin their monthlong striped bass and bluefish derby in the waters surrounding the island. This year, the 63rd annual derby begins on September 14th and ends on October 18th with a special awards ceremony on the 19th. After a long summer of hard work, many island fishermen take considerable time off from work to join in the derby.

The derby has special events and categories that include kids, shore and boat fishing.
Daily, weekly and whole-Derby prizes are awarded for biggest fish caught according to species and technique, including all tackle and fly rod from both shore and boat.

Being the Vineyard, the Derby is more than just a competition. With registration and fundraising from sponsors, along with a partnership with island artist, Ray Ellis, who has created paintings of favorite island fishing spots to be copied and sold by the Derby for the last 20 years, the Derby has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to island students…amazing!

For more information, rules, regulations, awards and registration spots, visit the Derby’s official website.

Because we’re officially off-season for vacation rentals on the island, this is a great time to rent a house and and get in the action!

You Can Own a Home on Martha’s Vineyard for $1000!

The housing crisis is affecting the entire country due to our economic client, but it’s felt in resort/vacation spots all the time. Still, Martha’s Vineyard is a leader in providing affordable housing to ‘real’ people – and it’s done through a non-profit called the Island Affordable Housing Fund. They ensure that school teachers, nurses, carpenters, house cleaners and the like have a place to live in this haven of ours.

And…they’re holding a raffle called the Key to MV – 600 tickets are being sold at $1,000 a pop, and the grand prize is a beautiful house (LEED Certified) right in the heart of downtown Edgartown!

Entering to win is simple and if you don’t happen to win, that $1,000 becomes a donation to the Island Affordable Housing Fund! Check it out and enter to win!

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