Martha’s Vineyard with kids: Vineyard Haven was heaven

Just got back from a terrific week in Martha’s Vineyard. As we did last year, we rented a house with another family, but this time we were in Vineyard Haven.

Our house in Vineyard Haven was 2 blocks from town and close to everything so the kids had a lot of independence

There are dozens of gorgeous beaches to discover, some found at the end of a winding dirt road, in the middle of the woods…others, the front lawn of spectacular mansions on the water.

Great beach walking in Chappaquiddick, Martha’s Vineyard

The food was amazing (another post on that later) and the weather ideal.

Lobster races: cruel but fun

We did have some rain, but very little humidity and a breeze cool enough to make a sunny day at the beach bearable, and a house without central air delightful.

I’ll post more about what we did next week, but for now wanted to share some of my favorite sights.

Boats docked near Menemsha

Everywhere we drove, I hung out the window snapping photos, trying to capture the island’s unique beauty, but my photos don’t do it justice.

You need to experience it yourself!

On one of our first evenings, we indulged in arguably the best fried clams on the island from a crab shack called The Bite, while watching the sun sink in Menemsha.

What’s better than friends, seafood, wine and this view in Menemsha?

Sometimes you’ll just be walking along and sandwiched between two houses you happen upon something like this….

East Chop Lighthouse near Oak Bluffs

I may take too many boat pictures, but who could resist this?

Boats in the harbor near Menemsha

We rented paddle boards again this year which was a big hit with the kids, but the wind was so strong they didn’t get very far.

Paddleboarding on Tashmoo Pond, near Vineyard Haven

Look how clear the water is. 10-year-old Aden always finds an interesting animal….

Crab grabbing on Tashmoo Pond, near Vineyard Haven

We took the 2-minute ferry from Edgartown to Chappaquiddick Island. The wait to get on with your car can be 20 times longer than the ride, but well worth it for the magnificent beaches.

View from the ferry line from Chappaquiddick to Edgartown

Dusk is my favorite time of day at the beach. I couldn’t resist taking dozens of photos during our day trip to Chappaquiddick. The light was incredible.

Kayaks parked at Chappaquiddick beach

Much of the island is still wild and undeveloped like this road to the beach on Chappaquiddick.  It felt good to be surrounded by nature.

Road to Chappaquiddick beach

This may be my favorite picture. It says beauty, nature, possibility.

New screen saver?

Beach path in Chappaquiddick

Next summer, two weeks!