Cape Cod - Which itinerary should I choose?
Oct 23rd, 2006 | 01:14 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2006
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Cape Cod - Which itinerary should I choose?
Hi all! I have another question for the Cape Cod “aficionados”.
As some of you know, we are planning a trip to the Cape next year. Since I won’t get to see much fall foliage, our travel dates may change to the week after Labor Day.
My original itinerary consists of visiting Newport for a day and then heading to the Cape for a 5-day stay. From the Cape, we would take day trips to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Ptown and then catch a glimpse of Boston on our departure.
While speaking to someone who visits the Cape and Rhode Island each year, they suggested we spend an entire day [and night] in Newport. Catch the ferry from Quonset, RI to MV and spend 2 days on the Vineyard. Catch the ferry from MV to Nantucket and spend 2 days in Nantucket. Finally, catch the ferry to the Cape and spend our last 2 days visiting the National Seashore, Ptown, Chatham, etc.
Being that this is our first trip to the Cape, which itinerary would you recommend? I know the 2nd itinerary sounds like a lot of packing and unpacking -but I would hate for that to be the only deterrent. Our main interests are learning and exploring, not “beaching it.”
As always, thanks!
;-)
As some of you know, we are planning a trip to the Cape next year. Since I won’t get to see much fall foliage, our travel dates may change to the week after Labor Day.
My original itinerary consists of visiting Newport for a day and then heading to the Cape for a 5-day stay. From the Cape, we would take day trips to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Ptown and then catch a glimpse of Boston on our departure.
While speaking to someone who visits the Cape and Rhode Island each year, they suggested we spend an entire day [and night] in Newport. Catch the ferry from Quonset, RI to MV and spend 2 days on the Vineyard. Catch the ferry from MV to Nantucket and spend 2 days in Nantucket. Finally, catch the ferry to the Cape and spend our last 2 days visiting the National Seashore, Ptown, Chatham, etc.
Being that this is our first trip to the Cape, which itinerary would you recommend? I know the 2nd itinerary sounds like a lot of packing and unpacking -but I would hate for that to be the only deterrent. Our main interests are learning and exploring, not “beaching it.”
As always, thanks!
;-)
Oct 23rd, 2006 | 01:45 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 954
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I compliment your choice of a September visit to the Cape and Newport. But you do know that you won't see any "fall foliage" unless you like green 
Our peak season is just ending now (we were on the Cape yesterday).
But September is a great time to be on the Cape as the weather is usually still warm (in the 70s for highs) and it's a bit less crowded.
The itinerary you suggest sounds fine although I personally would spend more time on the Cape and would forego Nantucket. But to each his own in that department--you'll get MV lovers and Nantucket lovers here. But all are interesting and Nantucket does have the whaling museum (although the one in New Bedford is better).
Our peak season is just ending now (we were on the Cape yesterday). But September is a great time to be on the Cape as the weather is usually still warm (in the 70s for highs) and it's a bit less crowded.
The itinerary you suggest sounds fine although I personally would spend more time on the Cape and would forego Nantucket. But to each his own in that department--you'll get MV lovers and Nantucket lovers here. But all are interesting and Nantucket does have the whaling museum (although the one in New Bedford is better).
Oct 23rd, 2006 | 01:54 PM
#3
Joined: Oct 2005
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There is much to see and do in Newport, and a full day and one night is a leisurely way to see at least some key things that interest you.
Hard to help you decide without some questions:
are you driving? If so, I don't believe the Quonset Ferry carries cars, which means you 'd have a car sitting in their lot that you'd have to go back to get and then drive to Boston...and how would you explore the Cape area without your car ?
Also, do you want a car on the islands or are you going to rent a car/jeep for a day while there or take the public transport buses to get to various places on the islands? or bicycle? moped? tours?
What interests you on each island - they each have their own unique things to offer ; lighthouse tours on Nantucket, the towns of the vineyard (Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Chilmark/Aquinnah) all with different offerings -
If you haven't, you should search for threads here on nantucket and MV and try to choose what it is you would want to do on each island and how you would do it.
Here is an old thread, but still timely info on the vineyard
http://tinyurl.com/jvpkz
there are many threads here on MV or nantucket, and choosing between the two which might help you decide.
