The New Bedford Dog Park – Will it End as an Urban Myth?
by Elizabeth Cincotta
With 46.3 million households owning a dog in the U.S. this year, it’s no secret that people enjoy the companionship of “man’s best friend.” And that definitely applies to the city of New Bedford. One has only to drive by a local park or wander past a neighbor’s house to interact with a dog.
Living in the city with a dog can present its challenges though. For one thing, a number of New Bedford citizens live in multi-unit buildings or tenements. Living in an apartment usually means a lack of yard space for your dog to enjoy, and we all know that dogs need consistent exercise to remain healthy and happy. For that reason, an official dog park would be a welcome sight to many.
The battle for an official dog park in New Bedford, which makes so much sense to many, has been going on for over four years now. The city formed an official Dog Park Committee in 2008, but despite taking the initiative to form a committee, they’ve been unable to come to a consensus on where the dog park should be located.
While this committee was holding meetings and getting nowhere fast, local dog owners took to a state-owned lot on Hawthorn Street to exercise and socialize their dogs, which quickly became known as the city’s “unofficial dog park.” However, city officials took note of the use of this lot and began issuing tickets to people who were allowing their dogs off leash, a violation of a city ordinance.
The most recent development in the plight for a New Bedford dog park involves city officials reaching out to the Dartmouth Dog Advisory Work Group, or DDAWG. DDAWG is a non-profit organization, not a town committee, which successfully lobbied to use a 12-acre lot of the Dartmouth Regional Park and Trails complex located off Old Fall River Road for a Dartmouth dog park.
Though that project has come to a halt due a lack of funds, New Bedford officials feel that partnering with DDAWG would be beneficial because according to Ward 5 City Councilor Jane Gonsalves, a dog park committee member, “We don’t have as much land as Dartmouth does.” Ward 6 City Councilor Joe Lopes also noted that partnering with the Dartmouth group would divide the cost between the two cities. However, the last reported activity regarding this partnership initiative is that DDAWG refused an invitation to meet with the New Bedford Dog Park Committee in November.
While all of this has been going on, Fall River has managed to develop a city dog park located on Locust Street, complete with separate fenced-in areas for small and large-breed dogs. Their dog park successfully operates without any paid attendants or Animal Control enforcement. Dog owners are simply reminded to pick up after their dogs, and the consensus seems to be that it’s operating successfully.
In fact, the park is so popular that it has its own Facebook page, complete with photos and interaction between park-goers. The Fall River community became so involved with the dog park effort that funds were raised to purchase doggie play equipment and vocational school students were allowed to build metal benches, making the space even more inviting to dog owners far and wide.
Following the quandary of the New Bedford dog park reads more and more like a mystery novel. While well-running dog parks are popping up all over the country, New Bedford seems unable, or perhaps unmotivated to create a much-needed space for dogs and their owners.
It’s frustrating to see search results that say, “Sorry, there are no off-leash dog parks in New Bedford, MA,” when you run a Google search for “New Bedford dog park.” Why should New Bedford residents have to pack up their pets and drive to Fall River or other communities that have dog parks? With a little persistence and focus, I feel like New Bedford should be able to accomplish this. The countless dogs and dog owners that call this city home would be thankful.
Will the effort and time pay off, or will the New Bedford dog park end as an urban myth?
Elizabeth Cincotta is one of the co-founders of the Daily Dog Blog. Follow their Facebook page for updates. Leave her a comment here or contact her at Beth@dailydogblog.org.
My Favorite New Bedford Guide Articles of 2012
by Michael Silvia
New Bedford is an interesting place to live. The city is known for its whaling past and today it’s best know for having the top fishing port in America, especially when it comes to scallops. Do some “people watching” and you’ll see people walking around in pajama pants, cars racing down cobblestone roads, and other interesting happenings. Love or hate New Bedford, there is a lot to do, great places to eat and always something going on. I recently published NewBedfordGuide.com’s most popular articles based on internet traffic. I’ve also written dozens of articles in 2012 and here’s a list of my favorite ones.
The per capita income in Massachusetts is $33,460 compared to just $15,602 to $20,168 in New Bedford. However, the numbers change dramatically if you are one of the top wage earners working for the city of New Bedford. Per 2010 data, 52 city employees earn over $100,000 a year and over 103 of them earn over $90,000 a year or roughly six times more than the average worker in New Bedford.
There are nearly 100 registered sex offenders living in New Bedford, but only 3 in Fairhaven and 5 in Dartmouth. This article examines the policies of our state and city that seem to invite sex offenders to New Bedford.
The media wanted us to believe that the world was possibly coming to an end due to a misinterpretation (or misunderstanding) of the Maya calendar. I didn’t beleive it for a minute, but I had fun writing a bucket list for New Bedford residents. There really is a LOT to do in New Bedford and the list should be accomplished by all in 2013!
