Spring has finally sprung, which always gears me up for my family’s  yearly tradition of heading to Martha’s Vineyard. This has been going on for 16 years now: First we go for a couple of weekends, then we stay for a week during the summer.  I guess you could say I am an expert of traveling to the island.  The first question I’m always asked is, “You go to the Vineyard every year.  What is there to do?”  My answer is I go there to do nothing: I don’t drive anywhere, I don’t have to wait in long lines at an amusement park…I just take it day by day and enjoy doing whatever.

So now your thinking: “What if I want to do something? Is there anything to do?” Yes.  There is actually much to see and do. Each town on the island has it’s own unique character.  The beaches on the Vineyard are wonderful, there are many different restaurants to try, many boutiques for browsing, and many places to for taking a leisurely stroll through Ocean Park in Oaks Bluff.

Getting to the Martha’s Vineyard is easy. The Steamship Authority of Falmouth has ferries running daily, and they all allow cars and pets aboard.  While you have other options, I always depart from Falmouth because the boat ride is only 45 minutes and it is our tradition. One-way passenger tickets are $8.00 each for adults, children ages 5-12 are $4.25 each way, and children under 5 are free. The price for bringing your vehicle over  is $77.50 each way, and you must make reservations ahead of time. For more information visit: www.steamshipauthority.com. New Bedford has the Fast Ferry, leaving from 49 State Pier.  The ride is 1 hour and the tickets are $35.00 one way. This ferry only comes into Oak Bluffs and only runs during summer months.

During the busy season I always take the ferry that comes into Oak Bluffs (offseason it goes only to Vineyard Haven), because this is our final destination. The Surfside is a Motel that is directly across from the pier, which makes it easy to get off the boat with luggage and walk a few steps to the motel. This is a family run operation that has been in business since 1987.  They offer complimentary continental breakfast each morning, suites along with regular rooms, and it is pet friendly. I have found the rates to be reasonable compared to other hotels in town, and the staff is super friendly and helpful. All rooms do come with Wi-Fi, blow dryers, microwaves, mini fridges, and did I mention daily views of the ocean. For more information about the Surfside: www.mvsurfside.com

After getting settled in at the Surfside, we head directly to one of our favorite restaurants called The Offshore Ale Company. Located a short walk from the motel on Kennebec Avenue, you enter into a rustic, nautical atmosphere.  You are immediately engaged by the vats of beer that are being brewed on-site ,and then by the peanut shells that are scattered amongst the floor. At the front door you can grab a bowl and scoop up peanuts out of a huge barrel to bring the peanuts back to your table.  Of course children love this, especially the part of whipping the shells onto the floor. I find that hard to do being a mother that always insists on putting things in the trash. If you love beer this is the place to be, they brew lagers, pale ales, IPAs, Belgium-style offerings, stouts, and an award-winning Nut-brown Ale. You can bring some back with you by purchasing a growler and have them fill it up with your favorite beer.

They are also known for their brick oven pizza and pub style food. We usually get a few different pizzas to share; the ones we prefer are the potato pizza and the BBQ pizza. The potato pizza is mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and scallions with a side of sour cream on a thin crust and is to die for. The BBQ pizza consists of caramelized onions, bacon, mozzarella cheese, scallions and honey barbeque sauce on a mouth-watering thin crust. The price of pizzas are around $17.95, but they are large and worth it. Other items on the menu range from soups and salads, to a raw bar along with seafood entrees and burgers. The Offshore Ale Company is a great family friendly, casual dining experience for all.

After dinner comes desert for us, so we head over to Circuit Avenue where there are many ice cream shops to choose from. The most famous is Mad Martha’s, but there is also Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium and the Carousal. All of them are great and the portions are huge,but they are pricey: You can expect to pay about $4.00 or more for a cone.  Since I don’t have a favorite ice cream shop, I go to the one with the smallest line. This is important because during the summer the lines can be out the door.

Last year while at Mad Martha’s my family and I tried to enjoy eating our ice cream, but it was difficult because President Obama’s daughters were there with 50 secret service men in tow, seemingly watching our every move. It was weird being watched while licking my double chocolate ice cream cone.

