Cape Cod, Etc.

[K_and_I]

We're planning a trip to Cape Cod in early to mid October this year. I think I have the Cape part mostly planned out, thanks to suggestions here, but have a few questions about the "Ect" part of the trip. My DW and I would like to do a day trip to Nantucket and another day trip to Martha's Vineyard while we are in the area. It seems doable, but I'd like a little advice from those who live there or have experience. I'm thinking of staying mid-Cape, so the passenger ferry out of Hyannis seems most reasonable. We're thinking of using the bus system on both islands to get around. Does this seem like a reasonable plan? We are both mid-60's in age and can get around reasonably well, but don't want to over do it either. I welcome all suggestions.
TIA

[mdcamping]

vermilye wrote:

mdcamping wrote:
Sorry to hijack this helpful thread, we plan to be up in Eastham after labor Day weekend. Plan on doing 2 separate day trips. Seems the best valve for ferrys would be HyLine ferries to Nantucket and Island Queen to Martha's Vineyard? Plan on taking our trek road bikes.

Mike

Best value, as long as the bay is flat or you don't get seasick. The Hy-Line boats are smaller than most of those run by the Seaamship Authority. Cheaper (although not all that much) but "bouncer".

Sounds like we will keep an eye on the weather and of course pack the Dramamine. Thanks for the advice.

Mike

[vermilye]

mdcamping wrote:
Sorry to hijack this helpful thread, we plan to be up in Eastham after labor Day weekend. Plan on doing 2 separate day trips. Seems the best valve for ferrys would be HyLine ferries to Nantucket and Island Queen to Martha's Vineyard? Plan on taking our trek road bikes.

Mike

Best value, as long as the bay is flat or you don't get seasick. The Hy-Line boats are smaller than most of those run by the Seaamship Authority. Cheaper (although not all that much) but "bouncer".

[mdcamping]

Sorry to hijack this helpful thread, we plan to be up in Eastham after labor Day weekend. Plan on doing 2 separate day trips. Seems the best valve for ferrys would be HyLine ferries to Nantucket and Island Queen to Martha's Vineyard? Plan on taking our trek road bikes.

Mike

[vermilye]

mbopp wrote:
We've done the slow and fast ferries. The slow one beats you up even in a calm sea, our 2nd trip was on the fast ferry - quicker, and a smoother ride.

If you are describing the HyLine ferries, I'd agree, but the smoothest ferries are the Steamship Authority car ferries such as the Eagle & Nantucket. Passenger prices are OK, but if you want to take your vehicle, you are looking at $450.00 round trip!

My brother lives on Nantucket, and I've been many, many times, and the only time I felt a bit queasy was on the car less HyLine ferry.

[K_and_I]

This is the kind of information I was looking for. During the off season, will car rentals be reasonably priced?

[Lantley]

Rangerman40 wrote:
We stayed at Nickerson State Park when we went to the Cape, and rented a car when we went to Martha's Vineyard. Not sure I'd want to wait on busses all day.

We take the Falmouth ferry to Oak Bluffs and rent a car there to tour the island.
As mentioned too much to do and see to lose time waiting on buses.

[Rangerman40]

We stayed at Nickerson State Park when we went to the Cape, and rented a car when we went to Martha's Vineyard. Not sure I'd want to wait on busses all day.

[mbopp]

We've done the slow and fast ferries. The slow one beats you up even in a calm sea, our 2nd trip was on the fast ferry - quicker, and a smoother ride.

[K_and_I]

Thanks for the replies. I had not seen the Island Queen option. They are quite a bit less expensive then the Hyannis based ferry. Their website shows the schedule to Oct 8, 2018, but not beyond. Do they cease operations then? We may be there the following week, not sure yet.
When we go the the east coast, we always try as many chowders as we can. I can't get enough

[jplante4]

When we have out of town guests that want to do the Vineyard, we normally do the Island Queen out of Falmouth to Oak Bluffs. Plenty to do in OB - tour the tabernacle camp ginger bread houses, ride the oldest merry-go-round - you really don't have to go anywhere else. But Edgartown is close enough to do both in a day and catch a ferry back.

For the Rock, I'd definitely spend the extra few bucks on the fast ferry. 1 hour dock to dock. The Whaling Museum is excellent and there's great food everywhere. The Rose and Crown pub downtown has excellent chowder.

[midnightsadie]

been to MV nice area and used the VW taxis, BUT that was 42years ago, still married .

[mbopp]

We've stayed at Sweetwater Forest in Brewster a few times & liked it. Never made it to Martha's Vinyard but we've done the ferry to Nantucket & just walked around. You can also rent bicycles, we've never done the bus. I consider the whaling museum on Nantucket better than the NPS one in New Bedford.

Take your bikes, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is nice.