Blog - South Coast Almanac

January 31, 2019

Time for a short winter month! 8 Great Things in February

The temperatures are hovering in the teens and we are ready to say goodbye to January. You want us to distract you from the thermometer? Here’s a list of 8 Great Things to while away the hours in February — walks, wine, chocolate, community building, music and more — as we wait for glimpses of spring.

1. Superb-Owl Walk

Hey guys, we love this cleverly named walk! Our sincerest congratulations to the Sippican Land Trust for truly outdoing themselves. If the actual walk lives up to its name, it’ll be a great way to work off some pre-game jitters (Go Pats!). The walk will head along the railroad beds in search of early evening owls. The hope is to hear some calls, although organizers warn that owls are very busy this time of year with their nesting (as we all are, really. Super Bowl viewing parties don’t plan themselves!). The walk promises to end by 5:30, leaving you plenty of time to get home before kick-off. February 3rd, 4:00 p.m, departing from the Marion Institute parking lot, 202 Spring Street, Marion. More here.

2. Super Bowl Sunday Violin Recital

We can’t come up with a punny name for this one that matches the Sippican Land Trust’s efforts. Still, we give it a big thumbs up! Jesse Holstein of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jeff Louis are presenting works including Mozart’s two-movement sonata in G-major, Beethoven’s “Kreutzer Sonata,” and Maurice Ravel’s “Tzigane” (and these are just some highlights!) on the violin and keyboard. As Tom Brady probably said: “No tailgate is complete without some Beethoven.” February 3rd, 2-4 pm, Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, New Bedford. Tickets $25 non-members, $20 members. More here.

3. Chocolate. Festival.

Chocolate Festival. Two simple words that make us giddy. Picture this: getting all your Valentine’s Day needs taken care of while surrounded by free chocolate samples, wine tasting, and live music. It’s like a party, but with more wine and more chocolate. Convinced? We are too. February 9th, 11am-2pm, Portugalia Marketplace, 489 Bedford Street, Fall River.

4. 19th annual Frederick Douglass Read-A-Thon

There are few events that have the distinct honor of being featured year after year in our 8 Great Things blogs. We’ll be honest, a good read-a-thon always gets us. Missed last month’s Moby Dick Marathon fun at the Whaling Museum? Ready to go for round two? Head on over to join the New Bedford Historical Society in reading the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. The Read-a-thon is in its 19th year, and this is the end of the Douglass bicentennial. If you haven’t yet been, now is the perfect time to go! February 10th, 2-6 pm, First Unitarian Church, New Bedford. More here.

5. (non) Polar Plunge!

Now this is our kinda polar plunge! The Gleason YMCA is opening up its indoor pool to kick off your February vacation week fun, giving participants a polar plunge with all of the glory and none of the frigid outdoor temps! Jump on in for an evening of swimming with the Y’s great water slide and tide pool open, all while enjoying a winter light show and music! Free for members, $5 for non-members. February 15th, 6:30-8 pm, Gleason Family YMCA, 33 Charge Pond Road, Wareham.

6. Roses and Thorns

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra is back at it again! After last month’s stunning Fema Plays Beethoven performance, the Orchestra is joining up with guest cello musician Christine J. Lee to bring you another fantastic night, with a theme in keeping with the spirit of Valentine’s week! Insider tip: ticket holders also can attend a pre-concert talk in the Penler Space to hear conductor Yaniv Dinur discuss the program and find out why this concert is titled Roses and Thorns. Tickets $30-$65. February 16th, 7:30pm (pre-concert talk at 6:30), The Zeiterion, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. More here.

7. Hootenanny (say, what?)

Weatherlow Farm is hosting a hosting a hootenanny — don’t know what that is? We didn’t either and had to turn to Wikipedia. It’s an old country word for party, folks! This party is particularly special as it is a fundraiser for the beloved Cluck & Trowel Farm in Westport, which had a devastating fire on January 12. Food, music and fun will be accompanied by a healthy serving of generous community building — quite literally — as neighbors help to raise the funds to bring Cluck & Trowel back. Keep an eye out for more details by checking Cluck & Trowel’s Facebook event page where you can also find other ways to help out (juice it up, yoga, etc.)

