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Destination New Bedford – Sample Itinerary 2014
New Bedford is the destination for history and culture, filled with stories from past such as whaling, the
textile industry, the working waterfront, the Underground Railroad, Melville’s fictional Captain Ahab
who battled Moby Dick, and Frederick Douglass who has found his freedom and voice in New Bedford –
just to name a few. The legendary history of the city can only be compared to its creative and
multicultural present. Richard Florida, the author of the “Rise of the Creative Class”, names New
Bedford as #7 most artistic city in the United States based on the number of artists per capita. The city
offers full palette of activities for the art aficionados: Art Galleries, Museums and Studio spaces where
one can observe the creative process in action. Pair the vibrant culture and history of the city with
amazing ethnic and seafood restaurants for a unique unparalleled experience!
DAY 1
STOP # 1
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
33 Williams Street
New Bedford Ma, 02740
(508) 996-4095
www.nps.gov/nebe/index.htm
Contact: Emily Prigot
The New Bedford National Park is chalk full of fun, learning, and adventure. When you come to visit the
park, you will see all the beautiful buildings from the 19th century, as well as learn about all the brave
Destination New Bedford – Sample Itinerary 2014
and courageous men who risked their lives in order to give light to the world. You must visit the New
Bedford National Park, and learn why Herman Melville called New Bedford “The Dearest Place to Live.”
STOP # 2
SEAMEN'S BETHEL
18 Johnny Cake Hill
(508) 992-3295
Across from the Whaling Museum, the Bethel, or Whaleman's Chapel, was built in 1832. It was the
setting for the famous chapter in Moby Dick in which Father Mapple preaches his sermon on Jonah and
the Whale. Mon - Sat, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Sun, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (April - Oct.) An active church open
to the public when possible.
Lunch Options:
Freestones City Grill
41 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740
The building that now houses Freestones
City grill was originally built as the
Citizen’s National Bank in 1877. This
locally-favored Restaurant offers healthy
choices, as well as great diverse selection
of seafood and American cuisine!
http://www.freestonescitygrill.com/
Brick Pizzeria Napolitana
163 Union St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Offering gourmet brick oven baked pizza, etc.
STOP # 3
New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill
New Bedford MA, 02740
(508) 997-0046
www.whalingmuseum.org
Contact: Arthur Motta
Destination New Bedford – Sample Itinerary 2014
When you come to New Bedford, you must visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum. It is located in the
heart of downtown New Bedford, right on Johnny Cake Hill. Come learn about the famous industry that
propelled New Bedford into international fame in popular books and movies. At the whaling museum
you will hear stories of adventure out on the high seas of the Atlantic. You will also be amazed at what
you learn about the ships, whales, and men that made these stories worth telling.
STOP # 4
Nathan and Polly Johnson House
21 Seventh Street
New Bedford MA, 02740
508-979-8828
www.nbhistoricalsociety.org
Contact: Lee Blake 774-929-3035
Nathan and Polly Johnson were free blacks living in New Bedford during the 1850’s. They were advent
abolitionists and used their home as a staging point for the Underground Railroad. In fact, this is the first
place that the great Frederick Douglas and his family stayed after escaping slavery in 1838. If you are
looking for a place to learn some great history, or just take in the same sights that fugitive slaves did
over a hundred and fifty years ago, you must visit the Johnson House.
Shopping:
The Bedford Merchant
28 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740
great store for gifts, souvenirs and more!
http://www.bedfordmerchant.com/
DAY 2
STOP # 1
Harbor Tour
Whaling City Expeditions
Departing from 52 Fisherman's Wharf, New Bedford
@ the Waterfront Visitor's Center. Plenty of FREE
parking at the pier! Buy your tickets at the boat.
Experienced captains take visitors on a relaxing,
Destination New Bedford – Sample Itinerary 2014
narrated cruise around historic New Bedford Harbor.
http://www.whalingcityexpeditions.com
STOP # 2
Schooner Ernestina
Museum & Office: 89 No. Water Street, 10 State Pier,
New Bedford, MA
National Historic Landmark and gift of the Republic of
Cape Verde, Schooner Ernestina is the official vessel
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Launched
in Essex in 1894 as the Effie M. Morrissey, she sailed
as a Grand Banks fishing schooner, far-north Arctic
explorer and trans-Atlantic Cape Verdean packet. Her
homeport is New Bedford, ship's berth: New Bedford
State Pier, Southwest face.
Lunch Option:
Waterfront Grille
36 Homers Wharf, New Bedford, MA
New Bedford's only harbor-front restaurant... Experience a 'taste' of the number one fishing
port in the United States! Boasting harbor views and a front row seat of the city's commercial
fishing industry, the Waterfront Grille is the area's premier seafood restaurant, bringing the
freshest seafood from the ocean right to your plate!
