We are thinking of visiting New Bedord in August. Does anyone have any information about it, and whether it is interesting to visit? I understand it is one of the original whaling towns. Thank you.

New Bedford used to be a town of hardworking fishermen and whalers but that has died out a lot. New Bedford is dominated by social dysfunctional people who commit many of life's blunders- too much doping and drinking, illegitimate births, rape etc., etc.. New Bedford was famous for the rape on the pool table mis-portrayed by Jodie Foster in a dishonest movie over a decade ago. New Bedford was also the hometown of Lizzie Borden, who gave her mother 40 whacks and her father 41.

Two years ago, my husband and I visited the New Bedford/Fall River area. If you enjoy maritime history, then you're in for a treat! The NB Whaling National Historical Park is a large district, containing the NB Whaling Museum, Seaman's Bethel (the whaling chapel, described by Herman Melville, in Moby Dick), and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House (first owned by a whaler, in the early 1800's). Also, if your travel dates include August 2-5, the annual Portuguese Festival is being held--talk about great food, and lots of it! For more information on the above, check out http://www.rixsan.com/nbvisit/guide.htm

Just a short ride away, in Fall River, is Battleship Cove. You can board and explore the USS Massachusetts, a submarine and several other vessels. And, of course, if you're interested in Lizzie Borden, be sure to check out her homestead, now operating as the LB Bed and Breakfast Museum. Tours are held, daily, on the half-hour. (Actually, we stayed at the inn, for one night, and it was terrific--nice people, a great breakfast, and an extended private tour reserved for overnight guests--informational, and not so macabre as one might think!) Then, a short drive away, there is a museum of Borden memorabilia, and you can view the Bordens' gravesites, at Oak Grove Cemetary. Also, FR is loaded with factory outlets of every type--you might want to do a little "early-bird" holiday shopping!

Regarding the area's crime rate, as noted by the previous poster--NB/FR is like any other small city-type area. We live about 30 miles away, and read about what happens there, in our local newspaper. Most of it seems to be drug-related, though, and involves local residents (not visitors!) and neighborhood disputes. Just as if you were traveling anywhere, put on your "common sense cap," and you'll be fine! Have a great time!

Hi,

I visited New Bedford/Fall River a few years ago. Loved Fall River and thought Battleship Cove was really great. But, being honest, I didn't feel safe driving through New Bedford. I didn't know anything about it at the time and still know relatively little, but it's just one person's viewpoint. While I am sure there are nice parts that I missed, I didn't feel safe and left.

Just my humble opinion.

Laura

If your interested in whaling, go to Nantucket Island off the coast. It's another big whaling spot from years ago. However, it's filled with tourists also in summer, but charming B&Bs too.
I agree with the previous posters on the Battleship Cove. Very interesting.