Welcome to "Only On The South Coast" .com

SouthCoast Massachusetts

2010-08-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New England, U.S.A.
(Red area on map shows where the 14 SouthCoast communitites are located.)

WHERE IS THE SOUTHCOAST?

The SouthCoast (Southeastern Massachusetts) is located on Buzzard's Bay (greater New Bedford area) and Mt. Hope Bay (greater Fall River area).

The SouthCoast area is about 15 mins. west of Cape Cod, 50 mins. south of Boston, 15 mins. east of Providence, RI. and 30 mins. from Newport, RI.

Martha's Vineyard island is a 1 hour ferry ride from New Bedford.

The two largest communities are the cities of New Bedford and Fall River.

Each city has a population of just under 100,000 people.

There are also 12 other communities that make up the SouthCoast area.

SouthCoast communities are:

New Bedford - Fall River - Dartmouth -Wareham - Fairhaven - Westport - Somerset Swansea - Acushnet - Rochester - Mattapoisett - Marion - Freetown - Lakeville

Scroll down to see...

SouthCoast Photo Gallery
SouthCoast Calendar of Events
History of SouthCoast Towns and Cities
SouthCoast Food Favorites and Recipes

2010-08-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

SouthCoast Photo Gallery

All photos by Robert Souza

Palmer's Island Lighthouse and downtown New Bedford

Downtown Historic District - New Bedford

Fort Tabor Park Pier and Butler's Flat Lighthouse

See more Southcoast Photos by clicking on the "Read more" below.

Coast Guard USS Eagle's visit to New Bedford

Fairhaven Waterfront and Town Center

See the above image and more on men's, women's and kids

apparel. Also mugs, greeting cards and many more products.

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Two silhouettes on the shore

Buzzard's Bay

New Bedford - Fairhaven Hurricane Barrier

Fort Tabor Park - New Bedford

Horseneck Beach - Westport

Onset Bay - Wareham

Whalemen Statue - New Bedford

Government Center - Fall River

Fairhaven Town Hall

More photos coming soon.

SouthCoast Calendar of Events

2010-08-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

What's happening on the SouthCoast . . .
Feasts ~ Fairs ~ Festivals

YEAR ROUND

NEW BEDFORD
AHA (Art History Architecture )
Every second Thursday of each month (Jan. - Dec.) from 5pm - 9pm.
A family-friendly downtown cultural night. This is a free event.
MARCH
NEW BEDFORD
New Bedford Half Marathon / Downtown Restaurant Run is a 13.1 mile race held on the 3rd. Sunday. "Restaurant Run" - restaurants, pubs and sandwich shops offer discounts, special menu items and free samples.
MAY
NEW BEDFORD
Taste of SouthCoast is held on the third Sunday in May. This is a free family-friendly event featuring many SouthCoast restaurants, caterers and bakeries. Live music and activities for children.
NEW BEDFORD
Springfest is held at Brooklawn Park in the city's north end during the second weekend in May. This family festival features amusement rides, games, food and entertainment.
This is a free event.

SouthCoast Coffee Mug

To purchase this mug and other SouthCoast inspired products go to:

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See June - December...
Click on Read More below.

SouthCoast T-Shirt

To purchase this t-shirt and other SouthCoast inspired products go to:

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JUNE
NEW BEDFORD

Day Of Portugal Festival
This large street festival is held in the city's north end. This festival features Portugese food, live music and the culture of Portugual. This is a free event.
NEW BEDFORD
This is a free event and held the first weekend in December.
NEW BEDFORD
FAIRHAVEN
City Celebrates New Year's Eve is a family event.
There is something for everyone here.
From the arts, activities for kids, live music, dance performances, food and refreshments.
This event is free and is held throughout the downtown and historic district areas.

