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Martha's Vineyard, now legendary as a vacation destination because of movies (Jaws) and the many celebrities and politicians who live and vacation there, can still be enjoyed for a quiet getaway that will create lingering memories you will relish for years to come.

While it is possible to spot a celebrity while brunching on the cliffs of Gayhead or dining in Edgartown, it's also easy to forget the outside world and find peace and quiet. Even though the island is relatively small, the towns and neighborhoods vary enough that you can have quite a different experience from one town to the next. One way to ensure that your experience is unique is to rent a vacation home.

Vacation rentals are one of the most common forms of lodging on Martha's Vineyard and they are available in all towns on the island. You can rent a place in Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs, the more bustling towns on the island, or you can head up-island to the more rural towns of West Tisbury and Aquinnah, commonly known as Gayhead. Where you stay largely depends on your budget and to which attractions you want to be most conveniently located. But remember, the island isn't that big!

The variety of homes to rent on Martha's Vineyard is huge. It's possible to rent a waterfront house with a dock and private beaches for your family reunion. Or if you were thinking more of a romantic week or weekend getaway, there are cozy 1-bedroom condos with ocean views in Oak Bluffs.

No matter what type of rental you opt for you are likely to have a full kitchen, with microwave, refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, and utensils. This is especially convenient if you're planning to rent a place in Chilmark, West Tisbury, Chappaquiddick or Gayhead since you will be farthest from the restaurants and stores. Save yourself some money by bringing groceries in your car on the ferry or picking them up at one of the grocery stores on the island. If you're headed up island, be sure to stop at the Chilmark Store for a sandwich or coffee.

It's also common for Martha's Vineyard vacation rentals to have barbecue grills, which is perfect since there is so much fresh seafood available on the island. It's hard to feel more relaxed than when you're grilling a swordfish steak or fresh sea bass on a smoking grill in the backyard as the sea breeze cools and the ocean view soothes.

Outdoor showers, another frequent fixture at island vacation rentals, are perfect for rinsing off beach sand or a quick wakeup while the morning chill is still in the air.

While it is possible to spend your entire Martha's Vineyard vacation at the beach or at the awesome home you rented, there are many other things to do. There are a couple of golf courses on the island, fishing charters, shops, art galleries and historic buildings. History buffs will especially enjoy downtown Edgartown with its centuries-old buildings that are in excellent condition. At night there are more than enough restaurants, from Chinese food to, of course, fresh seafood. There are also a number of bars and some music venues in Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven.

Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic weekend, college reunion or some other kind of trip, vacation rentals on Martha's Vineyard will provide the space, comfort and privacy you need to have the best Vineyard experience possible.