I love going for breakfast when on the island, and there are a few places to choose from, but it depends on what you fancy in the morning. If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, Mocha Motts is the place. It is underneath a shop so you go down a flight of stairs into a small coffee shop. They serve pastries and breakfast sandwiches, perfect for taking you breakfast, going to a bench that sits facing the water and watching the ocean. Linda Jean’s is a sit down restaurant that serves everything you could want for breakfast. The prices are fair and the service is fast and friendly, but if you head there any later than 9 am there will be a wait. Another place for a quick breakfast is MV Bagels; obviously they serve all different types of bagels along with pastries and coffee.

Oak Bluffs is the place to be if you are going with children. The other towns are great to visit but there isn’t much for children to do. The Flying Horses Carousal, which is the oldest carousal in the country, was brought to the Vineyard from Coney Island in 1884. It is still in operation, the cost is $2.00 per ride, and part of the thrill is getting the brass ring. If you do get the brass ring you can either stay on for another ride or take a ticket for a free ride later on. People young and old love it, and  inside with the carousal are arcade games and you can get popcorn and souvenirs.

Ryan’s Family Amusement is a two floor arcade.  There is an aquarium there displaying small fish and you can watch a shark feeding at cetain times. On rainy days there are two movie theaters, and there is always plenty of shopping in all the towns. There are buses that will take you to each town for $2.00 and they run every 15 minutes. Ocean Park is another spot to check out; it’s a large park across from the ocean where many people fly kites, play frisbee or lay out a blanket for a picnic.

Martha’s Vineyard is a great place to bring your family and spend the day or night. The best part is that it is close to home, but far enough that you think your somewhere else.

Several times a week, usually on a Saturday or on weekdays around 5 P.M., I stop visitors in downtown New Bedford from putting their quarters into the city’s parking meters.  For reasons unknown, the labels on the meters provide outdated information.  I’ve lived downtown for several years now, and during that time I’ve accumulated some information that can save a lot of money, which I will now share with you.  In this economy, every quarter counts!

Here is a look at a standard parking meter in downtown New Bedford:

It clearly states that the hours of operations are Monday through Saturday, 9 A.M. through 6 P.M.   This is incorrect!  The correct operating time is Monday through Friday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Furthermore, you can park for FREE on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.  The meter maids don’t work after 5 P.M. on the weekdays, and are off-duty on the weekends and on holidays.  I can only guess this is due to budget cuts.

Other Tips for Parking in Downtown New Bedford

• If you frequently park downtown, get a pass at the Elm Street Parking Garage, located right next to the Standard Times building.  You can get unlimited parking for $30 a month.  The Garage is FREE on weekends, holidays and when there are major events downtown.
• For long-term parking, use the Custom House Square (70 parking spaces) or Zeiterion (298 parking spaces) at 688 Purchase Street.  The Custom House Square parking area is FREE on the weekends, holidays and when there are major events downtown.

This article was written by Lisa Bergson, executive director of WHALE (Waterfront Historical Area LeaguE).  This is the second in a series of articles about New Bedford being ‘Not Just Anywhere.’  You can read the first article here.

“Nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses; parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford… all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.” – From Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.

Herman Mellville hit the proverbial nail right on the head when he immortalized New Bedford in his classic novel, Moby Dick. Whaling brought the first period of great wealth to New Bedford, and with it some of the most magnificent and diverse architecture in the Northeast.  This rich, preserved architecture (and the ensuing character it creates) makes New Bedford a special place to live, to work, and to visit.  It makes New Bedford ‘Not Just Anywhere.’

New Bedford has several significant buildings built by architectural masters, such as Russell Warren, Richard Upjohn, and Alexander Jackson Davis. We also have buildings built by noted local architects like Nat C. Smith, Samuel Hunt, and Caleb and Edgar Hammond. Indeed, throughout New Bedford, you can see the grand examples of various architectural styles, as well as smaller, more modest ones as well. No matter where you are in the city, you are likely to see magnificent examples of architecture styles such as Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne.

In New Bedford, preservation efforts have been led by the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE).  In the historic core of New Bedford alone, more than 20 buildings were saved by WHALE from demolition, fire, or neglect.  WHALE’s preservation work has changed the way New Bedford looks forever, and has ensured that New Bedford remains a special place, rich in history and architecture – a place that is Not Just Anywhere.

Below you will find a list of different types of architecture that can be seen in New Bedford, as well as some examples of each.  Luckily, you don’t have to be a architect to appreciate a beautiful building.  They are all around us in the city, and with this mini-guide to architecture in New Bedford, you’ll be able to recognize the details that make each special.