Let’s face it, if a zombie apocalypse occurs, most of us will be zombie food. If you found yourself on the list, don’t be angry. Do something to get yourself off the list or get bitten when the zombies strike!
If your New Year’s resolution is to live a healthier 2013, this article is a great starting point. Get the mercury out of your teeth and ensure that you are putting the right immunizations into your body. Mercury is a health hazard and should avoid putting it in your body or remove it from your teeth.
There are complainers and there are people that actively work for change in the community and city they live in. You do NOT have to be a politician to make a difference in New Bedford. This article explains the legislative process and asks for suggestions to exercise the process.
New Bedford consistently has twice the unemployment rate than the state of Massachusetts, but there really are a lot of jobs out there. In fact, there are typically over 2,000 jobs available on internet databases within 50 miles of New Bedford. This article details six resources to help find a job or new career.
Christopher Columbus was an interesting man. This article details 16 known and little known facts about the controversial man that spearheaded the European migration to America.
Cutting out at least some meat out of your diet can lead to a healthier lifestyle. This article points out five outstanding meatless meals in downtown New Bedford.
It’s no secret that the meter maids have become extremely aggressive in New Bedford the past few years. The City’s revenue from meter fees and tickets went from $276,380 in 2006 to nearly $2 million in 2012.
A Community Sustainable Agriculture, or CSA share is a great wait to ensure you eat lots of fruits and veggies. It’s also a great way to support your local farmers. This article details the CSA at Silverbrook Farm in Dartmouth.
New Bedford really does offer a lot of places to take a date on Valentine’s day. This article details 8 ways to ensure you have a great time with that special someone!
Best Places to Sled in Southcoast, Massachuetts
by Michael Silvia
The bad news for most is that it’s the coldest time of year. The good news is that we can now go skiing, snow boarding and of course sledding. We recently asked readers on our Facebook page to let us know the best places to go sledding in the southcoast, MA area. Here are the responses based on most popular with some notes. Please post a reply here with your favorites and any feedback. For example, if a places does NOT allow sledding let us know and we will note it here.
Potato Hill in Westport (4)
Status: Open for all
New Bedford Country Club Golf Course (3) – 585 Slocum Road
Status: Some report that the gold course does NOT allow sledding.
Clasky Common Park in New Bedford (2) – Purchase Street
Status: Open for all
Hill behind Wilks library, inside Brooklawn Park in New Bedford (2) – 1997 Acushnet Avenue
Status: Open for all
Whaling City Country Club (2) – 581 Hathaway Road
Status: Open for all
Kennedy Park in Fall River (2)
Status: Open for all.
Fort Tabor – South Rodney French Boulevard
Status: Open for all. Will have to pay for parking.
The old drive-in in Fairhaven
Status: Open for all.
Rochester behind the gas station on Route 18 across from Dunkin’ Donuts
Status: Open for all.
Sledding at the Westport Rivers Vineyard – 417 Hixbridge Road
Status: Open for all.
Across from the Freetown fire station
Status: Open for all.
Hill Street in Padanaram
Status: Open for all.
North Park (7 hills) in Fall River
Status: Open for all.
Behind the Dartmouth Middle School/Town Hall
Status: Open for all.
New Bedford Taxi Service Phone List
Here’s a list of taxi companies in New Bedford.
Bluebird Cab
1551 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 999-1124
Yellow Cab
987 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 999-5213
Checker Cab
271 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 999-4545
Star Taxi
121 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02746
(508) 996-3393
New Bedford Guide’s Top Articles of 2012
by Michael Silvia
2012 was an interesting year in New Bedford and Massachusetts. It was a presidential election year with three Massachusetts ballot questions and we got hit by Hurricane Sandy. New Bedford was rattled by a New Bedford police officer being stabbed and teen shot to death by police. We also got hit with some major construction on the New Bedford/Fairhaven bridge, Route 18 and Coggeshall Street. We covered these stories and many more, and our writers wrote some popular original articles. Here are the top 12 New Bedford Guide articles of 2012 determined by visitor traffic:
Anticipating Hurricane Sandy was a major event. Luckily, Massachusetts avoided the wrath of Sandy that hit New Jersey so hard. New Bedford Guide provided updates of City services, school closings and other important information for New Bedford residents. Our Hurricane Sandy Update and Services article was reaching 5,000+ New Bedford residents daily leading up to the storm!
There were three important Massachusetts ballot questions in the November 6th election. Two passed (legalizing medicinal Marijuana and availability if vehicle data) and one failed (assisted suicide). New Bedford Guide broke down each question without taking a political side.