8. Westport Dawning Photo Exhibit

Westport Library, the Westport Fishermen’s Association and the Buzzards Bay Coalition have partnered together to bring us Westport Dawning, showcasing Greg Stone’s beautiful photographs of Westport’s rivers and the Westport – Buzzards Bay – Atlantic Ocean connection. Stone’s collection of photographs, including some new drone shots, features the natural beauty of Westport and underscores the importance of preserving this beauty. February 2 – 28, Westport Free Public Library, 408 County Road, Westport. Free. More here.

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If you want a copy of our beautiful Fall/Holiday print magazine, filled with things you can’t find online — Best Dishes from favorite local chefs, Local Makers Gift Guide, Nightlife Guide: A to Z, and lots more — subscribe right here!

January 24, 2019

Racing Herreshoff Twelves

Staying on the seat was an athletic endeavor in and of itself, never mind hoisting and dousing the spinnaker — or worse — gybing the mainsail. We were drenched and freezing cold for two whole days, with the boat taking endless waves over the bow. Sitting forward as the crew does, it’s as though someone is hurling buckets of water into your face, and in no time, sunglasses are rendered useless, sunscreen is washed away, and your hands look as though they’ve been in a bath for days….

Click here to see Deborah’s adventure story as it appeared in our inaugural May 2016 issue, accompanied by the striking photography of Hew Russell.

January 3, 2019

Resolution: Do More Things!

Drink more water. Exercise. Sneak kale into whatever you can. We’ve got a fun resolution to add to the list: get out and do things in the community! There’s plenty of wonderful things on the South Coast to get you going, even in winter. We’ll keep bringing you our 8 Great Things each month to give you ideas. That’s our resolution!

Ahoy There, Mates!

It’s that time of year again — get ready for the Moby Dick Reading Marathon. We’ve been attending the marathon for the past four years, and it’s become a favorite tradition for us. Hardy souls drop in for a few minutes or for the whole 27 hour marathon at the Whaling Museum (with one chapter read at the Seamen’s Bethel). The event is free and open to the public and even features two mini-marathons, perfect for kids. Grab a coffee and a copy of the classic, and gear up for a night (and morning!) to remember. January 4-6, New Bedford Whaling Museum. See more here.

2. Get Outside!

With no snow on the forecast, it doesn’t seem like the weather is cooperating for the Appalachian Mountain Club’s first snowshoe hike of the new year (but we can’t complain about too little snow!) Join the Club for a 4 mile hike (or 2 mile snowshoe, should the forecast change) and experience the beauty of winter in the Sanctuary. The event is free and does not require advanced registration. January 6th, 12:30-3pm, Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Wareham. For information on where to meet the group, see here.

3. Spend the Evening with Ludwig!

Notice how we always seem to include the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra in our 8 Great Things? It’s because they’re just that wonderful! This January, they’ve invited acclaimed pianist Yefim Bronfman to join the stage as they take on Beethoven’s classics. The Orchestra plans to contrast Beethoven’s pieces with works by Bartok and Boulanger and we can’t wait to see what they’ve come up with this time! January 11th, 7:30pm, The Zeiterion, New Bedford. See more here.

4. Mind Your Step

Is mindfulness on your list of resolutions? Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition for a morning of meditation to jumpstart the year with renewed focus! Jessica Webb, owner of Anchor Yoga, will lead a morning meditation walk through Slocum’s River Reserve. The walk will be deliberately slow to encourage mindfulness and accommodates all fitness levels. It’s free, although participants should register on the website. January 19th, 11am-noon. Slocum’s River Reserve, Dartmouth. See more here.