Federal (1780-1820)

Federal-style houses are well balanced with small-paned windows, and have a low-pitched roof and a smooth facade. They often have a fanlight window and a triangular pediment over the front door. Other character-defining features include a rectangular portico supported by Doric columns, corner boards, and sidelights.

Henry Beetle House c.1804

Threatened by demolition because it was in the path of the Route 18 extension, this former spar maker’s Federal period home was moved by WHALE to a once-vacant lot in 1972 and sold to owners who restored it.

Andrew Robeson House c.1821

This 550-ton brick and stone mansion was rescued by WHALE to prevent its demolition and moved down William Street to its present site. It became stuck in the middle of the street during the blizzard of 1978 and remained there for one month, until it was moved to its current location.  This brick mansion residence is an outstanding example of New Bedford’s prosperity during the golden age of whaling.

Greek Revival (1820-1860)

Double Bank Building c. 1831

This Greek Revival building is located at the junction of Water and William Street, and is perhaps the most impressive building in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.  Designed by Russell Warren and located in what was once the financial center of New Bedford during the heyday of whaling, the Double Bank building was built to house two prominent banking institutions: Merchants Bank and Mechanics Bank. In fact, the rival banks hired two different builders to construct the building and due to a disagreement between the builders.  There is a slight difference between the vertical slope of the four columns on the left and the four on the right, further distinguishing the two banks.

This historic building is one of our grand examples of Greek Revival architecture, with its character defining features including pediment, frieze, cornice details (uppermost section of moldings along the top of a wall or just below a roof), full-height Ionic columns, and polished granite steps and facade.  Greek Revival houses are modeled after the architecture of Ancient Greece, and over time became symbols of America’s strength and democracy.

Grinnell Mansion and Congregate Home for the Elderly c.1831

Designed by Architect Russell Warren for U.S. Congressman Joseph Grinnell, this Greek Revival-style granite mansion, located on County Street, had been abandoned and deteriorating for 30 years when WHALE rescued it in 1987. It epitomizes the fortunes that were made in the golden age of whaling. Today it serves as congregate housing for low income, elderly residents. Character defining features are its Doric columns along the front entry porch, the tall 3^rd story frieze, and rough-hewn granite facade.

Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum c.1834

Designed by Richard Upjohn for William Rotch Jr., the house is the last whaling merchant’s home in New Bedford with its original, intact gardens, dating back to the whaling era.  The historic property is a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its significance to all Americans, due to its ties to whaling and its magnificent architecture. WHALE rescued the building from inappropriate development, which called for the house to become a boarding house and restaurant and the gardens paved over for a parking lot in 1981. After an exterior restoration, WHALE helped establish the nonprofit that has since managed the Rotch-Jones- Duff House & Garden Museum, which is a cultural icon in New Bedford.

Gothic Revival (1830-1860)

Here in New Bedford we have what may be the finest example of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States – the William J. Rotch Gothic Cottage. Gothic Revival houses have very steep gable roofs and fancy verge boards (called ‘gingerbread’), which trim the roof.  Some were even built to resemble churches.

William J. Rotch Gothic Cottage c.1845

Designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, the William J. Rotch Gothic Cottage is one of the finest Gothic cottages in the United States. The house received immediate national attention as a masterwork of architecture through its inclusion in A. J. Downing’s seminal The Architecture of Country Houses (1850). The home is a masterwork of A. J. Davis and is one of the best documented, intact Gothic Revival cottages in America. The Rotch Gothic Cottage is a National Historic Landmark – one of six in New Bedford – recognizing its significance and importance to all Americans.

Other architectural styles are also prevalent in our neighborhoods in New Bedford. If you look, you will find Octagon, Italianate, Four Square, Queen Anne, Stick Style,two and three-decker houses, and so much more. So the next time you take a walk or go for a drive, take a look around and see firsthand why New Bedford’s architecture makes us a special place.  See why New Bedford is Not Just Anywhere.

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New Bedford is known as the Whaling City. While New Bedford has the notorious distinction of being the top whale killing port in the 17th and 18th centuries, the city is now a leader in whaling education and promotion. Our public high school athletic teams are known as “Whalers”, we have the top Whaling museum in the world, and the city even has a movie coming out this summer titled Whaling City.

