Facebook has reached well over 500 million users. There is even a movie scheduled to release on 1 Oct titled “The Social Network” that tells the story of the founders of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg (CEO and face of the company), Dustin Moskovitz, Eduardo Saverin, and Chris Hughes. Facebook is used by everyone and most businesses promote themselves with groups and/or pages. These groups and fan pages are a great way for companies to spread news or promote their events. For example, a bar will likely post live music details, drink specials and other happenings in order to generate visitors to their venue. Members that join the groups or “like” the pages get the updates in their Facebook member feeds. The good news is that most companies have a group or page. The bad news is that most don’t update them. This article will list the best New Bedford specific Facebook pages or groups. These pages and groups are listed based on relevance to New Bedford and activity. Basically, are they posting frequent updates and are the updates useful to people living in New Bedford?
Yes, we are tooting our own horn, but honestly there is not a more relevant Facebook page for New Bedford residents. The official New Bedford City Facebook group hasn’t had an update since December of 2009! The New Bedford Guide feed provides relevant articles written by New Bedford residents. Subscribers can expect to get articles and reviews on local business (i.e. Bar and Restaurant Reviews), “Best of ….” articles and more on a regular basis.
AHA! (Art • History • Architecture) Night is a FREE arts and culture event that takes place the 2nd Thursday of every month in Downtown New Bedford. Subscribe to the AHA! Group and get a reminder several days and hours before each AHA! Night. They also promote other cultural and art events throughout the month.
Downtown New Bedford, Inc is non-profit organization representing all downtown stakeholders: property owners, business people and residents. They post updates on events, economic updates, business development and other important issues related to improving New Bedford.
If you are like me you love to attend events at the Zeiterion Theater. Subscribe to their Facebook page and membership to keep up-to-date on what’s going on at the Z!
The New Bedford Whaling Museum has changed considerably over the past few years. No longer is it simply a static whaling museum. The museum hosts outside tent sales, AHA! and the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra.
This is the Standard Times Newspaper’s office Facebook page providing daily news updates. The problem is unless you are a Standard Times online subscriber you can only read the headlines and a short blurb. When you click on the news feed on their Facebook page you will be taken to the news article on SouthCoastToday.com (the digital version of the Standard Times Newspaper). If you are an online subscriber this is a great page to be a fan.
The New England Business Bulletin provides tons of updates each week providing valuable information for businesses owners and professionals in New England. This is also owned by the Standard Times, but you do NOT have to be an online subscriber to read the The New England Business Bulletin online.
While not affiliated with any organization, this Facebook group is generally active with community postings. There are several thousands members that will pictures, videos and events related to New Bedford.
New Bedford Cape Verdeans (Facebook Group) This is a very active group for Cape Verdeans in New Bedford. There is no requirement to be cape Verdean to join this group, but obviously the main discussion will revolve around Cape Verdian issues.
Did I miss a great Facebook page or group? Post a comment to share your favorites!
The Fairhaven/New Bedford Bridge – Historic or Problematic?
by Michael Silvia
Each super hero has an arch-nemesis that spoils their day; Batman has the joker, Superman has Lex Luther and Fairhaven and New Bedford citizens have the Fairhaven/New Bedford bridge. There isn’t a driver from either town that hasn’t been affected by the inconsistent bridge closings. One would think that the bridge closes randomly to foot and vehicle traffic because it is always closed at inopportune times and out of schedule. But the fact is there is an official schedule and rules provided by the city of New Bedford.
Daily, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, the bridge opens (or closes to vehicle/foot traffic) at the top of each hour: 6 AM, 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM and 10 AM.
Then daily from 11:15 AM to 6:15 PM, the bridge opens 15 minutes past each hour: 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:15 PM and 6:15 PM.
After 6:15 PM, the bridge will open on-demand from marine traffic by calling the bridge keeper’s office on marine channel 13.
New Bedford/Fairhaven Bridge open to vehicle and foot traffic
Based on this schedule, I generally plan my Fairhaven/New Bedford bridge crossing at the second half of any hour. I do this because if the bridge closes on the hour or 15-minutes past the hour throughout the day (per the official schedule), I should never get caught at the bridge. The fact is even with a carefully thought out plan, I still get caught at the bridge at least three times a week! This is obviously due to the the bridge operators running things on their schedule vice the city’s posted schedule. Dozens, if not hundreds, of citizens are inconvenienced each day thanks to a few men. Apparently, a fishing boat that can’t plan their return trip on schedule is allowed to block traffic anytime they wish. If an ambulance, the police or anyone else with an emergency plans their bridge crossing based on the official schedule, they may be seriously effected by the rogue bridge operators. Since the fastest way to St. Luke’s hospital from Fairhaven is to cross the bridge, this is a good possibility.
