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Chappaquiddick Island is a stunning little island off the coast of Martha’s Winery. This small island is so completely different from the primary island — it’s a a lot quieter, rather more chilled out a part of the Winery. Should you’re in search of peace and solitude, you possibly can’t do higher than right here.
I beloved my time on Chappaquiddick (also called Chappy) — it’s a beautiful place to spend a day or a full day when visiting Martha’s Winery. Simply know {that a} journey right here must be deliberate fastidiously, as there’s precisely one retailer on the island and few different amenities! Extra on that under.
Chappaquiddick was initially settled by the Wampanoag folks 12,000 years in the past, like the encompassing Cape and Islands. The island is typically related to Martha’s Winery at Norton Level, most just lately was in 2015, because of shifting land and erosion. Technically, Chappaquiddick is a part of Edgartown, however it’s fully completely different geographically and culturally.
In the present day, Chappaquiddick has a year-round inhabitants of round 179 folks and, as you’d anticipate, a tight-knit local people. Locals discuss “going to the mainland” once they go to Edgartown and “going to America” once they go to mainland Massachusetts!
However first, the elephant within the room. There’s one factor that everybody is aware of about Chappaquiddick Island — that Ted Kennedy drove off a bridge on this island in 1969; that his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, drowned; that he didn’t report her demise till the following day.
Sadly, the title Chappaquiddick has turn into synonymous with this incident (and it didn’t assist that the film about it was merely known as Chappaquiddick, both). However keep in mind that this island deserves to be seen for extra than simply the actions of 1 particular person, simply as your individual hometown is.
Come to Chappaquiddick to get pleasure from an exquisite place in contrast to anyplace else in Massachusetts. You’re going to like it right here.
(Planning a visit to Martha’s Winery? Make sure to try my guide to the towns of Martha’s Vineyard, in addition to profiles on the cities of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven!)
This put up was revealed in October 2023.
![A pathway of wooden boards on the sand on Chappaquiddick Island.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chappaquiddick-Island-Pathway-1024x768.jpg)
Planning a Go to to Chappaquiddick Island
Chappaquiddick Island appears like a spot the place time stands nonetheless. You may not discover till you go the hearth station that there’s little or no to see right here — no retailers, no downtown space, no accommodations or eating places or fuel stations.
There may be basically one store on the island — the overall retailer — and it’s solely open through the summer time season. Blackbird Cafe, with a brick and mortar restaurant in Edgartown, operates a meals truck by the overall retailer throughout excessive season.
For anything, you’ll must do your grocery purchasing on the “mainland.” (I do know, it’s an island, however that’s what Chappy locals name it!)
So for those who’re planning a visit to Chappaquiddick Island, you’ll wish to convey provisions. I hit up Katama Common Retailer in Edgartown and grabbed just a few sandwiches earlier than hopping on the ferry, which was a sensible and scrumptious resolution.
There are just a few public bogs on Chappaquiddick Island, together with at Mytoi Japanese Backyard, East Seashore, and Wasque Level. Most of those are porta-potties, simply so .
![A tiny ferry that can only fit three cars chugging across a narrow channel to Chappaquiddick Island.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chappy-Ferry-Marthas-Vineyard-1024x683.jpg)
The right way to Get to Chappaquiddick Island
The one approach to get to Chappaquiddick Island is by boat — there are not any bridges right here. Whereas the island is tantalizingly near Edgartown on the “mainland,” for those who don’t have a ship of your individual, you’ll must take the Chappy Ferry throughout Edgartown Harbor.
The Chappy Ferry, by the best way, is hilarious. There are two tiny boats that match about three automobiles on them at a time, together with foot passengers and bicycles. They’re known as “On Time II” and “On Time III,” and the journey between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick takes about one minute.
I strongly suggest exploring Chappaquiddick Island by bicycle, for just a few completely different causes. First off, the island is fairly flat and completely sized for a day of biking. Second, you received’t have to attend within the often-long automotive line for the Chappy Ferry; you possibly can simply stroll on along with your bike. And third, parking is proscribed on Chappaquiddick, particularly by Wasque Level and Mytoi Japanese Backyard.
