April marks the return of some of our favorite things, from daffodils to the film festival to spring peepers. Here's our list of the top picks for this month on the South Coast!
1. Night at the Museum
The Whaling Museum hosts first Fridays for the 21+ set. Join them for an after hours museum experience with signature cocktails, light bites, and - this month - the Moonbellies, who'll bring their Americana, Old-Time, Québécois, Irish, and Cajun tunes for an epic concert beneath the whale skeletons. $10 member/$20 non-members. April 4 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Program begins at 6. Tickets and more here.
2. Restaurant Week!
Fall River restaurants are pulling out the stops for Restaurant Week. They feature all kinds of special prix fix lunches and dinners and the chefs like to show off their creativity with new dishes. Go try out a couple of new places! April 4 through 13, various locations throughout Fall River. More info here.
3. Marsh Musings
The Drawing Room in New Bedford is delving into the 1969 environmental classic Life & Death of the Salt Marsh which was recently reprinted by the Buzzards Bay Coalition. During AHA! New Bedford, come for a little panel discussion with scientists about the book, their work and why these critical ecosystems are so important to our region. Free but please RSVP here. April 10 from 6-7. 33 William Street, New Bedford.
4. Hollywood in dNB
The New Bedford Film Festival is back for its second annual season. You can attend some screenings for free or choose from various packages that will guarantee your seat and allow you to attend workshops, parties and the Awards ceremony. Various locations throughout downtown New Bedford. April 10 – 13. More information here and tickets here.
5. Daffy for Daffodils
The annual daffodil extravaganza at Dartmouth’s Parsons Reserve happens in mid-April. If you haven’t seen it, you’re in for a treat. (If you have seen it, you don’t need a reminder.) Check the website for information about peak blooms and visiting information. $5 suggested donation/free for DNRT members.
6. Gather Your Friends
Our Spring issue (mailing to our print subscribers this week!) features a couple of mobile outdoor saunas. And what a treat – bring your friends to try it out at Westport Rivers Vineyard where Tranquil Tides is offering a cold plunge and sauna pairing. You can reserve an hour for a group of six for $125. And maybe have a little wine pairing while you're there. April 19, 417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport. More here.
7. A Magical Twilight Walk
Over at the Acushnet Sawmill, the Buzzards Bay Coalition is hosting people on a walk through the forest during nautical twilight (using headlamps, if needed) winding their way to end up at the swamp where they anticipate being welcomed by the chorus of Spring peepers. Free. April 24 from 8 to 9 pm. 32 Mill Road, Acushnet.
8. Springtime Awakening
Join the Westport Land Trust for a springtime jaunt to rediscover the pleasures of wood anemone, redbuds and other spring flowers. Free but register here. 5 to 6 pm. April 30. 255 Cornell Road, Westport.
That's our list for April! Go out and enjoy it!
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April also means it's time to vote in our annual Best of the South Coast contest. Voting is open for the food, restaurants and drinks categories first. The rest of the categories open up on April 16.