A Day on Chappaquiddick
So you have heard the stories about Dike Bridge and are curious about why people choose to live on an Island off another Island. Well, seeing the beauty and tranquility of Chappaquiddick may help unravel the mystery.

Going over to Chappaquiddick is a great way to spend an afternoon while on the Vineyard. Here are a few suggestions for an easy outing across Edgartown Harbor.

Whether traveling by bicycle or automobile, Chappaquiddick is easy to navigate. If you don't already have transportation, you can rent bikes from a number of places on the Island; some even deliver the bikes to your hotel.

If you plan to spend the day, either pack a lunch or grab something to go before heading over to "Chappy."

The ferry to Chappaquiddick is located on Dock Street in Edgartown. From Main Street, take a left onto North Water Street and follow it until you see The Daggett House on the right, where you will see a sign for the Chappy Ferry. Pedestrians and cyclists can walk right on, but passengers in automobiles may have a wait, albeit a short one, since it takes the "On Time" ferry about a minute to cross the harbor. During busy days, two ferries work to bring passengers to either side.

Prices for the ferry are round trip: passenger/pedestrian $1, car and driver $5, bike and rider $3, moped/motorcycle and rider $4.

Once on Chappaquiddick, head straight ahead on the main road where on the left you'll see the private Chappaquiddick Beach Club with its charming cabanas. Follow the paved road about 2.3 miles until it takes a sharp curve to the right. Straight ahead to the left side of the street is a dirt road with small signs for Mytoi and parking.

Follow this road for 1/2 mile and on the left you will see the Mytoi Japanese garden where you can take a stroll over the bridges and view the beautiful trees and flowers. Afterward, keep heading in the same direction and you will end up at Dike Bridge, which was rebuilt and reopened in 1996.

For a long time Dike Bridge was closed, but now cyclists, pedestrians and passengers in four wheel drives can go to Cape Pogue from the bridge. If you are on a bike or in a car without four wheel drive, park in the lot and walk over the bridge where you pay a $3 fee to go to the beach. The Trustees of Reservations also rent canoes and kayaks for your enjoyment.

Take a few hours or the whole day to discover why this small Island is so special to Vineyarders and residents of Chappaquiddick.

©1999 Best Read Guide/Martha's Vineyard
P.O. Box 66 (34 S. Summer St.) - Edgartown, MA 02653