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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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!
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“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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Here comes September — back to school, back to work, back to reality. Lucky for us we live on the South Coast and our reality is pretty darn sweet. Here are our 8 Great Things for the month ahead.
Annual Onset Bay Illumination
One of our all-time summer favorites (postponed by rain earlier this year which makes the start of September that much better!), Illumination Night is truly magical. After dark settles in, a horn sounds and volunteers run the beaches and two islands, lighting thousands of flares as they go. The result of their efforts: fire lining all of Onset Harbor. Stroll along the flares and enjoy the spectacle. Beforehand, spend the day in Onset enjoying its annual kite festival from 10 – 4 and the El Caribe steel drum band performing at 7:30 pm. September 1, Onset Beach (free parking available at Hynes Field, a 5 minute walk from the beach). Free.See more here.
2. Butterfly Census
Help members of the Massachusetts Butterfly Club find and identify different types of butterflies in Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. The butterfly club guides will lead teams into parts of the Sanctuary and provide their knowledge about butterflies native to the South Coast. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Wear long pants, sunscreen, and bring water and a snack — butterfly watching can work up an appetite! September 8, Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1280 Horseneck Road, Westport, 10 -2. Sign up here.
The Iguanas are headlining
3. Narrows Festival of the Arts
What better way to spend an early September Sunday than outside, enjoying a variety of live music, perusing selections of work from art vendors, enjoying food truck food and lemonade, and maybe even saying hi to some exotic animals? The Narrows Festival of the Arts promises all this along Fall River’s historic waterfront. The festival is free and has fun for all ages, between the Children’s Museum tent and the indoor and outdoor stages of live music, there’s sure to be something to please everyone in the family. September 9, 16 Anawan St. Fall River. More here.
4. Ready. Set, Run!
Cooler temps means all the more reason to get outside and run the South Coast! There is no better way to start than with a fun 5k, through the gorgeous Fort Phoenix State Beach and Reservation. The 5k benefits a variety of local charities, and registration is $15 prior to the race (and includes a t-shirt) or $20 the day of. So hit the ground running and embrace the start of fall in Fairhaven. September 9, 10 am, Fort Phoenix State Beach and Reserve, Fairhaven. More here.
5. Get your dancing shoes on!
What do celtic music, French Canada and New Bedford have in common? Genticorum! Genticorum is coming to the James Arnold Mansion this September, and bringing with them their jubilant Celtic-based music all the way from French Canada. Join the band to experience music influenced by jazz and Québec folk music with fiddle and flute (seems fun to us!). Tickets at $20 in advance (available online) or $25 at the door. September 14, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm, Wamsutta Club, 427 County St, New Bedford, Get tickets here.
6. Time to get spooky!
What better way to jump start some Halloween spirit than with a day touring cemeteries?! Little Compton Historical Society is opening up all town cemeteries for an afternoon. So get out and explore the beautiful historic grounds (including many which are normally not open to the public!). Volunteers at each site will be available to answer questions and share information. Tickets are $10 for Society members, $15 for non-members, and free for kids 12 and under. September 22, 11-4. Wilbor House Museum, 548 West Main Rd, Little Compton. See more here.
7. Lakeville Arts and Music Festival
September is the month of music and art! If you missed the Narrows Festival (or if one just wasn’t enough), head to Lakeville for its Arts and Music Festival. The festival celebrates local artists and musicians from the South Coast. Rain or shine, the day is filled with fun and entertainment for the whole community and, guess what, it’s free. September 29, 10-4. Lining the intersection of Routes 105, 18 and Precinct Street. More here.
South Coast Almanac Avengers
8. Bike on!
We love Buzzards Bay, South Coast early fall views, biking, clean water, and a good party. That’s why this September, the South Coast Almanac team is biking the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride for the third year straight! The route has 100, 75, and 35 mile options, so there’s something for everyone. Cyclists each raise $300 (or more!) to support the great work of the Buzzards Bay Coalition. You’ll have access to five water stops, a yummy food truck lunch, and dinner with beer and wine at the party (which features live music and award presentations!). The SCA team is always looking for new riders (and trust us, we have A LOT of fun, see photos of our award winning costumes from last year), email us at [email protected] if you’re interested in joining our team! In the past, our publisher, editor, and advertising director along with board members and friends of the ‘Nac have ridden. We want you to join us!! September 30, start time depends on which route you choose. See more here.