Each year, the New Bedford Portuguese Feast is the biggest festival in the south coast of Massachusetts. Once again, we previewed the feast and provide useful survival information.
One of the toughest parts of planning a date is picking a great location for dinner or finding some fun entertainment. This article gives Greater New Bedford area residents some great date ideas!
The New Bedford Chowderfest has become a must attend event each year in downtown New Bedford. Dozens of restaurants serve up tasty chowders and other samples of food. This article provided full details of the events with tons of pictures.
Picking a great place to eat for an important date can be a daunting task. This article provides 5 romantic restaurants that should be considered for your net date!
The New Bedford unemployment rate is typically twice the state average. This article provided a list of places to find jobs in the Greater New Bedford area on the web.
New Bedford really has become a Mecca for events in the south coast Massachusetts area. This article lists all the must attend events with time, location and full details on each.
We really do spend a lot of money on things that feel important but are not really a necessity. Want to save $6,410 a year? Cut of these five items out of your life!
New Bedford Guide hosted several photo contests bringing in hundreds of great photographs from dozens of local photographers Our first contest was out most popular and this article detailed the rules. The result of the contest can be seen here. Contest photos from all our contests here:
I grew up in the late 1970s and have fond memories of Virginia Dare soda; the wooden crates they came in, the ability to pick, mix and match your flavors, the concept of returning the bottles so they could be re-used.
It was a BIG deal to me and my brother, Mike. Not being pigeon-holed into buying a case of soda of one flavor was pretty darn exciting. You mean, I could not only select a dozen flavors, but I could choose between Lemon-Lime, Strawberry, Cherry, Moxie or other flavors I’d never heard of until Virginia Dare? It was so good, I felt like I was doing something wrong when the new bottles arrived. At the moment I was to reach for my first bottle, I felt like I should confirm with my mom that I wasn’t punished for something.
Something about this entire idea put you in a good mood. My brother and I would grab our favorite flavor, debate about which ones were the best and this would always segue into unrelated conversation about who would win in a fight: Spiderman (his favorite) or Superman (my favorite.) Surely it was wasted conversation, as clearly Superman was superior. We would often head outside to spread envy throughout the neighborhood. Success was confirmed by wide-eyed looks and obvious salivation.
There may have even been times where we were suspicious of friends who uncharacteristically requested to head to our house to play. They were definitely trying to get at our Virginia Dare. We knew better though. When that wooden case was empty there may be hours, even horribly long days between replenishment. Not on this watch! Greed and conservation were the name of the game.
Kidding aside, I am sure there are a number of people who recall Virginia Dare that was supplied by the Rodman Club Beverage company on Nash Road. For those generations that came later and missed out on the whole experience, it will be difficult, perhaps impossible to convey it.
I always though Virginia Dare was distinctly New Bedford or Massachusetts. Finding out later that the company bottled in Worcester and was (and still is) based in Brooklyn, New York was a bit like finding out that Santa Claus wasn’t real. I felt kind of betrayed. What numbed the betrayal a bit was finding out that the company was incorporated in 1923 under the direction of chemist Bernard H. Smith, a native of Massachusetts.
Crate that the Treasures came in!
Though the company was founded in 1835 as a flavor and extract company, with Smith’s direction in 1923 they widened their focus towards the entire food and beverage industry, and even oral care and pharmaceuticals. This came about because one of their primary sellers was wine. Prohibition forced the change. The name, of course, is supposed to be the name of the first English child born in America, daughter of Eleanor and Ananias Dare. More pertinently, the name was chosen for what it symbolized. The Virginia Dare website explains it best:
“The name Virginia Dare came to symbolize wholesomeness and purity, and when Garrett & Company was founded in the region in 1835, the name was adopted as a brand for its wine produced from the native Scuppernong grape.
With the institution of Prohibition in 1919, Garrett & Company was required to reduce the alcohol content of its wine. It was then that they decided to utilize their uncommonly-fine alcohol in the manufacture of flavoring extracts of the best possible quality. Dr. Bernard H. Smith, a noted flavor chemist, was charged with establishing this line of flavors that would carry the name Virginia Dare. With time, the company’s flavoring extract business flourished, and in 1923 the Virginia Dare Extract Company was incorporated.”
Today Virginia Dare is alive and well, and maintains a 150,000 square foot facility and ships to over a hundred countries. While they have gone far past offering soda, I sure wish someone would bring Virginia Dare sodas back to the area.
For those of you who vaguely recall Virginia Dare, I’ve assembled a few photos to jog your memory. Take a stroll down memory lane and by all means, PLEASE share any anecdotes you have! Do you still have a wooden case, empty or even unopened bottles? We’d love to hear them. I promise I won’t ask to come over and “play”!
