Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard...or Both! One day trip.
 

Day trip advice please.
We are staying in Hyannis and want to go to the islands. The dilemma is that we have one day, and two islands. Do we attempt to go to both to get a little taste of each, or just spend time on one of the islands? We considered just Nantucket and renting bikes for the day, but I've heard great things about MV as well! .............................................HELP!

My daughter is turning 21 the weekend before and wants to go to a wine tasting. So, that is one must. I am a photographer and would like the most photography ops. There just looks like there is so much to do and not enough time. Any suggestions?

Not sure about wine tasting. I do believe Nantucket would be your best bet, though. Superb photo ops--there's nothing else quite like it!

Whatever you decide, check the details about ferry transporation. We stayed in S Yarmouth last September and needed to allow an hour just to get to the remote parking areas for the ferry and shuttle buses. We went to MV and called ahead to hire a private van tour for one hour. That was a nice quick overview. I never checked to see about ferries between the two islands.

Depending on where you are staying in Hyannis, you may be able to walk to the Nantucket ferries (Steamship or Hyline); if not, it will be cheaper to take a taxi than to park for the day.

When you get off the ferries in Nantucket, you are right in the middle of everything: historic town, beaches, food, and shopping are all right there, again, whichever ferry you take.

There are two hour bus tours that cover the high spots of the island, you could take a Gail's Tour (google her) or you can rent bikes right on the wharves.

Martha's Vineyard is much larger, and there are three towns to get to, plus Gay Head and Menemsha. And you have to get to Falmouth and park in the remote lot in time to catch the bus to the Vineyard ferry.

You can do parts of both in one day by flying between the two and then back to Hyannis, but it is difficult to do by boat.

Pick one island and enjoy. Whichever island you choose: You can rent a jeep wrangler on ACK, not sure about M.V. but there are car rentals on the Vineyard too.

Cape Cod is not known for its wine.

There is wine made on Nantucket, but I think it is terrible. The same people make beers and ales which are fabulous and rum, bourbon, and scotch, all of which are fabulous. Cisco Brewery, near Bartlett's Farm, off Hummock Pond Road. You could bike out there. Bring a sandwich and buy one at Bartlett's, and you can do tasting flights.

Where is this idea of wine tasting coming from? You either need a food/wine festival or to visit a decent vineyard. To my knowledge, neither island has any decent vineyards. There was a wine festival in May on Nantucket. http://www.nantucketchamber.org/visitor/events.html Nantucket is loaded with great restaurants though with excellent wine lists.

Perhaps the name of the island itself was the inspiration? It is Martha's Vineyard, afterall.

Both islands, and much of seasonal Cape Cod, are known for gin and tonics or vodka and soda. ;)