" NEW BEDFORD ~ Whaling capitol of New England" New Bedford by Pawtuxet

New Bedford Travel Guide: 27 reviews and 96 photos

Salty and a bit gritty, but fascinating as well...

New Bedford is a famous old whaling port which continues to earn its living from the sea. With a large fishing fleet and working waterfront, there are many working class neighborhoods whose residents depend on the sea in one way or the other. A ferry can take you to Martha's Vineyard from here, but you could probably find charter boats for a private fishing adventure with your friends or a tour boat to explore the coastline, among the extensive offerings.
Herman Melville shipped out of this port in 1841. The experience inspired him to write Moby-Dick.

And then there are the All American DINERS Don't cha just love diner food? It's so bad for us, I know... but where else are ya gonna get a juicy burger or a huge breakfast such as you find in these great old diners. Check out the one on my Restaurant tips.

I'LL BE BACK LATER WITH MORE...

Whaling Museum

New Bedford Whaling Museum

Atop Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the historic waterfront district, the New Bedford Whaling Museum is a complex of several buildings which fill the block between William and Union streets. The museum is dedicated to the history of New Bedford, with particular emphasis on the story of whaling in the age of sail.

Come into my tips to learn more about this wonderful and unique museum.

Clawfoot anyone?

I visited the NewEngland Salvage Co. with my friend who is a preservation architect. If you need some salvaged pieces or parts for an old house it might be a good idea to check them out. Have you dreamed of having a clawfoot tub? This place has a few! It's a pretty stunning sight when you get to the top of the stairs and see a sea of bathrubs all lined up like they are about to parade down Main Street.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A seafaring town rich in history...unique in many ways
Cons:Extensive tenement house neighborhoods struggling to survive
In a nutshell:Fascinating multicultural and diverse

Last visit to New Bedford: Oct 2009
Intro Updated Nov 7, 2009
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Reviews (10)

Learn about Whaling/shop for treasures - New Bedford

Learn about Whaling/shop for treasures Things to Do (5)

Whaling dominates the scene in New Bedford. There is a wonderful map in the visitors center showing the whaling waters... more travel advice

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Cobblestone streets/Historic District Favorites (1)

Cobblestone streets are almost extinct in the United States, but here in New Bedford you get to rattle along and really... more travel advice

Whaling Museum... of course! - New Bedford

Whaling Museum... of course! Things to Do (5)

Enter the nautical world of these enormous creatures of the deep and introduce yourself to KOBO. "The Museum acquired... more travel advice

Explore the historic district architecture - New Bedford

Explore the historic district... Things to Do (5)

Shortly after New Bedford's establishment as a town in the early 1760s it became an important whaling port. New Bedford... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
A bit of blarney?
Restaurants (2)
See All "banking" on good food

Shopping (1)
Is it trash or treasure?
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Comments (11)

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Jim_Eliason Apr 5, 2013 at 11:30 AM

Great page Janet!
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  Pawtuxet Apr 5, 2013 at 5:58 PM
  
  thanks for the visit, Jim
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Yaqui Nov 30, 2009 at 12:19 PM

Love the restaurant choices Janet! The New England Salvage would be like a mini adventure in it self to explore. Each piece has a unique history of its own. The monument on the intro page is lovely!
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emilienoelle Nov 10, 2009 at 1:17 PM

Thanks for the postcard, Janet! What a great opening photo. I love New Bedford!
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tiabunna Nov 9, 2009 at 3:09 AM

I enjoyed your (near total) update of this page, Janet - looks an interesting visit. The photo of all the bathtubs still makes me smile for the images it conjures...
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lynnehamman Nov 8, 2009 at 4:18 PM

Good page,Janet.I would enjoy the architecture, Acushnet shop & food- but abhor whaling- thank God its now no longer in fashion. Lovely photos.
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evaanna Nov 8, 2009 at 12:33 PM

What an interesting place with the museum and the old houses! The salvage shop looks great. I wish we had something like this here.
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deecat Nov 8, 2009 at 11:31 AM

Another outstanding page, Janet. Another spot I would love to see. Diner, museum, salvage place...a great place to visit.
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icunme Nov 8, 2009 at 8:49 AM

That's the kind of old what-not shop I would love to find here in Rome - but, no way! Sturdy souls there indeed.
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jumpingnorman Nov 8, 2009 at 8:15 AM

Wow, this was where the Mobdy Dick inspiration came from? Whaling museum are always fun - and lucky person who will get the scented book...and lol, that's a lot of clawfoot tubs!
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gilabrand Oct 29, 2009 at 1:58 PM

That salvage place sounds like fun!