Hazelwood Park Summer Fair is a south end neighborhood family fair and take place on the first weekend in June. This is a free event.
NEW BEDFORD
Day of Portugal Festival. This five block festival takes place on Acushnet Ave in the city's north end on the second weekend in June. Featuring food and drinks, live entertainment, artisans and demonstrations. This is a free event.
JULYNEW BEDFORD
Greater New Bedford Summerfest takes place in the city's downtown and historic district on the first weekend in July. This is a international folk music and arts event.
NEW BEDFORD
The Cape Verdean Recognition Day Parade
A celebration of Cape Verdean heritage and independence. The parade (one of the largest in the city) is held the first Saturday in July.
NEW BEDFORD
Whaling City Festival is held at Buttonwood Park on the second weekend of July in the city's west end. This event features over two hundred craft and flea market dealers and dozens of international food vendors. There are also six stages of entertainment and music.
This is a free event.
NEW BEDFORD
50's Night: This is a family-friendly Thursday night event ( 5pm - 9pm) in July in downtown New Bedford which celebrates the 50's culture. There are least 3 stages of live music and dj's spinning oldies though out the downtown area. Dozens of vintage cars, food and refreshment vendors. This a free event.
JULY / AUGUSTNEW BEDFORD
Feast of the Blessed Sacrament (Madeira / Portuguese Feast) is located in the city's north end. This the largest Portuguese feast in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England. The feast features food, live entertainment on 4 stages, giant midway and the largest parade in the city on Sunday. The feast takes place the last week of July or first weekend of August.
This is a free event.
AUGUSTNEW BEDFORD
Fort Taber - Fort Rodman Civil War Encampment Weekend.
This event is a living history encampment and reenactment.
This free event is held on the last Saturday and Sunday in August.
SEPTEMBERNEW BEDFORD
New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival is a family-friendly event and is held in the downtown historic district on the second Sunday in September. Everything from freshly made chowder and kale soup (Portuguese soup) are made by over 30 restaurants in the south coast area. The fesival also features live music and activities for children.
NEW BEDFORD
Working Waterfront Festival features live music, fisherman's contest, fresh seafood, fishing boat tours and cooking demonstrations. This event is held near downtown on the waterfront on the last weekend in September. This a free event.
ACUSHNET
Apple and Peach Festival is the weekend after Labor Day. This is a free event.
OCTOBER NEW BEDFORD
New Bedford Open Studios features over 90 artist in the New Bedford area showcasing fine arts and crafts. You can tour artist studios and watch demonstrations. This is a free event and takes place first weekend in October.
DECEMBERNEW BEDFORD
Holiday Stroll in downtown and historic district is an event for the whole family. There is live music, holiday treats, refreshments, holiday shopping at the many fine shop and lighting of the city's giant Christmas tree.

2010-07-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

SouthCoast Business Spotlight

ImagesByDesign

SouthCoast Massachusetts Image Products

T-SHIRTS ~ LONG SLEEVE T's ~ HOODIES ~ SWEAT SHIRTS ~ KIDS CLOTHS

COFFEE MUGS ~ HOUSEHOLE ITEMS ~ GREETING CARDS and MORE.

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Local Recipes, Foods & Beverages

2010-07-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

OnlyOnTheSouthCoast

Food & Drink Favorites

Chow Mein Sandwich
(Recipe for this SouthCoast style Chow Mein is the recipe section)

Chow Mein Sandwiches: A very popular SouthCoast Chinese restaurant staple. Created in Fall River during the 1940's. The noodle used for chow mein in SouthCoast Chinese restaurants is a darker, a crispy-crunchy noodle, unlike the chow mein noodles found elsewhere.
Coffee Milk / Coffee Milk Shakes: A very popular drink on the SouthCoast. This drink is similar to a strawberry milk drink or a chocolate milk drink. In a coffee milk, coffee syrup is used and is primarily made of very strong coffee and sugar, lots of sugar. Coffee syrup can easily be made at home or is available in stores throughout the SouthCoast area and near by Rhode Island. (See Recipes below on how to make coffee syrup at home)
Coffee Frappes: Like a coffee milk shakes, a coffee frappe has a scoop or two of coffee ice cream.
Linguica or Chourico Pizza: These are the most popular pizzas made on the SouthCoast. Linguica and Chourico are Portuguese sausages.

Recipes.... Click on the"Read more" below.

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to see this image and more SouthCoast image products.

Recipes

Home Made
Coffee Syrup (using instant coffee)

2 cups of regular or decaf instant coffee (undiluted, straight from the jar)
2 cups of water
2 cups of sugar

Bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar to a small bubble on low heat/simmer,
stirring constantly (be careful, not to burn the syrup).
Turn off heat and slowly stir in 2 cups of (dry) instant coffee.
Stir until well mixed.
Allow to cool and then pour into a container.

