Hotel at a Glance: Baymont by Wyndham North Dartmouth

Nestled in North Dartmouth, this hotel places guests near a variety of sought-after attractions, including Buttonwood Park Zoo and Battleship Cove, which features the largest collection of US naval ships.

• Spacious guest rooms come equipped with flat screen high-definition TVs, sitting areas, and mini fridges.
• Start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast featuring muffins, waffles, and bagels.
• Take advantage of amenities including complimentary tea and coffee.
• Day trip: Visit Demarest Lloyd State Park or Horseneck Beach State Reservation, both about a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Dartmouth, Massachusetts: Colonial Town on the Atlantic Coast

In 1652, the town of Dartmouth was sold to English settlers for 10 shillings, eight pairs of shoes, an iron pot, and an assortment of other goods. It was quite a deal, considering the town's location on Buzzards Bay has since helped it blossom into a popular spot for vacationers exploring the Atlantic coast. There's also a strong academic presence, since Dartmouth is home to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Downtown, you can get brunch at mom-and-pop cafés or eat housemade ice cream at a 1930s shop that's shaped like an old-fashioned milk can. The Dartmouth Mall offers a change of pace with designer shops and popular restaurants.

Head east to check out New Bedford, considered the best-known whaling town in the United States. The town helped inspire Herman Melville to write Moby-Dick after he boarded a whaling ship that left from the port. You can hear the famous sea tale read aloud at the Moby-Dick Marathon, held annually at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The museum also houses an extensive collection of whaling logbooks, historical photographs, and one of the largest model ships in the world.