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Adventures Out

Day Trip: New Bedford

Why Go: In the 19th century New Bedford was once the whaling capital of the world and one of the largest producers of cotton yarns and textiles in the country. Herman Melville shipped out of New Bedford’s port to gain experience on the seas before writing the classic Moby Dick; escaped slave Frederick Douglass found refuge and freedom in New Bedford. Today New Bedford is popular for its history, culture, arts, and animals.   

What to See: Climb aboard the 89-foot half-scale model of the Lagoda, the centerpiece of the New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill). Get a hands-on experience of shipboard life, by exploring the above and below decks of a full-size fo’c’sle or, as landlubbers would say, “forecastle.” Then put it all in perspective by viewing the skeletons of the 45-ton sperm whale or the 33-foot humpback whale.

While you won’t find any whales at the Buttonwood Park Zoo (425 Hawthorn St.), you will meet harbor seals, eels, crabs, spotted turtles, beavers, bobcats, Asian elephants and black bears. Be sure to take a walk to the historic downtown and view the lighthouses.

Check out the city calendar online. In addition to numerous Portuguese festivals, the second Thursday of every month is designated as AHA! Night, filled with cultural events and activities.

(BPP PHDG, 2008)

Side Streets

Before your next night on the town, visit Restaurant.com for big savings at local eateries.

Bypass theater ticket lines. Buy movie tickets in advance at Fandango.com. Read reviews and find showtimes for any movie in the U.S.  

© 2003-2009 Robin C. Mason, WordsWorth2
Email Robin with calendar event listings, suggestions, and corrections.