We recently discovered a fabulous amateur video of humpback whales in the Silver Bank (just north of the Dominican Republic) taken by a professional scuba diver Brandon Shannon. Humpback whales are amazing creatures; they can grow to 50 feet in length, weigh 79,000 pounds and migrate as much as 16,000 miles each year. At one point Humpback whales were hunted to near extinction, but thanks to anti-whaling laws their population has grown to over 70,000. Enjoy the video and post a comment; we’ll make sure Brandon sees them all!

Brandon Shannon’s website is full of pics and videos, and can be found at: http://saltwatersights.com

“Some say she can be seen in the window of the Millicent Library at night, even though she has been dead for over one hundred years.”

It’s that time of year again: the leaves are changing to their beautiful yellows and reds, pumpkins are on the doorsteps, and children are excited with thoughts of their Halloween costumes and endless bags of candy.  October also conjures up ghost stories, whether real or fabricated.  South Coast Massachusetts has a rich history of ghost stories, my favorite of which is the story of the Millicent Library in Fairhaven.

Fairhaven was founded by the famous Standard Oil magnate, Henry Huttleston Rogers.  He had a daughter named Millicent, who died in 1890 at the age of seventeen due to heart failure.  She loved to read and sketch and write poetry.  She told her dad that her wish was for there to be a library in Fairhaven so that all the children would have a place to go to read.

Upon her death, Henry decided to build that library and dedicate it to his beautiful daughter.  He spared no expense as he hired the best architect of the time, Charles Brigham of Boston, and told him to use the best of everything available to build his daughter’s library.  The result was an architectural masterpiece that still stands today.  On January 30, 1893, on the anniversary of Millicent’s birth, the library was dedicated in her honor.

Rumor has it that Millicent is buried beneath the foundation of the library.  Some visitors swear that they have seen her walking the halls, outlined in a bright blue light.  Another woman dressed all in black has been spotted walking along the upstairs hallway, running her hand along the spine of the books.  Some think this could be Millicent’s grandmother, Rhoda, who may not be resting easily.

A male ghost is also thought to live in the Millicent Library.  Some staff and patrons have seen a man dressed in a tweed jacket and purple bow tie with round-rimmed glasses mopping the floor in the basement.  The story suggests that he was the janitor who fell on the wet floor and broke his neck, and now his ghost spends eternity mopping the floor.  Others say that he suffered a heart attack upon opening up the library one morning.  Interesting, considering Millicent died of heart failure as well.

The China Room, located in the library, houses several paintings of the Rogers Family.   Children have said that when they talked to the paintings, the expressions on the faces would change.   Also, this room is always dreadfully cold! Doors open and close by themselves and footsteps can be heard on the stairs leading to the basement.

The vault in the basement houses another famous artifact: the hat of Heddy Green.  Heddy, mother to Colonel Green, was said to be a stingy old woman, even though she was one of the richest in the world upon her death.  Some claim to have seen Heddy in the basement after touching her hat.

Aside from all the ghost stories, the Millicent Library is by far one of the most beautiful libraries in Massachusetts.  The architecture, the stained glass, and the spiral staircases are a feast for the eyes.  It lies in the center of town, surrounded by other beautiful buildings, such as the Town Hall and nearby Unitarian church

So if you find yourself in Fairhaven, please visit the Millicent Library.  Whether you want to visit for the books or the ghosts, you will definitely enjoy this wonderful place. After your visit as you drive away, take a look back at the window on the front turret… Millie may be looking back at you too!

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I have always preferred driving on back roads as opposed to highways.  I guess I’d rather enjoy the drive than fly down the road. One of my favorite back drives is the one heading to Horseneck Beach.  Currently, I live in Fairhaven, but my memories of taking the back roads to Horseneck go back to early childhood, when I lived in New Bedford.

A day at the beach was an event and we would make sure to pack all the essentials: a big blanket, beach chairs, a radio, a cooler full of food and drinks, and anything else that would allow us to spend the entire day at our favorite beach.  Then we’d pile into Mom’s car and be on our way.  We’d head out to Dartmouth, past Davoll’s General Store that has been there for over two hundred years.  Then we’d go over the little hill and soon mom was pointing out the cows and horses in the pastures and the flowers growing along the sturdy old stone walls.  This was all a prelude to the beautiful vistas we knew awaited us upon our first glimpse of the ocean.  I guess this is why I believe so firmly that it’s not only the destination, but the journey that matters.

Eventually, we turned onto Horseneck Road, which I always recognized because the first part of the drive reminded me of a long horse’s neck.   I loved to visualize this part of the journey and anxiously awaited our arrival at the top of the horse’s head. The road eventually spilled out to meet the ocean and we couldn’t wait to get our toes in the sand!