5. Middle of the Night Lunar Bonding

Who knew that a total lunar eclipse was coming this January!? If you (like us) were out of the lunar-loop, never fear! The Buzzards Bay Coalition has taken care of us! They’ve picked the Mattapoisett River Reserve, 500 secluded acres far away from bright city lights, as the perfect place to view the eclipse, and invited us all to join them! Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets (and maybe pillows, too!) for optimal viewing. The eclipse will reach its peak at 12:12 am on the 21st, but you can stop by anytime between 11:30pm-12:30am for views, company, and hot chocolate! January 20-21. The event is free, participants can register on the site right here.

6. Celebrate MLK Day

Bristol Community College is opening its doors to all to celebrate MLK Day this January, as it has done for 19 years. The event is free and features a breakfast buffet, music, the announcement of the MLK Essay Contest and Visual Arts Challenge winners, and a keynote address. The Visual Arts Challenge is still accepting submissions and is open to all high school students with some great prizes (including the first place award of $150 and a free BCC course). See their site for details on how to submit! January 21st, 8:30 a.m., Bristol Community College, Fall River campus. More here.

7. Love to Hear Percussion!

Drumline Live is coming to the Z! The musical showcase promises sensational rhythms and beats, based on the Historically Black College and University marching band tradition. The performance is full of original compositions and soulful renditions of pop hits. The drum riffs and choreographed routines will be exciting for audience members of all ages, making it the perfect event for the family. Tickets range from $29-49. January 26^th, 8pm, The Zeiterion, New Bedford. More here.

8. Yuk It Up (for a good cause!)

Here’s no better way to get out of the mid-winter blues than with a night full of laughs! The Portuguese Kids, a Fall River based comedy group highlighting the funny side of growing up with immigrant parents, will be performing their new show to benefit Freetown-Lakeville United Soccer Club. Your $50 ticket includes the show, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing. January 26th, 6:30-11:30pm, White’s of Westport. More (including ticket sales) here.

Wanna keep up with the coolest happenings each month on the South Coast?! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter right here!

December 17, 2018

Local Makers on the South Coast

With one week to go until Christmas, we’re sharing the Local Maker Gift Guide from our Fall/Holiday issue. Scroll through to get some ideas and to meet some of the many talented artisans who call the South Coast home.

Click here to get the goods, beautifully photographed by Westport’s Ali Mauck.

If you want our Fall/Holiday issue in living color, have it delivered right to your door by buying it right here!

December 12, 2018

a home for the holidays: New Bedford’s finest all gussied up!

The New Bedford Preservation Society presents the 27th Annual Holiday House Tour this weekend. Join the Preservation Society on Saturday, December 8 from 4 to 8 pm for the Candlelight Tour and Sunday, December 9 from 1 to 5 pm for an Afternoon Tour.

We recently featured one of the homes in our Fall/Holiday issue. Click here to read the article and to see the beautiful photographs by Erik Kowalski! “It’s a great beginning to the season, As you walk through the houses and then listen to the music, you can’t help but feel the spirit,” says Diana Henry, the homeowner we featured, of the tour and the concert at Grace Church that follows.

Want to get your hands on a copy of our Fall/Holiday print issue with this and many other great features? You can purchase a copy delivered right to your door by clicking here.

To purchase tickets for the tour, go right here.

November 28, 2018

Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s December Again!

We’re getting our 8 Great Things list out a bit earlier this month because half of them take place on December 1 and 2 and we want to give you a heads up, with plenty of time to plan!

1. Shopping Spree Weekend!

We’ll be spending the first weekend of December finishing our holiday shopping at all of our favorite South Coast shops. Join us and get 10% off when you mention South Coast Almanac! We are grateful to these small businesses who have advertised with and supported us. And we love the personal attention they lavish on their customers. There’s a place on the list for every type of gift, so there’s no reason to leave the South Coast when checking off your list this year.

December 1-2, during stores’ business hours. See here for participating stores: SCA_Shopping_Spree_Weekend

2. Fall River Children’s Holiday Parade

Check out the 34th annual Fall River Children’s holiday parade, one of the largest in New England. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via helicopter, which we think is an exhilarating modern twist on the classic sleigh. Music, floats, giant balloons (think Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade) and excitement make this a great kick off to the holiday season. Free. December 1, 1-4 p.m. Kennedy Park, Fall River. See more here.