For a more in depth background on the history of the company, here is a great resource. A short blog about Brooklyn has some fantastic vintage photos of the facility and a short history as well.
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11 Things to Do This Weekend
by Michael Silvia
The bad news? There is an 80% chance of rain today and a 50% chance of rain tomorrow. The good news? There are lots of unique events this weekend! This weekend offers a Halloween-themed Buttonwood Park Zoo, a Zombie Night in Providence, a 5-mile run for charity and the UMass football homecoming. Make sure you checkout our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!
Friday, October 19th
Boo at the Zoo (Oct 18-20, 6-9 p.m.)
Each year the Button Park Zoo (425 Hawthorn Street) puts together an amazing Halloween themed adventure for the entire family. The event will run every weekend in October. Rides include a spoooooky train ride and a bewitching carousel ride.
The Fairhaven Historical Society is hosting a talk by author Edward Lodi about his latest book, Women in King Philip’s War at the Fairhaven Town Hall on 40 Center Street. From the organizers: “Though often overlooked by historians, a number of remarkable women played major roles in King Philip’s War, making history-changing decisions, performing heroic deeds, enduring hardships, chronicling their experiences and lending support. After the talk, Lodi will sign copies of his book. Donations are welcome. Handicap accessible. For information, contact Barbara Acksen at 508-993-3017.”
Saturday, October 20th
The Village 5 Miler Road Race (9:30 a.m.)
The weather has been great this week and runners will love running through Padanaram and South Dartmouth for a great cause. The race will benefit Star Kids Scholarship Program, the New Bedford Education Foundation & PBA 501C3 Fund. Sign-in begins at 9:30am in the South Wharf Parking Lot and the run begins at 11 a.m. in front of the Sail Loft (246 Elm Street). Register and number pick-up is today from 4-8 p.m. at the Sail Loft. Full details: http://www.thesailloftdartmouth.com/5miler.html and a Facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/154074331397396/.
The River Project Artists’ Walk (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Head over to the Slocum’s River Reserve and take a guided walk with sculptors from The River Project and learn about their creative process.
UMass Football Homecoming Game (12 p.m.)
Yes, the UMass Minutemen football team is 0-6 and is likely going to get beat badly again this Saturday, but how often do you get to watch a game at Gillette Stadium for $10 – $25 per ticket? This Saturday the Minutemen take on a good Bowling Green team at 12 p.m. Tailgating starts at 10:30 a.m. and parking is FREE for all UMass home games. The pre-game drinking should help numb the scoreboard pain! You can order tickets here: http://umassalumni.com/homecoming/umass-football/.
Ultimate Frisbee at Buttonwood Park (1:30 p.m.)
Ultimate Frisbee is a GREAT way to have fun while working out. It’s like playing soccer, but with a frisbee. There is a core group of folks that play several times a week at Buttonwood Park. I recommend joining their Facebook group for future updates and matches: http://www.facebook.com/groups/328010116829/. Facebook event for this Saturday here: http://www.facebook.com/events/285874074857379/.
American Dreams Short Film Premiere (2:30 p.m.)
American Dreams is a short film produced by the Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) and will be shown at the New Bedford Visitor Center on 33 William Street. YAP is a partnership project between the National Park Service and Third Eye Youth Empowerment Inc. The film “provides four different stories of people seeking the American dream through different journeys.” This is a great way to see a film produced by some of New Bedford’s youth. I highly recommend you check out their Walk with Me music video to get a taste of their amazing talent: http://youtu.be/4CP10K_KTAE. Facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/272716012849758/.
2012 Providence Zombie Night (7:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.)
Zombies have become mainstream thanks to shows like the Walking Dead and video games like Call of Duty Black Ops. The PVD Social Club is hosting their 6th Zombie Night this Saturday night. This is a 21 and older event. From the organizers: “The night begins with a boolesque performance and music at the Pvd Social Club…..It ends at a joint afterparty between Ri Ra & Bar Louie…What happens between is up to you…..” Facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/331390860283904/.
Sunday, October 21th
Oak Grove Cemetery Civil War Guided Walking Tour (1 p.m.)
The New Bedford Preservation Society will present a cemetery tour focusing on the Civil War period. These popular tours feature historic portrayals in period costume which depict New Bedford’s famous and not-so-famous at grave sites along the tour route. New Bedford Preservation Society volunteers will provide guided walking tours leaving from the Parker Street entrance of the Oak Grove Cemetery every 15 minutes beginning at 1 p.m., with the last tour leaving at 2:30 p.m. The approximately one-hour walking tour will highlight twenty graves within the cemetery. Rain date is October 28. More details: http://nbpreservationsociety.org/cemeterytour.html.
