Activities
and Fun Things to do
Whether
this is your first time on the Island, or you are a regular visitor,
you may enjoy browsing through our extensive list of ideas for
fun things to do. Perhaps you are happy just to soak up some sun,
beachcomb a little, read and lounge around on a deck and do nothing
at all for a change. If, however, your idea of a vacation is to
be active and renew your sense of adventure and excitement, you
have a hankering to exercise, want to see something new, socialize,
do something special with the kids, learn a new skill, plan a
special dinner outing - no matter what, you will find plenty of
choices to fulfill every desire. Since each Island Town has something
unique to offer and it only takes about 25-30 minutes by car from
one end of the Island to the other, we listed in alphabetical
order all the activities that we have found to be interesting
and rewarding.
Aircraft Charters
Flying over the Islands is a breathtakingly beautiful experience.
For an unforgettable flight, charter a bi-plane . For $99.00 for
2 strap on your leather cap and goggles and take a flight into
yesterday. Call the Katama Airfield at 508-627-9018.
Art Galleries
Just about every Town on the Island has one or more Art Galleries.
Throughout the season, there are many openings and shows open
to the public. This is also a great way to meet Islanders and
deepen your understanding of the Vineyard. Islanders support and
nourish their local community of artists. A visit to our galleries
can be truly enlightening. Look for announcements of art openings
and exhibits in our local papers.
Art
Instruction and Schools
The Featherstone Center for the Arts on Barnes Road in Oak Bluffs
offers classes in a variety of mediums, watercolor, oil painting,
sculpture and photography throughout the year. contact them at
508-693-1850. They also show art at all times, and it is a wonderful
place to visit.
Artisans Festival and Crafts Fairs, Fleamarkets
The West Tisbury Agriculture Hall hosts Artisans and Crafts Fairs
on a regular basis. for more information call 508-693-8989
Chilmark holds a weekly fleamarket offering lots of things new
and old and a large arts and craft selection. Near Beetlebung
Corner on Middle Road.
Bicycles
and Bicycling
If biking is your passion, you're in the right place. The Island
ahs a great network of bike paths, the longest between the Town
of Edgartown and West Tisbury, miles and miles of safe. beautiful
paths through the State forest. If you cannot bring your own bike,
there are plenty of places to rent from:
All of them provide free delivery and pickup.
Cutler Bike Rentals: Specialty bikes 508-627-4052
Edgartown Bike Rentals: 508-627-4052
Craigs Bicycles" 508-693-8693
Boat
Excursions & Sightseeing
While you are here, don't miss out on spending a day on the water.
You'll feel refreshed and invigorated while out on the ocean.
Take the whole family on a sailing trip, charter a small craft,
or book a fishing charter with one of the Island's best captains.
Rent a boat: Call Book-a-boat at 508-645-2400
Book a Sail: Island Classic Charters @ 508-645-2889
Catamarans: The 50ft. Arabella sails from Menemsha Village to
Cuttihunk daily. They also offer a wonderful 2 hour sunset trip
or a private charter: for more information call 508-645-3511
Fishing Charters: There is nothing like the excitement and exhilaration
of a trip on a fast sportfishing boat to catch big bass or bluefish.
Also offering tuna trips during the months July and August. For
more information go to www.captvanderhoop.com
or call 508-645-9278.
Children
You will find that this is one of the most childfriendly places
and activities for kids abound: The beach is the perfect playground
with the biggest sandbox in the world, and beachcombing for shells,
buoys and drift wood is a great way to unwind and relax, with
the added reward of taking home your treasures. Of course all
kids love our Oak Bluffs Flying Horses Carousel, another favorite
is Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Operated by the Audubon Society,
Felix Neck is a refuge for multitudes of birds. A visit there
is a truly educational experience, a place to see small living
creatures such as turtles, frogs and snakes and a display of many
nature artifacts, ancient whale bones etc. plus there's a sweet
little gift shop on the premises, and of course there are beautiful
wide trails across fields, along the shore, and through the woods.
