Dog walking in Dartmouth

Nonquitt

Nonquitt is a small neighborhood in Dartmouth that has plenty of beach access, but unless you know one of the 527 permanent residents and they have access to a private beach, their beaches are not pet-friendly.  However, you can choose from a multitude of AirBnBs that allow pets, and some of these do have beach access so you and Fido can frolic in the waves, but remember to follow beach dog etiquette.  This means try to keep him from chasing birds, clean up after his potties, and avoid letting him play with wildlife.  Above all else, follow safety rules for dogs and beaches -- always practice safety first!

Apponagansett

Another small, family-friendly neighborhood in Dartmouth is Apponagansett.  Here, you will find the Apponagansett Park, which is not pet-friendly, but the nature trails that surround it are, and they are full of wildlife and beauty.  You can also find the nearby Lloyd Center for the Environment, a nonprofit organization that seeks to educate and instill a love of nature in people.  If you go after 3:00 pm, you can bring your fur friends and enjoy the 82-acre nature preserve in all of its natural glory.  The trails are clearly marked, but make sure Fido is treated for ticks and watch out for those nasty buggers!

Bliss Corner

A small little two square mile town with about 5,000 people in it, Bliss Corner is a quaint, often overlooked neighborhood in Dartmouth. Although it is little, it is home to Red Trail Hiking Trail, a two-mile trail that boasts two boardwalks overlooking salt marshes. There is also a suspension bridge, so leashes are advised if you bring your favorite furry friends so they stay safe!   If that makes you think twice, there is also the Blue Trail Hiking Trail, which is a two-mile loop that passes the scenic old farmhouse foundation. Pack lots of water and keep those tick treatments up-to-date as well.

Smith Mills

The little town of Smith Mills is a neighborhood in Dartmouth located right on the coast.  In fact, part of the town is made up of water!  While there are twelve acres of trails here, that land is owned by the Smith Mills Friends, and there is no public access.  However, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll with Fido and check out the beautiful landscape surrounding you as well as the well-maintained historic and modern homes.  Smith Mills has a large number of residences that were built somewhere in the years of 1940 to 1969, and a walk through this neighborhood is always refreshing.

Padanaram

Padanaram is a little 150-acre coastal village in Dartmouth that is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Villages and has made the papers, dubbed by the Boston Globe as the place "where life slows down."  Visiting this village is an opportunity to explore and enjoy the scenic streets and old historic district, where you can feel like you have stepped back in the past while you buy Fido treats and souvenirs. After you've had your fill of re-tail therapy, take a stroll along the scenic Apponagansett Bay. Be sure you and Fido are attached at the leash while you peruse this charming little town that lies along Buzzard's Bay near Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.