BUSINESS BUZZ
Rising
South End
by Steven Froias
Its precise boundaries are sometimes disputed. Many say it begins at Cove Road. Others bring it all the way up to Rivet Street. Even its very name is in question. Some refer to it as the Peninsula. Some call it by the more colloquial “down the Fort” – referring to Fort Rodman… or even Fort Taber. For most, however, simply the South End will do. As in the South End of New Bedford, home of the city’s municipal beaches overlooking New Bedford harbor to the east and Clarks Cove to the west. Those beaches were once this neighborhood’s main claim to fame. But no more. In fact, the South End hit critical mass during the summer of 2021. So much so that you could say that the South End is rising to the top of the heap in New Bedford as a destination all on its own.
8
It’s a place where you can spend an entire day and linger into the evening, thanks to a unique combination of recreation and cultural offerings. It is home to the popular Reggae at West Beach music series, the Fort Taber Military Museum, and so much more. Consider this partial list of attributes:
Recreation
You can swim in the South End of New Bedford off those beaches. You can take an urban hike on either the Harbor or Cove Walks atop the historic Hurricane Barrier. You can cycle all around the South End along dedicated bike lanes. You can march
September 2021 | The South Coast Insider
through Fort Taber Park and pass by Fort Rodman. This past summer, even more recreation joined the list. The West Beach Boathouse had been out of use for several decades until the New Bedford’s Department of Facilities and Fleet Management undertook a rehab of the building and created space for recreational equipment rentals such as paddleboards and kayaks. The Community Boating Center of New Bedford, having already operated sailing and education programs based for two decades at both City-owned Fort Taber and their Clarks Cove facility, was selected
to run the kayak and paddleboard rental program. Blue Lane Rentals is the result. It is designed to ensure all residents have access to the new resource, with affordable rental rates, lessons, and an emphasis on safety. Equipment reservations can be made online at bluelanerentalsnb.com.
Food & drink
The South End is where the hottest new eating and drinking establishment in the city – make that the region – made its debut in July 2021. Cisco Brewers Kitchen + Bar opened at the former Davy’s Locker at 1482 East Rodney French Boulevard and