3. Open. Water. Swim.

Need to go back and read that headline once more? That’s right! Our brave (crazy?) friends over at the Buzzards Bay Coalition are keeping things interesting! Open water + onset bay + December 1 date makes for a very cool time (pun intended). Wetsuit and colorful hat are required. Friends not ready to take the plunge are welcome to join on kayak. Head over to the Onset Pier on Saturday, December 1 at 10 am to experience “that cold water rush”or just to watch other brave souls experience it! Free. December 1, 10 a.m. See more here.

4. Wreaths, Wine, and a Damn Good Time

Seriously, how could we pass up an event with this title!? Led by the owner of Hammer and Lace at The Barn at Sweet Fern Hill in Middleboro, this wreath making workshop is BYOB, with light refreshments and supplies provided, and you’ll go home with a wreath that would retail for $120. Tickets are $60, December 1st, 3pm. See here for tickets.

But we couldn’t stop at just one wreath workshop! Soule Homestead is hosting two workshops at the same time as their annual holiday fair. Wreaths: $25 for Soule members/$30 for non-members, centerpieces: $15/$20, holiday fair free admission, December 2nd, 10am or 1pm, 46 Soule Street, Middleboro. Preregistration is required. See more here.

Alice’s Table is hosting wreathmaking at Bittersweet Farm. You can order from the Bittersweet Farm menu as you enjoy the company of others and the creativity of making your own wreath. $75, December 5, 6:30 pm, 438 Main Road, Westport. Buy your ticket and see more here.

5. Padanaram Christmas Festival

We happened to talk recently with a woman who moved to Padanaram from the West Coast and you know what drew her to buying a home in Padanaram? The elves! She loved watching the village come together to decorate and celebrate the Christmas season a few years ago! Now’s your chance to go and see what she’s talking about. Santa and the elves, performances, giveaways from local businesses, food and refreshments help make the season bright. December 7, 5 – 8 p.m. Padanaram Village, Dartmouth. See more here.

6. Onset Christmas in the Parks

For more village Christmas flavor, head over to Onset on the 8th. Santa arrives via fire truck at noon to kick off the fun! There’s cookie decorating, photos with Santa at the firehouse with hot chocolate and goodies, a talking Christmas tree, and horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the afternoon. The event is free, with parking available at the pier, but donations will be gladly accepted. December 8, 12 – 3 pm, Onset Village. See more here.

7. Holiday Pops

We love the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra! And we think there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than listening to music with friends and family. The orchestra offers a 3:30 children’s matinee, featuring some fun surprises for young audience members, and a 7pm concert with slightly more music (but both performances last around an hour). Pssst: our friends at the NBSO have offered a special deal to South Coast Almanac readers! Use the code SCA20 for 20% off your Pops tickets. If you haven’t had a chance to take in one of their concerts yet, now is the perfect time! December 15th, 3:30 or 7pm, tickets $20-$43 (plus 20% off with code SCA20), The Zeiterion, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. Buy your tickets here or call the box office at 508-994-2900.

8. Snowshoeing the Shoreline

Embrace winter and get outside! Join Mass Audubon Society at Allens Pond Wildlife Society to explore the beautiful beach loop trail. Bring your own snow shoes (or hiking boots, should there be no snow) to trek along the 2 mile loop looking for winter wildlife and signs of animal activity! $10 for Audubon members, $12 for non-members.December 29, 9-12, Allen’s Pond, Dartmouth. For more information and to register, click here.

Wanna keep up with the coolest happenings each month on the South Coast?! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter right here!

November 21, 2018

A little napping + a little hiking or yoga = the perfect Thanksgiving weekend

There’s a questionable rumor going around that the tryptophan in turkey doesn’t actually make you sleepy. We have a hard time believing that – everyone knows the post-Thanksgiving torpor is real!

