Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: Vineyard Haven’s Tashmoo

Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: Vineyard Haven country cottage

This country-style cottage sits right on the edge of the quaint hustle and bustle of Vineyard Haven. You’ll be close to everything you’ll need – from groceries to the movie rental store to the hardware store to great restaurants and the charm of Main Street. But, you’ll also be steps away from beautiful conservation lands maintained by the Land Bank commission. Wonderful trails loop for miles and miles through huckleberry and oak forests.

Meanwhile, the inside of the house is cozy and beautiful. Dark wood, beamed and sometimes slanted ceilings accent quilts, a brick fireplace and comfy furnishings. Also, unlike many of the houses that I showcase here that accommodate 8, 10 or even 12 people, this house is made for six with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Don’t forget about the beach! When you stay here, ‘your’ beach is Lambert’s Cove. You’ll get a West Tisbury sticker that gives you access, and you’ll follow a windy sand-filled path up over a dune and onto this stunning beach that overlooks Martha’s Vineyard Sound. Being on the Sound/North side, the waves are usually calm, not really ocean surf, and coca-cola creek (a constant inlet) offers a fantastic place for kids to play, dig and explore.

The beach is 3.5 miles from the house, but it’s one of the most beautiful (though there are so many!) stretches of road on the island – Lambert’s Cove Road. So beautiful, that the short drive to the beach will feel just as pleasurable as the beach itself! Well, close to it anyway!

Please contact me for information and booking details for this Vineyard Haven vacation rental!

Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival 2009

On Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13, the 2009 Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival takes over Vineyard Haven! All four days will be filled with the best feature and short films from the biggie film festivals like Sundance, Berlin and Cannes – and new films that have yet to be discovered.

This year’s festival films come from every corner of the globe: Palestine, Russia, China, India, Norway, France, Israel, Germany, Spain, Japan, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and more. Some highlights:

• Rudo Y Cursi – one of the top-grossing Mexican films of all time.
• Waltz with Bashir – an innovative animated drama from Israel that was nominated for a 2009 Oscar for Best Documentary.
• Munyurangabo – awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the American Film Institute festival, it explores the Hutu-Tutsi genocide from the point of view of an orphaned teen and is the first film ever in the Kinyarwanda language.
• Local Martha’s Vineyard filmmaking – lead by islanders Liz Witham and Ken Wentworth of Film-Truth Productions.

Of course, there is more to this Vineyard film festival than movies. An opening night cocktail party on the roof of the Mansion House kicks things off, and there will be nightly parties, art gallery and meet-the-filmmaker gatherings for the festival’s duration. Live music, DJ’s food from top island chefs and open bars round out the weekend.

Visit the website for a full schedule and tickets to films and exciting events.

West Chop: Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental

I’m not sure this West Chop house could be in a better location! You’ll find it all the way down Main Street in Tisbury. I love that you can drive out of the artistic and charming bustle of Vineyard Haven’s main drag and then it gets quieter and more serene until you come upon the magical loveliness that is West Chop.

Jutting out into the Sound, West Chop is like an old neighborhood – that revolves around the West Chop Club with it’s golf course, tennis courts, manicured lawns and wrap around porches and around the playground and general store. Of course, don’t forget the gorgeous beaches that wrap around the Chop!

And this rental, like I mentioned has the best of both worlds since it’s located on Main Street in between downtown Vineyard Haven and the community of West Chop. So you have quiet and privacy, but also total and close access to two great and people-ful places.

The house is big and spacious with 8 bedrooms, room for 12 and 3.5 bathrooms! I love that it has a third floor (and luckily that top floor has air conditioning for those toasty Vineyard days!) But, don’t worry if it gets crowded – your beach is 30 yards out the back door. And there’s plenty of room to spread out on the porch and the deck.

Contact me for more information about this amazing Vineyard Haven vacation rental!

Vineyard Haven Vacation Rental: Captain’s Home

I simply love this house. It’s got charm, history and location, location, location! Check it out:

Main Street, Vineyard Haven is only three blocks away which means some of the world’s best shopping and restaurants are steps away – not to mention the ferry. You can stroll down for dinner…or grab a cone at Mad Martha’s whenever you want. And you won’t have to worry about parking. What could be better than a morning walk along the harbor followed by coffee and muffins from the Black Dog?

Sleeps 10. Talk about spacious! This kind of big family and friend accommodation isn’t something we usually see downtown, but here it is. From the many bedrooms to the spacious dining table on the back deck.