You could easily spend all your days on one island, the two islands or on the Cape, so it is hard to help you choose without knowing what it is that interests you : hiking, biking, museums, shops, not 'beaching it' but walking /short hikes to beaches?
lighthouses?
I think you would be better to do your day and overnight in Newport, and drive to the Cape - you would then have your car for a few stops along the way to your final destination (perhaps hyannis, falmouth?) and do a day trip to one of the islands and an overnight perhaps to the other; the latter being the one you decide has more to see that interests you.
The weather should be nice, but if you are on the Cape, at least you can choose the 'better day' for your ferry day trip, if you decide to do an overnight on one of the islands, that you would have to reserve lodging for ahead of time.
Then, you have your car still on the Cape for the ride to Boston, can stop if you like at Plymouth, and head straight into town.
It is neither easy or inexpensive to bring your car even on the ferry that does accomodate cars, as reservations need to be made well in advance even for the week after Labor day -
I also am not sure of the frequency of the ferries between MV and Nantucket, so you'd have to check that should you decide to ferry between the two.
Hard to help you decide without some questions:
are you driving? If so, I don't believe the Quonset Ferry carries cars, which means you 'd have a car sitting in their lot that you'd have to go back to get and then drive to Boston...and how would you explore the Cape area without your car ?
Also, do you want a car on the islands or are you going to rent a car/jeep for a day while there or take the public transport buses to get to various places on the islands? or bicycle? moped? tours?
What interests you on each island - they each have their own unique things to offer ; lighthouse tours on Nantucket, the towns of the vineyard (Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Chilmark/Aquinnah) all with different offerings -
If you haven't, you should search for threads here on nantucket and MV and try to choose what it is you would want to do on each island and how you would do it.
Here is an old thread, but still timely info on the vineyard
http://tinyurl.com/jvpkz
there are many threads here on MV or nantucket, and choosing between the two which might help you decide.
You could easily spend all your days on one island, the two islands or on the Cape, so it is hard to help you choose without knowing what it is that interests you : hiking, biking, museums, shops, not 'beaching it' but walking /short hikes to beaches?
lighthouses?
I think you would be better to do your day and overnight in Newport, and drive to the Cape - you would then have your car for a few stops along the way to your final destination (perhaps hyannis, falmouth?) and do a day trip to one of the islands and an overnight perhaps to the other; the latter being the one you decide has more to see that interests you.
The weather should be nice, but if you are on the Cape, at least you can choose the 'better day' for your ferry day trip, if you decide to do an overnight on one of the islands, that you would have to reserve lodging for ahead of time.
Then, you have your car still on the Cape for the ride to Boston, can stop if you like at Plymouth, and head straight into town.
It is neither easy or inexpensive to bring your car even on the ferry that does accomodate cars, as reservations need to be made well in advance even for the week after Labor day -
I also am not sure of the frequency of the ferries between MV and Nantucket, so you'd have to check that should you decide to ferry between the two.
Oct 24th, 2006 | 04:36 AM
#4
Joined: Oct 2004
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I vote for the first option.
If you've never been there, the Cape itself will be just as charming and interesting as MV and N -- and you'll spend much less time in transit. Indeed the Cape has more variety of landscape.
The islands are very nice, but not worth the extra trouble/ferry time if it is your first visit, IMHO.
Oct 24th, 2006 | 06:55 AM
#5
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,528
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I have to say from the ouset that I am not a big fan of the Cape. Spent plenty of time there as a kid and loved it but as an adult the traffic, crowded beaches underwhelmed me. So to me, the second itinerary that has you spending more time on Nantucket (which I love) and MV and in Newport (another favorite) makes sense.
Oct 24th, 2006 | 07:24 AM
#6
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 895
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Fun to read what others think about this subject!
As a "step-on Guide" for the Cape this summer, let me just say you will definitely need a car. There are so many diffenent destinations on the Cap I would opt for at least a three day visit, in Sept. I would forego the Vineyard save for a day trip on the ferry. Unless you are staying there for a time, I do not feel it holds a lot for you to do, though a visit to the Capeground (and you must walk through, no tours allowed) is fun, as is the cottage museum. I would do a two day Nantucket, as I feel itis a bit more compact, and fun for the tourist.
Now, that does leave a problem with Newport!! A gresat destination, in my opinion, and worth at least two days!
