After a long, tough winter on the island, we are happy to announce that our office in Oak Bluffs has finally opened back up!
Thankfully the sun is cooperating with us this weekend as well, as it is a gorgeous day on Oak Bluffs harbor.
So please head over to A-A Island Auto Rental, at 31 Circuit Avenue Extension in Oak Bluffs, or call us at 800-627-6333 or Book a reservation Online today!!!
Our brand new, 2013 Jeep Wranglers got here this week, call us @ 800-627-6333 or Book Online to book your summer reservation now while the rates are low!
Thanks to all of those who made 2011 a great success!
Niko is working hard in Vineyard Haven repainting the office to give it a fresh look for 2012. The office will be open every day from 8AM to 5PM.
Check back soon to find out about A-A Island's new Fleet Management service. Rates are super low during the winter and we are offering Rios, Minis, and Caravans. For now, call us at 508.696.5300 to make a reservation or stop in to 4 Water Street to get your deal on a winter rental. Don't forget about free pick-up at your hotel or inn.
At A-A Island Auto Rental, we are often asked which Martha's Vineyard beach is best. I have compiled a short list of quality beaches that don't require serious excursions to reach. Although we can't guarantee you'll have the beach to yourself, these beaches are all worth visiting...
1) South Beach/ Katama Beach- Edgartown
South Beach is hugely popular because of the wide expanses of sand and good wave action. It is located in southern Edgartown just beyond the Katama Airfield. Take a bike ride, catch the bus (#8), or better yet- a rental car to Katama and park in the dirt lot on the right of Herring Creek Rd or just along Atlantic Drive. There are changing rooms and life guards on duty during peak summer hours. The beach is wide enough for a game of football or volleyball, so bring your friends.
2) East Beach- Chappaquiddick
East Beach will require a bit more commitment but is well worth the trip. Take the 'On Time Ferry' from Edgartown harbor to Chappy, then drive straight out to the Dyke bridge. The beach is a Trustees of Reservation property, so there may be a small fee for non-members. Unfortunately, rental vehicles are not allowed on the beach, but if you have a privately registered 4x4 you can get a beach pass.
3) Long Point Beach- West Tisbury
Long Point beach is known for filling up quickly, so go during non-peak hours to avoid the crowds. Another Trustees of Reservation property, so play by the rules and enjoy the epic southern Martha's Vineyard sand.
4) Moshup Beach- Aquinnah
The famous Aquinnah Cliffs are best seen from Moshup Beach on the Southwestern tip of Martha's Vineyard. Park your car in the public lot by the lighthouse ($15 at most during peak summer) and take the 10 minute walk through the dunes down to the beach. There are a lot of rocks obscured in the water so be careful not to dive in too quickly. It's illegal to tread on the cliffs or remove the clay, so look but don't touch.
5) State Beach- Edgartown/Oak Bluffs
Since State Beach is located on the Northeastern part of the island, the waves are much mellower. If you have little ones, this place is ideal. Parking is available along the entire road and by the 'bend-in-the-road' on the Edgartown side. The water is shallow and warmer so you never have to get out. During the summer drive slow over the bridge, as lots of folks will likely be waiting their turn to jump...
Hopefully these bits of advice help you make the most of your vacation or day-trip. Drive safe.
Most people who come to the Martha's Vineyard think about exploring the island in a car, on a bike, or perhaps even on their boat. Another option to consider is to take a ride in a classic biplane...
Last summer, Robert and I spent part of an evening flying around in a white biplane with our pilot Eric. He took us out over the ocean and around Chappy, then up the coast to Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. After that we cruised down through the center of the island and back to South Beach, where we eased into a backflip over the beach. Needless to say, it was an incredible experience.
The interior of the biplane is fascinating. There are all kinds of guages and switches. We were instructed to keep our feet off of the working rudder pedals on the floor. Luckily, we were allowed to operate the button to activate the microphone to communicate with the pilot. The traditional leather caps and goggles provided were a riot. Don't forget your camera; just remember to strap it to your wrist before you go upside down.
The Katama airfield is right by South Beach and you can grab a meal at the Right Ford Diner while you're there. Check them out online at http://www.biplanemv.com. It's something that we definitely recommend- you won't be disappointed.
At A-A Island Auto Rental, we are always willing to share our favorite Martha's Vineyard destinations with you. People constantly ask for the best place to grab a bite. Even if you don't rent a car from us, we'd be happy to point you in the right direction for a delectable meal. Here are a list of some of our favorites.