My husband Charlie and I truly took our automotive to Chappaquiddick in late September, which is a surprisingly off-peak time of yr for Martha’s Winery. We had been capable of finding parking all over the place. However I’m glad we didn’t try that within the peak summer time months of July and August.
![A garden surrounding a reflective pond and a bright red wooden bridge in Mytoi Japanese Gardens.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mytoi-Japanese-Gardens-Chappaquiddick-Island-Edgartown-Massachusetts-1024x699.jpg)
Issues to Do on Chappaquiddick Island
Mytoi Japanese Backyard
Mytoi Japanese Backyard is a good first place to go to if you arrive on Chappaquiddick Island. After the ferry arrives, head down the street and bear left to remain on Chappaquiddick Street, and also you’ll ultimately come to the gardens in your left.
Mytoi Japanese Backyard was constructed between 1958 and 1966 by architect and native islander Hugh Jones, who drew inspiration from his time in Japan throughout his army service. The backyard is a splendidly tranquil place, crammed with Japanese architectural options like arched wood bridges, a rock backyard, and crops just like the burgundy Japanese maples that flip blood-red within the fall. Maintain an eye fixed out for the turtles on the pond!
70% of the backyard was decimated after Hurricane Bob in 1991, however new designers with a love for Japanese gardens introduced new life into Mytoi. It has been lovingly cared for over time and is extra lovely than ever at the moment.
Mytoi makes a pleasant cease if you need a couple of minutes of quiet, away from the seashores. It’s surrounded by pine forest on all sides.
The backyard is open every day, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Admission is $5 for nonmembers.
![People sitting in beach chairs on a long stretch of sand in Martha's Vineyard.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/East-Beach-Chappaquiddick-Island-MA-1024x768.jpg)
East Seashore
Simply previous Mytoi, you’ll discover East Seashore — one of the vital simply accessible seashores on the island. Maintain heading east and also you’ll attain the Dike Bridge and the seaside past that. East Seashore is also called Leland Seashore.
A pleasant factor about East Seashore is that it’s by no means too crowded right here, the sand is sweet and comfortable, and swimming is definitely permitted right here — in contrast to at Wasque Level. You too can get pleasure from distant views of Nantucket Island throughout Nantucket Sound.
Word that on this a part of Chappaquiddick, you’ll want sand tires and a allow for an overland sand automobile (OSV) as a way to drive on the seaside. You can read about those here. In any other case, park simply earlier than the bridge.
Alternatively, you possibly can attain East Seashore by heading north from Wasque Level.
![A lighthouse on a narrow spit of sand, some of it covered with grass.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cape-Poge-Lighthouse-Chappaquiddick-island-1024x683.jpg)
Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge
a map of Chappaquiddick Island, you’ll see an arm reaching out on the northeast edge, reaching and curving again like a child Cape Cod. This arm is the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, one of the vital magnificent locations to go to on the island.
The seaside extends eight miles, from Wasque Level previous the Cape Poge Lighthouse and “the Intestine,” a slender inlet and well-liked fishing spot on Cape Poge. Due to currents speeding into Cape Poge Bay, this space is residence to incredible wildlife.
The waters in Cape Poge are residence to striped bass and albacore tuna, whereas additional down the Cape Poge Elbow you’ll discover plenty of fowl life, together with piping plovers, oystercatchers, least terns, and loads of seagulls.
Cape Poge Lighthouse has been moved and rebuilt a number of instances since its building in 1802 on account of shifting land and water, and it was the primary lighthouse to be moved by helicopter in 1985!
Like East Seashore, you possibly can entry Cape Poge on foot (a protracted distance — be sure you’re up for the journey!), or get a sand automobile allow to discover by yourself.