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From time to time, we take our advertisers out to breakfast to review a local breakfast place for our readers. We recently invited Pete Covill of Humphrey, Covill & Coleman to join us for breakfast and he instantly said, “Why not lunch?”
Pete wanted us to check out the re-opened Lebanese Kitchen. But shhhh, it’s kind of an open secret…it’s not officially open yet. There’s been no grand opening. Although you wouldn’t know it from the crowds already heading there. The Lebanese Kitchen relocated to Mattapoisett after a fire 4 years ago decimated the family’s New Bedford location and their home. They’ve got super fans all over the South Coast going back over 35 years who have been waiting patiently for the last four years for the Moujabber family to reopen their restaurant.
It’s a family affair. Nabih and Nouhad Moujabber own the restaurant and their son Gary helps run it. Gary says,”My mom is the back of the house, I’m the front of the house. My dad is the whole house!” Nouhad arrives each day by8:00 to start making all the staples homemade from scratch: tabbouli, hummus, babaganoush. She’ll be there until after midnight many nights.
It’s a big change from their small 35 seat place on Purchase Street in New Bedford. The Mattapoisett location has seating for 250 and includes a large bar area. Gary says they’re still in the soft opening phase because they want to make sure they iron out the kinks for this much bigger operation. He wants everyone to be patient while they do this. Based on the crowds, I’d say they’re doing a great job of smoothing out the kinks.
We settled in and ordered the Maza, billed as a “tour and taste of Lebanon with our chef’s exotic Lebanese specialties served family style.” It is like a tasting menu, a smorgasbord of everything, in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. It seemed the perfect introduction to the Lebanese Kitchen and to Lebanese food in general.
It arrived and could probably have fed a small family: falafel, hummus, baba, tabbouli, chicken and kafta kebabs, mjadra (a thick lentil stew) and loubieh (string beans, tomatoes, onions and garlic sauteed in olive oil – so yummy!). Despite the abundance of food, we quickly made short order of it because you have to sample everything and one thing is better than the next. A special shout out for their special garlic paste which looked a little like mayonnaise but is actually almost entirely garlic emulsified in the blender to become a thick and creamy spread that makes everything taste even better: kebabs, pita, french fries. Gary jokes, “I brush my teeth with that stuff!”
As full as we were, we tried the baklava for dessert, homemade of course. Flaky pastry with sweet honey, pistachios and just a hint of rose water. I’m thinking next time I go, I may have my dessert first before I get too filled up.
We peeked into the kitchen to say goodbye to Nouhad who had overseen all this deliciousness. She was far younger than I thought. Her food made me think she was an ancient woman because her skill in the kitchen seems based on ages and ages of experience.
Pete Covill was a regular at their Purchase Street location, just a short jaunt from his insurance agency. Pete can fully appreciate the art in Nouhad’s cooking because he is an avid home cook. He knows good food. Follow Pete’s lead and become a regular at the Lebanese Kitchen. (We’re thinking of following his lead on all things culinary!)
When the Moujabber’s original place burned up, Pete was there helping to carry things out. He cried with the family. His clients become his family. He does all sorts of things for them: he bought a tuxedo and waited tables for one client, he gets up in the middle of the night when their pipes burst, he even helped pick out the wines for the Lebanese Kitchen. His father Raymond instilled in him this conscientiousness. He remembers an elderly woman coming in with her car which had graffiti all over it. It was an older car and she had no coverage for this kind of damage. Raymond and Pete went out to the parking lot, got some polish from Raymond’s car and they polished the graffiti right off her car. Pete proudly notes, “My cell phone number is on the front door.” His clients know how to reach him and he picks up the phone. No matter where or when it rings.