As a "step-on Guide" for the Cape this summer, let me just say you will definitely need a car. There are so many diffenent destinations on the Cap I would opt for at least a three day visit, in Sept. I would forego the Vineyard save for a day trip on the ferry. Unless you are staying there for a time, I do not feel it holds a lot for you to do, though a visit to the Capeground (and you must walk through, no tours allowed) is fun, as is the cottage museum. I would do a two day Nantucket, as I feel itis a bit more compact, and fun for the tourist.
Now, that does leave a problem with Newport!! A gresat destination, in my opinion, and worth at least two days!
Oct 24th, 2006 | 07:48 AM
#7
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,145
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You picked a lovely time of year to hit the Cape and Newport. Kids are gone and the weather is fine.
Your trip seems somewhat doable although, perhaps rushed. It would help us if you gave a bit more info. on your likes, budget and if/where your flying in and out.
Going on what I have seen so far, I'd suggest:
* 2 days Newport
ferry or fly to
* 2 days Nantucket or Marthas
Vineyard
(too much running to do both)
ferry and then rent car or bus from Hyannis
or if flying fly straight to Chatham
* 1 day Chatham
car or bus (breeze shuttle)
* 2 days Provincetown
ferry or fly to Boston
depart
good luck!
Your trip seems somewhat doable although, perhaps rushed. It would help us if you gave a bit more info. on your likes, budget and if/where your flying in and out.
Going on what I have seen so far, I'd suggest:
* 2 days Newport
ferry or fly to
* 2 days Nantucket or Marthas
Vineyard
(too much running to do both)
ferry and then rent car or bus from Hyannis
or if flying fly straight to Chatham
* 1 day Chatham
car or bus (breeze shuttle)
* 2 days Provincetown
ferry or fly to Boston
depart
good luck!
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Oct 24th, 2006 | 08:51 AM
#9
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 895
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Patti4- Woods Hole is a charming village in the town of Falmouth. It is essentially a "Oceanographic"village, as the Oceanographic Institute comprises over 200 acres, and consists of several different divisions. To tour the Insititute is enjoyable, though you need to get on their site and see what is available to a non-marine biologist.
Other than that, and a small drawbridge and good restaurant by the drawbridge, Woods Hole is primarily the drop off point for people taking the ferry to the Vineyard, and home to the many scientists associated with the Institute.There is a bike path to Falmouth downtown, where there will be much more activity in April, and a bus, that will also take you there.
Dress warmly- it will bwe chilly in April
Other than that, and a small drawbridge and good restaurant by the drawbridge, Woods Hole is primarily the drop off point for people taking the ferry to the Vineyard, and home to the many scientists associated with the Institute.There is a bike path to Falmouth downtown, where there will be much more activity in April, and a bus, that will also take you there.
Dress warmly- it will bwe chilly in April
Oct 24th, 2006 | 09:21 AM
#10
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2006
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Hello everyone and thanks for responding!
On my previous posted (Motion of the Ocean), I learned that despite my Oct. 1st date we wouldn't be seeing much fall foliage during our trip. So, when they suggested we instead spend 2 days on each, mid-September came to find for a two reasons: 1) Ferry schedules have more options in early/mid September; and, 2) Better weather.
As for transportation, we will be renting a car in Newport as well as the Cape, but would not be bringing it to the islands. Depending on our final itinerary, we'll either return the rental prior ferry travel or simply parked at the port in the event of day trip.
As for our interests... gosh, I think that would truly depend on what the islands have to offer. Our itineraries for Newport and Cape Cod are set. However, our itinerary for MV and Nantucket is up in the air.
That being said, would I be correct in stating that most of you are suggesting we focus more on Nantucket than MV?
I know there are a lot of folks who love Nantucket more than the Vineyard... but can anyone tell me why? I've heard Nantucket is more "touristy," but I don't know what that means.
On my previous posted (Motion of the Ocean), I learned that despite my Oct. 1st date we wouldn't be seeing much fall foliage during our trip. So, when they suggested we instead spend 2 days on each, mid-September came to find for a two reasons: 1) Ferry schedules have more options in early/mid September; and, 2) Better weather.
As for transportation, we will be renting a car in Newport as well as the Cape, but would not be bringing it to the islands. Depending on our final itinerary, we'll either return the rental prior ferry travel or simply parked at the port in the event of day trip.