My love affair with Horseneck continued through the years.  When I finally got my license at sixteen, it was always a favorite destination.  Strutting along those two miles of beautiful coastline in my bikini with my girlfriends was a favorite pastime as well as checking out the waves and the cute lifeguards. The ride home would always include a stop for clam cakes, something we couldn’t get if we took the fast way home.

After college, I moved to California.   It was a very adventurous time and I enjoyed discovering all the beautiful stretches of beach along the coastline drive in California. Still, Horseneck Beach remained my favorite and memories of my back road drives to the beach always brought a smile to my face.

Fast forward many years later.  I found my way back to New England and settled in Fairhaven, right over the bridge from New Bedford.  Only now I was the mom and my little girl Danica and I would carry on the tradition of the back road drives to Horseneck. This time her eyes were peeled for the cows and horses and flowers and rock walls.  The drive home was even better if you can imagine that!

We spent the day in the sand and the waves and left feeling sun-drenched and salty.  It felt great to roll down the windows, feel the ocean breeze, and take in the beautiful seascapes from Westport to Dartmouth and on to New Bedford.  We stopped at a farm stand along the road to pick up some corn on the cob for dinner that night and of course a stop for ice cream was a requirement for the drive home.

The years have flown by since those days and teenage Danica recently requested a surfboard for her birthday.  Our trips to Horseneck Beach still include all the essentials: big towels, food and drink and a radio. Only now, those items are joined by a hope for gnarly waves. Things may change over the course of time, but the route taken has always stayed the same.

These days, anytime I need a good walk, a good cry or just need to think, I find myself driving that same old road out to my favorite place.  A walk along the beach always seems to restore my peace of mind.  So next time you’re heading out to Horseneck Beach, ditch the highway. The road less traveled can bring you pleasant memories that will last you a lifetime!

If you live in New Bedford or South Coast, Massachusetts you have an opportunity to travel to some of the most treasured places the United States,  places where movies stars and Presidents enjoy their summer vacations; Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Cuttyhunk Islands.  There are two ways to get there: by air and by sea.  Here is a list of the best ways to travel to these islands.

Travel by Air:

Cape Air

• 1475 Airport Road, New Bedford, MA 02746 – (508) 991-6160 (click here for directions)
• 660 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA – (508) 790-1980 (click here for directions)
• 71 Airport Road, Vineyard Haven, MA – (508) 693-2210 (click here for directions)

www.flycapeair.com

Time Spent in the air: Less than 20 minutes (when leaving from the New Bedford Airport)

Ticket prices:

Martha’s Vineyard- $48.20 one way

Nantucket- $44.50 – $89.50 one way

Flight Times: From New Bedford Airport, hourly flights departing between 6AM-7PM during peak season and three flights a day during the off season. Don’t want to leave your car at the airport? Need an alternate source of transportation? There are many taxi services you can use but to ride in style here is a local drive company that will be happy to escort you. Try Regal Transit 774-202-7229.

BY SEA:

Taking a ferry will allow you the most options for getting to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cuttyhunk islands.  Here are the local ferry services.

New Bedford Fast Ferry:

49 State Pier, New Bedford, MA 02740 – (866) MV-FERRY (683-3779) (click here for directions)

www.nefastferry.com

Time spent on ferry: Approximately 1 hour (55 min).

Ticket Prices to:

Martha’s Vineyard:

• Adult- $35 one way
• Child- $20 one way
• Senior- $31 one way
• Bike- $6 one way

Commuter 10 trip book- $275 (it is transferable)

Ferry Times: The ferry runs from April through November. Hours and times change seasonally but during peak season, the ferry runs approximately 9 round-trips to the Vineyard, 6 round-trips during early fall and spring, and 3 round-trips during the winter.  The ferry always runs between 6:30AM and 9:30PM.

The Seastreak is the fastest ferry trip you can take to the Vineyard and there is a parking lot located close to the dock. Don’t be late. Ticket holders not checked in at least 10 minutes before departure are subject to losing their seat to people on the standby list!