Don’t forget the beach! This property is one block from Owen Park and its beautiful beach. Built in 1898, Captain Henry Stevenson’s House was, of course, located right by the water – with easy access to his ships and still has gorgeous waterfront views.

Contact me for more pictures, rates and availability!

Vineyard Haven Rental: The Ultimate Unplug

If you’re looking to really get away this summer, but you don’t actually fancy being in the middle of nowhere, check out this Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental!

Don’t be an island, be a peninsula. This house has water on three sides – as it looks out into Vineyard Sound, Herring Creek and Lake Tashmoo. You’ll be right on the cusp of the Lake’s stone jetty one of the sweetest beaches on the island. The sand is almost white, warm and soft underfoot and the waves are almost non-existent most days. Not only do you have your own private barrier beach 25 feet from your door, the house also comes with it’s own boat mooring – cruise the lake or take your vessel right out into the Sound and beyond…

So close, but still far away. The Tashmoo Pond area is found at the end of a classic Vineyard dirt road and it’s certainly off the beaten path, but the beginning of that tree-filled dirt road is good old State Road, at a juncture about 2 minutes from the grocery store and 5 minutes from Main Street, Vineyard Haven. So, you’ll feel like you’re in a remote island paradise, but civilization is close by.

Don’t forget about the house! It sleeps 6 and features a big open floor plan and tons of Island sunlight. You’ll likely spend just as much time inside as out and that’ll be easy with a wrap-around back and side deck. All that’s left for you to do – besides calling me to book the house – is to plan what you’ll have for your first dinner under the Vineyard sunset.

Finding Bliss: Yoga on Martha’s Vineyard

Long heralded as a health haven, the Vineyard has fresh air, locally grown food and TONS of yoga. With all we have to offer, you could rent a house and take yoga classes all day creating your very own island yoga retreat!

Here’s a sampling of yoga classes, teachers and styles around Martha’s Vineyard. Note: please check the local newspapers for class schedules!

Yoga Barn. Scarlet Jarrell was so in love and inspired by a barn she saw in Vermont that she had it taken apart and put back together in Chilmark (see the image above!). Scarlet Yoga offers a wide range of teachers and style throughout the week including Kripalu, Anusara, Vinyasa and Trance Dance. (908) 310-9133

Vineyard Complimentary Medicine (VCM) in West Tisbury offers a wide variety of classes and teachers including gentle, moderate and advanced.

Martha Abbott, Kripalu Yoga. Martha is a longtime Kripalu teacher and Kripalu is known for being a very heart-ful practice – embracing the needs of each individual student and paying special attention to the breath and compassion for the practice. Martha was a director of the Kripalu yoga teacher training and specializes in the art of movement. (508) 693-5364

Broga. Just like it sounds, this yoga class is for guys (and girls) who like a lot of arm work and strengthening. Every Saturday afternoon at the Island Cohousing Common House in West Tisbury. (774) 238-0176

Bikram & Hot Yoga. Get ready to sweat as you go through the classic Bikram flow at Vineyard Yoga in West Tisbury. (508) 696-7755

Power Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Yoga for Men. Some of the Vineyard’s best including Sheri Sidoti (Fly Yoga) offer these phenomenal classes at Rise Studio in Vineyard Haven. (774) 238-0176

The Yard. Famous for their dance performances, The Yard also offers yoga classes during the summer. Soak up serenity in this world renowned studio in Chilmark. (508) 645-9662

Many of the teachers on the island (Sherry Sidoti, MJ Bindu Delekta, Martha Abbott, Megan Grennan and more) offer private classes as well!

Don’t forget to check the local papers for correct times once you arrive on the island and NAMASTE!

Free WiFi on Martha’s Vineyard

Our hope, of course, is that you’ll come to the island and totally unplug. Things really do move slower around here, but we realize that it’s hard to disconnect completely sometimes. Luckily, many of our local cafes and such feature free WiFi. Here’s a list of some tops spots that are ‘connected’:

• Beetlebung Coffee House, Vineyard Haven, is close to the ferry and has both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Black Dog Cafe, Vineyard Haven, one of my favorite WiFi spots with big couches and overstuffed chairs as well as great coffee, baked goods and sandwiches.
• Mocha Mott’s, Vineyard Haven, classic coffee house right on Main Street, note: loud music.
• Espresso Love, Edgartown, with muffins so good even President Clinton couldn’t get enough of them, Espresso Love has indoor and outdoor seating, full bakery, lunch and dinner.
• Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown, one of the most beautiful hotels on the island, WiFi is available in the lobby, dining and hotel rooms.
• Offshore Ale Co., Oak Bluffs, good food and great entertainment right off of OB’s main strip.
• Steamship Authority Terminal, Vineyard Haven & Oak Bluffs, not only can you enjoy WiFi on the ferry, you can also use it in the terminal and in the standby line from your car!