As for our interests... gosh, I think that would truly depend on what the islands have to offer. Our itineraries for Newport and Cape Cod are set. However, our itinerary for MV and Nantucket is up in the air.
That being said, would I be correct in stating that most of you are suggesting we focus more on Nantucket than MV?
I know there are a lot of folks who love Nantucket more than the Vineyard... but can anyone tell me why? I've heard Nantucket is more "touristy," but I don't know what that means.
Oct 24th, 2006 | 09:32 AM
#12
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 488
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escargot is right - what is the car situation? You will need a car to do the lower cape, and there is no ferry from Nantucket back to Quonset if you leave your car there. I think the inter island ferry is passenger only, so no car to get you from the Vineyard over to Nantucket. I think Nantucket may be a bit far for a day trip, too, and I would respectfully disagree with capecodshanty's (and I usually like his/her posts!) about MV not being a great destination in September - I think it the best time to go! You will have plenty to do on the Vineyard in September and could easily occupy 4 days there (depending on what you like to do), rather than try to cram in Nantucket, too. Just my $.02!
Oct 24th, 2006 | 09:39 AM
#13
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 11,759
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I think she meant "Campground". It is on MV and is the Campmeeting Assoc. www.mvcma.org . It is a non-profit religious group from the early 1800's. There are a lot of amazing gingerbread cottages. In August they have "Illumination Night" and the porches are hung with paper lanterns. It's quite a sight to see.
Oct 24th, 2006 | 10:41 AM
#14
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
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The campground on MV began in the 1800's as a Methodist camp ground/religious meetings and over time small 'gingerbread' cottages were built on the tent lots. It's a wonderful experience to walk thru - last I knew they did have tours, and also you could book private tours. Don't know what happens to the schedule after Labor Day, but the number I have in my MV book is 508 693 9595
People are often split on MV vs. Nantucket depending on personal preference, things to do, etc. We spend time on both islands each summer, but most of August on MV.
To say one is more touristy than another I don't agree with -
The Oak Bluffs section of MV which is one of hte ferry landings is touristy (aside from the campgrounds) - it has the old merry go round, circuit ave with stores, bars and restaurants, and the beach/marina -
but other sections of MV are not at all touristy and quite remote, secluded and lovely up towards Chilmark, Aquinnah, Menemsha area, out on Chappy, the Mytoi Gardens, beaches and at many of the other secluded areas for hiking/beaches.
Like Nantucket, you can stay on "Main St" in Edgartown on MV or on Main St in Nantucket and have it feel touristy, but once you get out of that area on either island you can see the true beauty of each.
We happen to like MV for the different 'towns' and areas which each have their own flavor - Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, Menemsha, Aquinnah, Chappaquidick, etc.
the link I gave you in previous post will give you a good idea of what you can do on MV and several web links to check out to see what interests you, even though the title refers to hiking on MV.
To enjoy MV or Nantujcket at your own pace I prefer having a car- unless you are a bicycle rider or like mopeds . Both islands offer good bus tour possibilities to get to the lighthouses or up island and you can mix that up with taking public buses which both have.
I think you should spend some time on sites like mv.com and nantucket.net and see what is on each island and that might help you decide if you want day trips or an overnight at either.
So by your interests, I would say for each island, what is it you hope to see and do?
shopping?
lighthouses?
light hikes to secluded beaches, not for beaching it but for views?
eating only in restaurants or are you the type that would enjoy a sunset and bottle of wine/seafood out at say, Menemsha on MV?
A possible day on MV, although a full day, that we have done when having 'short stay guests'-
Oak Bluffs: you could do in 1-2 hours- walk Circuit Ave, see the old carousel, walk through the campgrounds and then rent a car: drive the shore road around one of the lighthouses and on over the bridge to
Vineyard Haven (unnles you want to hit the shops along their Main St, which are few)
and along the coastline and back out to the main road up island stopping at Menemsha, and Chilmark and any/all of the antique stores, galleries, Polly Hill Arboretum, glass gallery with glass blowing, etc - and on to Aquinnah with the red clay cliffs, have a bite at the restaurant overlooking them, the lighthouse and islands,
take a walk on Gay Head beach or drive back down and over to Edgartown and take the On Time Ferry (small, holds about 2 cars at at time and is about a 1 minute ride across to Chappaquidick) - see the Mytoi Gardens, drive around Chappy, stop and walk out to one of the beaches or lagoons. In Edgartown, walk the Main Street shops, walk thru a few side streets to see the old historic homes, have a drink overlooking the harbor, -or dinner and take the last ferry back - or spend the night if you want to break this into two days and add more or have a more leisurely pace.
if interested, you could add to this the vineyard tour or a few other places to drive, or more time to get out and walk/hike.