Kids would love any of our beautiful walking trails around the
Island. Most are established by our Land Bank or by the Trustees
of Reservation. Just drive along any Island Road and look for
their signs. Menemsha Beach and Harbor is the perfect place for
kids to play, fish for squid with little nets and to experience
the bustle and hustle of a working fishermen's harbor. There are
plenty of boats to see. Boating and/or fishing should be at the
top of your to do list with the little ones. There are also numerous
excellent camps for half or full fun filled days. Check our newspapers
for listings at MV Times or the Vineyard Gazette. Many of the
Towns run summer camps offering all kinds of great activities
such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, theater, dance etc. For
something to do with kids on a rainy day Check out beading listed
under Jewelry making.
Dance
The Island has much to offer to dancers of all skill levels and
styles. Ballet, Jazz, Modern, African, Hip Hop, instruction is
offered by Vineyard Dance and Kelly Peters Dance, The Yard in
Chilmark, and in Edgartown Danceworks. Check your yellow pages
under Dance Instruction. Frequent performances are held throughout
the season, advertised in our local papers.
Entertainment/Nightlife
Most of the Vineyard nightlife and after-dinner activities can
be found in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Oak Bluffs has several clubs,
bars and dance clubs. For more information check the local newspapers
and calendars.
Bear
in mind that Edgartown and Oak Bluffs are the only towns on the
Vineyard where alcohol is served and sold. The other towns are
considered "dry towns" . When you dine at any dry town
restaurant, you may bring your own bottle of wine or beer. This
is standard practice and is expected and it actually saves you
some money, since you are not charged the bottle price at restaurants.
You may also call for free delivery from our local liquor stores.
Our Market at 508-693-3500 or Jims at 508-693-0236
Fishing
The Island is a Fisherman's dream. Any of our major beaches allow
shore fishing. Favorite spots are Wasque on Chappaquiddick, Aquinnah
Lobsterville Beach and Dogfish Bar or the Jetties in Chilmark.
For Boat fishing see boats above or go to www.captvanderhoop.com
For Kids fishing or group angling see The Skipper out of Oak Bluffs,
at 508-693-1238. For Guided Tours contact Ken Vanderlaske at 508-696-7551
an expert flyfisherman and excellent guide.
Glassmaking
A visit at Glassworks in West Tisbury is a truly wonderful experience
where you may even see glass blown while you visit. This is near
Humphrey's Bakery where you may easily get addicted to their Crème
filled donuts, also across the street is the Old Oak Tree, an
impressive ancient oak that should definitely be a part of every
Vineyard Photo tour.
Golf
Public Golf Courses: Mink Meadows in Vineyard Haven, call 508-693-0600
or visit www.minkmeadows.com
Vineyard Golf Club Edgartown: 508-627-8930 Farm Neck Golf Club
Oak Bluffs: 508-693-3057
Haunted
Houses and House Tours
For some extraordinary excitement, don't miss out on the haunted
house tour. You will be amazed at how deeply ingrained this part
of Island History really is. You will get to see some of the oldest
historic homes, while listening to stories that are simply incredible.
Haunted House tours are advertised in local newspapers.
Ice
Skating
The Martha's Vineyard Arena is open year-round and is located
in Oak Bluffs on Vineyard Haven/Edgartown Road across from the
Highschool call 508-693-4438.
Health
Clubs
The
Health club at the Airport in West Tisbury offers Personal Training,
Kickboxing, aerobics, step, toning, weight training, etc. For
more information visit the Vineyard Tennis Center at www.vineyardtenniscenter.com
or call 508-696-8000. Triangle Fitness in Edgartown for all of
the above 508-627-3393 and in Vineyard Haven, visit the Mansion
House Health Fitness Club and Spa or call 508-693-2200. For Yoga
etc. call 508-696-0444.
Health
Food
For wonderful fresh vegetables and organic foods the Island has
a great variety of roadside stands and a large selection of choices
in our local grocery stores. The best place to shop for everything
is Supernatural Healthfood store in Vineyard Haven on State Road.