Shopping:
Moby Dick Specialties
27 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740
great store for gifts, souvenirs and more!
(508) 996-1114
For the wine aficionados:
Travessia Urban Winery
760 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(774) 929-6534
info@travessiawine.com
Destination New Bedford – Sample Itinerary 2014
Travessia is a micro-winery in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, focusing on making wine
in small lots with primarily Massachusetts-grown grapes, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Vidal
Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Open for tasting and sales Wednesday through Saturday from Noon to
6P.M. and Sunday from Noon to 5P.M.
STOP # 3
New Bedford Art Museum
608 Pleasant Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 961-3072
NBAM was formed in 1994 and incorporated in 1996. Located in the historic downtown district of the
City of New Bedford, the Museum is housed in the renovated Anthony J. Catojo, Jr. Building, formerly a
bank. NBAM is an educational private non-profit (501 (c) 3) organization, which carries out its mission
through two major areas of activity: mounting exhibits and conducting education programs.
STOP # 4
New Bedford Museum of Glass
61 Wamsutta Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 984-1666
http://www.nbmog.org/
Contact: Laura Coffin
Extensive glass industry flourished in New Bedford in the
late 19th and early 20th centuries. Check out exhibitions,
galleries and gift shop in a factory building - all dedicated to glass and its significance in the city. Check
out the antiques center right next door!
Evening Dining Option:
CORK Wine and Tapas
90 Front Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
508.994.9463
Cork Wine and Tapas is located in the heart of Historic Downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Specializing in creative cuisine, we offer a dynamic menu which features both tapas & full
entrees.
Destination New Bedford – Sample Itinerary 2014
Please visit DestinationNewBedford.org for a complete list of dining options including seafood, American
and International cuisine, bars, pubs, and more.
Evening Entertainment
ZEITERION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
684 Purchase St.
(508) 997-5664 (business)
(508) 994-2900 (box office)
http://www.zeiterion.org/
Historic performing arts center open year-round. Hosts a variety of world class performances
each year including jazz, world, theatre, dance, musicals, comedy, blues, pop and family
programs.
Please visit DestinationNewBedford.org for a complete list of evening entertainment and live music.
DAY 3
Relax and enjoy the scenery!
STOP #1
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden
Museum
396 County Street
New Bedford MA, 02740
(508) 997-6846
www.rjdmuseum.org
Contact: Kate Corkum
Located on historic County Street the
Rotch-Jones-Duff House has been a
beautiful piece of New Bedford culture
since its construction in 1834. Every year
tourists and locals alike flock to this pre-time location to view its amazing architecture, decoration, and
historic appeal. Not only is the house magnificent, but the gardens are as well. Consisting of both
domestic and foreign plants from across the globe, the gardens of the House are a thing of beauty.
Destination New Bedford – Sample Itinerary 2014
STOP #2
Fort Taber Park
South Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744
This 47-acre park is located on Clark’s Point and has
spectacular views of Buzzards Bay. The park has
walking and biking paths, swimming, a playground,
seasonal refreshment stand and bathrooms. The
park features important historical landmarks, as the
site’s former use as a military reservation dates
back to the American Revolution.
http://forttaber.org/history-of-the-fort/
STOP #3
Fort Taber Military Museum
South Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744
Located in the First Taber Park, The Fort Taber Military Museum includes many exhibits and displays of
military interest.
http://forttaber.org/museum-history/
Lunch Option:
Me and Ed’s
30 Brock Ave, New Bedford, MA 02744
(508) 993-9922
Famous for their hearty steak dinners, delicious seafood and world-class pizza!
STOP # 3
West and East Beaches
Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744
Relax and enjoy the waves!
Destination New Bedford – Sample Itinerary 2014
Evening Dining Option:
Antonio’s Restaurant
267 Coggeshall St, New Bedford, MA
(508) 990-3636
antoniosnewbedford.com
Rated one of the best Portuguese Restaurants in the area! Great seafood, generous size plates!
Please visit DestinationNewBedford.org for a complete list of dining options including seafood, American
and International cuisine, bars, pubs, and more.
Events: We recommend visiting DestinationNewBedford.org for a complete list of year-round events,
feasts and festivals to enhance your experience of New Bedford!
Contact us for more information about New Bedford:
Jerrie K. Lyndon
Marketing and Cultural Tourism Manager
City of New Bedford, MA
T: 508-979-1745 F:508-991-6200
Toll Free:1-800-508-5353
jerrie.lyndon@newbedford-ma.gov
www.destinationnewbedford.org
www.filmnewbedford.org