You might not do all ofthis in a day, perhaps the arboretum or walking on beaches doesn't interest you, etc.
You can do the same on Nantucket: by car or tour or the public bus, stopping at lighthouses, having lunch out at Siasconset or Madaket, walking thru the side streets of Main St to see historical homes and the whaling museum, walk along the boat basin and the shops on the wharf area, etc.
This is why it would be easier to help you decide if a 2 day trip to one island would be better for you if you said - we don't want to shop, we don't want to even walk out to beaches, we don't hike/walk at all through paths in woods to get to secluded rocky beaches or vista points, we do like vineyards, historic homes, museums, etc.
That would help people help you decide.
Much of what you would see on the island you can also see on the Cape: historic homes, quaint villages, glass blowing, museums, antique and art galleries, good restaurants, beaches, - shops, etc.
I think if you are going to do Nantucket or MV you should choose one and do an overnight OR just a day trip.
If you want just a day trip, with no car rental, either island offers you tours -
if you are not interested in tours - or hopping on and off public buses to get to other areas other than where the ferry drops you - and if you want to do it on foot -
then I would choose Nantucket because I think the Main Street/harbor/boat basin/side streets/shops/restaurants/museum/one of the lighthouses - which you could all do by foot - will give you a taste of the island and can fill a leisurely day without you running around and I would choose that over spending any longer than 2 hours in Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven on MV.
We love both islands, but to really get a flavor and enjoy all they have to offer, I think you need more time, and I would hate to see you judge MV only on a visit to Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven.
this was long, hope it made sense and helps some.
People are often split on MV vs. Nantucket depending on personal preference, things to do, etc. We spend time on both islands each summer, but most of August on MV.
To say one is more touristy than another I don't agree with -
The Oak Bluffs section of MV which is one of hte ferry landings is touristy (aside from the campgrounds) - it has the old merry go round, circuit ave with stores, bars and restaurants, and the beach/marina -
but other sections of MV are not at all touristy and quite remote, secluded and lovely up towards Chilmark, Aquinnah, Menemsha area, out on Chappy, the Mytoi Gardens, beaches and at many of the other secluded areas for hiking/beaches.
Like Nantucket, you can stay on "Main St" in Edgartown on MV or on Main St in Nantucket and have it feel touristy, but once you get out of that area on either island you can see the true beauty of each.
We happen to like MV for the different 'towns' and areas which each have their own flavor - Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, Menemsha, Aquinnah, Chappaquidick, etc.
the link I gave you in previous post will give you a good idea of what you can do on MV and several web links to check out to see what interests you, even though the title refers to hiking on MV.
To enjoy MV or Nantujcket at your own pace I prefer having a car- unless you are a bicycle rider or like mopeds . Both islands offer good bus tour possibilities to get to the lighthouses or up island and you can mix that up with taking public buses which both have.
I think you should spend some time on sites like mv.com and nantucket.net and see what is on each island and that might help you decide if you want day trips or an overnight at either.
So by your interests, I would say for each island, what is it you hope to see and do?
shopping?
lighthouses?
light hikes to secluded beaches, not for beaching it but for views?
eating only in restaurants or are you the type that would enjoy a sunset and bottle of wine/seafood out at say, Menemsha on MV?
A possible day on MV, although a full day, that we have done when having 'short stay guests'-
Oak Bluffs: you could do in 1-2 hours- walk Circuit Ave, see the old carousel, walk through the campgrounds and then rent a car: drive the shore road around one of the lighthouses and on over the bridge to
Vineyard Haven (unnles you want to hit the shops along their Main St, which are few)
and along the coastline and back out to the main road up island stopping at Menemsha, and Chilmark and any/all of the antique stores, galleries, Polly Hill Arboretum, glass gallery with glass blowing, etc - and on to Aquinnah with the red clay cliffs, have a bite at the restaurant overlooking them, the lighthouse and islands,
take a walk on Gay Head beach or drive back down and over to Edgartown and take the On Time Ferry (small, holds about 2 cars at at time and is about a 1 minute ride across to Chappaquidick) - see the Mytoi Gardens, drive around Chappy, stop and walk out to one of the beaches or lagoons. In Edgartown, walk the Main Street shops, walk thru a few side streets to see the old historic homes, have a drink overlooking the harbor, -or dinner and take the last ferry back - or spend the night if you want to break this into two days and add more or have a more leisurely pace.
if interested, you could add to this the vineyard tour or a few other places to drive, or more time to get out and walk/hike.