Lucky for us, we’ve got people looking out for us! We’re going to fight that post-Thanksgiving sleepiness by getting out and moving our bodies. Here are four activities designed by our wonderful regional non-profits which will help combat the tryptophan (though – to be clear – we do recommend some good, old-fashioned lollygagging this weekend so don’t skimp on that).

The Great, BIG “Walk It Off” Hike

Join Mass Audubon to walk off all those mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie! Starting at the Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary field station, travel along to the beach and the Quansett Trail on what the Buzzards Bay coalition describes as “a scenic, calorie-burning blitz of approximately 6 miles.”
Make sure to dress for a day hike and come prepared wearing closed toe shoes and a daypack with water and snacks.

Where: Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1280 Horseneck Rd., Westport
When: Friday, November 23, 2018 at 9 a.m.

Registration is required. Check here for more info. $10 members, $12 non-members.

Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike

Join DRNT Board Member, Tom Matthews, as he leads you on a refreshing hike through Destruction Brook Woods. Added benefits include burning off those stuffing calories!

Where: Destruction Brook Woods, 205 Slades Corner Rd., Dartmouth
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 9 a.m.

Free. More info here.

Hatha Yoga

This gentle to moderate class is a perfect way for yogis of all levels to ease themselves back into post-turkey society and stretch off the pumpkin pie. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, towel, and water.

Where: Boys & Girls Club of Wareham, 13 Highland Ave, Onset, MA
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 9 a.m.

Suggested donation of $10 supports next year’s Onset Summer of Love concert series. More here.

Post-Thanksgiving Dog Walk

Four-legged friends will love joining you for this annual walk in the crisp, late-fall air at the Sippican Lands Trust’s 248-acre White Eagle property.
Dogs must be leashed and under owners control at all times.

Where: White Eagle, Parlowtown Rd., Marion, MA
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 1 p.m.

Free. More info here.

An extra bonus beyond getting the blood flowing: By showing up to any of these events, you’re letting the good people who create these wonderful events know that their work matters and that we are grateful for them. And, isn’t that exactly what Thanksgiving is all about?

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November 2, 2018

A Walking Book Club. Wait a Minute, What’s That?!

We’re bringing walking book clubs to the South Coast! Be the first on your block to try it out! We stole this idea from the Brits (see here) but are putting a decidedly South Coast spin on it by choosing Blue Collars, a book with a local setting, local author and local publisher. Join us on a 1 mile walk, as we visit 5 spots described in Catherine McLaughlin’s novel of Finn Kilroy’s childhood in New Bedford’s South End, as she navigates keeping a dark secret of abuse from her close and loving family.

The price includes the book, a treat from the New Bedford Baking Company & a tour led by Joe Thomas, Publisher of Spinner Publications and South Coast Almanac contributor Corey Nuffer. Thomas and Nuffer will read passages from the book which relate to the sights and provide some historical background for the novel.

Participants need not have previously read the book to enjoy the tour. Whether you’ve already finished the book or are just starting it, the tour will provide a context for the novel’s setting and will enrich the reading experience.

After the tour, participants are invited to gather at a local restaurant for drinks and further discussion.

When & Where: November 10, from 2-4 p.m. $24.95. We can deduct $10 from the ticket price if you already have the book. Tour starts from the Cove Walk, parking is available at 1087 Cove Road, New Bedford. Advance registration is appreciated. Email [email protected] to register. Rain date is November 11, 2-4 p.m.

Questions? call 781-475-4526.

October 31, 2018

8 Great Things in November: Music, Baubles, Thanksgiving Pie Workouts & More

Step away from the candy corn! It’s time to start thinking about November. Rest assured, we’ve got 8 Great Things to take your mind off the Halloween candy.

