The Wellfleet oyster festival the weekend after Columbus Day is great fun, this year on October 15 and 16.

That's a great suggestion, I am thinking of staying around mid Cape, Chatham or Yarmouthport for a couple of nights then go over to Nantucket and stay overnight then return to Boston. Has anyone stayed on Nantucket and can recommend a lovely place to stay? Also can you park your car overnight somewhere near the ferry dock and collect it the next day?

There's a parking lot right at the ferry docks. Should the lot be full, the attendant will direct you to the nearest lot with space. A free shuttle runs around the lots should yours be too far to walk or drag your bags. Obviously, you must allow time for parking. There are many places to stay within walking distance of the ferry docks, some nicer than others, that will allow you to leave your car no charge for one or more nights (you do have to let them know which vehicle is yours).

Unless you want to do some serious driving around on the Cape AND visit Nantucket, you may want to consider just flying from Boston to Nantucket and back. Airfare may offset cost of rental car.

Frankly, I'd fly to Nantucket and spend your time there, as it's definitely one of the most attractive and scenic of places anywhere. Seashores are seashores...

There are strict zoning laws in Nantucket, so it's like a step back in time - no franchises, no tacky anything. And, it's chock full of charm and amazing dining. You could taxi or bicycle out to Sconset for a day and have dinner at the Summer House (check to be sure they're open).

Both Yarmouthport and Chatham are nice choices, with a very different feel to each:

- The "main drag" in Yarmouthport is smaller and quieter. Also, it's on the Bay side of the Cape, which is distinct from the Sound side - though the differences matter most in summer because the Sound side is much better for beach bathing etc. In Yarmouthport, Inaho gets good reviews if you like sushi; my family always liked Jack's Outback for a casual meal. Hallet's store is an institution, though from their website it's difficult to tell how late into the fall they're open (hallets.com).

- The advantage that Chatham has in the off-season is precisely what makes it more annoying in full season: the central part of town is much busier, with a number of restaurants, bars and entertainment. The Impudent Oyster has been a family favorite for decades; Chatham Bars Inn is a lovely place for a drink or for brunch even if you're not staying there; The Squire is the neighborhood watering hole and restaurant where all the locals go.

Well I must differ with djkbooks who says "Seashores are seashores..." Not so! The outer Cape from Eastham to Provincetown has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country! (I would say the world but that's just my opinion!)

Consider staying in Eastham, the first town on the outer cape since it will take about the same amount of time to get to the ferry in Hyannis as it would if you stayed in Chatham but will put you closer to towns like Orleans, Wellfleet and Provincetown with all that they have to offer in the slower season. Another advantage of staying further out on the cape is the more natural surroundings, due to the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the variety of pristine, broad ocean beaches as well as Cape Cod Bay beaches. We do love Nantucket, but it is a small town that is easily seen in a day. If the weather is less than perfect you will be without a car on a small island.