The Farmers Market in West Tisbury is another excellent source
for everything you need that is fresh, organically and locally
grown: Every Wednesday and Saturday.
Jewelry
What better way to spend the afternoon with your children than
to indulge them in making their own jewelry. Visit Beadniks in
Vineyard Haven for a selection of every imaginable kind of bead
and supplies to make jewelry yourself. Their huge selection of
beads and gift items is worth a stop. Call 508-696-7609.
Kayaking
see boats/watersports
Libraries
Each Island Town has it's own wonderful library. for more information
check your telephone directory. All the Libraries on the Island
also offer video tapes and DVD's to keep you entertained on rainy
days or movie nights in.
Lobsters
While you are here, you cannot leave out the Lobster dinner. Whether
you purchase your lobster at the local fishmarket to prepare at
home or you go out to one of the many seafood restaurants, you
will find that this the quintessential Vineyard thing to eat.
You may even join those who prefer to eat their Lobster while
sitting on a Lobster Crate at the Menemsha Harbor, and order their
seafood dinner right from the back door of Larsen's Fishmarket,
and eat while enjoying the ambiance of the harbor view and the
Giant Old Fishing Trawler Quitsa Strider. Others take their seafood
right down to Menemsha Beach for an unsurpassed sunset picnic.
Come early for a good parking space.
Museums
Martha's Vineyard Historical Society in Edgartown. A must see
508-627-4441
Music
During the summer months and year round the Island has a thriving
Music scene. Particularly Folk music can be heard at many nightspots
and local restaurants. For lovers of Classical music, the Island
has plenty of events and concerts. There is also a good Jazz scene
with many great artists and performers. In Oak Bluffs the Atlantic
Connection features many artists and so does the Hot Tin Roof
at the Airport. Just check the local papers for upcoming performances
and featured artists
Parasailing
Oh to fly like a bird in the sky with the wind, and be safely
roped in.
Call 508-693-2838
Photography
Take any Vineyard Nature Trail bringing along your camera, you
will not regret it. Bring your camera with you wherever you go,
the Vineyard is so beautiful. Your pictures will be amazing, may
your memories live on.
Pizza
With the exception of a few, all of the Island eateries are good.
But there is a special Pizza Place in Oak Bluffs: POMODORO at
the end of circuit Ave on the right. For a list of Restaurants
just look in your yellow pages. The list is huge.
Sailing
see Boats
Skateboarding
Visit the skateboard park next to the Ice Arena on Vineyard Haven
Edgartown Road across from the Highschool.
Tennis
Many Towns on the Vineyard have public Tennis Courts. Check with
the local Town Halls or Park Departments. The Tennis Club at the
Airport offers instruction and their courts are excellent. Some
rental homes on our list come with private tennis courts or have
tennis courts in the neighborhood association. For more information
call 1.508.645.7820.
Windsurfing
Other watersports available on the Island are: Watertubing, waterskiing,
kayak rentals , canoeing, crewed yacht charters etc. For more
call 508-645-2400 or Wind's Up at 508-6934340. For guided kayak
tours contact the Trustees of reservation: call 508-693-7392.
Wind's up offers windsurfing lessons and equipment rentals. 508-693-4252
or visit www.windsupmv.com
Yoga
see health
I sincerely hope that your stay on the Vineyard will be as fulfilling
and wonderful as it has been for me. Living here year-round for
over 20 years, I have grown deeply attached to the beauty of nature
, the peace and quiet and the friendly people here. I have never
had a boring moment, even though it is such a small place and
there is not much going on during the winter months. Somehow,
less becomes more and one gets accustomed to creating ones own
entertainment. After a while you develop a resourcefulness in
that regard. I hope that our list of activities will give you
some inspiration and that you will find a piece of what this Island
is about and take it with you forever and when the time comes,
return to our shores.
Elaine
Vanderhoop