Making a glass of coffee milk:
Add 1 or 2 tbsp. of syrup to glass and then add milk and stir.

SouthCoast (New Bedford / Fall River style) Chow Mein

Pictured is ground pork, celery, onions and mushrooms Chow Mein.

1 box Hoo-Mee Chow Mein Mix Box*
3 cups of water
1 cup of celery (½” thick diagonal cut pcs.)
1 cup of onions (thick slices)
½ lb. ground pork
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 small can of mushrooms
*Hoo-Mee Chow Mein mix is available at most SouthCoast food stores and online.

Add 3 cups of water, onions and celery to medium sauce pan.
Bring to boil, cover and reduce heat to low.
While onion and celery are cooking add powder gravy mix to a ½ cup of warm water,
stir and set this aside for later.
Place ground pork in frying pan, add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.
Brown, drain fat and set aside.
When onions and celery are soft, add gravy, browned ground pork, soy sauce and mushrooms.
Stir and let simmer for a few minutes.
Pour over noodles.
Serves 2-4
NOTE: Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, Steak, or Chicken can be substituted.

Portuguese Style Pork Chops

Ingredients:

4 Thick Pork Chops

(small) Green Pepper (long strips)

(medium) Onion (sliced)

1/4 teaspoon Antonio's Portuguese All-Spice (Antonio's can be found in most SouthCoast Supermarkets)

14 oz. can of Diced Tomatoes (plain)

1/4 cup of Ketchup

Crushed Red Pepper (to taste)

Parsley Flakes

Olive Oil

Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder

Mix tomatoes, All-Spice, Crushed Red Pepper, Parsley Flakes,

Ketchup in medium size bowl - stir well and put a side.

Trim fat from chops.
Place chop into a deep, large skillet with 3 tablespoons olive oil.

Add salt, pepper and garlic powder to chops.

Fry chops until almost done. Remove chops and place on plate, cover to keep warm.

Saute onions and green pepper in same pan. Remove and drain oil from pan.

Place chops back into skillet, add diced tomato mixture, onions,

green pepper and bring to boil.

Cover and simmer low for 45 to 60 mins.

Serve with white rice and vegetable.

(Elaine Souza, thank you for this recipe)

American Chop Suey (also called Goulash)
One pan method

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef

2 cups small macaroni (must use a small pasta like macaroni)

2 cups water

2 -14.5 oz. cans of diced tomatoes (plain or flavored)

1 med. onion (chopped small)

1 small bell pepper (chopped small)

2 celery sticks (chopped small)

1 or 2 small cans of mushrooms

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Grated Pamesan Cheese

Fry ground beef in large sauce pan or Dutch oven. Drain fat.

Add diced tomatoes (including liquid), water, vegetables, spices and Worcestershire sauce.

Mix well. Cover and simmer for about 5 mins.

Add macaroni, stir, cover and simmer for 10 - 15 mins.

After 10 mins. check pasta. Note: Do not stir during cooking process.

(Removing cover too frequently will cause too much of the steam to escape and

pasta will not cook.)

Add mushrooms when done. Mix well.

Serves: 5 or more servings

MORE RECIPES COMING SOON.

NEW BEDFORD

2010-07-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

HISTORY and INTERESTING FACTS

Downtown Historic District

To read about New Bedford... Click on the "read more" below.

HISTORY:

"The Whaling City" because it was, during the nineteenth century, one of the most important whaling ports in the world. During this time New Bedford became one of the richest per capita cities in the world. Starting around 1850 the textile industry help New Bedford remain wealthy. Textile became a bigger part of New Bedford's economy by the early 20th. century and made New Bedford one of the biggest textile centers in the country.

As textile faded, the fishing industry grew and grew to become what it is today,

the #1 fishing port in the country.

New Bedford was a stop on the underground railroad. Fredrick Douglas the abolitionist called New Bedford home for period of time. Herman Melville also called New Bedford home for period of time and wrote one of America's most read books, Moby Dick. The movie Moby Dick featured many scenes of 1850's New Bedford and the world premier took place in
New Bedford.

Whalemen Statue - City Hall Square, Downtown

DID YOU KNOW...