You might not do all ofthis in a day, perhaps the arboretum or walking on beaches doesn't interest you, etc.
You can do the same on Nantucket: by car or tour or the public bus, stopping at lighthouses, having lunch out at Siasconset or Madaket, walking thru the side streets of Main St to see historical homes and the whaling museum, walk along the boat basin and the shops on the wharf area, etc.
This is why it would be easier to help you decide if a 2 day trip to one island would be better for you if you said - we don't want to shop, we don't want to even walk out to beaches, we don't hike/walk at all through paths in woods to get to secluded rocky beaches or vista points, we do like vineyards, historic homes, museums, etc.
That would help people help you decide.
Much of what you would see on the island you can also see on the Cape: historic homes, quaint villages, glass blowing, museums, antique and art galleries, good restaurants, beaches, - shops, etc.
I think if you are going to do Nantucket or MV you should choose one and do an overnight OR just a day trip.
If you want just a day trip, with no car rental, either island offers you tours -
if you are not interested in tours - or hopping on and off public buses to get to other areas other than where the ferry drops you - and if you want to do it on foot -
then I would choose Nantucket because I think the Main Street/harbor/boat basin/side streets/shops/restaurants/museum/one of the lighthouses - which you could all do by foot - will give you a taste of the island and can fill a leisurely day without you running around and I would choose that over spending any longer than 2 hours in Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven on MV.
We love both islands, but to really get a flavor and enjoy all they have to offer, I think you need more time, and I would hate to see you judge MV only on a visit to Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven.
this was long, hope it made sense and helps some.
Oct 24th, 2006 | 11:51 AM
#15
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Argh… this is the second time I’ve seem to have lost my post!
There is such a wealth of information on this site that I have “copied and pasted” many urls’ and suggestions from previous posts and all my searches on MV, Nantucket, Cape, Cod and Newport.
My concern(s) stems from the fact that we only have 7 days and nights. Obviously, not enough time to truly enjoy the Cape and all that it has to offer. Since we cannot extend our travel time, I’m thinking –something’s gotta give!
I know Newport is gorgeous, but should I scrap that portion of the trip and focus solely on the Cape? It would add one full day to our itinerary.
Escargot, minus kayaking, long hikes and sunbathing, we love everything else! Your “full day” suggestion truly sounds like the crème de la crème of MV. The hikes and walks to secluded beaches, driving through the towns, a lighthouse tour or two, a little bit of shopping, seeing historic homes, visiting a museum… All this in 2 days --can you feel my pain?!
Renting a car on MV or Nantucket would not be a problem for us. I think the hardest part will be convincing my husband to pack and unpack so many times!
There is such a wealth of information on this site that I have “copied and pasted” many urls’ and suggestions from previous posts and all my searches on MV, Nantucket, Cape, Cod and Newport.
My concern(s) stems from the fact that we only have 7 days and nights. Obviously, not enough time to truly enjoy the Cape and all that it has to offer. Since we cannot extend our travel time, I’m thinking –something’s gotta give!
I know Newport is gorgeous, but should I scrap that portion of the trip and focus solely on the Cape? It would add one full day to our itinerary.
Escargot, minus kayaking, long hikes and sunbathing, we love everything else! Your “full day” suggestion truly sounds like the crème de la crème of MV. The hikes and walks to secluded beaches, driving through the towns, a lighthouse tour or two, a little bit of shopping, seeing historic homes, visiting a museum… All this in 2 days --can you feel my pain?!
Renting a car on MV or Nantucket would not be a problem for us. I think the hardest part will be convincing my husband to pack and unpack so many times!
Oct 24th, 2006 | 12:33 PM
#16
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
I feel your pain - August isn't enough time for me on the vineyard....
Don't know how far you are coming from, or if this is a 'one time trip' and you can never return?
