Planning a vacation can be so stressful. You have to plan where to go, pay for airfare, spend lots of time traveling, use up half your vacation days from work, and you usually need a vacation when you get home. If you are in New England you have probably been to all the main attractions. We know the hot spots and have been there a hundred times so it doesn’t feel like a vacation to us. Recently I was asked to go to New Bedford, Mass. so I decided I would hop in my car with a friend and we would go Day Tripping From CT To New Bedford, Mass.
Why New Bedford, Mass
A A city that has history around every corner, art for the creative soul, and something for everyone. A dynamic—cultural diversity, world-renowned feasts and festivals, beaches and boating, parks and playgrounds, great architecture, cobblestone streets and home to the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park.
Where To Stay
Fairfield Inn & Suites
185 MacArthur Dr., New Bedford ~ 774-634-2000
Seaport Inn and Marina
110 Middle St, Fairhaven ~ (866) 715-0006
Dining Options
Dinner at Cork Wine Bar and Tapas – Known for scallops and cooked to perfection. Cork Wine and Tapas is located in the heart of Historic Downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. When you pick up the menu, you can’t help but to rub it. True to the name, it’s made from soft cork. Upon opening it you will find creative cuisine, offering a dynamic menu which features both tapas & full entrees. The Cork menu includes the city’s specialty seafood dishes while also offering a wide range of options for both vegetarian and meat lovers alike. Located across the street from the pier, you can choose to sit inside or outside for a spectacular view.
90 Front St., New Bedford ~ 508-994-9463
corkwineandtapas.com
Spicy Lime – A hidden gem, this Thai cozy restaurant is sure to satisfy your taste. This was the day I fell in love with Thai.
522 Pleasant St., New Bedford ~ 508-992-3330
Lunch at Destination Soups – While touring the historic town have a soup and salad for lunch or maybe a grilled cheese. Don’t plan on leaving hungry or unsatisfied. The homemade food will fill your belly and the vibe is young, trendy and fun. You’ll want to check out the postcards and decor so don’t plan on a quick lunch.
141 Union St., New Bedford ` 508-991-7687
Freestone’s City Grille – Formerly the Citizen’s National Bank in 1877 this historic building still has a fireplace and mantle that takes up a whole wall. A family atmosphere but don’t shy away if you’d like a romantic dinner for two. The menu is a book and there’s something for everyone. You might even have a hard time choosing between the toms of options! Leave room for dessert!
41 William St., New Bedford ~ 508-993-7477
freestonescitygrill.com
Waterfront Grille – You will want a glass of wine or champagne as you enjoy your front row seat overlooking the harbor. Your mouth will water as you read the premier seafood choices on the menu, including the surf and turf. It will be hard but try to save room for dessert.
36 Homer’s Wharf, New Bedford ~ 508-997-7010
waterfrontgrille.com
Dinner at Tia Maria’s – You’re going to family for dinner! You will most likely meet the family and learn something about the culture. If you can’t pronounce it, no problem, they will help you. Specializing in authentic Portuguese cuisine, pastries, homemade desserts, organic coffee, espresso, cappuccinos and more!
Ask about the rooster!
42 N. Water St., New Bedford ~ 508-993-8900
https://www.facebook.com/TiaMariasEuropeanCafe
Activities
New Bedford Whaling National Park – Take a stroll through the park and take in the history
33 William St., New Bedford
Tour of The Whaling Museum – This isn’t just a museum on whaling but also has so many hidden treasures of history. Plan on spending a couple hours here because time will go by quick as yo get enthralled in the information. There are volunteers to answer your questions and their stories will amaze you.
18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford ~ 508-997-0046 X139
whalingmuseum.org
Beaches and Fort Taber (Civil War-era military fort)
East Beach, East Rodney French Blvd.
Fort Taber, 1000C S Rodney French Blvd.
FortTaber.org
Art Studio visit with Judith Klein – Using strong primary colors, Judith brings abstract to life in her wood cuts, linocuts, and monoprints.
127 West Rodney French Blvd. #31, New Bedford ~ 508-965-7396
JudithKleinArt.com
New Bedford Museum of Glass- After visiting this museum you will examine every piece of glass you had passed down from your mother or grandmother. The exclusive pieces they have from Tiffany will have you thinking about glass in a new way. The display glass from ancient to contemporary, with special emphasis on the city of New Bedford, MA
61 Wamsutta St., New Bedford ~ 508-984-1666
nbmog.org
Whaling City Expeditions- Come aboard and listen as the captain motors you through the harbor and tells you tales about the history this port holds while taking in the beautiful views and the working fishing boats today.
228 MacArthur Dr., New Bedford ~ 508-922-9046
WhalingCityExpeditions.com
Charles W. Morgan – Along this pier you will see working fishing boats and the hands on the boats are willing to answer questions
State Pier
Seaport Cultural District – As you stroll down the cobblestone streets it will take you back into time. Your camera will be pointed at the ground snapping pictures of the art work of the streets. When you look up you’ll admire the ornate nostalgic buildings
Arthur Moniz, 22 William St.
TL6, 100 William St.
Gallery X, 169 William St.
New Bedford Art Museum – Stroll through the Museum’s main Skylight Gallery engaging exhibitions of artwork from around the corner and across the ocean.
608 Pleasant St., New Bedford ~ 508-961-3072
NewBedfordArtMuseum.org
Travessia Winery – Stop in for tasting and sales Wednesday through Saturday from Noon to 6P.M. and Sunday from Noon to 5P.M.
760 Purchase St.
travessiawine.com
Boutiques – Take home a piece of nautical decor to remember your stay
Calico, 173 Union St.
Celia’s, 111 William St.
I totally love the glass and the food looks yummy!