I have only two nights available on a trip to Nova Scotia go to Cape Breton. I am wide open to suggestions for places to stay or go within that time parameter. I am looking now at driving from Truro to Cheticamp for the first night, being sure see/do ______ on the way. Being sure to eat at ____. the next day driving the Cabot Trail counter clock wise, being sure to see_______. (We do like to do short hikes). It looks as if Baddock would be a good stop for the second night. again any suggestions welcomed. The last day we need to be back to Truro that evening. Is there anything we could squeeze in and still make that?
Aslo accommodations in moderate price range recommendations appreciated.
thank you.

How about doing this this way:

Day 1: Drive from Truro to Ingonish. It about 4.5 hours. That night stay @ Kelic Lodge ( the main lodge NOT "The Inn").

Day 2: Continue your tour of the Cabot Trail ending Day 2 in Baddeck. Stay in Baddeck that night @ The Inverary Inn.

If you drive from Truro to Cheticamp on Day 1 (about 4 hours from Truro to Cheticamp), then it makes more sense to do the Cabot Trail in a clockwise direction from Cheticamp.
It's all a matter of personal preference. I prefer the counter clockwise route. You have indicated that you want to do the counter clockwise route. That is why I suggest driving from Truro to Ingonish on Day 1. Also, I love Ingonish & it's a wonderful place to spend the night. Make sure you go to the beach! Keltic Lodge is located on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic. It is spectacular. You can hike Middlehead Trail from Keltic. There are also many nearby hiking trails.

When are you going?

Ocean

Keltic Lodge

oops I meant clockwise when talking about staying in Chetichamp( I guess I've been wearing a digital watch too long).
I thought about the Keltic Lodge but the Trip Adviser reviews were poor. They've been wrong before. Going in two weeks.

Maybe TA was talking about The Inn @ Keltic Lodge. It's very bad!

What did they say about Keltic?

So, mid June?

Cheticamp is great place to stay on night 1. Sometimes live music in the local pubs. I've heard good things about Pilot Whale Cabins.
Day 2, near the start of the Cabot Trail is the Skyline hiking trail. If you are lucky and have clear skies, don't miss this hike...the look-off is stunning and worth the walk.
Day 2 night you could stay in either Ingonish or Baddeck. I like Ingonish b/c then you have more time for the hike and just stopping and checking out all the look-offs along the way. I've stayed at Glenghorum Resort and liked it.
Tip- if u do stay in Ingonish and it's a clear day, then be sure to continue south and go over Smokey Mountain that evening. Amazing view that is lost if you wait until the next day and the fog rolls in.
Inverary Inn is nice in Baddeck. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum is quite impressive.
Enjoy!

As is standard for Cape Breton, Baddeck makes for a good spot to stay both nights... SO THAT if you awaken to FOG on the first morning, you can head toward Sydney or thereabouts, and then you can do the Cabot Trail the next day, ideally under clear skies.

It's about 3 hours from Baddeck to Truro, so you won't exactly be under the gun unLESS the dreadful FOG causes you to go to the Cabot Trail on that second day.

I would do Baddeck and Cheticamp. That gives you time to hike and take your time.

We loved these cottages (and B&B) in Ingonish http://www.lanternhillandhollow.com/home.htm. There is a beautiful hike close to the Keltic Lodge which you can also take without staying there (which I recommend). Anyway take a drink at the Keltic Lodge after hiking the trail near sunset.