Ugh. So by the time I reached Hvar I realized a made a major mistake. The way to see Croatia is not taking buses up the coast. It's you show up here with a group of friends and you rent a boat. So while Hvar as a day trip from Split is ok, it's not Hvar as a boat cruise along the Dalmatian Coast awesome. Hvar is the island - lots to explore - but when you come here as a day trip from Split, you are likely staying confined and walking around the town of Stari Grad.
An hour ferry ride from Split is the island of Hvar. There are several towns on the island although the namesake village is the most developed. A short walk from the pier leads to a large square with a church at the far end. The Hvar village follows a similar pattern as the other Croatian Old Towns - narrow boutique lined walkways lead to cafe decked squares. It's impossible to resist the lure of a comfortable chair and ordering an espresso or cappuccino.

Hvar village ascends steeply uphill with a fortress along the top ridge. There seemed to be a few local residents although the island seems to cater to day trippers and overnight visitors. There are a few beaches although with a full day it seems that there are a few other islands and inland hikes that could occupy time between coffee breaks.
It's frustrating visiting here because you realize you should have taken a boat cruise and shown up in style.
Prices are noticeably cheaper than Dubrovnik and the signature dish, Octopus Salad, is better than any meal I had earlier in the trip, although as I recall not anything to write home about. From what I remember about Croatia is that the food is kind of...eh. The last ferry left at 7:45 and starting to grow wearing of tourist driven Old Towns I was prepared to return to Split.
Ha, complaining about getting tired of Old Towns like this. But yeah, you kind of do. I'm a snob.
For additional photos see FLICKR ALBUM.