Fairhaven Indoor Farmer’s Market (1-4 p.m.)
The Fairhaven Farmer’s Market moves indoors from the New Bedford High School front lawn to the Nemasket Gallery on 56 Bridge Street in Fairhaven. The farmer’s market is sponsored by the Fairhaven Sustainability Committee and is handicap accessible. For more info, visit http://www.greenfairhaven.com.
Have an event that you want to get added in future articles? Send me an e-mail at info@newbedfordguide.com. At a minimum I will get it added to our event calendar.
New Bedford Chowder Festival Review and Results
By Shonna McGrail Ryan
This year’s New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival may have been interrupted by rain, but as we all know, inclement weather will never come between New Englanders and their “chowda.” For 2012’s Seventh Annual Chowder Festival the crowds packed in as usual to try samples of clam chowder, seafood chowder, kale soup and stuffed quahogs from some of the South Coast’s best local eateries.
Thanks to the massive tent covering Custom House Square, even those latecomers who were greeted by rain could stay dry as they enjoyed steaming warm samples from 25 different tables. While the portions may seem small, I can assure you that after making your round in the tent you will be plenty stuffed. However, in my mind there is no better way to spend a Sunday leading up to NFL kickoff!
Despite the showers in the afternoon, I was still able to catch the headlining band once the rain had passed though. Another Tequila Sunrise is a great Eagles cover band and they made a great musical fit to the occasion with some of my favorite classic rock hits.
As usual, there were many varied chowder recipes this year, but I’m sure that the real question on everyone’s mind is who won? So, without further ado, here are this year’s 2012 New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival winners:
Judges’ Choices:
Best Clam Chowder:
1. Me and Ed’s
2. Cotali Mar Restaurante
3. M&C Cafe
Best Kale Soup:
1. Mike’s Restaurant
2. The Madeira Cafe
3. Cotali Mar Restaurante
Best Quahogs:
1. Sail Loft, Padanaram Village
2. Whaling City Diner
3. Rivers End Cafe
People’s Choice:
Best Clam Chowder:
1. The Pasta House
2. SouthCoast Hospitals Group
3. Me & Eds
Best Kale Soup:
1. The Madeira Cafe
2. Mike’s Restaurant
3. Emeritus
Best Seafood Chowder:
1. Freestone’s City Grill
2. LaFrance Hospitality Co.
3. Braza Rotisserie
Best Quahogs:
1. Southcoast Hospitals Group
2. River’s End Cafe
3. Whaling City Diner
Best Table Presentation
1. Inner Bay Rest.
2. Southcoast Hospitals
3. Vivvy’s
Overall, every winner earned their title as South Coast’s best. I especially liked SouthCoast Hosptials Group’s quahogs which were generous both in portion sizes and seafood content. Of course, who could expect anything less from a culinary group that seems to place in at least one category every year?
Also, there were some diverse and exceptional seafood chowders out there, but I have to agree with the judges in saying that LaFrance Hospitality’s crab and corn chowder really stood out in my mind as being one of a kind and incredibly tasty. Of course, I’m always a sucker for food with a kick to it!
While the winners were congratulated and were well chosen, this isn’t to say that there weren’t some incredible samples that didn’t make it into the winner’s circle. For example, Braza Rotisserie is a newcomer to the festival but presented a kale soup similar to what grandma might make in terms of its generous content and rich broth. Braza also placed third for their seafood chowder in both the judges vote and the people’s choice.
The Cedars also did not place for their clam chowder, but it was absolutely my favorite. With a smokey sort of flavoring it definitely enticed my pallet and stuck in my memory until I came to the voting booth.
In summary, hardly a bad sample could be found and yet again the South Coast has shown that this is a great place to be for culinary excellence and top-notch seafood!
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10 Unique Date Ideas
By Shonna McGrail Ryan
When you’ve lived in the same area for a while it becomes easy for everything to take on a “been there, done that” vibe. Trying to be inventive with date ideas can really leave a person stumped, and that goes for all ages and relationship types. If you feel like all of your date ideas have boiled down to the same restaurant, movie theatre or bar maybe it’s time for some fresh ideas. Luckily, Greater New Bedford has plenty of fun things to do that are often overlooked.
Hopefully in this “10 Unique Date Ideas” article, you will find at least one thing you’ve never done before that will bring a little fun back into your relationship… even if it’s not a relationship of the romantic variety! A lot of these ideas are bound to work just as well with a group of friends as they are with a significant other.
1. Go Kayaking You are sure to have a memorable experience at Osprey Sea and Surf Adventures. Located at 489 Old County Road in Westport, Osprey offers a variety of kayak rentals as well as Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Osprey is situated at the head of the East Branch of the Westport River, which is a truly picturesque area. Not only are kayaking and SUP excellent workouts, they allow you the chance to take in the beauty of the area at your own leisure.