New Bedford is known for many first, including: the first public school to fly the American flag and the first city to fly the American flag illuminated at night. The first regiment in the country's history formed entirely by African-American troops (who served with white officers).

New Bedford has the first public zoo in the state and one of the first public libraries.

The longest and largest hurricane barrier on the east coast is located here.
The barrier stretches over three miles along the shoreline.

New Bedford is the only city on the east coast to have 3 working lighthouses.

Whaling Museum - Downtown Historic District

MUSEUMS and ATTRACTIONS:

The world's largest Whaling Museum with a 1/2 scale model of a whaling ship located inside the museum. The Whaling Museum is located in the 13-block, 20-acre New Bedford National Historic Park which encompasses the downtown historic district. The historic district has many restored period buildings, cobblestone streets, gas lamp style lighting, a variety of Greek Revival architecture, gift shops, art galleries, fine restaurants and cafes.

Seamen's Bethel - Downtown Historic District

Seamen's Bethel also known as the " Whaleman's Chapel" in Herman Melville's classic novel "Moby Dick". Seamen's Bethel is located across the street from the Whaling Museum.U.S. Custom House featuring four large granite columns and a grand Classical portico. This Greek Revival building is the oldest continuously operating custom house in the nation and is located in the downtown historic district.

Fort Tabor @ Fort Tabor Park, South End of City

Fort Taber Park and Military Museum is located in the far south end of the city. This museum preserves the city's military history, its contribution to the Civil War and the massive stone fort built in 1857.

Buttonwood Park Zoo located in the city's west end, features over 150 animals representing over 35 different species. The zoo also houses two rare Asian elephants and is New Bedford's premier recreation center. Voted: "One of the best small zoo's in the country".

New Bedford Free Public Library located downtown has one of the largest collections of historical and genealogical materials and whaling log books in the world.

New Bedford Art Museum located downtown has a rich and historic art collection, as well as paintings by regional artist.

Saint Anthony of Padua Church located in the north end of the city is built of red stone, this French Renaissance church features one of the largest crosses in the world.

Another feature of the church is the 250-foot steeple, the tallest in New England.

BEACHES:

East and West Beach are located in the far south end of the city.

Both beaches have lifeguards and are officially open from May 15th. - Sept. 15.
East Beach located on East Rodney French Blvd. has free parking in 3 lots located across the street from the beach.
West Beach (Municipal Beach) located on West Rodney French Blvd. has only on street parking.
Hazewood Park is located across the street from the West Beach.
Both beaches are free to the public and are family friendly.

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FALL RIVER

2010-07-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Heritage State Park & Carousel

HISTORY:

Fall River, the "Spindle City" was defined by the rise and fall of its cotton textile industry. The city grew to become the largest textile producing center in the U.S., and was second in the world to only Manchester, England. Most of the mills were constructed from native Fall River granite.

MUSEUMS and ATTRACTIONS:

Battleship Cove is the world's largest collection of historic naval ships, including five national Historic Landmarks.

Carousel at Battleship Cove is a beautifully restored 1920's carousel housed in a beautiful pavilion. The carousel is an attraction for both children and adults.

Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum is located in four historic railroad cars. This unique museum includes displays of local railroad memorabilia, model trains, a children's area and video theater.

Fall River Historical Society is located in a Greek Revival mansion. This historical society's museum features exhibits of artifacts that recall when Fall River area was the "textile manufacturing center of the world". The largest collection of artifacts and documents related to the famous Lizzie Borden murder case can be here.

Marine Museum at Fall River house a diverse collection of marine artifacts and memorabilia

including one of the world's largest Titanic exhibitions in the world. The highlight being a 28 foot model of the Titanic. The complete museum collection includes more than 150 scale models, 30,000 photographs, videos, uniforms, audio recordings and more.