Falmouth Fast Ferry:

278 Scranton Ave. Falmouth MA 02540 – (508) 584-9400 (click here for directions)

www.falmouthferry.com

Time Spent on Ferry: Approximately 30 min to Vineyard Haven / 1 hour to Edgar Town

Ticket Prices to:

Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Haven:

• Adult- $12.50 one way
• Child- $7.50 one way
• Bike- $5 one way
• Commuter 10 trip book: $60 per Child or $100 per Adult

Martha’s Vineyard, Edgar Town:

• Adult- $25 one way
• Child- $15 one way
• Bike- $5 one way
• Commuter 10 trip boo: $120 per Child or $200 per Adult

Ferry Times: The ferry’s schedule changes seasonally, but during peak season it runs approximately 4 round-trips running everyday, 3 round-trips during spring (Friday-Sunday), and 2 round-trips during the fall( Friday-Sunday). There is a parking lot located near ferry but parking rates do apply ($15-$25/ Day)

Falmouth Island Queen Ferry:

75 Falmouth Heights RD, Falmouth, MA 02540 – (508) 548-4800 (click here for directions) www.islandqueen.com

Time Spent on Ferry: Approximately 35 minutes

Ticket Prices to:

Martha’s Vineyard:

• Adult- $18 round trip
• Child- $9 round trip
• Bike- $6 round trip
• Kayak- $12 round trip

Ferry Times: During the summer the ferry runs 7 round-trips a day, 9 round-trips from Friday-Sunday.  Fall and spring the ferry runs only 2 round-trips on weekdays and 5 round-trips from Friday-Sunday. Please arrive 45 minutes before departure.  Parking is available with long term rates available.  They ONLY accept CASH and traveler’s cheques, no credit cards.  They do allow some pets, however its a good idea to call ahead and check first.

Woods Hole Steamship Authority Ferry:

1 Crowdy RD, Woods Hole, MA 02543- (508) 477-8600 (click here for directions)

www.steamshipauthority.com

Time Spent on Ferry:

Martha’s Vineyard: Approximately 45 minutes

Ticket Prices to:

Martha’s Vineyard:

• Adult- $7.50 one way
• Child- $4 one way
• Active Military- $4 one way
• Bike/Surfboard/Wind Surfer-$3 one way
• Auto Under 17’- $42.50-$67.50 (depending on time of year)
• Auto Over 17’, less than 20’- $52.5-$77.50 (depending on time of year)
• Motorcycle- $17-$35 (depending on time of year)
• Moped/Scooter- $10-$15 (depending on time of year)

Information on discount coupon books for people and autos, click here.

Ferry Times: From June through January the ferry runs 14 round-trips between 6AM and 9:45PM, stopping at Vineyard Haven & Oak Bluffs only during summer and fall.

This is the only way to bring your car, motorcycle, moped/scooter, to and from the islands!

Hyannis, Steamship Authority Ferry:

65 South St, Barnstable Town, MA 02601- 508.495.3278 (click here for directions)

www.steamshipauthority.com

Time Spent on (Slow) Ferry:

Nantucket: Approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes

Ticket Prices to:

Nantucket:

• Adult- $16.50 one way
• Child- $8.50 one way
• Active Military- $8.50 one way
• Bike/Surfboard/Wind Surfer- $6 one way
• Auto Under 17’- $130.00-$190.00 (depending on time of year)
• Auto Over 17’, less than 20’- $150.00-$215.00 (depending on time of year)
• Motorcycle- $45-$60 (depending on time of year)
• Moped/Scooter- $28-$38 (depending on time of year)

Information on discount coupon books for people and autos, click here.

Ferry Times: This ferry is running from June to January. Times and trips change monthly, but during peak times the ferry runs 6 round-trips, and during off peak months it runs only 3 round-trips.

Time Spent on Fast Ferry:

Nantucket: Approximately 1 hour

Ticket Prices to:

Nantucket:

• Adult- $32.50 one way
• Child- $16.50 one way
• Active Military- $24.50 one way
• Bike/Surfboard/Wind Surfer- $6 one way

Information on discount coupon books for people and autos, click here.

Ferry Times: Ferry runs April to January.  Peak months running 5 round-trips between 8AM and 7:15PM.  During off peak months the ferry only runs 4 round-trips, between 8AM-4:30PM.

New Bedford to Cuttyhunk Ferry:

66B State Pier, South Bulkhead, New Bedford, MA 02740- 508.992.0200 (click here for directions)

www.cuttyhunkferryco.com

Time Spent on Ferry:

Cuttyhunk: Approximately 1 hour

Ticket Prices to:

Cuttyhunk:

• Adult- $40 round trip
• Child- $30 round trip
• Commuter Pass 10 Trips: $230 (transferable)

Ferry Times: This ferry runs all year, with the schedule changing seasonally.  During the peak season the ferry runs 1 round-trip during week days and 2 round-trips during weekends.  During off peak seasons running only  during weekends, 1-2 round trips.