Run Away

We’ve got a couple of fun 5Ks to get you moving because you’ll want to get in shape for those Thanksgiving pies. We love the annual Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust trail run which winds through the fields and forests of Destruction Brook Woods. You’ve got a 2.4 mile walking course or 3.3 mile running course to choose from, as well as post-race music, pizza and beer. Later in the month, enjoy Fairhaven’s Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Last year, runners stuffed a truck with more than 2,000 pounds of non-perishables before they went home and stuffed themselves at the Thanksgiving table.

When & Where: DNRT Race: Saturday, November 10 (postponed from November 3 because of weather), Slade’s Corner Road, Dartmouth. See more here. Turkey Trot: Thursday, November 22, starting at 8 am. Cushman Park. See more here.

2. Keep the Junior Mints in Play

Don’t take your mind off ALL the Halloween candy. Pull the movie candy out and head for the New Bedford Whaling Museum to experience the Mountainfilm Tour, sponsored by the SouthCoast Film Forum. The annual Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride is listed among the 25 best film festivals in the world and it’s coming here, folks. Settle into your seats and enjoy the best short documentary films chosen from its festival that showcase nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political and social justice issues that matter. Bonus: while you’re taking them in, you’ll be helping to support the work of the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

When & Where: November 3 between 3:30 and 9:00 p.m. at the Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. Tickets are between $10 and $20. Purchase them here.

3. Walking Book Club. Wait a Minute, What’s That?!

We’re bringing walking book clubs to the South Coast! Be the first on your block to try it! We stole this idea from the Brits (see here) but are putting a decidedly South Coast spin on it by choosing Blue Collars, a book with a local setting, local author and local publisher. Join us on a 1 mile walk, as we visit 5 spots described in Catherine McLaughlin’s novel of Finn Kilroy’s childhood in New Bedford’s South End, as she navigates keeping a dark secret of abuse from her close and loving family. The price includes the book (which we can ship to you ahead of time, if you order before November 3), a treat from the New Bedford Baking Company & a tour led by Joe Thomas, Publisher of Spinner Publications and Corey Nuffer. Whether you’ve already read the book (we can deduct the cost of the book from the ticket price if you already have it) or not, the tour will be enjoyable either way accompanied by fellow book lovers, Portuguese sweets, period music and, we hope, good weather.

When & Where: November 10, from 2-4 p.m. $24.95. Email [email protected] to register. Rain date is November 11, 2-4 p.m. Questions? call 781-475-4526. (The walk is about a mile long but if you’d rather drive from spot to spot, we can accommodate that.)

4. Penny for your Thoughts

Canadian Folk Music Awards Nominee Dave Penny brings original and traditional songs of Newfoundland to New Bedford. Dave’s most recent recording, All Turned Around, was nominated for a 2017 Music NL award for Celtic/Traditional Artist of the Year and a 2017 Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Singer of the Year. It’s a cozy concert in a charming setting, nestled among the main exhibit space of the Fishing Heritage Center which has surprisingly excellent acoustics.

When & Where: November 10, 7 p.m. New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, 38 Bethel Street, New Bedford. $12 – $15. Get your tickets here.

5. Art, Music, Food, Friends, Gifts — Is There Anything Else?

The 80+ creatives who work in the Hatch Street Studios throw open their doors and invite us in for a festive weekend. Looking for a gift? You’ll find upcycled fashions, ceramic bowls, framed photographs, glass mobiles, wooden jewel boxes, and antique treasures. Or just come for the live music, demonstrations, workshops & good food. Last year, more than 1400 from all over New England ambled through. Shouldn’t you?

When & Where: November 16-18, Friday, 5 – 8; Saturday and Sunday, 11-5. Hatch Street Studios, 88-90 Hatch Street, New Bedford. See more here.

6. Pebble Beach

Seek treasures along the shore with a guided beach walk at Allens Pond. You’ll collect pebbles, pieces of weathered glass, pottery and more. After the walk, engage in a facilitated creative session where you’ll be provided with a canvas to create a unique, beach-inspired work of art, using the materials found on the sanctuary’s shores.

When & Where: November 24, 9 am to 12 pm. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1280 Horseneck Road, Westport. $20 Mass Audubon members; $25 nonmembers. Register here.

