Enchanted Isle

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, this is the way prospective vacationers found out about the Vineyard!

Photo of poster at the M.V. Museum

 Now you can easily find the perfect place to wile away the Summer days on the Vineyard by going to www.SandcastleMV.com!

Sandcastle Competition

In addition to being fascinated by sandcastles since I was first taught by my Dad how to make drip castles (anyone know how to make those?!),  I have always been astonished at the creativity capability of the human being and marvels made of sand are just another example of it! Those pictured below were created for a competition held at Cannon Beach , Oregon and the images of the results have been spread across the internet. I only wish we could give credit to all involved! 

The judging must be completed before the tide comes in and washes the work away. That gives everyone about 6 hours. There are ribbons and awards for the competition, but no money is involved. Doing something for the pure joy of it just adds to the appeal.

We at Sandcastle Vacation Homes on Martha’s Vineyard (DBA Sandcastle Realty Inc.) would love to invite all to head to this magic isle, rent a lovely vacation rental cottage, home, or estate and try your hand at this wonderful art of sandcastle building!  Our pristine beaches, be they ocean, bay, or harbor front, await! Come & enjoy!

JAWSFEST

On Amity Island," (aka Martha's Vineyard), from August 9th to 12th, 2012, there will be a JAWSFEST! It will be a four-day event highlighting the experiences, filming, and memories of the making of JAWS©.  

As indicated on the official event web site - http://www.jawstribute.com/  -  one special part of this event will be the " opportunity to meet with globally recognized shark experts such as Dr. Greg Skomal and members of Discovery Channel Shark Week. Leading conservation organizations, including Shark Savers, will join with Wendy Benchley, divers and conservationists to teach us about sharks in our oceans today. Artists with a love and appreciation for the beauty and importance of sharks will display their work and share stories of inspiration."

Hope to see you here on this magic isle!

Sandcastle Vacation Homes (dba Sandcastle Realty Inc.)
www.sandcastlemv.com

2012 Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby

2012  Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby

Dates Just Announced!

Fishing  Derby Starts: SEPT 9th 12:01 AM
Kid's Day: SEPT 16th 6:00 - 9:00 AM
Derby Ends: OCT 13th 10:00 PM
Final Awards Ceremony: OCT 14th 1:00 PM

Go to http://www.mvderby.com  where you can link of the winning moments from Sunday October 16, 2011,  as covered in the press and as recorded on video, as well as view all sorts of other great information!

Let the countdown to the 2012 MV Derby begins!

Photo by Andy Yager 2011

A Summer’s Ditty!

We bought sunblock today.
We don't have a net, a bucket, a shovel, life jackets, or a suitable beach cooler.
The reels need re stringing, the bikes all have flats, and all the bathing suits are too small.
This is my sign of Summer, realizing we are not prepared.
It must be Summer.

So, we head off for a season full of adventures, totally ill prepared, no bucket, no net, no life jacket, flat tires, warm juice and wedgie bathing suits.
Then I remember; all we really need is sunblock and some free time.
It seems, we are more prepared then we thought.
It must be Summer.
We bought sunblock today.

Let's raise a glass of lemonade to sunblock and free time!
See you…on the Vineyard (a poetic license addition to the poem)!

Sent with permission of:

Alex Taylor, Administration
Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School
West Tisbury MA.
508-693-9900

 6/28/12

Kite Festival

Bring Your Sticks & String!

The Wind Festival

is taking place September 1^st, 2012

in Ocean Park

in Oak Bluffs,

 Martha’s Vineyard, MA

The website is www.mvwindfestival.com.  The organizers are currently updating the website information and it should be on line by the end of next week. They will be working with the Gazette to build kites out of their newspapers again this year. There was quite a turn out last year and this year there are events including a Bark for Life dog costume parade to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This year the MV Boys and Girls Club will benefit from the sale of the posters. The Artist this year is Stephanie Danforth. We are thrilled!

MARTHA’S VINEYARD – A CHILDREN’S PIECE OF HEAVEN

…that is ….CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!

“When I was a child and came to Martha’s Vineyard….”. How many times have these words come out of my mouth and the mouths of a myriad of others over the generations.

It’s no wonder you hear adults reminiscing about childhood vacations spent on Martha’s Vineyard as the island is a wonderful , magical place for kids.

SUNNY OR RAINY DAYS:

The Flying Horses -    Ride the world’s oldest Carousal, a National Landmark, in Oak Bluffs. If you grab the brass ring you get a free ride? Another challenge – see how many rings you can grab at one pass. You’ll understand when you get there?! Be sure to look into the large horses’ eyeballs!

Glass blowing  at M.V. Glassworks in  West Tisbury  (508)693-6026 – www.MVGlassworks.com – A magical art well worth seeing, especially on a rainy day!
Fishing off the Edgartown Town Dock (even on a rainy day as it has a roof) – get fishing tackle at Larry’s Tckle Shop on Main Street -
Books, books, books at Bunch of Grape’s Book Store on Main Street in Vineyard Haven or the Town Libraries.
Beadniks in Vineyard Haven – (508)693-7650 - and this is not just for girls! A feast for the eyes and a great place to let your creative juices flow as you make bracelets, pendants, earrings, etc.. Help available for the ones who need it. Take Dad for the heck of it!
M.V. Museum on Cooke & School Street in Edgartown  508-627-4441 – A real treat!

SUNNY and CLOUDY DAYS are better for these:

Lighthouse tours – Call 508-627-4441 for information

Ghosts, Gossip, & Downright Scandal walking tours. 508-627-8619 -

Chappy Ferry in Edgartown – Take a ride on this little “soap box” ferry and take along your swim gear so you can swim on the Chappaquiddick beach on the other side.

Build a Sandcastle!  Take a bucket & net or seine and explore the tidal ponds. Remember to put back your catch after about 5 minutes!

Felix Neck Wildlife Preserve off Edgartown/Vineyard Haven Road– check out all the programs, walk the field, forest and shore trails or enjoy the mini-salt water “zoo”. (508) 627-4850 .   http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Felix_Neck/index.php

Gus Ben David’s House of Birds and Reptiles -  (508)627-5634 - off Edgartown/Vineyard Haven Road  Reptilesandbirds.com

The FARM Institute  - (508) 627-7007  www.farminstitute.org  at Katama Farms in Edgartown is another great stop for the “young” farmers of tomorrow (ages 2-to 100+!). It is an educational farm that teaches children and adults in a most entertaining way about sustainable agriculture, regularly hosts morning chores, and has summer camp programs for all ages.
Evening picnic by the Gazebo in Ocean Park overlooking Vineyard Sound in Oak Bluffs. Once a week in season there is an old fashion Band Concert – march around the bandstand or just sit and tap you feet.
Island Alpaca Company  - (508)693-5554 www.islandalpaca.com/  for fuzzy fun and warm, fuzzy products for all ages to buy.
Mini-Golf at Island Cove on State Road. In Vineyard Haven.
A great spot to bring kids is State Beach on Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The five mile stretch features calm water, sand bars, lots of parking, and a snack truck with stellar frozen lemonade.
Whether a Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental guest of Sandcastle or not, do not hesitate to call us at Sandcastle Vacation Homes (dba Sandcastle Realty Inc.)  - 508-627-5665 - for other ideas, directions or with any other questions you might have..

THESE ARE BUT A HANDFUL OF ADVENTURES TO BE HAD!