Cuttyhunk Ferry offers a full bar (liquor, beer, wine), espresso, coffee, teas, and snacks.  It also offers Seal & Sunset Cruises.

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When one thinks of wine in America they imagine it coming from the popular Monterey, Napa and Sonoma Valley regions of California.  Some might also recognize the new and ever-popular Washington State varieties.  These so-called “New World” wines are rapidly becoming popular with wine lovers nationally and worldwide as well.  Wines produced outside the usual growing areas in Europe are considered New World wines.  These wines are produced in places like Argentina, Chile, Australia, Canada, and the United States. What people may not realize is that there is a fledgling wine industry right here in Massachusetts.

The first thing you need to know about wineries is how they use the land and ecosys­tem to grow their grapes.  Grapes are obviously the foundation of any wine.  The end result of these grapes is that they are transformed into popular bottles of wine, such as Westport Rivers Brut Cuvee Champagne.  Climate, harvesting traditions and local knowledge are essential factors in the characterization of the grapes involved in making wine.

There are 24 wineries currently located in Massachusetts, four of which are located within a few miles of New Bedford.  For those of you who love wine, who want to learn about it, or for those just looking for something new to experience, New Bedford Guide would like to point out these local wineries and the services they offer.

The first winery we have is Travessia Urban Winery, located in downtown New Bedford. The growers offer selec­tions of merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and their new Bas­tard Rose 2008 Vintage. They are open year all year from 12-6pm for tastings and tours. Most of the wine is sold in-house, but can also be found at the Inner Bay restaurant in New Bedford, as well as these stores: Bin Ends in Braintree MA, The Reserve Bin in Foxborough, and the One Stop Mart in Rockland.  Travessia Urban Winery is a risqué vineyard that likes to experiment with new wine techniques as well as honoring their simple traditions with their current collections.

Next we have the Running Brooks Vineyard located in North Dartmouth. They offer chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Cab Franc Merlot, Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir.  All the wines here are produced from hand-picked grapes that are grown on their 20 acre site. They are open year round as well, with hours Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. The vineyard is owned by Pedro Teixeira and Manuel Morais, both with backgrounds in wine from Portugal, the Azores and California. You can read more about their journey on their website www.runningbrookwine.com and how they ended up opening a winery in North Dartmouth.

Not too far from Running Brooks Vineyard is the Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery, located in Westport. Cool climates create the most dramatic Sparking, White and Rose wines in this area, which have been noted by wine critics near and far.  It is for these three types of wine that Westport Rivers is known for. The vineyard also creates chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gruner Veltliner, among others. Westport Rivers Vineyard proudly announces their new VIP Club that offers a number of services to its members including bottle and case dis­counts, invitations to vineyard events and promotions, hands on participation in the harvest, and much more. The winery is open Monday through Saturday from11am-5pm for wine tasting.

Finally we finish our tour at Cape Cod Winery, located in East Falmouth.  The winery was founded in 1994 by the Lazzari Family, offering varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, merlot, Pinot Grigio, Seyval and Vidal Blanc.  The vineyard has sandy gravel soil and gentle slopes that bring to mind the landscapes of France and Italy, which make the area ideal for growing grapes.  Recently the winery won a Bronze Medal for their Nobska Red in the International Eastern Wine Competition. Wines are grown on-premise and sold in-house, as well as various liquor stores including: John’s Liquor Store, Murphy’s Fine Wines, Kappy’s and Liberty Liquors.  Cape Cod Winery is open on weekends from 11am-4pm for tours and wine tasting.

The rise in wineries operating along the south coast of Massachusetts brings a new, classic aspect to the lifestyle of the permanent residents of this area. This new boom in wineries could mean a lot for the New World wines coming from the East coast.  When venturing through the area, I recommend taking the time to visit these local vineyards.  The wines they offer have been noted by critics worldwide including: The “O” Magazine, The Observer, Best American Sparkling Wine, SouthCoastToday, The Wallstreet Journal, The New York Times, Wine Enthusiast, The Wine Spectator, The Providence Journal, and the Boston Globe.

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

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

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