There’s a third choice, too: you possibly can ebook excursions of Cape Poge by The Trustees of Reservations. (Word that excursions run from Might 30 by October 15, and the Trustees don’t embrace tour info on-line at different instances of yr.)
![A long, wide sandy beach with lots of footsteps in the sand and forest in the distance.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wasque-Point-Chappaquiddick-Island-1024x674.jpg)
Wasque Level
On the southeast a part of Chappaquiddick, you’ll discover Wasque Level (pronounced WAY-squee) — residence to among the most spectacular seashores in Massachusetts. No two visits to Wasque Level are ever the identical, as this seaside is continually eroding and altering form!
I loved a picnic out at Wasque — it was a pleasant spot to eat with a view!
Poucha Pond (typically known as Pocha Pond) is a freshwater pond on one aspect of Wasque Level that’s residence to marshes and the wealthy wildlife that pulls avid birders. Maintain your eyes peeled and also you would possibly have the ability to see a blue heron or egret. Sandpipers, piping plovers, and different small shore birds are drawn to this space as properly.
Remember that swimming just isn’t permitted at Wasque Reservation, as currents are sturdy. Additionally take into account that this space is well-liked with seals and the sharks that wish to hunt them.
Royal and Historical Chappaquiddick Hyperlinks
Consider it or not, an island this small has its personal golf course! And don’t fear, it’s way more laid-back than different golf programs on the Cape and Islands. Royal and Ancient Chappaquiddick Links, also called Royal Chappy, is a nine-hole golf course that dates again to the nineteenth century.
This course is straightforward. No golf carts — you’ll need to stroll. Simply 9 holes, whittled down from the few dozen holes of yesteryear. And, like most locations on Chappaquiddick, it’s all concerning the seclusion issue. You’ll be surrounded by timber with views of the water within the distance.
You should purchase a one-day visitor go that gives limitless golf for $60 per particular person. Play the hyperlinks again and again for those who’d like! And for those who name upfront, the group will choose you up in one in every of their quirky autos (sadly, their signature VW bus, an island legend, was retired in 2021).
![Two green wooden canoes perched on the beach on Chappaquiddick Island.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Canoes-on-Chappaquiddick-Island-1024x695.jpg)
The place to Keep on Chappaquiddick Island
There are not any accommodations on Chappaquiddick — the one locations to remain listed below are trip leases. And you may guess they’re all self-catering leases with kitchens, as there are not any eating places on the island!
No matter you do, remember to ebook early, nearly as good properties are likely to go far upfront, particularly since many households are likely to lease the identical home for his or her trip yr after yr.
Listed below are among the top-rated properties obtainable for lease:
Luxurious property: Private Beach, Family Activities, Pet Friendly has all of it — beachfront but secluded on Cape Poge Bay, sleeps 14 in six bedrooms, an outside bathe, kayaks, a canoe, a sunfish, and plenty of home windows for views from each room.
Mid-range discover: Chappaquiddick Getaway with Stunning Ocean Views is a brief stroll from each Katama Bayn and Wasque Reservation, with three bedrooms and plenty of home windows and skylights.
Worth for cash: Chappaquiddick Cozy Two Bedroom is without doubt one of the lowest priced properties you’ll discover with nice evaluations. A captivating place with small bedrooms and a pleasant secluded location.
Find more places to stay on Chappaquiddick Island here.
![](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Kate-on-Chappaquiddick-Island-1024x768.jpg)
Is Chappaquidick Price It?
Chappaquiddick Island is completely price a go to! Should you’re planning an extended journey to Martha’s Winery, it’s price spending at the very least a day right here, and for those who love the isolation, you would possibly get pleasure from even staying out right here.
I hope you get pleasure from your time on Chappy and have a superb journey to Martha’s Winery! This is without doubt one of the finest islands in New England, and it has a manner of pulling you again many times.
Extra on Martha’s Winery:
Extra on Cape Cod:
Extra on Massachusetts:
Have you ever been to Chappaquiddick Island? Share your suggestions!
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