We are going to spend 2 days on Hvar and would like opinions as to which town would be best to stay. We like evening dining outdoors and people watching but not a lot of partying.

Depends on the month. In July-August, no doubt Stari Grad. Rest of the year, it's a toss-up, as it's just a short bus ride between them.

I thought Hvar more attractive but have heard it can get a bit crazy during the summer months. Stari Grad is also nice and quieter.

Hvar Town is party central in high season. Even in shoulder season 10 years ago, it was too much of a yacht parking lot for my tastes, but it is beautiful. Stari Grad -- the actual old town -- has been largely restored to its medieval appearance, and so doesn't have the architectural richness of Hvar Town. Note that Stari Grad has two main sections -- the actual old city, at the inland end of a long inlet, and a series of resorts on the coast.

For me, Stari Grad was a worthy destination in and of itself -- part of a UNESCO World Heritage protected area, it is the site of (and has ruins from) Faros, holds a wonderful Renaissance castle, and is in a lovely setting. I'm glad I stayed there rather than Hvar Town. To each his or her own!

The ferry trip from Split to Stari Grad takes 2 hours, and with 360 degree views from the Upper Deck is simply fantastic. Take the Catamaran to Hvar Town in half the time, but you'll be enclosed, and not have the wide vistas.