Pete is pretty passionate about insurance. It’s not put-on, it’s really genuine. Over lunch, he told me with enthusiasm that there’s never been a better time to be in insurance than right now because with the de-regulation of the coastal flooding programs, he can get significant deals for homeowners who need flood insurance. It makes him almost giddy when he’s able to reduce homeowners’ insurance sometimes by thousands and thousands of dollars. He’s the guy that real estate agents call when their clients are having trouble getting a mortgage because they’ve been told that a coastal home is uninsurable. If you want to check in with him, give him a call. His number is plastered on the door of his agency so he said it’s okay to plaster it here: 508-264-0130.
When we turn the calendar page to August, we get a little frantic — gotta make that list of all those summer things we haven’t done yet: dig for quahogs, cheer on the Wareham Gatemen and New Bedford Bay Sox, learn to sail (ha, that one’s on a longer list!). We’ve put together 8 Great Things that should be on your 2018 summer bucket list that will create memories to reflect fondly upon come February.
Photo by James Mahaney
1. South Coast’s Best Walking Tour
Featured in our current issue, the Henry H. Rogers Walking Tour is lauded as one of the best in the Northeast by the Huff Post. The tour explores the life of Standard Oil Co. executive Henry Rogers and the many extravagant buildings that he donated to Fairhaven, his home town. The tour is a perfect way to celebrate the exceptional architecture of Fairhaven. Plus, it’s free (!!) and begins outside the Town Hall. Tuesday and Thursday mornings through September, 10am (weather permitting). See more here.
2. Historic House Tours at Martin House Farm
The Martin House Farm in North Swansea is a lovely 18th century farm house and barn on 50 acres of farm and wood lands. The land features the beautiful original stone walls, as well as the farm house steeped with rich history. Members of the Martin Family lived in the house for over 200 years, before it was donated to the National Society of the Colonial Dames in 1930. Learn all about the Farm’s past on the guided tours, every Sunday in August. 1-4 pm, $5. See more here.
3. Did Someone Say Grateful Dead?
We’ve heard that the Toe Jam Puppet Band is like the Grateful Dead for toddlers. Even if you don’t have a toddler, aren’t you kind of intrigued? Sing, dance, and play for the whole hour with these local superstars. The Band performs weekly at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, so there is plenty of time to see them before summer ends. Mondays, 10am or 11:30am. 425 Hawthorn Street, New Bedford.See more here.
4. Wishing on Many Stars
The Perseid Meteor Shower boasts meteors at rates of up to one per minute. Getting cozy in the fields at Stone Barn to watch seems like the perfect way to spend an August night. Be sure to pack your snacks and water, insect repellent, layers, and maybe even binoculars or a telescope if you’d like. August 11, 8 pm. Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, Stone Barn Farm, 1280 Horseneck Road, Westport. $10 for Mass Audubon members, $12 non-members, pre registration required. For more information and to register, go here.
5. Fishing for Wine
Don’t you love the eclectic mixing of a fishing boat and a wine tasting? Onset’s Neat Lady thought so too and is transforming itself into a wine tasting and learning experience for a sunset cruise. Their wine expert says it will feature “wines sourced from vineyards along water, we’ll make this a focal point for understanding how the water plays a role in why the wine tastes the way it does, inviting folks to think of their local surroundings of having more potential for growing grapes and complicate their understanding of local vineyards in a delicious way.” Sounds like a recipe for a perfect night to us and includes cheese and charcuterie, along with the wine (and learning). August 12, 7 – 9 pm, $38. See more here.
6. Lovely Local Spaces Filled with Music
Music from Land’s End brings chamber music concerts with internationally acclaimed artists to the South Coast. Artistic Director Ariadne Daskalakis has worked hard to bring two wonderful concert series to us this summer, wrapping up in August with the String Quartet Program. To learn more about the program and the featured artists, check out their website! August 18th, 7pm at Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. August 19th, 5 pm at Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High Street, Wareham. Open to the public, by donation (recommended donation is $25).