7. Get Rockin’

Taunton-raised Sarah Borges is on a national tour to promote her newest album Love’s Middle Name. American Songwriter calls the new record “arguably her finest, most focused and explosive hand grenade of an album yet” and her live shows as “set em up/knock em down.” We like that you can’t box her music into a category: is it rock? is it country? rockabilly? If you haven’t seen her yet, now’s your chance to try to figure her out. And while you’re at the Narrows, check out its 6th Annual Poster Exhibition.

When & Where: November 24, 8 p.m. Narrows Center for Performing Arts, $22 in advance, $25 day of show. More here.

8. All Dressed Up & Ready to Go!

The Rotch-Jones-Duff house is a treat to visit any time of the year. But around the holidays, it’s especially compelling. For two weeks, the halls of the RJD are decked with lights, ribbons, baubles, boughs of greener and unique trees which have been decorated and donated to the museum by community groups, schools, artists and designers. Kick off the holiday season with the preview “Tree View” Party which helps support the museum. If you fall in love with a tree, you can even purchase it for your own home!

When & Where: November 29, 6-8 p.m. Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County Street, New Bedford. If you miss the party, check out the trees between November 30 – December 9, Monday through Saturdays 10 – 4; Sundays 12 – 4. More here.

There you have it. Another great month on the South Coast. Wanna keep up with the coolest happenings each month on the South Coast?! Sign up for our free monthly newsletter right here!

Want a copy of our beautiful print magazine that just hit newsstands this week, filled with things you can’t find online — Best Dishes from favorite local chefs, Local Makers Gift Guide, Nightlife Guide: A to Z, and lots more — subscribe right here!

October 2, 2018

Oh, Sweet October! 8 Great Things for the Month Ahead

“This tree must be falling for me, as soon as I sat under it, it dropped its leaves.
Oh sweet October!” – Charmaine J Forde

Our monthly list of 8 reasons to love life on the South Coast this month! You know what else is happening in October? Our first ever Fall/Holiday print issue gets delivered to mailboxes and newsstands all over the South Coast. You want one? Order an annual subscription (4 issues) right here!!

1. “Come On Down!”

The Price is Right will be filming a live show at the Zeiterion, making it the perfect time for South Coasters to enjoy their 15 minutes of fame. So start studying up on prices, because some lucky contestants are going to have the shot to walk away with big money! Tickets for the event range from $37.50 to $150, and are still available for sale. October 5, 8pm, The Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. More here.

2. Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off

Giant pumpkins?! Ok, we really don’t feel like this one needs any selling. Last year’s winner weighed in at 1914l pounds (almost a ton)! Need we say more? If you aren’t convinced by the prospect of insanely oversized vegetation, the food trucks, free corn maze, pumpkin painting (although we imagine not of the giant variety) and scarecrow creations should do the trick. Admission to the event is free, parking is available for $5, and some crafts have an additional fee (check their website for specifics). October 6, 9 – 5. Frerichs Farm, Warren, RI, (rain dates: October 7 or 8). More here.

3. Cycling and Wine

We’re still pretty geared up from our September Buzzards Bay Coalition Watershed Ride, and ready to hit the road again (with maybe just a little different motivation). Westport is already a beautiful place for a bike ride, but throw in early fall foliage and some wine at the end and we’ve got ourselves a day! The Appalachian Mountain Club is leading the 20-25 mile ride that ends at Westport Rivers Winery and Vineyard, ending with a private tour and wine tasting. The event is $15, and pre registration is required. If biking isn’t your thing, skip the ride and join the group at the finish line. October 6, 1:30 ride, 4:00 tasting. To register, call Jeannine at 508-493-8221. More information and registration is here.

