Though a short ferry ride from Edgartown Village, Chappaquiddick feels like a world away. Exit the ferry and you’re on an island within an island. Life is a little slower on Chappy, removed from hustle and bustle, and it is bountiful with natural beauty, making it a perfect addition to our Vineyard Bucket List video series – Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Chappy Adventure
Join us as we explore Chappy with The Trustees on an overland adventure. The Trustees are the stewards of a number of properties on Martha’s Vineyard including Mytoi, the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, the Cape Poge Lighthouse, Norton Point Beach, and Wasque.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Chappy Adventure – First Stop Mytoi
Our Chappy Adventure begins at Mytoi. Mytoi (pronounced “my toy”) is a surprising find on Chappy. This Japanese-style garden features both native flora and exotic plants. Cross Japanese-inspired bridges, while pausing to watch turtles swimming quietly by. Mytoi is not only beautiful, no matter the season, but it is also a place that is so calming, an oasis in an already special place.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Chappy Adventure – Dyke Bridge & Poucha Pond
You’ll find Poucha Pond right next to the famous Dyke Bridge. As we drive over the bridge, you can admire this pristine tidal pond and salt marsh. Not only is it peaceful and lovely to look at, but during the summer season, you can rent kayaks from The Trustees and explore Poucha Pond, Cape Poge Pond, and East Beach.
It’s a unique kayaking experience on Martha’s Vineyard. Chappy is well known for its shorebird inhabitants and this will be sure to be a memorable experience. It’s so classic, the adventure has its own Vineyard Bucket List video – Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Discovering the Island by Kayak.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Chappy Adventure – Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge
Now the oversand adventure with The Trustees really begins. The Trustees’ new white trucks have open seating in the back for a full 360-degree viewing experience while driving along the sand. You drive slowly past the magnificent barrier beach, passing species of shorebirds and past windswept cedar trees.
The journey continues and at one point, there is water close to you on both sides. It’s simply stunning. There is nothing quite like this experience anywhere else on Martha’s Vineyard.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Chappy Adventure – Cape Poge Lighthouse
You continue on to the Cape Poge Lighthouse. Managed by the Trustees and the Coast Guard, this vintage lighthouse — built in 1893 — offers you a chance to step into history. When you do a tour with The Trustees, you are able to go into the lighthouse, all the way to the top.
On a clear day, you have 360-degree views. You can see the full Cape Poge elbow, Nantucket, Cape Cod, Oak Bluffs, and more. It’s captivating. You feel on top of the world.
The Trustees offer public oversand Cape Poge Lighthouse tours, but you can also book a private tour for your group. One of our favorite things to do at the Cape Poge Lighthouse to enhance your experience is to have a picnic. Grab lunch or snacks from your favorite eatery, and relax in the shadow of an iconic lighthouse.
If you are lucky, you will be able to take a different route back to Mytoi. There is a special kind of joy driving down the ocean side of Chappy. You may even see the remains of a shipwreck, yet to be named.
Stepping off The Trustees’ truck, it takes a moment to get back to reality. All the beauty, the sounds, the wind in your hair — it makes for a memorable Martha’s Vineyard experience, whether you are here for a week, the weekend, or have grown up here, — Discover Chappy in a new way.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Chappy Adventure – More Info
There are a number of activities available with The Trustees not just on Chappy but throughout the island. Visit their website to find out about more memorable Martha’s Vineyard adventures.
*Pro tip, definitely check the weather, it will most likely be a bit more windy on Chappy and on this journey.
Exploring Chappaquiddick is a memorable seaside adventure, and belongs on everyone’s Vineyard Bucket List.
The Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List is our ongoing curated collection of the best Martha’s Vineyard vacation experiences and first-hand travel adventures. From exploring the island by tall ship or biplane to touring its African American Heritage Trail and historic lighthouses to discovering the best beach walks, sunsets, and farm to table adventures, the Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List is your ultimate insider guide. Click here to see the entire library.
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