7. Eco-Herbal Medicine Interactive Walk and Talk
Join herbalist Brendan Kelly on a foraging walk to learn about the identifications, tastes, and uses of local medicinals and edibles. The interactive walk and talk is co-sponsored by the Sippican Lands Trust and the Marion Institute and explores the beautiful trails at Brainard Marsh. August 25, 9am-10:30am
$5 for Sippican Lands Trust members, $10 non-members; pre-registration required. See more here.
8. Onset Chalk-Full-O-Fun Festival
This annual festival truly lives up to its name. There’s nothing better (or more summer-y!) than getting your hands dirty in the chalk, and this festival celebrates just that. Enter the fun yourself and join the competition as an individual or as a group. Your entry comes with chalk and a sidewalk square to create your masterpiece. To get your creative juices flowing, featured chalk artists create breath-taking works and local artists really step up their game for the competition. There’s also live music from noon to 4 and vendors throughout the day. August 25, registration begins at 9 am. Festival is free but if you want to register, $5 gets you your own square and a box of vibrantly colored chalk. Lillian Gergerman Bandshell, Onset Avenue, Onset. See more here.
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Remember how much fun it was when your teachers took the class outside? Sitting on the grass talking about Steinbeck’s The Pearl or Gregor Mendel’s pea plant research was just so much better than talking about it inside the classroom. We’ve found the same thing happens when your gym instructor takes the class outdoors. Exercise becomes a whole lot more rewarding!
We’ve put together a list of classes you can take outside every day of the week on the South Coast this summer. Go take advantage of the good weather and get your heart pumping and/or your muscles stretching! As always, we suggest checking in before you go to make sure the class is still on – and we tried to give you the right places to go to check — particularly when the weather is iffy.
Monday
Well & Fit offers strength and conditioning exercises for a total body workout at Cushman Park in Fairhaven. Taught by Sarah Bates, owner of Well & Fit Personal Training & Cycling, the class is free thanks to generous sponsors. Mondays, 8:30-9:30 am through August 20 (in case of rain, the class moves inside the Carousel Fun Center, 4 David Drown Boulevard, Fairhaven — weather determination is posted on the Fitness in Cushman Park Facebook page.Bring a mat.
Sunset Yoga at Fort Phoenix Park. Yoga + sunset = total zen. All levels. Every Monday from 6-7 p.m. $5/drop in. Contact [email protected] with questions or check the Facebook page for more details. Fort Phoenix, Fairhaven.
Tuesday
Boot Camp with Cherie Blier. Cherie is an experienced trainer who makes it easy to wake up for her 6 a.m. boot camp classes which involve a little of everything (TRX, kettle bells, resistance bands, etc). She makes it inviting for all fitness levels which may be why her classes often have ages ranging from 19 to 52. Watching the morning fog burn off to reveal the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge just makes it all the sweeter. $12/drop in fee (discounts for 5-pack and 10-pack) (also Thursday, Saturday). 6 – 7 a.m. Buzzards Bay Park (at the adult outdoor fitness park behind Krua Thai) on Main Street, Buzzards Bay. Contact Cherie at 774-454-8451 or [email protected] and check out her other offerings here. Bring water and a mat.
Yoga at Cushman Park, Jeff Costa, a Yoga Alliance Nationally Certified Instructor and a graduate of the Kripalu School of Yoga and Health, presents a gentle yoga series for all levels, designed to introduce newcomers to the basics of stretching and mindfulness and challenge yoga enthusiasts with a focus on compassion for the body. Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30 am through August 21 (in case of rain, the class moves inside the Carousel Fun Center, 4 David Drown Boulevard, Fairhaven — weather determination is posted on the Fitness in Cushman Park Facebook page.) Free. Bring a mat.
Sunset Yoga at Fort Taber. South Coast Yoga offers a class for all levels with movement, meditation, balance, strength and a killer view. 6:30 pm, $5 drop in fee. Contact South Coast Yoga at [email protected] with questions or check the Facebook page for more details. 1000 Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford. Bring a mat, towel and water.
