do a search here - there are many threads on "nantucket" and "nantucker or martha's vineyard, which to choose" type - you will get lots of info as this 'choice' has been discussed many times

Winkz40....You did not mention where on Cape Cod you entend to stay so I will assume that you chan choose any part that interests you. In that case....All of the things you love to do are availble on the outer Cape in the Cape Cod National Seashore which starts in Eastham and covers the outer cape to Provincetown. We love both MV and Nantucket but there is nothing there, outside of the main Nantucket town, that you can not readily find on the outer cape. Sunrises over the Ocean, sunsets over Cape Cod Bay, long walks on secluded beaches, great live theater with several choices every night, fabulous dining, romantic accommodations, art galleries galore, boutique shopping, lighthouse and historic house tours, museums, whalewatching, seal tours, guided walks or self-guided walks through Red Maple Swamp, Fort Hill, Great Island etc. The main difference is the price (lower on Cape Cod) variety of things to do (greater on Cape Cod) and accessability (easier on Cape Cod). My advice is to stay in Eastham on Cape Cod where you will be 45 minutes form the bridge, 20 minutes from Chatham, 25 minutes from Provincetown, 2 minutes from Orleans, 10 minutes from Wellfleet etc. and then take the fast ferry out of Harwichport to Nantucket for a full day of sightseeing. I doubt that you will be able to get a reservation on Nantucket for less than 2 nights so unless you want to spend several nights there, you will be better off just ding a day trip. My all time favorite place to stay is Fort Hill B+B in the National Seashore with views to the ocean and wonderful history that goes back to the Native Americans and first settlers. But there are many choices depending on what you are looking for.

Yellowbyrd, we're leaning towards Captain Farris on S. Yarmouth (mid-cape), but are keeping our options open at this point. Thanks for the suggestion of Fort Hill! Will place it on my list.

I've researched this board, Frommer's and have purchased two guide books (per your recommendations on other threads as well as escargot's).

Here's question for you [collectively speaking]: Are there any any open air festivals, music concerts, open air theater productions after Labor Day on the Cape?

Harwich's Cranberry Festival is in September (After Labor Day)

Winkz40:
here are several links that list fairs, festivals, agricultural fairs and street fairs in Mass. that will help you see what is available during your trip. It's also a good idea to 'google' each town or (ie; 'harwich, ma" and the hometown web pages usually have specific links to more local, town oriented smaller street fairs and festivals that may not make it to the larger links.

Also, when you arrive wherever you choose, go to the local corner store and pick up the local small paper - sometimes some of the nicest, quaint 'fairs' are at local churches and schools in Mass.

festivals.com
festivalnet.com
http://tinyurl.com/yxcrm2
http://tinyurl.com/dbsvg

sorry, I forgot one of the good street festival sites
http://tinyurl.com/y2dd7s

another good book I used to have but lent to someone, so I am not sure of the name, but it was HIdden New England or Hidden Gems of New England - you might see if it is at your library or local bookstore.

The Cranberry Festival? That sounds like a blast!

Thanks for the links Escargot! Got them copied and pasted on my worksheet! I'll check to see if I can get a hold of the book you mentioned. I have a library 2 blocks away from where I work!

Thanks again, everyone!!!

;-)

You mention you are a fan of Historical Fiction. Have you read Cape Cod, by William Martin- great book that follows a family from the founding of several Cape towns to the present- and A Widows War, by Brewster native Sally Gunning, a story, taken from a Historical Society document of a sea captains widow,during the time in MA. when women had no rights of their own, but all property belonged to their husband. Great read!

Eastham has Windmil Weekend annually the first weekend after Labor Day. The weekend is a community festival, a fair and a family party all rolled into one. It is a continuous string of events held on Windmill Green and various locations around town. Activities include a sand art competion, road races, band concerts, an arts and crafts show and square dancing. Interspersed with hometown entertainment are performances by professional dancers, comedians and musicians. There is a parade on Sunday.

The Wellfeet Harbors Actors Theater (www.what.org) and the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans as well as the Provincetown Theater are all open for business during the fall. September is a very popular month on the cape so don't be surprised to find everything open with many more choices than you can possibly see in the short time you will be visiting. If you want to de-stress a bit I suggest you spend most of your time figuring out where you will stay and then go day by day once you get to the cape to decide what you want to do. Much will depend on the weather so I wouldn't plan too much this far in advance!

Thanks for the book recommendations, Capecodshanty! I'll place them on my Christmas wish list.

Yellowbyrd, I have also copied and pasted your festivals suggestions and will be looking into them.

Will also have a few "rainy day alternatives" on my schedule!

;-)