It's hard to go wrong in Vineyard Haven. There are so many great restaurants... the Black Dog Tavern, Le Grenier, The Art Cliff Diner, Saltwater, the Vineyard Pizza Place and Rocco's, just to name a few. We particularly like the following:
The Net Result:
The Net Result is first and foremost a fish market, but they offer so much more. Burgers, sandwiches, chowder, and best of all- amzing sushi. We always say that they have the freshest seafood down island, and it's no joke. Stop in and tell them that A-A Island sent you.
Zephrus:
The Zephrus is on the first floor of the Mansion House, on the corner of Main and Beach steets, just a short walk from our office at 5 Corners. Check them out for a sensational burger... enough said.
The Blue Canoe:
The Blue Canoe is located next to the Vineyard Haven Marina, overlooking the east side of the harbor. Combine the view with the fact that it's one of the few places in town where you can have a drink with your meal, and its worth every penny.
In Oak Bluffs, there are a multitude of options. Smoke N Bones, Gio's, Nancy's Sai Mai... the list goes on and on. Stop in at these A-A Island favorites to find out what the fuss is all about.
The Lookout Tavern
The Lookout combines good pub food with sushi and homemade fries. We like it because you can sit out on the porch or go inside to watch the Red Sox play. Their home made fries are particularly tasty.
Coop De Ville
Coop is right on the harbor, about 150 yards from our Oak Bluffs office. It's not uncommon to find A-A Island employees there unwinding after work. We definitely aren't the only ones endorsing this place. Check it out and you'll understand why.
It's no easier to pick a place to eat in Edgartown. The Seafood Shanty, Alchemy, Edgartown Pizza, The Square Rudder, and Chesca's are all well known. Look at these to get a refreshing taste of Edgartown.
The Grill on Main:
The Grill is attached to the Clarion Hotel and located next to Stop&Shop on Upper Main. Chef Tony is a wizard- nee I say more?
The Quarterdeck
The Quarterdeck is the quintessential hole in the wall. Order your food, stand back and wait, then mosey on over to the Memorial Wharf to gobble down the goodness.
Martha's Vineyard has a lot of character. We hope you will join us in embracing everything it has to offer.
Thus far, this year's 4th of July weekend has been one of the best to date! The great Martha's Vineyard weather came out in full force this year, making for extra happy customers and islanders alike...
This weekend typically marks the true beginning of the summer season on Martha's Vineyard, not just for a car rental company, but for the entire tourist industry on island. Our rental cars were quickly booked up well in advance and any availabilities were quickly filled.
If you want to stop by the office to have a chat or to reserve a car, look for us at 31 Circuit Ave Extension in Oak Bluffs...
or at 4 Water Street in Vineyard Haven, directly across from the Black Dog Bakery...
We'd love to offer you a free map and give you some directions, so feel free to swing in and say hello any time!
A-A Island Auto Rental Co-owner Jay Needleman first opened the Oak Bluffs office for the summer of 2006. The Office is run seasonally from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
The Oak Bluffs office is in an ideal location for customers arriving via any of the various ferry services from the mainland. We are directly across the harbor from the Harbormaster at 31 Circuit Avenue Extension. It is a very short walk from the Island Queen, Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Hyline, Steamship Authority, Patriot and the New Bedford Fast Ferry.
Stop by to see our selection of convertible Jeeps, Mini Coopers, Smart cars and Mustangs, as well as minivans, sedans, and SUVs. The Office Manager is Chris Hohmann. Joining Chris on staff are Jake Straw and Nikolay Denchev as well as Bailey the yard dog.
Hope to see you soon!
Here are just a few reasons why renting a car from A-A Island Auto Rental is the best way to see Martha's Vineyard...
- Price: Bringing your own car from the mainland is expensive: The round-trip cost for a family of 4 to bring their car to the island is over $200 dollars. A 24-hour rental for a sedan is far less.
- Something new: Sick of driving that minivan every day? Take a cruise around the island in a brand new MINI Cooper convertible to spice up your automotive life.
- Extended test drive: Perhaps you are thinking of purchasing yourself a new Jeep but you want to live with one for a few days first. Rent one of our Jeeps and see if it really is the right car for you.
- Advice: Complimentary directions and a 'tour from the office': we are happy to provide you with a free map and directions to anywhere on the island. We will show you our favorite places to grab a bite or to take a dip. Just ask us.
- It's Easy: Renting a car is easy. Standing outside in the baking sun for 35 minutes waiting for the bus is not.
- It's Fun: Your Martha's Vineyard adventure should be one to remember. Renting a car gets you where you need to go quickly and comfortably. Let the fun begin...
