The Amazing Martha's Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard or simply The Vineyard is an island located south of Cape Cod in the state of Massachusetts. The place is known for the summer retreat for the well-to-do families. The island has its share in history as the earliest home for the deaf communities in the country. As a matter of fact, a special sign language called the Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language was invented on the island. The Vineyard houses some 16,535 residents but it can swell over 100,000 people during the summer season. 

As a popular summer destination, the island is accessible only by boat and air which makes it as a top boating destination for the affluent people. The standard cost of living in The Vineyard is a staggering 60 percent higher than the average American household. 

The Six Wonderful Towns in The Vineyard 

With a total shoreline of 126 miles and a land area of just 100 square miles, it’s a dreamy summer destination itself. It has a total of six towns stretching along namely Tisbury or more commonly known as Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, Chilmark, and Aquinnah. These towns have their own distinct characteristics and countryside flair. As a summer destination, beaches are the topmost priority in the island, with Moshup and Menemsha beaches rated as the best in the island. While the iconic gingerbread cottages and the old-fashioned carousel in Oak Bluffs attract families with smaller children in tow. But for the adrenaline junkies, the island of Chappaquiddick and vertigo-inducing Aquinnah Cliffs pose as a great summer destination. To really explore the island, locals would insist on renting a bike and just cruising along the smaller hamlets in The Vineyard. 

Beaches overload 

There’s no denying that Martha’s Vineyard hides one the best beaches in the country, from the shallow surf to the big waves crashing on the south. Whenever you go, the island has something to offer for everyone. Some of the best beaches include South Beach or locally called as Katama Beach. Located in Edgartown, South Beach is a great surfing destination and their dunes worth the travel. 

The island is filled with beautiful beaches and they even have a beach dedicated to kids. Joseph Sylvia State Beach and Lobsterville Beach are the best destinations for children. These two beaches are known for their gentle waves and long sandy beaches. But to see a spectacular sunset, then Menemsha Beach is the perfect place to be. Travelers rate the sunset at Menemsha Beach to be the best in the island, it’s a romantic destination to see the orange, purple, and pink hues of the sky complement each other, painting the horizon of colors only Mother Nature can orchestrate. 

Oak Bluff Campground 

Take a peek in history in Oak Bluff Campground, with their well decorated and colorful summer cottages. Get a glimpse of how quaint Martha’s Vineyard past was. The area used to be occupied by 19th century Methodists, who would retreat in the island to camp and worship. They soon become permanent residents in Martha’s Vineyard and created this wonderful array of colourful houses. No matter what season it is, Martha’s Vineyard is a great family destination. 

Discover Long Island Sound

Considered as a tidal estuary, Long Island Sound rests between the shores of New York, Connecticut, Westchester County, and Long Island. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, it stretches for about 110 miles with its widest at 21 miles with varying depths from 65 to 230 feet. Several thriving cities sits along the coastal line of Long Island Sound housing more than 8 million people within its watershed. Some of the major cities in Connecticut are located in the island’s shorelines including New London, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, and Stamford. And of course, New York’s most scenic cities are also located along Long Island Sound like Glen Cove, New Rochelle, Rye, and some areas of Bronx and Queens. 

But Long Island Sound is most famous for its wealthy neighbourhoods which made iconic for its huge mansions on the coast of Port Jefferson and from Pelham Manor to New Rochelle stretching through Madison in Connecticut. Properties in Westchester County are rated one of the highest in the country because of its prime location; within the proximity of the trendy New York City and just miles away from Long Island Sound. 

As an amazing estuary, Long Island Sound is a place where salt water from the ocean greets the fresh water draining from the inland rivers. Experts considered the place as one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. It’s a heaven sanctuary for migratory and native birds alike, it serves as their breeding and feeding ground. Many parts of Long Island Sound serves as a nursery for thousands of species found in the ocean. The area is home to no less than 170 species of fish, 1,200 species of invertebrates, and even dozens of migratory birds travelling across the country. 

Long Island Sound houses more than 4 million Americans and used by ships, barges, ferries to transport goods into other states. Fishing both commercial and recreation thrives in the area; oysters, crabs, lobsters, and different species of fish. Anglers price bluefish, winter flounder, fluke, tautog, and striped bass the most in Long Island Sound waters. Thousands of tourists flock the area to enjoy its sandy beaches while boaters dock its ports by hundreds to fish. As an estuary, bird watchers come to Long Island Sound to see the different variety of songbirds and hundreds of migratory birds. To educate the public about the importance of the ecosystem, the Long Island Sound has several nature centers and aquaria. It’s a way for people to know the different species of animals living within the state. 