The official rule states, “the schedule and duration of openings will vary depending on weather conditions, harbor congestion and vessel size. By law, marine traffic has priority over vehicular traffic.” This is generally understandable, but how many times has the bridge been opened outside of the schedule to allow a single boat through? More often than not by my count!
Fairhaven/New Bedford Bridge in the late 1800s
The bridge does have significant historic value; it is one of the oldest “Swing Bridges” in America still in operation. It is a beautiful bridge that accentuates both the town of Fairhaven and New Bedford. Many local historians will tell you that it is worth the 15-minute inconvenience a few times a week to have such a beautiful, piece of history that adds charm to the area. That is typically from the older generations that doesn’t drive much anymore or have way too much time on their hands.
There is a simple solution to keep New Bedford an Fairhaven drivers and bridge-lovers happy; stick to the official schedule and only deviate from the schedule when there is a real need. Don’t inconvenience hundreds drivers simply because a fishing boat is in port early. Drivers are not frustrated by the bridge because it closes for 15 minutes each hour; they are frustrated because the bridge operators can’t maintain a simple schedule and inconvenience us way too often. In 2009, a motorcyclist died attempting to cross the Fairhaven/New Bedford bridge while it was opening to boat traffic. Was he simply in a rush? Or was this the 100th time he’d been stuck at the bridge out of schedule?
Best Outdoor Bars in New Bedford
by Noah Griffith
It’s summer time in the south coast of Massachusetts. New Bedford is one of the main hubs and attractions in south coast Massachusetts and one of the major launching points to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and the Islands. Each year, we only have a few precious months to enjoy the sun, beaches and my favorite part of living in New England (especially New Bedford) dining and drinking outdoors.
Let me say this plainly; I love having a nice cold beer. The only thing that’s more enjoyable than having good food and a cold drink inside my favorite bar is enjoying them outdoors. I’ve put together a small list of some of the New Bedford’s best places to eat and drink alcoholic beverages outside. I’ve also listed a few within a few miles of New Bedford and listed them in order of distance from the new Fairfield Inn, Marriot (for all you outta-towna’s).
Best Outdoor Bars In New Bedford:
Waterfront Grille: 36 Homers Wharf, New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 997-7010. www.waterfrontgrille.com (112 feet)
You can’t get much closer to the Fairfield Inn than this! The Waterfront Grille is conveniently located almost directly out the Marriot’s front door and has quality food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy the wonderful summer time air on one of the two outdoor patio areas. Sit back with some refreshing drinks and enjoy the boating traffic that makes New Bedford’s fishing port the busiest in the country. Waterfront Grille has entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, and Patio Parties and brunch on Sundays. Click here for walking directions (or just walk out the front door of the Fairfield Inn).
Waterfront Grille outdoor patio – New Bedford, MA
Catwalk Bar and Grille: 34 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-3355. www.catwalkbars.com (0.2 miles)
For a great view of the waterfront, personal roof deck bar, a chance to bask in the sun and catch a nice buzz, visit the Catwalk Bar and Grille for the only outdoor eating and drinking area roof deck. Located approximately 25 feet above the sidewalk, Catwalk’s prized view is a must for all, but there’s no elevator or escalator to the top, so you’re going to have to haul cookies up two staircases to get there. There is great entertainment almost every night of the week. Click here for walking directions.
Catwalk Bar and Grill roof top patio – New Bedford, MA
Candleworks Restaurant: 72 North Water Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 997-1294. www.thecandleworksrestaurant.com (0.3 miles)
Candleworks Restaurant in historic downtown is one of New Bedford’s more historic buildings/restaurants. The building is called Candleworks because it is the actual location where workers made candles from whale oil that was once so treasured. The restaurant is located just minutes from new Fairfield Inn, Marriot. This classy restaurant is also the only place where you can eat and drink outside around beautiful fire-pits that will make those chilly summer evenings more comfortable. Check out the food specials and nightly entertainment Wednesday-Saturday. Click here for walking directions.