Osprey caters to paddlers of all levels. If you and your date are beginners looking for lessons they offer them. On the other hand, if you are looking to amp up your kayaking or SUP skills by going into the waves you can also gain further instruction from their experts. Osprey also offers SUP and kayak tours that range from scenic and casual to adventurous and physically demanding.
Whether your idea of fun is bird watching on the river or testing your limits against currents, Osprey Sea and Surf Adventures can help you get there and make for an unforgettable date. For more information on rental costs, courses and tours go to: http://ospreyseakayak.com/.
2. Find Your Inner Child
No matter your age, acting like a kid can be a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a way to loosen up on your next date, consider doing something you haven’t done in a long time. If you’re really looking to bring out that 12 year old self, there’s always Lazer Gate (http://www.lazergate.com/) located at 288 Plymouth Avenue in Fall River. Decked out with black lights and cool laser guns you can team up together to take opposite sides and navigate the mazes and catwalks as you exchange laser fire. If you’re worried about being surrounded by actual children, go late at night, especially on weeknights (you’re an adult, you get to make your own bedtime!). Lazer Gate is open until 10 PM weeknights and until midnight on weekends. With events like college nights and free mom and dad nights you won’t be the only big kid there anyways.
And speaking of black lights, indoor mini golf puts a crazy spin on an otherwise typical date cliché. Ocean’s 18 (www.oceans-18.com) in New Bedford creates an under the sea theme and actually serves wine and beer to those 21+. Additionally, Ocean’s 18 has a golf simulator for those looking to practice their swing.
3. Take a Hike While Southeastern Massachusetts may be rather built up with cities, highways and other developments, it is not without beautiful reservations and state parks. No matter what the time of year is, you are subject to find some breathtaking views if you are willing to put on some walking shoes and take a short drive.
The Dartmouth National Resources Trust (DNRT) maintains 40 acres of walking trails that includes the much talked about Daffodil Field which is a popular sight in the Spring. To learn more about the Daffodil field, read our article (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/daffodil-field-at-parsons-reserve/2011/04/20). To learn more about the trails and the DNRT, go to http://dnrt.org/.
Another beautiful area in Dartmouth for walking paths is the Lloyd Center for the Environment (http://lloydcenter.org/). Featuring 5 trails, this area has stunning views of Buzzards Bay, Demarest Lloyd State Park, Mishaum Point and the islands.
If you are more into paved paths, two great local state parks offer incredible ocean views and plenty of nice picnic spots. The first is Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven, and the second, Fort Tabor is located right across the New Bedford Harbor. Both have interesting historical context and easy to walk on paths.
4. Challenge Your Taste Buds
If you find that dinner usually consists of the same old pub food or pizza, maybe it’s time to try something with a little ethnic kick to it. There are numerous intriguing places to eat in the South Coast, and spicing up dinner a little can spice up your date as well.
If you’re interested in getting sushi for dinner check out my article on 5 Spectacular Sushi Spots (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/5-spectacular-sushi-spots/2012/04/24). Testing out new sushi rolls and eating with chopsticks can be an engaging way to spend your date night out!
Of course, Portuguese cuisine is a staple of New Bedford culture. My personal favorite place for Portuguese food is Antonio’s Restaurant which offers huge servings of authentic Portuguese foods. For more information about Antonio’s, or to look at the menu, go to http://www.antoniosnewbedford.com/.
Thai food is also delicious and a personal favorite of mine. If you’re looking for a restaurant off the beaten path, check out Sivalai Thai Cuisine in Fairhaven. Located in a cute little place it has a charming atmosphere and amazing food that ranges from sweet Pad Thai to spicy Pad Kee-Mao. You can also stick to the downtown area and share a Thai dinner at the equally charming Spicy Lime restaurant.
Finally, if you’ve been missing the rich flavors of Korean cuisine ever since Ginger Grill changed to Commons, drive over to Dartmouth and check out From the Seoul. New Bedford Guide’s Elsa Yeung called it “the best, most authentic Asian food in the area” and I have to agree! To read her whole review go here (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/restaurant-review-from-the-seoul/2012/04/28).
5. Find a Unique Event
There are often many interesting and one-of-a-kind happenings in the South Coast, but they often go unnoticed due to a lack of advertising or just not knowing where to look. The New Bedford Guide’s Event Calendar is a great way to stay in the loop about fun upcoming events and to plan a date night that ventures away from the monotony of the “same old thing”.