Many of our rental houses have either wireless internet or cable hook-ups, just let me know if you have to have internet access…or if you’d rather not even be tempted!

Image courtesy of Jem

Special Things to Do with KIDS on Martha’s Vineyard

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.

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard

There are tons of great restaurants on the island, but if you’re traveling with kids you’ll need to know where to get an inexpensive, good, fast meal…and luckily the island has many wonderful options.

Oak Bluffs
Sharky’s Cantina was voted Best Family Restaurant this year and it’s no surprise. Meals are quick, tasty and there’s a great kid’s menu – complete with bottomless drinks and a free shark toy! They are now located in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Linda Jean’s is a great Oak Bluffs restaurant that will easily have something for everyone in your family. Make sure you don’t miss out on their absolutely wonderful pancakes! Call 508-693-4093 for more info.

The Slice of Life is a less expensive version of some of the fancier Vineyard spots featuring a great selection of carefully prepared food, incredible pizza and one of the Island’s best burgers! They are currently located in Oak Bluffs, but opening a second restaurant in West Tisbury in the summer of ‘09. Call 508-693-3838 for more info.

Pomodoro serves every family’s favorite – PIZZA! This Oak Bluffs eatery has a great selection of pastas and salads and their huge dining room means you’ll get a table a little faster than some of the smaller spots. Take out is also available. Call 508-696-3002 for more info.

Vineyard Haven
The Art Cliff Diner in Vineyard Haven is a favorite with locals and summer folks alike. It is one of the island’s most loved restaurants for its always fabulous food and funky décor. There can be a wait and the hours can change so call ahead and bring your appetites – you won’t be disappointed! Call 508-693-4093 for more info.

Edgartown
If you are staying in town, The Quarter Deck Restaurant may become your kids favorite places for a meal and when you see how quick and easy it is to get the fried clams, burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, it may become one of your favorites too. Call 508-627-5346 for more info.

The Wharf is one of the only pub-style eateries on the island. Parents will love the family orientated atmosphere, the great local seafood and the very reasonable kids menu (including a $4 PB&J).

The Grill on Main is a more upscale family restaurant but you’ll love the new Prix Fixe menu and extensive wine list. A good way to eat well and bring the kids along.

West Tisbury
Fella’s Takeout run by the famous Fella’s Caterers, is a favorite for breakfast sandwiches and yummy, inexpensive take away lunches that are perfect for picnics. Call 508-693-6924 for more info.

The Scottish Bakehouse is officially in Tisbury, but it’s seconds away from the town line and it’s decidedly not in Vineyard Haven, so I’m listing it as West Tis. They have a pretty full menu of egg sandwhiches, stir-fries and salads which are amazing, but the baked goods are out of this world. Breads, muffins, croissant, brownies, pies, coffee cake, cake…I could go on and on. There are a few picnic tables outside, and there’s a great little porch, but mostly this is a pick up and take home kind of place. Call 508-693-6633 for more info.

Chilmark
You’ll find really good pizza at the Chilmark Store as well as huge sandwiches and fresh salads. The store is very crowded at lunch so call and order ahead if you’re planning to feed a big group. But, one of our favorite things? Hanging out on the big porch, rocking in oversized rocking chairs and lazing the afternoon away post-beach…

Menemsha
The Galley in Menemsha is a great place to take away a quick meal to eat on the beach or you can enjoy it on their back deck that looks out over the fishing boats. The Galley not only has a great, inexpensive menu with lots of choices, it also has ice cream! Call 508-645-9819 for more info.

Also in Menemsha is the world famous clamshack of Jaws fame – The Bite. This traditional clam shack has won its share of awards for their delicious fried clams, but don’t stop there – they’ve also got fried scallops, oysters, calamari, etc. and one of the freshest fish sandwiches you’ve ever tried.

The Homeport is another option for sunset dinners. Eat in the restaurant and enjoy fresh lobsters and corn as well as panoramic views of Menemsha pond or order from the “Back Door” and take that same food with you down to Menemsha beach.

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