Candleworks Restuarant – New Bedford, MA
Cotali Mar Restaurante: 1178 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746. (508) 990-0066 www.cotalimarrestaurante.com (1.8 miles)
Cotali Mar Restaurante is the only place on this list that I haven’t been a customer at, but after visiting it I was truly taken back. The outdoor area is beautiful and the largest outdoor bar area that I’ve seen in New Bedford. There’s a bar located outdoors (that seems to be open only on the weekends) and a fire place at one end. I’ve never had the food at Cotali Mar, but when I talked to customers I knew eating outside they insisted that the food was “really good.” Cotali Mar Restaurante looks amazing and has a beautful outdoor dining and drinking area. Click here for driving directions.
Cotali Mar Restaurante – New Bedford, MA
Davy’s Locker: 1480 East Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02744. (508) 992-7359. www.davyslockerrestaurant.com (2.2 miles)
Davy’s Locker has been voted best seafood 11 years in a row and has two outdoor seating areas. There is a covered area attached to the main building, so you’ll be protected from the elements. Approximately 50 yards from the main building is the famous Tiki Hutt and is located directly on the water. The Tiki Hutt is truly a place to hang out and get the most of those summer rays. Davy’s Locker and Tiki Hutt are motorcycle friendly with private motorcycle parking spots. The bars are located right next to New Bedford’s south end beaches and historic Fort Taber. Click here for driving directions.
Davy’s Locker – New Bedord, MA
Airport Grille: 1569 Airport Road, New Bedford, MA 02746. (508) 858-5295. www.airportgrille.com (4.1 miles)
The Airport Grille is a wonderful little hot spot and is located at the New Bedford Airport that has constant flights to Cape Cod and the Islands. Forget Legal Seafood because this spot puts them to shame. This restaurant was once one of New Bedford premier dining establishments before it closed its doors. The good news is the restaurant is open again and better than ever! With a new dining area has removable windows that turns this indoor dining area to a wonderful outdoor style seating area with all the coverage needed to tackle New England’s constant change in weather. Personal fans above every table and a private outdoor bar help make this indoor/outdoor spot very desirable and make waiting for your flight to the Cape and Islands a breeze. Click here for driving directions.
Airport Grille – New Bedford MA
Fathoms Bar and Grill: 255 Popes Island. 1 (508) 993-3400
Located on the water at 255 Popes Island, has become an integral part of New Bedford’s diverse collections of eateries. Known for its rich culture and historical fishing industry, New Bedford set the stage for Fathoms Bar & Grille to be the place where people can gather for great food and drink in a relaxed waterfront environment, where the conversations always run deep.
Best Outdoor bars just Outside of New Bedford:
The Ice Chest: 136 Huttleston Avenue Fairhaven, MA 02719. (508) 992-2337. www.icechestbar.com (2.0 miles)
The Ice Chest is one of the areas busiest bar and grilles. It’s a fun bar that serves great food. The Ice Chest provides a wonderful outside deck patio located directly off the main bar room where you can enjoy ice cold beer, great food specials every day, live entertainment and nothing is overpriced. The Ice Chest is extremely biker friendly. Click here for driving directions.
Ice Chest Bar outdoor patio – Fairhaven, MA
The Pasta House: 100 Alden Road Fairhaven, MA 02719. (508) 993-9913 www.thepastahouse.net (2.3 miles)
Fairly new to the outside dining patio club is the Pasta House in Fairhaven. The restaurant has great home-made pasta, food specials, and great drinks that you can enjoy on their outdoor patio. The umbrellas provide shade and make this spot even more attractive. Business casual dining, is the best way to describe the atmosphere at The Pasta House. Whether you’re out with family and friends or just flyin’ solo, you’ll feel comfortable and at home on The Pasta House patio. Click here for driving directions.
The Pasta House in Fairhaven, MA
Black Bass Bar & Grille: 3 Water Street, South Dartmouth, MA 02748. (508) 999-6975 www.blackbassma.com (4.2 miles)
Located in the small, beautiful and wealthy town of Padanaram, South Dartmouth lays the Black Bass Bar & Grille. The front of the building faces the Padanaram harbor and the interior is very small and quaint. In the back is a large outdoor seating area. Plastic chairs and tables that rest on crushed white shells and covered by a white tent, allow patrons the chance to enjoy the outdoors and relax with an almost beach like feeling. Click here for driving directions. While you’re there make sure you take the time to walk around and take in this neat little town.
