Stately-Style Inn with Gourmet Dining and Onsite Spa

Three centuries ago, merchants and politicians frequented a Cape Cod inn and its lively tavern; in fact, Senator Daniel Webster occupied a room there for much of the 1800s. In a tribute to him, the property is now called The Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa. It nods to its colonial-era roots with regal cherry-wood furnishings, period decor, and a tavern inspired by the original. The inn is positioned in what Fodor's calls an "ideal in-town location"—on Main Street in Sandwich, Cape Cod's oldest town.

A vintage black carriage heralds the entrance to the inn. The building’s bold crimson façade recalls the red brick of colonial-era statehouses. Old-fashioned street lamps light cobblestone paths in the gardens. Inside, you can unwind at Beach Plum Spa & Med-Spa with services such as a cranberry-infused pedicure ($55) or an organic facial ($99).

The inn's restaurant serves hearty, colonial-inspired dishes with a gourmet twist. That includes flambéed lamb steak, lobster-crusted haddock and slow-roasted, house-aged prime rib for dinner. The breakfast menu offers french toast drenched in banana maple butter ($9.50) and a breakfast quesadilla ($10) made with organic, cage-free eggs. You can dine before a crackling fireplace to tinkling piano music in the Music Room. The old-fashioned tavern serves lighter fare and locally sourced entrees; the wine selection here earned the tavern an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.

Upstairs, the individually designed deluxe rooms are decorated with elegant touches such as antique four-poster mahogany beds and deep-purple walls.

Sandwich, Massachusetts: Glass Blowing, Historic Gristmill, and a Scenic Boardwalk in Cape Cod's Oldest City

Founded in 1637, Sandwich is Cape Cod’s oldest city and embodies the old-fashioned spirit of the area. You can watch artisans blow glass at the Sandwich Glass Museum; sometimes, they’ll let spectators try their hands at the art. The museum's permanent collection boasts about 5,000 pieces that date back to the 1800s. It's easy to see why National Geographic ranked Sandwich's wooden boardwalk among the Top 10 U.S. Boardwalks. Its planks, worn by the wind, are etched with whimsical quotes, inspirational phrases, and the names of local residents. Catch the Dan'l's plank during the walk which extends some 1,000 feet into Cape Cod Bay. Be sure to bring a camera; the views are picturesque. Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.