Reasons to Visit Long Beach Island

Locally known as just LBI, Long Beach Island has been a beach lover’s haven since time immemorial. Spanning for about 18 miles, it boasts of white sand and crystal clear waters. It may have small shore but its towns are teeming with strips of artisan stores, good food, and even greater tourists spots. Long Beach Islands hides many sweet spots for quality family time. Stretching for about 18 miles it has all the summer essentials you want. From touristy spots, action-packed adrenaline rush activities, to hidden gems, LBI has it all. Visitors love how they can surf the amazing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and chill to the calmer waters of the Barnegat Bay. Hailed as the best beach in Jersey’s shore, Long Beach Island is a perfect holiday destination for your family, as it’s less crowded than other famous beaches in New Jersey.

People visit LBI for one reason and one reason only, to enjoy its picture-perfect beaches; all that is raked every day to get its super soft sand that is garbage free. LBI gets a little too busy from Memorial Day until Labor Day if you are not into crowds might as well avoid those times. With miles of sandy beaches, LBI will not disappoint, you can have a perfect spot on the beach no matter where you go. The path to the left of the bridge is often less crowded. Visitors suggest Surf City or Barnegat Light, as these two are considered as hidden gems in Long Beach Island. 

If you are into fishing, then Barnegat Lighthouse State Park will surely delight you as they are a commercial fishing port of Viking Village. You can explore its town along with other local shops for souvenirs to take back home. Then there are the bustling towns of Ship Bottom, Holgate, Brant Beach, and Beach Haven. These towns are the main attraction on the island and host some of the celebrated events during the summer season. But if you are looking for some quality family time, then head straight in the north, to the towns of North Beach, Surf City, Loveladies, and Harvey Cedar. You may find more relaxing and less crowded. 

Few things you need to remember before hitting the waves: 

There are public bathrooms available along the shores of Long Beach Island. They are located at several entrances to the beach. If you can’t find one, municipal buildings or restaurants are considerate enough to let you in. If staying for a few days, its best to rent one of the many private homes near the beach, for your convenience. 

Lifeguards can be found everywhere in Long Beach Islands, as they really take safety seriously. At some point during the year, there are at least 200 lifeguards to keep peace and look after swimmers in Long Beach Island. 

Always check the tides no matter what. Little ones will sure love low tides as they can play along with the shorelines and build sand castles. But be wary of high tides as the waves can kick in. Big kids will definitely come out to play and surf the tides. Also as precautionary, you might want to check if there are rip tides happening anywhere near your locations. These tide formation can devour even the best swimmers in the world. 

Interesting Things to Know about Lake Winnipesaukee

Having as the most dramatic scenery in all of the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipesaukee stretches for about 72 square miles and comprises of 264 islands including a number of large bays and small inlets. The lake has a rich and diverse culture, even its name can be translated to at least five conflicting meaning like “beautiful water in a high place”, “good smooth water at outlet”, “land around the lake”, “lakes region”, and “smile of the Great Spirit”. All of them, however, agree that the lake is blessed with beautiful views comparable that of a paradise. With the White Mountains serving as a stunning backdrop and a wide open area of water called the broads, the lake is a popular holiday destination for travelers from all over the world. 

Lake Winnipesaukee is a boating and outdoor recreation year round, it peaks during the spring and summer season, then some travelers enjoy strolling through the vibrant leaf colors in the fall season and ice fishing in the winter. The lake does not disappoint as the region is filled with fun recreational activities, shopping strips, great food finds, and some historical landmarks. 

As the largest standing body of water and resting in the foothills of the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee is about an hour and a half drive from Boston. The lake is a perfect weekend getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It has seven towns that you can tour, each has its own character and charm; Center Harbor, Meredith, Alton, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough, Gilford, and Wolfeboro. Its best to drive around these towns leisurely and making sure to spend a good amount of time but do take it easy, you can always go back and have some wonderful “lake time”. 

Whether it’s your first time visiting Lake Winnipesaukee or a returning traveler looking for a new getaway spot, here are some the best picks on this amazing lake. 

Lake Winnipesaukee houses some of the best independently owned artisan shops and country stores. Try visiting the famous Pepi Herrmann, an artisan who mastered the art of cutting crystal. Visit the very charming shop in Gilford and be amazed in shelves upon shelves of amazing crystal artwork including Champagne flutes, bowls, vases, and earrings. Then there are the knitting shop of Keepsake Quilting and Patternworks located at the Center Harbor near the north side of Lake Winnipesaukee. 

Cool off in Kellerhaus located in Laconia to taste some of their decadent ice cream creations. This 1906 shop also offers great jellies, candies, maple syrup, and homemade jams. To those who like their drinks a little bit more tasteful, hop on to Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith where they make impeccable fruit wines paired with crabapple and strawberry-rhubarb delicacies. 

To really enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee you try a day hike tour at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford where you can get amazing views of the lake. But no trip would be complete without hopping into a boat taking an excellent cruise around the lake. There are marinas in the area that are offering motorboats and other tour services. But if you are following a strict schedule then you can just pack a picnic and enjoy the profound tranquility of Lake Winnipesaukee.