Black Bass Bar and Grille outdoor patio – Dartmout, MA
Out of all the bars and restaurants on the list, Down the Hatch is the only truly seasonal establishment. At the end of summer this bar shuts down, closes its doors and re-opens the following spring. Down the Hatch is truly a beach bar with nothing indoor; patrons simply eat, drink and play under a tin roof that covers the front area. While the bar is out of the way, the drive is nice and the food and drinks are worth it. There is live entertainment at different times of the week. Click here for driving directions.
Down the Hatch Bar – Fairhaven, MA
Turks Seafood: 83 Marion Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. (508) 758-3113. www.turksseafood.com (9.5 miles)
Turks Seafood in Mattapoisett, has absolutely the freshest sushi and seafood around with a great indoor/outdoor patio. This great little establishment also has live entertainment on Monday nights. Click here for driving directions.
Turks Seafood and Bar – Mattapoisett, MA
Wasabi: 747 State Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747. (508) 990-9588.
No Website (9.6 miles)
Good sushi and Asian cuisine with a very large menu, Sadly, Wasabi has a very small (and underused) outdoor deck/patio area. Click here for driving directions.
Wasabi Sushi – Dartmouth, MA
The Wave Restaurant & Bar: 210 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738. (508) 748-2986. www.thewaverestaurant.com (12.1 miles)
Located directly off the highway, The Wave is an easy spot to get to on the way to or from Cape Cod. The bar has entertainment on weekend nights and a large patio to sit out on. The patio only open 7 days/nights a week during the late Spring, Summer, and into the Fall. Their HDTV’s are perfect for sports fans. Click here for driving directions.
The Wave Restuarant and Bar outdoor patio – Marion, MA
Gateway Tavern & Grille: 371 Marion Road, Wareham, MA 02571. (508) 291-6040. www.thegatewaytavern.com (14.6 miles)
Gateway Tavern & Grille is Wareham’s greatest little secret with outstanding food, large portions and great prices. It’s a local spot that faces west right on the edge of a marsh (where its huge covered back deck is located). At dusk this is arguably one of the most beautiful scenes on earth. The Gateway Tavern & Grille has no entertainment; just good service, food and drinks. Click here for driving directions.
The Hawthorne Country club reopened under new management on August 1st, 2012. There is now a restaurant with a full bar that has an amazing view of the golf course. The bar provides patrons service in the restaurant or to visitors that want to relax outside with new fire-pit seating that provides fresh air and a view of the greens. A new outside deck addition to the function hall provides easy access to the the outside bar area. The upgrade to the facility now allows for live entertainment, so expect live music in the future.
What are your favorite bars that provide outdoor seating in and around New Bedford? Post a comment and share this article!
Best Coffee Shops in Downtown New Bedford
by Michael Silvia
If you are looking for a good cup of coffee downtown New Bedford has a lot to offer. Over the past few years several coffee shops have popped up in downtown. Each has their own appeal depending on your taste. In no particular order, here are the best coffee shops:
Celtic Coffee House
Celtic Coffee New Bedford
42 North Water Street, New Bedford, MA 02740-6335
(508) 992-1004
Details: Celtic Coffee House is the new kid on the block offering a choice of Irish and local foods and has different varieties of coffee (i.e. dark, medium and light). The inside is beautiful as the barn-wood interior and fireplace makes you feel right at home. The wait staff is always friendly and provide great service. Celtic Coffee offers free WiFi and plenty of room to either do work, chat with friends or read a book. Celtic recently added an ice cream parlor that offers a wide variety of flavors.
Perfect for: Workers (free WiFi), book readers, tourists, kids (ice cream and sweets) and Soup/Sandwich/Desert lovers.
Green Bean
740 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740-6344
(508) 984-3300
The Green Bean offers the largest selection of tea of any of the coffee houses and has an excellent vegetarians/vegans menu. If you are a BCC student this is the best place to grab a quick drink/snack if you are in a rush. The only downside with the Green Bean is that they canceled the WiFi so forget about bringing your laptop to do some work.
Perfect for: BCC students (right across the street), Tea Drinkers (largest variety) and vegetarians/vegans.
Café Arpeggio
Cafe Arpeggio New Bedford
800 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740-6354
(508) 999-2233
Café Arpeggio is an excellent coffee house with a large selection of sandwiches, baked goods and ice cream. They are also the only coffee house in downtown that has live music with an “open Mic” every Thursday evening. If you are an inspiring musician, stop by any Thursday evening as the crowd is friendly.
Perfect for: Musicians, Workers (free WiFi) and Sandwich/Desert lovers
