I'll be in Boston and would like to visit one of the islands. Which one would be best to see that would have quaint shops, for the wife and some water to look at?
Martha's Vineyard? Nantucket? Cape Cod?

What mode of transporation can one use (limited budget) and how long does it take to get there?

Thank you very much.

First, to clear up some possible confusion. Cape Cod is not an island, it is a cape, connected to the mainland by two main highways. To get to "The Cape," you need only drive a car there. Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are two islands off The Cape, and are often considered part of the area (although I'm sure the islanders would disagree).

For budget travellers, taking the ferry boats to these islands is your only real option. Check out www.masscot.com/lomwu for info on ferries.

All of these areas have villages with quaint shops and LOTS of water. The key is NOT going on a weekend during the summer, when everyplace is jammed. Even during the "off" season, weekends can get a bit crowded.

Some good URL's for info are
www.allcapecod.com
www.capecodconnection.com/capecod/capfram.htm

Technically, Cape Cod is an island, as it is separated from the "mainland" by a canal (although it was man made). Anyway, either Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket are lovely destinations - both are quaint and full of wonderful shops. As mentioned above, the most economical way to arrive at either is by ferry. It's about 45 minutes to MV and almost 3 hours to Nantucket. I, personally, would not describe the "Cape" in general as a good shopping destination - too many "souvenir" shops, but there are some quaint ones here and there. If what you seek is water views and quaint shops, you may wish to consider Portsmouth (NH), Salem, Newburyport or Rockport, all of which are beautiful seaport towns north of Boston and under an hour away.

Where is Hyannis? Can I get there by car from Boston and if so, approx. how many miles are we talking about? Trip quest told me 71 miles.

Thank you again.

Hyannis is located mid-Cape on the southern edge. Not my idea of a good shopping destination (there's a mall there, though). It's also where you catch the ferry to Nantucket. Distance of 71 miles is about right.

Would suggest going farther North up the Cape to Wellfleet (Approx. 1.5-2 hrs from Boston by car Rt6). Some cute shops and the bayside is gorgeous. Quick 10min drive to the other side and the ocean. "Marconi" is a National Seashore beach and is well worth the trip. At the tip of the Cape is Provincetown which has tons of shops and the evenings can get quite "colorful". Lots of neat beaches up there too. Definitely go to Wellfleet if you like oysters. Enjoy!