You can skip Newport if the attractions there are not as important to you as the ones on the Cape and Islands.
In Newport in 1 day or overnight, you would, I assume, likely do:
A mansion tour: (check the web and take a look; see if a must see for you is a tour of the Elms, Rosecliff, Marble House, or any other mansion
The Ocean Drive (past mansions, ocean views, Castle Hill, etc)
Perhaps the Int'l Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellevue Ave and some shopping there
Thames/America's Cup Avenue: their 'main street' with shops, shops and more shops and shops all along the wharfs (Banister, Bowens, etc)
An island boat tour? Adirondack II, etc.
I love Newport, the restaurants, shops, mansions, the view from Castle Hill, etc - but if you would rather spend more time on Cape/Islands and an overnight say on MV, then it is up to you if you want to skip it entirely or on your way to the Cape (coming from where???) - do a 'drive through" and do the historical drive on Ocean Drive - I think in your other link I gave you the web page for this ten mile drive - it's oceandrivenewport.com
and then keep going on your way -
then you can settle in on the Cape for three days and go to MV for two.
On MV, you could enjoy the sunset lighthouse tour out at Chappaquidick and dinner in Edgartown or the sunset out at Menemsha Bite or at zillions of other restaurants/places.
Don't know how far you are coming from, or if this is a 'one time trip' and you can never return?
You can skip Newport if the attractions there are not as important to you as the ones on the Cape and Islands.
In Newport in 1 day or overnight, you would, I assume, likely do:
A mansion tour: (check the web and take a look; see if a must see for you is a tour of the Elms, Rosecliff, Marble House, or any other mansion
The Ocean Drive (past mansions, ocean views, Castle Hill, etc)
Perhaps the Int'l Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellevue Ave and some shopping there
Thames/America's Cup Avenue: their 'main street' with shops, shops and more shops and shops all along the wharfs (Banister, Bowens, etc)
An island boat tour? Adirondack II, etc.
I love Newport, the restaurants, shops, mansions, the view from Castle Hill, etc - but if you would rather spend more time on Cape/Islands and an overnight say on MV, then it is up to you if you want to skip it entirely or on your way to the Cape (coming from where???) - do a 'drive through" and do the historical drive on Ocean Drive - I think in your other link I gave you the web page for this ten mile drive - it's oceandrivenewport.com
and then keep going on your way -
then you can settle in on the Cape for three days and go to MV for two.
On MV, you could enjoy the sunset lighthouse tour out at Chappaquidick and dinner in Edgartown or the sunset out at Menemsha Bite or at zillions of other restaurants/places.
Oct 25th, 2006 | 06:33 AM
#19
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 100
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Airport destination will depend on our final itinerary. If we decided to include Newport, then we'll fly into Providence. Otherwise, we'll chose Logan. (Both destinations are accessible from South Florida.)
Hy-Line Cruises offers a ferry from RI to MV. They also have an "inter-island" ferry from MV to Nantucket. However, this year's schedule for the inter-island ferry ended the Sunday after Labor Day. If the same were to apply to their 2007 schedule, then it wouldn't coordinate with our travel date to Nantucket.
If the inter-island ferry is not an option, then we'll take the ferry from MV to Hyannis and check into our B&B in S. Yarmouth for the reminder of our stay. From the Cape, we could take a day trip to Nantucket and possibily stay overnight. (Yes, we would be paying for 2 hotels room for the night --but, I have a feeling it would be worth it.
On a side note, I'm a huge fan of historical fiction books and thus love romantic historical locations. I also enjoy architecture, quaint villages and anything by the ocean.
;-)
Hy-Line Cruises offers a ferry from RI to MV. They also have an "inter-island" ferry from MV to Nantucket. However, this year's schedule for the inter-island ferry ended the Sunday after Labor Day. If the same were to apply to their 2007 schedule, then it wouldn't coordinate with our travel date to Nantucket.
If the inter-island ferry is not an option, then we'll take the ferry from MV to Hyannis and check into our B&B in S. Yarmouth for the reminder of our stay. From the Cape, we could take a day trip to Nantucket and possibily stay overnight. (Yes, we would be paying for 2 hotels room for the night --but, I have a feeling it would be worth it.
On a side note, I'm a huge fan of historical fiction books and thus love romantic historical locations. I also enjoy architecture, quaint villages and anything by the ocean.
;-)
