Question - things to do in area of Hyannis

I%26#39;ll be staying with someone in Hyannis May 25-29, and am really short on time to do the kind of touring planning I usually manage. I%26#39;ll probably be able to access a car for at least 2 of those days for tourist stuff..... what should I see? I%26#39;ve never been in that area before. I%26#39;d enjoy doing a few things that would give me the most sense of ';being there.'; I did read about the Pilgrim Monument and that sounds perfect - something that would give me a literal overview, will be memorable.... I%26#39;m mid-fifties, and able to walk/climb... ANY help will be most appreciated. Thanks.

Question - things to do in area of Hyannis

Right in Hyannis there are a couple of things to see: the JFK Hyannis museum and going on the Harbor Cruise that takes you by the Kennedy compound is worth seeing the pretty harbor. Hyannis is built up however so to see the way Cape Cod used to be head out to Chatham and the Cape Cod National Seashore.

If you%26#39;re interestd in learning about the Pilgrims recommend that you visit Plimouth plantation (old spelling has the %26#39;i%26#39; instead of %26#39;y%26#39;) in Plymouth Mass. They have costumed guides showing how life was like then.

tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g41773-d19…

The Plymouth Rock disappoints many visitors as it is small in a sunken monument (to protect it) that you view from above and people just expect much more of it. But it is worth a quick walk around the waterfront of Plymouth. In Plymouth you can also visit the Jenny Grist Mill. Kind of intersting if they have someone demonstrating how the mill works. They have some free parking near the Grist mill.

tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g41773-d20…

Going to Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket island are popular also and Hyannis has Hy Line Cruises that goes to Marth%26#39;s Vineyard.

You might consider a visit to Newport RI. It would be an intersting day trip if you have seen your fill of Cape Cod.

Question - things to do in area of Hyannis

BRILLIANT help, thanks!!!

If you%26#39;ve time for a couple fine-tuning questions....

How far is the drive to Chatham?

If I take the ferry to Martha%26#39;s Vineyard and Nantucket, is this doable by foot? Is this a foot-traffic kind of trip or do I need to ferry a car over?

THANKS!

Driving time from Hyannis to Chatham -- perhaps someone can chime in? I guess if taking Rt 6 and not during peak driving time (Thu or Friday afternoon to evening when people are coming down to the Cape is the worst traffic), I want to say 30 mins (about 20 miles).

Martha%26#39;s Vineyard has a bus system that you can use to get around or you can also rent bikes on either island:

http://www.vineyardtransit.com/Pages/index

Nantucket also has a bus (I am not familiar with it though):

www.shuttlenantucket.com/routes/index.html

That%26#39;s enormously helpful, thanks. Don%26#39;t need anything further than the ballpark driving time you offer. And appreciate the info on non-car transport ava. If there%26#39;s anything I can offer as far as touring info for Berkeley, CA or Vancouver, BC - let me know! Appreciate!

vanberk glad I could be of help! I%26#39;d love to visit Vancouver again (only stopped there a day after an Alaskan cruise), great Chinatown and a lovely park overlooking the city is what I remember of the place. Thanks - I%26#39;ll keep you in mind for advice if I end up going there.

So one more quick thing you could do in Hyannis --%26#39;kind of touristy%26#39; and tops would take about 30 mins -- is to visit the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory. You can look through some glass windows and see the chips being made then you get some free sample bags to take home (it%26#39;s a self guided tour). Best part about it is it is free (and getting the chips of course!):

capecodchips.com/visitors/factoryhours.aspx

The first two days of your trip will include Memorial Day weekend. So you might want to stick closer to ';home'; those days. The JFK Museum is a must in Hyannis. Plan your car trips to avoid the Monday-return-to-mainland traffic crush. Definitely take the hi-speed ferry for a day trip to Nantucket (be aware that return trip could be crowded if you go on Monday). Forget going to Newport, RI and Plymouth. Stay on the Cape. Go seal-watching off of Chatham or whale watching off of Provincetown. Provincetown%26#39;s expansive high dunes are always something to see in a sand-worthy jeep with Art%26#39;s Dune Tours and the town has endless art galleries. On the way, follow picturesque Route 6-A in North Truro, where you%26#39;ll see some sights that might be familiar from Edward Hopper%26#39;s paintings. There are beatiful lighthouses all around and you might enjoy just toodling up and down the Cape%26#39;s roads that are redolent with pine smells, exploring ocean and bay beaches and historic sights, in your car. The Audubon Society%26#39;s refuge in Wellfleet is also highly recommended and unforgettable. And by all means, eat lobster.

Taking the fast ferry to Nantucket will cost you 71.00 round trip. A lot of money for a day trip. Nantucket is beautiful. You will do okay there with no vehicle. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. They have a shuttle to get you around the island and then there are the taxis.

Have fun and enjoy your stay here in New England.

No need for a vehicle on Nantucket Island. THe streets are cobblestoned so you have to wear comfortable shoes.

Another Nantucket ';splurge';: You can rent Jeep Wranglers on the island and do a bit of exploring! This isn%26#39;t cheap, but it%26#39;s fun. I%26#39;d advise staying away from the motorized ';bikes'; also available there...somebody gets hurt on them every year.

Thanks to all for input. Much appreciated. It%26#39;s frustrating to not be able to take even an hour to research as I usually do! Thanks.