Today Wilma and I Adventured to New Bedford, Massachusetts. New Bedford is a city located in Southern Massachusetts. It is one of the bigger cities in the state. It if often referred to as “The Whaling City” as in the 19th Century it was one of the most important whaling ports in the world.
We had an exercise filled Adventure to New Bedford walking approximately five hours during our day trip. Our Adventures today included: Clarks Point Lighthouse, Butler Flats Lighthouse, Fort Taber Park, Palmer Island, Palmer Island Lighthouse, Harborwalk, Covewalk, East Beach, Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail, and downtown New Bedford. I have been to almost all of these locations before but I was eager to return and especially excited to see Palmer Lighthouse. Although unfortunately New Bedford is far from the cleanest place, it is less crowded then many others, and it houses a variety of attractions.
I was quite pleased to start a full day of Adventures, as having returned to work last Monday we were ready for a long day of Adventures. The sky was spectacular, and the weather was reasonable, even finding a strong breeze in some locations. Our Adventures centered around the bike trail and walkways, with the majority of our stops along these routes. The walkways were wonderful, unique in their own way, and provided consistent views over the water, including views of Clarks Cove, New Bedford Harbor, and Buzzards Bay. It is always energizing going on a long walk when you have coastal views. We stopped at several beaches along the route, including East Beach and other sandy areas with no name. We walked along the breakwaters and I encouraged Wilma to “swim” although was pleased when she decided to wade. Wilma briefly enjoyed some digging and we sat in the sand for a short time, savoring the atmosphere. The beaches were packed with shells, actually deep in some areas. There were no sign indicating that dogs were not allowed so we assumed they were permitted.
We of course loved Fort Taber Park, definitely one of our favorite Forts in New England. Due to COVID only New Bedford residents are allowed to park at the Fort, but we were lucky to find parking, although some distance away. The Fort is grand, and has paved trails weaving around it. There are other historic ruins nearby that you can climb and view the Fort from other angles. I think I have been there three times and it never gets old.
As you may be aware, New Bedford is home to three lighthouses. Butler Flats Lighthouse is far off the shore, so was not easy to capture as I do not have a complex zoom. However it does not seem as far as you are walking. An unusual lighthouse is the Clarks Point Lighthouse which is found on top of the Fort. The first time I went there I do not even think I realized that was the case. Again hard to capture being so high above. The last lighthouse we visited was the Palmer Lighthouse, my favorite one in New Bedford. Visiting Palmer Lighthouse is also an Adventure as you must time it with the low tide so you can walk to Palmer Island. And we did!! We walked over to the Island and explored the entire Island, including the spectacular Palmer Island Lighthouse. I still was a little worried about the tide so I did not spend quite as much time as preferred, however I still tried to be relaxed and allow Wilma to take in the smells, and enjoy some wading.
Our last stop was the downtown area and the fisher’s coast. Much of the downtown area has cobblestone, adding quite the charm. One thing I appreciate about New Bedford is the arts and culture, highlighted by many murals throughout the city. And of course who does not like boats, scenic, and colorful. These last stops were definitely a good way to end our day. Below you will find a photograph collage summarizing our day. So glad to have a long day filled of walking (Rating: 4).
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The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 