Battleship Cove

History of New Bedford and Fall River Suburbs

2010-06-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

DARTMOUTH

HISTORY:

Dartmouth was named for the town of Dartmouth, Devon, England.
The land was purchased with trading foods from the Wampanoag chiefs Massasoit and Wamsutta by elders of the Plymouth Colony; reportedly 30 yards of cloth, 8 moose skins, 15 axes, 15 hoes, 15 pairs of shoes, 1 iron pot, and ten shillings' worth of assorted goods.
The land of the towns of Westport, Fairhaven, and Acushnet, and the city of New Bedford, which included Fairhaven and Acushnet, separated and were incorporated as towns themselves.
Dartmouth's history was that of an agricultural community, but during the late 19th. century its coastline became a resort area for the wealthy members of New Bedford society.
Round Hill was the site of early-to-mid 20th. century research into the uses for radio and microwaves by MIT researchers. It is also the site of the Green Mansion, the estate of "Colonel" Edward Howland Robinson Green, a colorful character in his own right, who was the son of the even more colorful and wildly eccentric Hetty Green, said to be the richest woman in the world in her time and the "world's greatest miser".
The property now is a gated community featuring a nine hole golf course.
Geographically, it is the 3rd. largest town in Massachusetts.

See more SouthCoast town history...Click on the "Read more" below.

WAREHAM

Cranberry Bog

HISTORY:

"Gateway to Cape Cod"

The town of Wareham, sometimes pronounced Wear-ham was named for the town of Wareham, England. Wareham was settled in 1678 as part of the towns of Plymouth and Rochester.

Because of Wareham's proximity to the Buzzard's Bay, the town's early history was of shipbuilding and other related industries. Wareham also become a popular resort town in the summer.

The Onset section of town has the very popular Onset Beach. Just across the street from the beach is Onset Center with its many fine shops, restaurants and inns.

SOMERSET

Pierce Beach and Park

HISTORY:

Somerset was first settled in 1677. It was named for Somerset Square in Boston, which was, in turn, named for the county of Somerset, England.

In 1872, Somerset became the site of a major coal port.

Somerset was once a important shipping port.

Today the town is best known for it's two power plants.

FAIRHAVEN

HISTORY:

The town shares a harbor with the city of New Bedford. Fairhaven, like New Bedford are well-known for its whaling and fishing heritage.

The town was the second largest whaling port in the U. S.

Fairhaven, once part of New Bedford eventually separated from the city. In 1812 the town officially was incorporated.

Fairhaven's most famous native was Henry Huttleston Rogers (1840-1909), who was businessman and philanthropist. He donated many community improvements in the late-nineteenth and early twentieth-century, including the extraordinary high school, the Town Hall, and the library.

Located at the outer harbor is Fort Phoenix (Fort Phoenix State Reservation). During colonial and revolutionary times the fort was the primary defense against seaborne attacks on the New Bedford harbor. Within sight of the fort, the first naval battle of the American Revolution took place in 1775.

Fairhaven is the home of the Acushnet company, a world-renowned manufacturer of Titlist golf balls.

WESTPORT

HISTORY:

The town of Westport was the most western port In Massachusetts when it was first settled in 1670. The town today is mostly residential, with a large farming community.

The Westport island of Gooseberry Neck was a coastal defense installation during WWII..

Horseneck Beach and State Reservation is a very popular summer destination for many in the area.

SWANSEA

Town Hall (built in 1890)

HISTORY:

Swansea was settled in 1663 and the town was named after a minister's home village in Wales. Forges, ironworks and fishing on the town's river made up a substantial part of the town's economy. Swansea also had a large agricultural capacity.

A picnic grove called Shady Isles was a popular spot for city people from Fall River and Providence. Now a suburban community with much of its agricultural land still open.

MATTAPOISETT

Ned's Point Lighthouse

HISTORY:

This coastal town was settled about 1750.

Mattapoisett is an old Indian word meaning " a place of resting".

The town's principal business (prior to 1800) was shipbuilding and whaling with four shipyards.

With more than 400 ships build in a period of 100 years, making Mattapoisett one of the most important shipbuilding towns on the East Coast.

Many of the whaling vessels made in one of the town's four shipyards sailed from the world's largest whaling port - New Bedford.

The vessel "Acushnet" was built here and it is the ship Herman Melville sailed on.

Following the decline of shipbuilding, Mattapoisett became a summer residents for well-to-do Bostonian and New Yorkers.

ACHUSNET

Town Hall

HISTORY:

The name "Acushnet", which is also the name of the river the town lies on, comes from the Wampanoag (Native American tribe) "Cushnea", meaning "peaceful resting place near water". Acushnet Company (Titleist golf balls) was founded in town.

Freetown and Lakeville history coming soon.