Exploring Battleship Cove in Fall River
It’s a familiar blur as you speed across the Braga Bridge, but a visit to Battleship Cove makes a fascinating detour.
Where to Eat
Sagres Restaurant
Fall River’s large Portuguese population makes the city a hub for some of the best Portuguese food on the East Coast. Sagres Restaurant is an upscale eatery with a cozy atmosphere acclaimed for its authentic cuisine that tastes as though it came straight from Portugal. The paella is a popular dish among tourists and locals alike and it pairs well with a number of wines from the extensive drink menu. 177 Columbia St., Fall River, Mass., 508-675-7018, sagresrestaurant.com.
The Cove Restaurant and Marina
This Fall River mainstay overlooks the water with a perfect view of the Braga Bridge and the USS Massachusetts. Offering fresh seafood and American and European-style cuisine, the Cove combines the coastal charm of New England with Fall River’s unique ties to Portuguese culture. Enjoy lobster ravioli or zesty shrimp mozambique while soaking up the incomparable waterfront views. 392 Davol St., Fall River, Mass., 508-672-4540, cove392.com.
JavaHouse
If you’re looking for a place to get your caffeine fix, head downtown to JavaHouse, a Chicago-style coffee joint and eatery that serves breakfast and lunch in addition to fresh organic coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet (like a pineapple, banana, mango, coconut, orange juice and yogurt smoothie or savory (like a tomato basil wrap), there’s something on the menu that will suit your fancy. If you’re just stopping by for a quick midday pick-me-up, the javaccino is a fan-favorite concoction of coffee and chocolate. 139 South Main St., Fall River, Mass., 508-679-3333, javahousefr.com.
A Short Drive Away
DNB Burgers
This burger joint in downtown New Bedford is the place to be if you mean business when it comes to beef. The trendy restaurant specializes in from-scratch eats made from locally sourced ingredients. Before indulging in one of the signature craft burgers (like the Southern Belle topped with jalapeno sweet corn aioli), you’ll want to be sure to order a plate of DNB’s famous New Bedford poutine: hand-cut fries with mozzarella curds, beef gravy and house made chourico. 22 Elm St., New Bedford, Mass., 774-202-0118, dnbburgers.com.
Cask and Pig Kitchen and Alehouse
Serving up an eclectic mix of local classics, Southern-style barbecue and Portuguese-inspired cuisine, Cask and Pig covers a range of tastes with a sizeable menu. The New England-style gastropub offers hearty comfort food and an extensive selection of craft beers in a cozy setting where you can watch a sports game and catch up with friends. Feast on a plate of the beef brisket that’s smoked for fourteen hours and pair it with a side of tasty maple bacon brussels sprouts. If you save room for more, finish off your meal with a dessert cocktail. 780 State Rd., Dartmouth, Mass., 774-992-0183, caskandpig.com.
Family Ties Restaurant
Nestled along the Rhode Island and Massachusetts border, Family Ties is known for its delicious homestyle food and friendly service that will make you feel like you’re part of the family. Offering traditional American eats along with coastal classics, it’s no wonder why this restaurant is a local favorite. Perhaps most noteworthy on the menu is the seven-cheese baked mac and cheese that you can dress up any way you like with lobster, buffalo chicken, a hot dog and more. 221 Main Rd., Tiverton, 624-2321, eatatfamilyties.com.
Where to Explore
Lizzie Borden House
The site of one of the most notorious unsolved murder cases in history, the Lizzie Borden House stands almost exactly as it did on the morning of August 4, 1892. Visitors can step into the lives of the Borden family and tour the property dotted with some artifacts from the murder scene. If you’re brave enough, you can even stay the night in one of the house’s bedrooms, including the John V. Morse room where the body of Abby Borden was found. 230 Second St., Fall River, Mass., 508-675-7333, lizzie-borden.com.
Lazer Gate
Where can you find laser tag, mini golf, bounce houses, bumper cars and an arcade all under one roof? Look no further than Lazer Gate, a locally owned entertainment center with fun for all ages. Since opening in 1999, the facility has served as a popular destination for birthday parties, corporate functions and family outings. Try your hand at the blacklight mini golf course or score points in the arcade, where you can redeem your points for prizes. 288 Plymouth Ave., Fall River, Mass., 508-730-1230, lazergate.com.
Lafayette-Durfee House
History buffs will want to check out this restored Colonial house that once belonged to the Durfee family. Colonel Joseph Durfee served in the Battle of Fall River in 1778 alongside the Marquis de Lafayette, who often visited the Durfee home. Travel back in time as you admire the authentically recreated space filled with artifacts. Reenactors and staff work to make sure every experience is educational and fun. 94 Cherry St., Fall River, Mass., 508-813-8230,
lafayettedurfeehouse.org.
A Short Drive Away
Seekonk Speedway
Family-owned and operated since 1946, Seekonk Speedway is a New England icon that is home to action-packed racing on a NASCAR-sanctioned track. Take the family for the day and watch drivers from all across the area speed around the track as you cheer them on from the stands. Don’t miss out on a Thrill Show, which features figure-eight races, backward races and more. 1782 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, Mass., 508-336-9959, seekonkspeedway.com.
Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame
Immerse in New England’s rich history of yachting at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. This maritime museum is dedicated to the work of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and is also home to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, which celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the world of yachting. Take a tour through the exhibits as you learn about the legacy of the Herreshoff family and the revolutionary innovation that occurred right in
our own backyard. 1 Burnside St., Bristol, 253-5000, herreshoff.org.
Where to Shop
Finder’s Keepers
See what you can score from your favorite brands and designers for a fraction of the price. This eclectic women’s consignment shop offers a one-of-a-kind selection of handbags, jewelry, clothing and more. With brands like Coach and Michael Kors, it will be hard to walk out of the store without picking up something for yourself. 427 Second St., Fall River, Mass., 508-617-9489, facebook.com/finderskeepersma.
Frugal Franks
At Frugal Franks, you can find just about anything you may need. From groceries and pet supplies to home decor and toys, this eccentric family-owned store and beloved Fall River institution seriously has it all. 126 Shove St., Fall River, Mass., 508-677-0157, frugalfranksllc.com.
A Short Drive Away
The Portsmouth Shop
Specializing in gifts for women, children and the home since 1981, the Portsmouth Shop likes to make customers feel like family. Shop the wide selection of chic locally made products as well as accessories from brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Vera Bradley. 2511 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, 683-2184,
facebook.com/ theportsmouthshop.
