Urban Oasis

Stretch those road-weary legs and take Exit 5 off Rt. 24 for a break from the bustle at the walking path that surrounds the idyllic pond on the Fall River campus of Bristol Community College. Located at the northeast corner of the campus (accessed via Parking Lot 12), the pond serves as a bridge between the urban environment and the tranquility of nature.

The stroll around the pond is approximately a mile long and attracts people from all walks of life looking for a peaceful retreat and the opportunity to commune with nature without having to go traipsing around in the woods.

Although you can see the highway through the trees on one side and sports fields on the other, the pond creates an illusion of isolation, seclusion and peace that the cars can’t shatter. The trees that ring the pond and the animals that reside in its habitat create an oasis on the otherwise urban grounds. You’re likely to encounter birds, bunnies and frogs at the very least. Grab your camera, and maybe a snack, and spend some time at this hidden gem before hitting the road!

A Treasure Trove of Arts

Located in a historic residential neighborhood in the city’s Highlands area, the Greater Fall River Art Association holds many treasures within the walls of this 3-story Victorian home. Founded in 1955, the GFRAA plays a vital role in enriching the cultural landscape of Fall River and fostering a sense of creativity and connection among its residents. The GFRAA is home to 5 resident artist studios and a gallery that hosts rotating art shows.

The home on Bemont Street has artistry woven into the very fabric of its architecture, from its intricate stained-glass windows to the magnificent, curved staircase whose walls are lined with Approximately 40 pieces of art that the U.S. Works Progress Administration (WPA) commissioned during the 1930s. The WPA Gallery represents work by regional artists produced in the mid 1930’s as part of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration, a federal program to create work for artists during the Great Depression.

Take a step inside and go back in time before you head off to your final travel destination!

Gallery Hours
Saturdays 5pm-8pm, Sundays 1pm-4pm
Weekdays: by appointment only; (508) 673-7212

A “Titanic” Adventure

“I’m King of the World!” Have your own “Titanic” moment at the Maritime Museum, home to a 28-foot long scale model of the RMS Titanic used in Twentieth-Century-Fox’s 1953 film Titanic. The museum houses a diverse collection which includes more than 150 scale models, 30,000 photographs, videos, uniforms, audio recordings and more.

The museum also tells the tale of the Fall River Line (which operated from 1847 to 1937), a fleet of luxury steamships that carried passengers from New York City and Boston to summer homes in Newport.  The Maritime Museum hosts temporary exhibitions as well as a Kid’s Cove Fun Space. They have a great gift shop too!

Admission to Battleship Cove gains you entrance to the Maritime Museum, but you can also purchase singular admission at $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 4-12.

Peace on Earth

Even for those who may not identify as religious, St. Anne’s Shrine offers a serene and tranquil environment that can be appreciated for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Completed in 1906, this iconic parish has played a central role in the spiritual and cultural life of the community, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s rich tapestry of history.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the historic Kennedy park, the 155 feet tall, gothic-style church is an iconic part of Fall River’s skyline. Today, the Saint Anne’s Shrine is the largest indoor Catholic Votive Light Shrine in Southern New England and is home to the country’s largest collection of faceted stained glass, with 171 windows total. The iconic facade of St. Anne’s Church is indeed a prominent feature in Fall River’s skyline, and the lower level of the church, housing the shrine, is a place where anyone can find solace and quiet contemplation.

The upper church at Saint Anne’s is currently undergoing extensive renovation work. However, the lower shrine is still open to the public and regularly holds mass. Current hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 12:00-4:00pm. For more information, visit the Shrine’s website at https://st-annes-shrine.org/.

Whether it’s sitting in silent reflection, admiring the beauty of the surroundings, or simply taking a moment to pause and appreciate the splendor of the space, St. Anne’s Shrine welcomes all who seek a moment of peace and tranquility.

A Living Time Capsule

Nestled in a residential neighborhood not far from Fall River’s downtown, the Lafayette-Durfee museum has been dutifully preserved to showcase life in colonial New England museum. It was named after Fall River Judge Thomas Durfee, the original owner of the house who frequently hosted his friend and infamous Revolutionary war figure, General Marquis de Lafayette, during his visits to New England.

The house contains 18th century relics including hand stitched clothing, civilian muskets and military weapons, medical equipment, and household items.

Each year, the House hosts several exciting and unconventional events, perfect for the history buff in your life. Events range from educational talks, to living history walkthroughs, to experiential workshops that teach you how to churn butter, make candles or weave fabric like they did in the 1700s. You can even grab tea with Martha Washington herself!

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3. You can find more information about the house and view the full calendar of events at their website: http://www.lafayettedurfeehouse.org/.

A Work of Art

One of the city’s more recent additions to the cultural landscape, the Fall River Museum of Contemporary Art, or FR MoCA, is a prestigious contemporary art space that hosts a wide variety of exhibitions that include works in various forms such as painting, sculpture, installation art, digital art, and more. Founded and operated by two natives turned international artists, FR MoCA is a captivating blend of local roots and global perspective. The emphasis on sophistication suggests a high standard for artistic expression and curation, while the inclusive and welcoming environment indicates a commitment to making art accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background. This combination of qualities makes FR MoCA a vibrant cultural hub within the community, offering enriching experiences for visitors of all kinds.