A Whale of a Day in New Bedford, MA

New Bedford came into its own as a whaling city. It sits on the southeastern coast of Massachusetts below Cape Cod and still has strong ties to the sea. But there are non-maritime things to do during your visit here. You will find a great blend of activities for land lubbers and sailors alike.

1Web-4903122407_918457bb81_b
Buttonwood Park Zoo
This zoo in the popular Buttonwood Park introduces visitors to both more common and more exotic animals. Bald Eagles, elephants, goats, harbor seals and lobsters are a sample of the spectrum. And if you have at least 6 people, you can reserve an up close and personal Zoo Encounter.
2Web-3386898764_5c5485f11c_b
New Bedford Whaling Museum
In addition to maritime art and documents, the Whaling Museum exhibits mammoth whale skeletons and whaling ship models. The museum seeks to educate visitors on how we have evolved from whaling with harpoons to scientific research of these beautiful creatures.
Gallery X is located in an old church and is a community art center free to the public.
3
Freestone's City Grill
Located right in downtown New Bedford, amidst the Whaling National Park district, you will find Freestones City Grill offering a good selection of microbrews on tap and a large menu of seafood and sandwiches. But the real treat is the collection of artifacts salvaged from various historic places throughout the city - including the old bank the restaurant now occupies.
4
Gallery X
New Bedford has a thriving artist community and William Street hosts many galleries. Gallery X is located in an old church and is a community art center free to the public. It displays work by local contemporary artists including performance art events.
5
New Bedford Fire Museum
It is great to see a fire museum housed inside of a real firehouse. This historic building was operational until about 30 years ago. It now gives visitors an opportunity to learn about fire fighting in the urban world before modern innovations. Plus, you can put on the equipment or slide down the poles. How cool is that?
But the real treat is the collection of artifacts salvaged from various historic places throughout the city - including the old bank the restaurant now occupies.
6Web-sl-1
Melville House Bed & Breakfast
It is very cool to get to tour a place that inspired a literary great. It is an absolute treat to get to stay there as a guest. This beautiful Inn was once owned by Herman Melville's sister and he stayed there himself when visiting New Bedford. His trip on a whaling ship from New Bedford inspired Moby Dick. More
It is very cool to get to tour a place that inspired a literary great. It is an absolute treat to get to stay there as a guest. This beautiful Inn was once owned by Herman Melville's sister and he stayed there himself when visiting New Bedford. His trip on a whaling ship from New Bedford inspired Moby Dick.
Map View Hide Map

About the Author

Molly G.
Molly G.
Molly G. grew up moving all over creation, starting off in the Carolinas and making her way through the Jersey Shore, the banks of Lake Erie, Upstate New York and New England. Since she hates to pack she has put down roots in Boston, despite the fact that she despises winter. However, that moving bug is hard to shake so she solves the problem by traveling instead. She’s had a job in the real world crunching numbers for a Financial Planner for 17 years but shares her photography and thoughts about books, music, movies, travel and the Red Sox on The Bumbles Blog in a joint venture with her husband. She saves her best travel posts for UpTake.
Websitethebumblesblog.blogspot.com/
More Lists by Molly G.

Related Lists

×

© 2006 - 2012 Uptake Networks, Inc.

Uptake

Get the best tips and advice by discovering which of your friends have been to New Bedford, and also reach our helpful and experienced Uptake travel community. Sign in!

×
Uptake

Did you know that your Internet Explorer is out of date?


To get the best possible experience using our website we recommend that you upgrade to a newer version.

Close