Weekapaug and Martha's Vineyard - how long each place?
 

Hi,
We are going up to Rhode Island and MV in August (I know it's busy season, can't be helped). We have 7 nights and I'm trying to split them between Weekapaug Inn and Martha's Vineyard (the Harborside Inn). I'm thinking 3 nights in Weekapaug and 4 nights in MV, mostly because it seems like there is more to do in MV and it's a cheaper hotel room. Just curious if there's a case to do the opposite and stay longer at Weekapaug. The beach, boats and towns of Weekapaug and Watch Hill are appealing as well but I'm having a harder time picturing how we'll spend our time if we were there 4 nights.

We have a 2 year old, so we'll be tied down a little with naps; it's not like we'll be able to go around town or sit at the beach all day. For instance, we spent 4 days in Carmel, CA last year which most people thought was too long, but we needed that much time to see and do what most people without a toddler could do in fewer days.

Thanks in advance for any quick thoughts!

Will you be bringing a vehicle to the vineyard? can you get car reservations on the ferry or will you be accomadating a 2 year old to naps/ vs/ public shuttles?

Weekapaug is mostly private homes and a nice beach. We have spent time there with our family and a great time but in your case, staying in hotels with a toddler, I would split 3/4 with Martha's Vineyard as there is more to do on MV. He car/ ferry question above is important.

My intent was to ditch the car before MV. Everything I've read seems to indicate it's a hassle to have a car on the island. Note that we don't feel the need to explore every inch of the island. Part of my hotel decision was based on the fact we could walk to Edgartown for meals etc.
Am I missing something or thinking about this the wrong way?

I own a house near the Weekapaug Inn, and use a stretch of beach adjacent to theirs (which is just the Weekapaug Town Beach. The Inn is luxurious and a nice getaway, but note that it in a residential area. It is an area of great natural, although subtle, beauty. The ocean can be rough (the salt pond is always calm). For us, it's about sailing, fishing, kayaking, clamming, crabbing and broiling on the beach. Good birdwatching too.

Nearby are the attractions of Mystic (Aquarium and Seaport, small artsy town), Stonington Borough (historic houses), maybe Westerly classic New England mill town and Watch Hill, spiffy resort town with the usual shops, ice cream etc -- oh and an old carousel with claim to be the oldest in the area.

I am less familiar with Martha's Vineyard but believe you would find Edgartown an attractive small town with a good variety of restaurants and shops. You can get to the beach easily, too.

I would recommend that unless the outdoor activities I mentioned in the beginning seem like something you'd enjoy that you spend the larger portion of your time on MV.

MV is amazing in the summer. spend as much time as you can there. You don't need a car but if you can rent one it will be a lot better especially with a child.