To all that think New Bedford is a sleepy little industrial town with a fishing history. It's an active fishing port with an artistic past and future. It's alive with local music and crafts.
In New Bedford, expect art to consist of the normal paintings and sculpture, pottery and ceramics but throw in Fabrics and textiles as well as furniture and crafts.
The biggest must-do here is the Whaling Museum read MobyDick (hmm, you mean you didn't do your summer reading! shame, it's a great story) then go take a tour of the facility. Walk down the road and get some fantastic Italian food at Balena or walk up the hill on Union to The Spicy Lime 522 Pleasant St. (508) 992-3330.
The last of the summer series AHA Saturdays will happen the 16th of September 206, Check out the site for events.
Otherwise there is the regular AHA schedule of self guided walking tours around the Downtown area
The upcoming AHA nights are;
- OCTOBER 12th Museum Night
- NOVEMBER 9th CHILL OUT
- DECEMBER 14th The JOY of Giving Art
There will even be a Chowder Festival ( say Chowda when your in New England)! September 17th 2006 at the Custom House Square, Downtown near the Whaling Museum. check out this piece on the
Chowder fest
The weekend of the 23rd/24th of September 2006 is the New Bedford,
Working Waterfront Festival. Lots of great things going on along the docks. Check out the site for more info and schedules for music and events.
While you are at the city, be sure to contact
Whaling City Expeditions for a boat tour of the harbor, it's the best way to see the waterfront; Up close and Personal
If your looking for Art to explore be sure to go to
New Bedford Open Studios and see what tours are going on
The
Artworks will be having waterfront art in the Gallery! Visit their link for details on all events scheduled.
Anyone who hasn't experienced New Bedford Portuguese food will enjoy the newest addition the the restaurant scene in the cities south end.
Adega Restaurant, opened by the Fialho families at the corner of Rivet and Bolton near Ashley park check out the review at
Coastin.
The
Zeiterion theater has released their great list of events for the upcoming theater season, Events of many famous, and yet to be famous acts are coming to the city. Everything from Ballet to children's events with laughs from comedians to please all are in the city. Take advantage of the venue!
For those of us who are more musically inclined (or challenged and looking to explore) then go to
SouthCoast247 for all the events including the many fantastic local musicians
There are many links and listings from the above mentioned listings that show all that happens in the city.
If your coming from afar, the best bets are Train from NYC to Providence and grab a rental car or shuttle. If your flying then you can go from providence T F Green airport (PVD) from anywhere and rent or shuttle to the city. either way it's about 45 minutes of easy driving
If you go into Boston Logan (BOS) then you can take a bus or rental the 1 1/4 ride south to the city, expect a hectic ride thru Boston around route 93
When you're in the city, it's a great launching point to go to the islands (read up on Elisabeth islands, Martha's vineyard, Nantucket and Cuttyhunk). Local guides offer daily boat rides to the island, simply a wonderful small island to walk or better, bring a bicycle!
