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The month of May on the South Coast brings a rhythm of its own—where history, creativity, and coastal beauty all come together. Whether you’re looking to wander through a hidden garden, meet local artists, or simply spend the day somewhere new, these upcoming events are worth adding to your calendar.
May 14 — Living the Old House Dream
Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, New Bedford | 5:00-6:00 pm | Free Event
Step inside one of New Bedford’s most iconic historic homes for an evening that blends architecture, storytelling, and preservation. Hosted in partnership with Waterfront Historic Area League during AHA! Night, this special talk features homeowner and preservation enthusiast Laura Parish.
She’ll share the real journey behind restoring a historic home, the vision, the challenges, and the rewards of bringing old spaces back to life. It’s the kind of evening that leaves you seeing historic homes (and even your own) a little differently.
May 16 — Spindle City Arts Trolley Loop
Heritage Park- Fall River |10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free Event
Spend the day exploring Fall River’s creative side with this relaxed, hop-on, hop-off trolley experience. The route connects a collection of galleries, working studios, and cultural spaces making it easy to discover places you might otherwise miss.
Stops include Fall River Heritage State Park, Narrows Center for the Arts, and Fall River Museum of Contemporary Art. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to meet local artists, step into exhibitions, and experience the energy of a city that’s quietly becoming a creative hub.
Hidden Gardens & Picnic Spots to Discover
One of the simplest ways to enjoy May is finding a quiet place to sit, take in the view, and stay a little longer than planned. The South Coast is filled with tucked-away gardens, shoreline paths, and peaceful corners that feel like your own private escape.
Here are a few to seek out this month:
Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens, New Bedford
A hidden treasure out of nowhere is 6 acres of beautiful gardens, mature trees, natural settings with sitting areas for the perfect quiet picnic. Available free to the public. A must see and currently the tulips are in full bloom. Each month brings a new beauty to discover.
https://thetrustees.org/place/allen-c-haskell-public-gardens/
Dunseith Gardens- Mattapoisett Land Trust
The spot is more known as the home of the Iconic landmark - Salty the Seahorse
A 3 acre park that offers picnic tables and a gazebo for a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic
The Sawmill — Garden Paths & Riverside Calm- 32 Mill Road, Acushnet
A bit more tucked away, this spot offers a blend of curated gardens and natural woodland along the river. Small bridges, winding paths, and shaded areas make it feel like a quiet retreat.
It’s an ideal place for those days when you want a picnic with a little more privacy and a lot more greenery.
Damarest Lloyd State Park - Dartmouth
https://www.mass.gov/locations/demarest-lloyd-state-park
A best kept secret with access to beach, shorelines and grassy picnic areas.
Get outdoors and no need to travel too far to find these hidden gems.
You don’t always have to go far to feel like you’ve gotten away. Sometimes it’s just about choosing a new spot, bringing something simple, and giving yourself the time to enjoy it.
That’s really what Mattapoisett Living is all about.
Ned’s Point Light — A Classic for a Reason
While well known, there’s a reason this spot remains a favorite. Open green space, sweeping ocean views, and that steady coastal breeze make it one of the best places to lay out a blanket and stay awhile.
And this May, there’s even more reason to stop by. Weekend mornings at Ned’s Point are coming to life again with a special local gathering series—an opportunity to start your day outdoors, connect with others, and take in the beauty of the harbor in a whole new way. The kind of simple, feel-good experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
Pack a light picnic, bring your coffee, or just come as you are—it’s these small moments that often become the most memorable.
Enjoy!
Cecile Callahan, Broker Associate, Realtor
Licensed in MA & RI
508-742-7316 cell
Bold Real Estate Inc.
45 Main Street
Mattapoisett, MA 02739