New Bedford is a whaling port and is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the nation. The population is around 94,000 and having been such a prominent whaling center in history, Herman Melville set the beginning of Moby Dick in New Bedford.

The city center has been designated a National Historical Park, with its cobblestone streets and gas lanterns. At nearby Fall River, well known outlet shopping awaits; and at Battleship Cove, visitors can view WWII-era ships including the colossal USS Massachusetts, the first and last battleship to fire guns during WWII.

New Bedford is about 45 miles south of Boston, and is several miles west of Plymouth. Ferry service to Martha's Vineyard takes approximately one hour, and New Bedford is 30 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.