4. Berry Exciting!

One of our favorite annual traditions, the Cranberry Harvest Celebration is the perfect way to welcome fall on the South Coast. Located on the beautiful grounds of A.D. Makepeace, the event allows guests to walk in a farmer’s shoes for the day (no really, pull on a pair of waders and walk on into the bog). The views are insanely beautiful and can be enjoyed from the ground or aboard a scenic helicopter tour. The event has something for the whole family, from paddle boat and pony rides, to cooking demonstrations and a craft fair. This is a must do event. October 6-7, AD Makepeace, 158 Tihonet Road, Wareham. $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/military, free for kids under 7 (helicopter tours are extra). More here.

5. Don’t Miss It! Last Chance for the Grand Panoroma!

If you’ve not seen the world’s largest painting, then get down to Kilburn Mill where the New Bedford Whaling Museum has it on display for free until October 8 when it gets packed away again. Multiple media outlets from near and far recommended this exhibit (even the Wall Street Journal), and for good reason — how often do you get to see a work of art that is over 1200 feet long? Kilburn Mill, 127 Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford. Free

There are a couple of special events this week to celebrate the Panorama. On October 6, Tom O’Leary and Simon Xerxes White perform a musical finale to accompany the whalemen’s journey depicted in the painting with a special 22-minute video of the Panorama in motion forming the backdrop for the performance. 3-5 pm.

Or join the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra on October 7 which will perform next to the painting. Reception begins at 7:00 and the concert begins at 8:00. Tickets are $85. See more here.

6. Oktoberfest!

Craft beer fan? Local entertainment enthusiast? Big South Coast community lover? This event is for you. The South Coast Business Alliance is throwing down to celebrate fall, and you won’t want to miss out! Not only does the event benefit local charities, it also features food trucks, a signature brew by Moby Dick Brewing Co., and live music. Reserve your ticket soon to snag a stein (available to first 200 ticket holders). October 13, 3 – 11:30 pm. $15 in advance, $20 at door, 21+. Pier 3, New Bedford. More here.

7. Oh When the Saints, Go Marching In…

If you were at our launch party last May, you had the pleasure of hearing the South Coast Brass Band and watching Gilda (one of our profiles in the summer print issue), sing and dance along. If you missed it, no worries! You can view the band in October at Gilda’s very own club, Gilda’s Stone Rooster. Join them for their second to last Mardi Gras Monday of the year for good jazz and good company (trust us, we can attest to both!). October 15, 8pm, reservations recommended, Gilda’s Stone Rooster, 27 Wareham Road, Marion. More here.

8. Fairhaven Harvest Fun Day

Fairhaven Fall Family Fun (say that 5 times fast!) is back again! Face painting, games, bouncy houses, craft and food vendors, and fun make the perfect recipe to celebrate a Saturday in October. October 13th, 10-4. 141 Main Street, Fairhaven. More here.

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1. Superb-Owl Walk

2. Super Bowl Sunday Violin Recital

3. Chocolate. Festival.

4. 19th annual Frederick Douglass Read-A-Thon

5. (non) Polar Plunge!

6. Roses and Thorns

7. Hootenanny (say, what?)

8. Westport Dawning Photo Exhibit

1. Shopping Spree Weekend!

2. Fall River Children’s Holiday Parade

3. Open. Water. Swim.

4. Wreaths, Wine, and a Damn Good Time

5. Padanaram Christmas Festival

6. Onset Christmas in the Parks

7. Holiday Pops

8. Snowshoeing the Shoreline

The Great, BIG “Walk It Off” Hike

Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike

Hatha Yoga

Post-Thanksgiving Dog Walk

Run Away

2. Keep the Junior Mints in Play

3. Walking Book Club. Wait a Minute, What’s That?!

4. Penny for your Thoughts

5. Art, Music, Food, Friends, Gifts — Is There Anything Else?

6. Pebble Beach

7. Get Rockin’

8. All Dressed Up & Ready to Go!

1. “Come On Down!”

2. Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off

3. Cycling and Wine

4. Berry Exciting!

5. Don’t Miss It! Last Chance for the Grand Panoroma!

6. Oktoberfest!

7. Oh When the Saints, Go Marching In…

8. Fairhaven Harvest Fun Day