Escape rooms to deluxe picnics: 10 spots to plan a romantic date night in New Bedford
NEW BEDFORD – Spending time with a special someone is a special experience no matter the occasion. But finding the perfect place for a romantic date night or afternoon in The Whaling City can be a challenge.
In the words of “Citizen Kane” actor Orson Welles, “If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girlfriends.”
From quaint outdoor parks and eateries to breathtaking views and romantic adventures, the New Bedford area has a variety of spots that make for the perfect romantic date.
Here are 10 ideas for planning your next date:
Night time ice-cream spots
New Bedford has several amazing spots to enjoy ice-cream, in fact there are at least 15 places in the SouthCoast area to choose from, all with fun and different experiences. The Bucket on Gulf Hill is open each day from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 77 Gulf Road, Apponagansett Park, Dartmouth.
Experience nostalgia like never before when you get your ice cream or frappe from The Bucket. Why not taste test the Mocha Frappe with coffee ice cream and chocolate syrup, all topped off with a sprinkle of deliciousness!
More: Found Treasures Co. closes New Bedford location
The newest ice cream spot to also check out is The Ice Cream Cottage at 12 Ferry St., Fairhaven. The new ice cream shop in town is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day and has something for everyone, offering soft and hard-served ice cream, frozen yogurt, dairy and sugar-free ice cream.
And you'll definitely want to try their signature Ice Cream Taco – a waffle cone taco filled with creamy chocolate or vanilla soft serve and dipped in sprinkles.
Check out this column about The Newbie trying out several New Bedford ice-cream spots.
Cove and Beach Walkways
According to the website, the Blue Lane is a connected route along the city's oceanfront, from the CoveWalk and HarborWalk of the southern peninsula through to the RiverWalk along the Acushnet River in the North End.
This pathway extends along the entire waterfront of New Bedford, connecting attractions, neighborhoods, and visitors together to experience the beautiful views of the bay. With the recent enhancements, tourists and locals alike can now enjoy the scenery like never before which could be perfect for a date afternoon or night.
In 2015, the HarborWalk opened, running 3,880 feet in length. Located on the east side of New Bedford, the pathway connects to a bike track that wraps around the waterfront all the way to the tip of the peninsula, then enters the 50-acre Fort Taber Park.
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Visitors of the HarborWalk can admire the view of where Buzzards Bay (East Beach) meets Fort Taber in the near distance, as well as Fairhaven’s Fort Phoenix, West Island, and more. The HarborWalk is even lit up at night, so there is always an opportunity to appreciate the tranquility of the South Coast. Moreover, the walkway is a pet-friendly area.
Seaport Art Walk, and nearby dining
Speaking of a walk to remember, the Seaport Art Walk on Rt. 18 is a must-see this year as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Artist Jessica Bregoli, who founded the event in 2013, invited creatives to submit projects to honor this milestone year. These projects could highlight the ever-evolving artistic and cultural identity of New Bedford, past themes of the Seaport Art Walk, or commemorate generations of local creatives.
These themes included Open Spaces (2022), Tides and Time (2021), Lighting the Way: Historic Women of the SouthCoast (2020), Whirlwind of Art (2019), Freedom and Equality: the Bicentennial of Frederick Douglass (2018), Sustainable Oceans (2017), Cultural Aspects (2016), Nautical Nuances (2015), The Sea in Stone (2014), and Inaugural Year (2013).
Every summer, sculptures and murals are then strategically placed along the city’s working waterfront and Seaport Cultural District. The walk, which takes about 20 minutes, ends in front of restaurants such as Cork Wine and Tapas, Rose Alley and The Black Whale.
Tapping back into 80s nostalgia
Looking for a romantic date meets game night? Play Arcade on Union Street is an 80's-inspired arcade with 40 thrilling vintage games and a full bar and food service. The rooftop has an enchanting view of the waterfront that offers an unforgettable atmosphere.
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If you're looking for an evening of grown-up fun, admission is also restricted to those 21 and over after 8 p.m. You also must try the "Mrs. PacMan" drink or one of the other fun cocktails offered.
Taking out any 'relationship rage' together
If you’re looking for a date to also get some “rage out” together, in 2021, the old Uniform Scrub store in Dartmouth was converted into The House of Rage – a rage room for all ages.
According to the official website, the goal is to provide a unique and fun environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected – a place that promotes a positive mental health awareness.
