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I think I’ll go to Bostonnn, I think I’ll start a newwww liiiife ….
Not so fast.
You might want to consider another Massachusetts city with newfound hype as the next tourism hotspot.
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism is spotlighting one of the state’s lesser-known cities, brimming with New England charm, scenic waterfronts, and fewer crowds, giving ample room to pahk ya cah to be first in line for a bowl of quintessential clam chowder.
While it’s a far cry from bustling Boston and Cape Cod’s crowded shores this time of year, if a relaxing hideaway full of captivating history, tranquil bayside bliss, and even dark elements of intrigue likened to Salem’s lore interests you, it’s time to plan a trip to little-known Fall River this summer.
Stunning Historical Sites: Dive Into Fall River’s Fascinating Timeline
Usually, Americans opt to jet ‘across the pond’ for a glimpse into the past, with preserved cathedrals, cobbled streets, and simple ways of life we’ve become jaded towards back home.
But there’s another way to get a glimpse into America’s past on the East Coast without having to sit through a Gettysburg reenactment that pretends it’s Oscar-worthy.
The simple answer is to visit Fall River, home to such sites as Battleship Cove, the world’s most extensive collection of U.S.-based naval ships from World War II.
Honor our nation’s history by hopping from exhibit to exhibit showcasing staggering submarines, destroyers, and even the Soviet-era Hiddensee.
Overall, the townscape feels timeless, too (other than a select few noticeable chains). Most likely to catch your eye is the Fall River Probate & Family Court anchoring downtown, which once served as the B.M.C. Durfee High School in the late 1800s.
Obviously, you won’t want to deal with the probate process on your vacation, but it’s one of the most sightly photos in town and sets the tone for its surroundings, including the towering 1800s First Congregational Church of Fall River across the street and extending into the charming main strip laden with cafes, shops, and locally owned eateries.
You’ll also want to hit up the Lafayette Durfee House, a centuries-old home turned museum showing what colonial life was like and its significant role in the American Revolution.
Fall River’s Waterfront Delights
Fall River is a border town that neighbors America’s smallest state, Rhode Island. While not a proper beach town, it hugs the Taunton River on its west side and Watupa Pond on its east side.
The Taunton River leads to Mt. Hope Bay, which offers quaint beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and waterfront dining such as popular upscale seafood spot The Cove Restaurant & Marina on the Massachusetts side and Tipsy Seagull Dockside Pub for some of the best views of Fall River from its vibrant marina with more of a casual feel.
Fall Rivers’ craft beer scene is no sleeper either. The best way to cool off from the beaming summer sun is a cold brew from Canned Heat Craft Beer Company with bay breeze seating.
For those who prefer to be out on the water rather than slurpin’ oysters bayside, check out the Save The Bay tours offered, which offer great photo ops of the lighthouse and all-but-guaranteed seal sightings.
Fall River’s Top Attraction: Stay The Night In Lizzie Borden’s Home
While I get creeped out shopping at Hot Topic, I gotta say it was Salem, not Boston, that left a lasting impression on my East Coast road trip because of how incomparable it was.
Salem, of course, is the famous site of the Salem Witch Trials. The same way you can still feel the solemn energy of aforementioned Gettysburg, the South’s numerous plantations, and New York’s 9/11 Memorial, they’re all very popular attractions despite bringing the mood down, yet sometimes experiences such as ghost tours offer thrills despite somber undercurrents.
If you’re unaware of the story of Lizzie Borden, she was famously tried and acquitted for the brutal axe murders of her parents in Fall River in the 1800s.
Today, it remains a cold case, but you can put your whodunnit skills to the test by staying at her home, which has been transformed into a welcoming bed & breakfast despite its dark history.
You can book a tour or book at room at Lizzie Borden’s House, which holds an impressive 4.8 Google rating with nearly 4,000 reviews.
But, if jeepers creepers aren’t your style, there’s plenty of chain hotels for a comfortable stay downtown.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.