Wednesday
Slocum’s River Reserve (Photo courtesy of Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust)
Yoga at Slocum’s River Reserve. Jeff Costa (see above!) leads weekly yoga classes in the idyllic setting of Slocum River’s Reserve thanks to the generosity of the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust and Hawthorn Medical Associates. 8:30 – 9:30 am, July 11 – August 8, with a meditation walk on August 15. Donation based but at least $5 is suggested. Notification of cancellations can be found on DNRT’s facebook page and website. Bring water and a yoga mat. 320 Horseneck Road, Dartmouth.
Paddle Boarding! Divine Power Yoga’s intro class to stand up paddleboards, every week from Apponagansett Park. 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Apponagansett Park & Beach, Gulf Road, S, Dartmouth, $45 includes paddle rental. Sign up here.
SUP Yoga. Paddleboard Yoga? It’s easier than you think! Try it and enjoy the Wednesday night music series at Apponagansett Park. 7:30 p.m. Apponagansett Park & Beach, Gulf Road, S, Dartmouth. $35 includes paddleboard rental; $20 BYOB. Sign up here.
Thursday
Cherie Blier’s Summer Boot Camp, 6 am (see under Tuesday for more information), Buzzards Bay Park, Main Street, Buzzards Bay.
Summer Boot Camp. Wayne Goulart leads participants through various exercises that build functional strength and core stability with circuits utilizing light dumbbells and body weight exercises. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 am through August 23 (in case of rain, the class moves inside the Carousel Fun Center, 4 David Drown Boulevard, Fairhaven — weather determination is posted on the Fitness in Cushman Park Facebook page.) Free. Bring a mat and a set of weights.
Yoga on the lawn. Bayside Restaurant, 1253 Horseneck Road, Westport. $10. Sign up here.Bring a mat.
Sunset Yoga at Fort Taber. A community yoga practice for all levels at Fort Taber (see under Tuesday for more information).
SUP Yoga. Divine Yoga leads a SUP yoga class at Fogland Beach. Fogland Road, Tiverton, 6 p.m. $35 includes paddleboard rental; $20 BYOB. Sign up here.
Friday
Sunrise Paddle. A morning group paddle board ride followed by coffee at Farm & Coast. 7 – 8 am from Farm & Coast parking lot, 7 Bridge Street, Dartmouth. $25 for paddle board rental.Sign up here.
Saturday
Cherie’s Summer Boot Camp (see Tuesday for more details). Cherie lets us sleep in (!!) until 8 am for her fun Saturday version of Summer Boot Camp. Buzzards Bay Park, Main Street, Buzzards Bay.
Slow Run Saturdays. Molly McCarthy from Track + Channel leads all levels at Buttonwood Park. Run as many laps (or just 1) around the park as you’d like (1.8 mile loops) at whatever pace you’re comfortable and the group leader stays behind with the last runner. 6:45 am warm up, 7 am run. Meet at the Buttonwood Park Warming House, 1 Oneida Street, New Bedford.
Yoga at Fort Phoenix Park. A community practice for all levels. Contact [email protected] with questions or check the Facebook page for more details. 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Fort Phoenix, Fairhaven. Bring a mat.
Weekly Wellness Walks. Join local physicians for a walk around Buttonwood Park. Meet at the entrance to Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn Street, New Bedford. Spearheaded by the New Bedford Wellness Initiative.
Sunday
Beachside Yoga. Natanya Silverman, owner of The Clearing Yoga, offers an invigorating, Sunday morning beach side yoga practice at Onset Beach every Sunday throughout the summer from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Across from The Inn at Onset Bay, 181 Onset Avenue, Onset. The class is by donation. If there’s weather, this class will meet at the studio: The Clearing, 43 Main St. Buzzards Bay. Bring water and sunscreen.
There you go — something outside and healthy for you every day of the week! Mark your calendars now!
Want to make sure you keep up with EVERYTHING on the South Coast? Sign up for our free email newsletter right here!
You can also subscribe to our print magazine which has even more activities and events to keep you busy all year. You can buy a copy of our current issue right here for just $8.95 delivered to your door. An annual subscription is right here.