The rage room experience gives visitors all the equipment necessary to truly let out their frustrations with the safety and protection they need. Choose from various ‘breakable packages’ and personalize your experience with the music of your choice and choose the time you want to spend in the room.
More: Ready to smash something? House of Rage in Dartmouth will help you 'let off some steam'
Studies have found numerous benefits associated with such an experience, a sense of empowerment that stems from reclaiming control over one’s emotions, a "non-judgemental" platform to explore emotions, encouragement to positively change oneself and even motivating relationships through shared bonding moments.
There is also a paint room – think paint, everywhere: walls, floors, your ponchos, your goggles, on our canvas, shirts, or shoes; paired with blacklight and LED lighting.
Escape for Cuttyhunk Island
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without venturing too far away? Then consider spending the day on Cuttyhunk Island, accessible via the Cuttyhunk Ferry. Capt. Jono Billings, owner of the ferry company, said it’s “like 1960; you’re stepping back in time.”
The island offers a variety of activities ranging from walking trails and beaches to fishing and enjoying the view from the Fishing Club’s cliffs. You can also indulge your taste buds at Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms’ raw bar at the wharf’s edge.
...Or just escape this one room
And if you are looking for a date night that puts your relationship skills to the ultimate test - Mass Escape New Bedford is the perfect date spot.
In Mass Escape, participants are immersed in a "locked" room and must cooperate in order to solve a series of puzzles and "escape the room" in a set period of time. This thrilling and interactive game requires everyone to work together to reach the ultimate goal.
More: Inside the mysterious Mass Escape in New Bedford
A romantic picnic with a 'crown jewel' view
It's so sweet and romantic to take a little time out of your day to prepare a picnic basket and then find the perfect spot in the park to enjoy a romantic date. Buttonwood Park is a destination for all types. It is home to copious vegetation, wildlife and the Buttonwood Park Zoo.
People picnic on the Great Lawn, children love playing around the playground and getting active in the new basketball courts and those looking for a peaceful setting can take in the tranquil atmosphere while sitting on one of the many benches.
This paradisaical park is even designed by the famed creator of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. As the “crown jewel” of New Bedford’s parks, Buttonwood Park is the city’s largest and most visited public park, according to its website.
If you want to jazz up your picnic, why not hire local New Bedford small business Lux Picnic by C&G who specialize in setting up romantic deluxe picnic settings for you and your loved one to enjoy. Pick the time and spot, and they will do the rest of the work.
Learn something new at the museum
In October 2022, Suzanne de Veigh took over the New Bedford Art Museum with big plans for its future. Not only does it offer exquisite new exhibits on a quarterly rotation, but every day there is some sort of night life happening to make for a great date night outing.
Each week, the nightlife at the New Bedford Art Museum called "Enchanted Evenings" hosts Monday Movie Nights hosted by New Bedford Film Society, Tuesdays are "Twirl & Whirl" dance performance and classes, Wednesdays are the People’s Poetry Slam and Spoken Word Competition, Thursday is “Date Night" and Friday is FriYay! – featuring living music and a cash bar.
More: A bridge to the greater art world: New Bedford Art Museum's big plans for its future.
Starting August 10, its newest exhibition features an array of prints from the first edition of John J. Audubon's Birds of America is showcased in the exhibition, as well as Wardell Milan's C-print photograph titled Miss Floral Pageant, illustrations by Brooklyn-based Adrian Brandon called Great Egret, Black-Necked Stilt, and Carolina Parakeets and collages by Andrea Cukier.
And extended by popular demand until August 26, there is a comprehensive survey of Massachusetts-trained female glass artists - both established names and emerging figures.
It reflects various current trends around the use of glass in contemporary art, including its application in conceptual and abstract expressions, its disruption of traditional aesthetics related to glasswork, and the upending of typical conventions around transparency, beauty and utility.
Discover downtown in a new way
AHA! (Art-History-Architecture) Night is New Bedford's free arts and culture event which takes place the 2nd Thursday of every month in downtown New Bedford. If you’re looking for an outing that will expose more of what the downtown has to offer, these nights are perfectly curated to send you on an adventure bound to learn something new.
This September is themed “NB Cultures,” followed by “Art in Tune” in October, “Made in NB” in November and “Starry Night” in December. First time visitors are advised to start AHA! Night at the National Park Visitor Center at 33 William St.
Where do you like to go on a date night? Let us know your favorite spot that should be on our next list by e-mailing me at schitwood@s-t.com.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Date night activities, romantic places in New Bedford area