Next time you are stumped for a date idea, check out the calendar. You and your date could go to a Yoga or exercise class together, or hit up a farmers market and cook a fresh and local dinner at home. You could go to a free informational documentary viewing, or take in the sights with a New Bedford harbor tour. Whether you’re into the bar scene, running in road races or anything in between, there’s a lot to be found on the calendar.
Of course, it nearly goes without saying that AHA! night in downtown New Bedford is perfect for finding unique events for your date night. There are always lots of art showings, musical performances and other activities and demonstrations that will make you glad you got out of the house for the night. For more information on the next upcoming AHA! night, go to http://www.ahanewbedford.org/. For more about why you should factor AHA! into your social calendar, check out this article (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/5-reasons-aha-is-great/2012/05/10)
6. Check Out Some Local Music
Whether you like to dance or just prefer sitting back and taking in some relaxing tunes, Greater New Bedford has a variety of music offerings. If you’re looking to bring your date out to check out some tunes, 5 Live Music Spots in Greater New Bedford (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/5-live-music-spots-in-greater-new-bedford/2012/07/20) can help you find a promising location. Of course, the New Bedford Guide Event Calendar also often posts about upcoming musical performances.
If you’re willing to spend a little more money to catch some music, the Zeiterion Theatre is always featuring varied performances. Located in downtown NB, the Zeiterion Theatre is a beautiful place with great acoustics. In the upcoming year the Z will house acts that range from big names like Art Garfunkel and Lyle Lovett to national cover bands and even theatre productions and classical music performances. Check out their site to find tickets to an event that will dazzle your date! (http://www.zeiterion.org/)
7. Indulge in some Microbrews or Local Wine
New Bedford may not be on the same level as Portland, ME or Burlington, VT when it comes to microbreweries and brew houses, but it isn’t without variety when it comes to delicious brews. If you and your date are beer lovers, a fun night can be had testing out some unusual brews. Two microbrewery locations that frequently change up their beer options are the Pour Farm Tavern and Rose Alley Ale House.
On the Pour Farm Tavern’s website they claim “We Always Choose Creative Brews” and this is very true. PFT features dozens of drafts beers that are often difficult to find anywhere else. Additionally, they have numerous bottled and canned selections, and a decent list of 22 oz bottles that are great to share. Nearly every Thursday PFT hosts taste testing at 8 PM.
Rose Alley Ale House also prides itself on having an incredible beer selection, which features “40 constantly rotating taps with some of the finest beers from around the world”. The basement portion of Rose Alley is only open at certain times, but focuses mostly on “local micro brews and Belgian beers as well as a few of the all time favorites.” Conversation over an international brew and a tasty appetizer at Rose Alley Ale House is certainly a great way for beer lovers to spend some time together.
If you are more into wine tastings, Westport Rivers Vineyard Winery (www.westportrivers.com) is a local place with beautiful views and frequent tastings and weekend tours. In addition to its wine offerings, the grounds of Westport Rivers are breathtaking, and it’s not a bad idea to buy a bottle after the tasting and find a spot to sit and enjoy.
Travessia is also part of the “coastal wine trail” and is an urban winery located right in downtown NB. They are open Thursday- Saturday from noon to 6:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM. You can test out their delicious wines and buy some bottles to add to your home collection or enjoy with dinner when you get home. For more information, go to http://www.travessiawine.com/.
8. Share a Romantic Dinner
Some say that romance is dead, but it can be found if you know where to look! Greater NB is host to some wonderful restaurants where you can wine and dine your date in a cozy intimate setting, or even with beautiful ocean views. Check out New Bedford Guide’s “5 Greater New Bedford Romantic Restaurants” (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-romantic-restaurants/2012/08/14) to find the ideal location for your next big date.
9. Go Rock Climbing
Carabiner’s indoor rock climbing facility in New Bedford is a great way to have some fun while exercising. It is sure to be a day neither of you will soon forget as you challenge yourself to scale the massive walls. Even if you have never been rock climbing before, Carabiner’s is designed to be accessible and unintimidating, offering a personal belayer at the rate of $50 for 2 climbers. Of course, you can also “learn the ropes” for yourself by taking the belay course which is $35 per person and includes an hour of training, a day pass and all rental equipment. Learning to belay on your own is well worth it if you plan on making this thrilling date a regular activity. For more information on rates and options go to http://www.carabiners.com/.
10. Check Out a Museum
You don’t have to drive to Boston or Providence to check out a museum. While the museums may not be as large in scale, they can provide a fun and cultured afternoon. New Bedford has three museum-type places that I would recommend checking out.
The first is the New Bedford Whaling Museum (http://www.whalingmuseum.org/) which has become a major part of the city and has a long history in and of itself. The concept of a whaling museum in New Bedford was first set out in 1903, and since that time the collection of artifacts, exhibits and information has grown greatly. If you have never been to the museum but live in the area, it really is a worthwhile endeavor as the whaling history of this region is rich and imperative to how the city developed. The museum isn’t dry and boring either, it has plenty of intriguing artifacts to check out.
