GUEST INFORMATION

The West Chop Club is a private membership community organized for the mutual benefit of the Members' families and guests. It is not open to the general public. Resident and Guest Members may own or rent homes in the vicinity,  or stay in the main clubhouse, known as The Inn, and adjacent buildings called The Cedars and The Casino. These facilities, together with the Members' houses, provide an intimate sense of family and a special tradition of friendship.

ABOUT THE WEST CHOP CLUB

The Cedars
The large building on the corner near the flagpole is known as The Cedars, and is another part of our Inn. It houses many of the Guest Members. Completely rebuilt in 2000, this magnificent structure has beautifully refurbished rooms and suites with all the features of the Clubhouse rooms, plus heat for year-round use. The large living room with welcoming fireplace is often used for card games and private parties. Guests use this room for cocktail parties by prior reservations with the Manager. There is also a TV room and elevator to the 2nd floor. The  Clubhouse also contains 3 suites plus 3 rooms. All have private bath, telephone w/data port and direct dial in & out, Wi-Fi access, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, coffee maker am/fm clock radio and ceiling fan. They combine yesterday's charm with today's comfort and conveniences. Since it is the habit of many West Chop people to retire early after a full day of activities, Guest in all buildings are asked to be considerate during the late hours. Of course, all buildings are smoke free.

The Casino
This marvelous beamed building located across the road from the Clubhouse, is a favorite place for weddings, meetings, rehearsal dinners. It is also where many of our programs--in season--take place--including Sunday Services, Children's Group, Windows On The World (a lecture series) and Bridge. Notices of all West Chop activities are posted on the bulletin boards on the Casino porch. During the week the Casino is the headquarters of "Group" and is usually surrounded by many bicycles.

The Clubhouse
The gracious main building of the Inn has wide porches, and contains the reception area, guest lounge, members lounge  and recently renovated suites and guest rooms.  This is a comfortable place to read, watch tennis, meet friends and generally observe the pace and purpose of the community. Benches are provided for tennis fans at courtside (all West Chop loves a gallery). Lunch is served to Members and their guests on our spacious porch (weather permitting) and dinner is served in the dining room, as well as the porch.

Sunday Services
A brief, nondenominational service is held at the Casino each Sunday, during the summer at 9:30 am. Members of the community conduct the services and younger members frequently participate. All join in hymns. The list of those conducting the Sunday Service is usually posted in the monthly calendar and on the Inn bulletin boards. No tennis is played on Sunday until after the service. Dress is informal and tennis clothes are acceptable. See the Gazette or Martha's Vineyard Times for the schedule of regular church services in Vineyard Haven.

The Post Office & Chop Shop
The Club operates the Chop Shop in the Post Office which is open from mid June to mid September. It provides all postal services and also sells postcards, candy and snacks, ice cream, soft drinks, a few grocery and drug store items, film, logo wear, gift items and more. Tennis balls are only sold in the tennis pro shop. Family charge accounts are invited, but minors must have permission to charge. Lost and Found items will be held at the Post Office or at the Inn desk. The hours of operation are posted on the door. Please leave room in front of the building for the mail truck to park.

Facilities: FOR MEMBERS & THEIR GUESTS

• Tennis courts --Tennis Pro and program, mid-June to mid-September
• Children's Playground
• Softball/Soccer Field
• 3 Private beaches
• Adjacent to Mink Meadows Golf Club
• The Lighthouse The West Chop Lighthouse, which stands 84 feet above sea level, was first erected in 1817 and increased to its present height in 1891. It has been moved back from the water several times, and was the last lighthouse to be manned on the Vineyard.

WEST CHOP CLUB DINING AND SERVICES

Members and guests may enjoy service of meals daily in the friendly atmosphere of the porch and dining room. Lunch on the porch is a particular favorite. Reservations for any meal are requested, preferably 24 hours in advance. You are welcome to provide your own wine or spirits which can be chilled in advance and served at your table. Special arrangements can be made with the chef to prepare fresh seafood caught by the Guests, or to provide for special dietary requirements. pm Sun " Informal dress is customary. Jackets are appreciated at dinner on Saturdays, but not required. All members using the dining room may sign for their meal charges to their club account . MC and Visa credit cards are also accepted. Bills are rendered at the end of each month. Applicable sales tax and service fee is added to each meal charge.

LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES

Especially for Children


• Activities: Often dictated by the weather, include field trips, sports, games, crafts, special events, and when cooperative adults and boats are available, fishing and picnic trips to other islands. Details are posted at The Casino. New arrivals should go to The Casino before 9 am and meet the group leaders as well as  register their children.
  
• Tennis Clinics: Round Robin Tournaments, group instructions, and team matches are held throughout the summer under the direction of the resident Tennis Pro. Players of all ages should be familiar with the rules and customs of the tennis program.
  
• Softball & Soccer: Family softball takes place Wednesday evenings and soccer on Thursday evenings at 7 pm at the Club field on Franklin Street. All ages are welcome, but the younger Members prevail. Playground: There is an fenced playground area near the Post Office for children under 8, their parents, and sitters. Swings, slides, and climbing equipment is maintained by the Club. Please, no dogs and no litter..
  
  For All Ages
  
  
• Outdoors Swimming/Beaching: All beaches within the invisible boundaries of West Chop are open to Club Members and Guests from dawn til dusk. Members dinghies and small sailboats may be beached on Club property at the owner's risk. Members larger boats may be secured to the piers for brief periods but must not interfere with swimming. Mooring overnight at the Club piers is not permitted.

          BEWARE OF UNDERCURRENTS. NEVER SWIM ALONE OR AFTER
          DARK. THERE ARE NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY.

• Waterfront Access: The piers and adjoining beaches are owned by the West Chop Club and are for the private use of its Members and Guests. Known trespassers should be reported.
  
  
• Special Note to Children: Use bicycle racks provided. Stop and look before crossing the road. Stay off the jetty and private land which abuts the pier and its path. 
  
  
• Tennis: Because of the great popularity of tennis at West Chop, it is important for all Members and their Guests  be familiar with the rules and customs of tennis. Members may pick up a tennis book at our front desk, or consult their Directory.
   
• Golf: The Mink Meadows Golf Club is an interesting, public and private 9-hole course about 1 mile from the Clubhouse. The entrance is marked on Franklin Street. Register at the Pro Shop for green fees, private instruction, equipment and supplies. Electric and pullcarts are available. Phone: 508-693-0600. The West Chop Club Golf Committee sponsors tournaments and posts the entry sheet at the Inn.
  
  
• The Farm Neck Golf Course: Another public and private facility, has a challenging 18 hole golf course and is located in the Oak Bluffs area about 20 minutes from the Club. Phone for tee time (508-693-3057) A map is available at the front desk showing the route to the course.