New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts. It is situated on the Acushnet River and the South Coast region. It was once the territory of the Wampanoag Native Americans. Now it is a major port city and is home to several historic sites. Listed below are some places to visit in New Bedford.
Seaport Cultural District
If you love art and culture, New Bedford is the place for you. New Bedford is home to several art galleries and theatres that promote the local art scene. In fact, Richard Florida named New Bedford as the seventh most artistic city in the country, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to experience the city’s rich cultural scene.
The HarborWalk, which is perfect for a romantic evening stroll, and the CoveWalk, located on the western peninsula, are also worth checking out. While you’re here, you can also take a tour of Cuttyhunk Island with the Cuttyhunk Ferry Company.
The Whaling Museum is another must-see while you’re in New Bedford. This museum features hundreds of thousands of artifacts and tells the story of New Bedford’s whaling history. The museum also features complete whale skeletons of four different species. New Bedford also has the largest ship model in the world, called the Lagoda.
The Seaport Cultural District is the heart of the city’s creative scene. This historic waterfront neighborhood is home to 49 cultural attractions and 29 creative economy businesses. With arts, culture, and history at its heart, the Seaport is an ideal destination for travelers to the Southcoast.
Those with a passion for food will find no shortage of dining options in the Seaport Cultural District. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, and you can even visit Portuguese specialty shops. The Seaport Cultural District is also home to some great shopping, including souvenir shops.
While New Bedford’s waterfront is packed with tourists and locals, it’s also home to several historical attractions. In the nineteenth century, the city was the whaling capital of the world. Today, you can learn about its rich culture, history, and natural attractions. New Bedford has been nicknamed “The Whaling City” due to its role in the whaling industry.
East Beach
There are a lot of great places to go in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the city’s beaches are no exception. The city’s East Beach is a popular destination, with its wide sandy stretch and breathtaking views of Buzzards Bay and the Butler Flats Lighthouse. It is a great spot for swimming or simply enjoying the sunshine.
New Bedford is also home to many fine dining establishments. The restaurants here specialize in seafood and feature local ingredients. There are also microbreweries and urban wineries to try. The food in these places will be something for everyone, regardless of their budget or taste. With a variety of ethnic cuisines and many different restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to find a place that suits your taste.
New Bedford’s Portuguese heritage is evident in its restaurants. Churrascaria Novo Mundo and Antonio’s Restaurant are Portuguese staples. You can also check out the Portuguese cuisine at Tia Maria’s European Cafe and Inner Bay Cafe & Grille. The Portuguese culture is also present in the city’s architecture. Portuguese restaurants offer old-world seafood dishes, tender rotisserie chicken, and flame-grilled steaks.
Visitors can enjoy the city’s waterfront from two points: Clarks Point and East Beach. Clarks Point Beach is a popular summer destination with clear water and lifeguards. The scenic views of Buzzards Bay and Clarks Cove are breathtaking. The waterfront area is also connected to Fort Taber Park and the Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail.
New Bedford also has a vibrant cultural scene, with several theatres, museums, and arts venues. The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, also known as the “Z,” is home to the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and New Bedford Festival Theatre. This historic landmark is also home to the New Bedford Folk Festival.
Rotch-Jones-Duff House
The Rotch-Jones-Duff house and garden museum is a wonderful place to spend the day, especially if you’re visiting the area with your family. The home and gardens of three different families were shaped by the societal trends of the times. The museum also offers educational programs to schoolchildren.
The house was originally built in 1834 and was home to three prominent New Bedford whaling families. Now a museum, it occupies a city block within the County Street Historic District. In 1983, the Waterfront Historic Area League purchased the historic property and reopened it as a museum. In 2005, it was designated a national historic landmark.
Seamen’s Bethel
Located on Johnny Cake Hill, Seamen’s Bethel is a historic chapel that was founded by the men of the seafaring community of New Bedford. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city and has been in operation since 1695. It is a beautiful and enchanting place to visit, especially if you love history.
The Seamen’s Bethel in New Bethel is one of New Bedford’s most famous historical sites. In 1851, Herman Melville wrote the novel Moby Dick, and one of the scenes takes place at Seamen’s Bethel. The pulpit at the church was not present when Melville wrote the story, but it was added in 1956 after the movie Moby Dick was made. Today, the church is open Tuesday through Sunday, but its hours change on occasion.
Seamen’s Bethel is open to the public, and you can hold a wedding, christening, or memorial service at the chapel. Seamen’s Bethel is operated by the Port Society, and it is a public-private partnership that helps preserve the historic center of the city. Its mission is to honor and commemorate mariners from the past and present.
The Seamen’s Bethel is a large wood-framed building that was designed by local builders. The building is of the Greek Revival style, and bears little ornamentation. The front elevation has a gabled roof and a five-sided projecting center bay. It also features a modified Palladian window and paired rectangular windows on the second floor. Its hood molding is heavy but simple.
The Seamen’s Bethel is located in the city of New Bedford. Whalemen often attended the services before embarking on their voyages. In 1840, Herman Melville visited New Bedford and stayed there until January 3, 1841. He sat in the pew that’s located on the southeast corner.
Zeiterion
There are plenty of places to visit in New Bedford, Massachusetts, including the waterfront, the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, and the New Bedford Whaling National Park. The city’s waterfront area has many restaurants and shops, and you can walk the historic downtown streets. The historic downtown area is also home to a number of interesting museums, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
The Zeiterion Theater is one of the few remaining bastions of the town’s theatrical history. It is located at the corner of Spring and Purchase Streets. The space was once a blacksmith’s shop, where locals gathered for plays and other entertainment. Then, in 1862, Brownell & Ashley Carriages set up a factory. By 1920, the carriage business was owned by Stephen C. Lowe, who later turned it into an automobile company.
New Bedford’s Zeiterion is a cultural center and has been a fixture in the city for over a century. It has been the site of many events and concerts, and is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. It also offers year-round programming that caters to all tastes.
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Zeiterion theater is the place to go. The theater features performances by international and national artists. You’ll have an opportunity to watch some of the country’s most popular acts. Parking is easier and cheaper than in Boston, which is another reason to visit the Zeiterion.
While visiting the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford, make sure to wear a mask. The theater was originally built to be a vaudeville theatre. Its name was changed to reflect the change. The first performance was in 1923 and was titled the “Trouble of 1923.” It continued to host interesting shows, including ballets and plays.