The New Bedford Art Museum (http://newbedfordartmuseum.org/) is relatively young as far as art goes, having gotten its start in 1996. However, it changes its exhibits frequently to reflect both local and global collections. One of my favorite exhibits I saw there featured old photos of New Bedford. It was interesting to see how the city has changed in some ways but is very familiar in others. The museum is not huge, but its thoughtful exhibits make it a good time if either you or your date happen to be an art lover.
Located in the historic New Bedford Institute for Savings building, the Ocean Explorium is much like an aquarium, featuring exhibits that focus on marine life and the ocean. While the Ocean Explorium is a great pull for children, it has intriguing exhibitions and presentations that are sure be educational and interesting to any age group. For example, there is a ray and shark touch tank where you can actually feel the aquatic creatures. There are also presentations done for general audiences (not just kids!) that feature the very cool Science on the Sphere, which is a spherical projection system that creates an image of the planet in 3-D. Of course, the Ocean Explorium can also make for a great family outing if you’re looking to plan to get out with the kids as well!
My Favorite Meatless Meals in Downtown New Bedford
by Michael Silvia
As a seasoned New Bedford restaurant visitor, I’ve eaten at every place that serves a meal in downtown New Bedford. I’m careful to ensure that vegetables make up the vast majority of my meals and almost always choose the meatless options. In no particular order, here are my favorite meatless meals in Downtown New Bedford.
Miss America Quesadilla at No Problemo (813 Purchase Street)
No Problemo is by far the busiest restaurant in downtown New Bedford and for good reason. The restaurant is great for vegetarians. My favorite meatless dish is the Miss America Quesadilla that includes spinach, black beans, feta cheese in a grilled flour tortilla served with salsa, sour cream and jalapenos on the side. The portion sizes at No Problemo are HUGE, so regardless of what you order, prepare to take home some left over!
Papaya Salad and Fresh Rolls at the Spicy Lime (522 Pleasant Street)
The fresh rolls at Spicy Lime come with a creamy peanut sauce.
Thai food is one of my favorite cuisines and can be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. While there are three Thai Restaurants in the area (Sivalai in Fairhaven and Thai Taste Too in North Dartmouth), Spicy Lime is the only one that I know of that makes Papaya Salad on a daily basis. The papaya salad includes papaya, tomatoes, bean sprouts, basil, other vegetables and sauces that are spicy, citrus flavored, and sweet. The fresh rolls combine vegetables and noodle wrapped around a soft rice wrap. The fresh rolls at Spicy Lime include shrimp, so if that’s not in your diet let the waiter know!
Blueberry Scone at Cafe Arpeggio (800 Purchase Street)
In my world, the muffin has outlived its usefulness and scones rein supreme. The scones at Cafe Arpeggio are fresh baked, moist and make a perfect addition to your morning coffee. Show up just after they open at 7 a.m. and they will be warm right out of the oven!
Margherita Pizza with Roasted Garlic at Brick Oven Pizzeria (163 Union Street)
A standard margherita pizza a Brick. Heart shape optional!
In my view, brick oven pizzas simply taste better than the traditional pizzas. My favorite meal at Brick Oven Pizzeria is the Margherita Pizza that includes basil, mozzarella, olive oil and parmigiano. I always choose to add whole chunks of garlic that Brick slow roasts in olive oil. The garlic becomes as soft as butter and really adds to the flavor of the pizza!
Creamy Tamato basil Soup at Destinations Soup (149 Union Street)
Destinations Soup makes the best soups in the city. My favorite meal there is a bowl of creamy tomato basil and if I’m weak, I’ll add the grilled cheese sandwich that is PERFECT for dipping. Destinations Soup recently moved to 149 Union street where ‘On a Roll’ used to be near Wings Court. This was a great move that allows for having your soup outside!
What are your favorite meatless meals downtown? Overall in the Greater New Bedford area? Leave us a comment!
While this committee was holding meetings and getting nowhere fast, local dog owners took to a state-owned lot on Hawthorn Street to exercise and socialize their dogs, which quickly became known as the city’s “unofficial dog park.” However, city officials took note of the use of this lot and began issuing tickets to people who were allowing their dogs off leash, a violation of a city ordinance.
While all of this has been going on, Fall River has managed to develop a city dog park located on Locust Street, complete with separate fenced-in areas for small and large-breed dogs. Their dog park successfully operates without any paid attendants or Animal Control enforcement. Dog owners are simply reminded to pick up after their dogs, and the consensus seems to be that it’s operating successfully.
