Location: Dartmouth
Top Things to do in Dartmouth
Countries
Top 6 Free Things to do in Dartmouth, Massachusetts (MA)
Dartmouth is a coastal town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, and was the first area of Southeastern Massachusetts settled. Dartmouth itself is part of the Farm Coast New England comprising a chain of historic coastal villages, vineyards and farms. It celebrated its 350th birthday June 8, 2014. It is also part of the Massachusetts South Coast. The local daily newspaper is The Standard-Times.
Restaurants in Dartmouth
1. Alderbrook Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By josephi665 - Westport, United States
Over the years, Alderbrook Farm at Russells Mills in Dartmouth has provided a forum for farmers and historians that speaks to the past and charts a new future for farming on the South Coast. Allen and Nancy Manley and family did this quietly, without fanfare, and by example. They provided an exemplary farm operation that familiarizes visitors with a hands-on farming experience. They brought joy to thousands of families and instilled happy childhood memories for the young at heart. The place was always well tended and the farm animals were loved and well cared for. I recall Allen walking the gentlest oxen on a rope leash to a backfield, the rooster crowing on the back of a gray donkey, the territorial goose, the horse, who loved apples, the sheep, the goats, and the peacock spreading his fan and calling out pea haw! The barnyard at Alderbrook Farm is an iconic reminder of how family farms operated in New England for hundreds of years. Farming was celebrated at Alderbrook Farm through the seasons. From the sowing of the seed in spring, to the harvests of early peas, and summer bounty of sun ripened tomatoes and summer squash, to the autumn Macomber turnips, pumpkins, and Hubbard squash, and Christmas trees and wreaths celebrating winter. Lets not forget about the sea of dahlias rising like cheerleaders’ brightly colored pompoms from the well-tended soils. Here was Nancy, her cheeks pink with the sun, with a smile on her face and Allen stoically by her side managing the farm operations at Alderbrook Farm. The farm fields at Alderbrook Farm grew the most delicious vegetables, which were sold in the farm store. Here Nancy and staff provided friendly oversight and mentoring. Local farmers brought just picked vegetables of every shape and color, raspberries still warm from the summer sun, cheeses from local dairies, healthy breads and baked goods, honey from local hives, and Dartmouth Grange Kitchen jams, jellies, salsa, and cereals. Over the years, the Manley family have overseen and revitalized the Dartmouth Grange to be a venue for farmers to socialize, trade notes, and create community through hard work and good works. That Alderbrook Farm is closing in its current iteration is news sadly received. Times change, we get older, and farm regulations, costs, and paperwork become more onerous. However, the memory of Alderbrook Farm and the big-hearted Manley family will never fade. Thank you Allen, Nancy, Sam, and family for all you have done for the greater good.
2. Running Brook Vineyard & Winery
3. Cornell Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Roam from pasture and planted fields through a small woodland before emerging at the edge of a serene salt marsh near the head of the tidal Little River.
4. Slocum's River Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Thread your way through woodlands and cross open fields that descend to one of the state's loveliest tidal rivers. Watch for great blue herons and other waders in the shallows, and northern harriers overhead.
5. Lloyd Center for the Environment
6. Parsons Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 241garya - Somerset, United States
We love nature and how else to enjoy by visiting every Easter Parson's Reserve for the flower show! A natural flower show with all the bright fields of tulips for us to enjoy. After the usual New England winter the thought of Spring becomes reality in the delight of each flower bloom. Nearby is a parking area and playground with restrooms. So kids can play or take a small trail hike along the paths of the reserve and get back to nature as a family. Can be visited every weekend. Nice rolling country area with more things to discover.
