A Summer Evening at New Bedford’s Fort Taber

If you haven't taken a walk through New Bedford's Fort Taber Park on a warm summer evening, you don't know what you're missing.

With a couple of hours until sunset, people are still frolicking in the water at the beach, others are fishing from the pier, some families are having a picnic and tossing a frisbee, while some are riding one of the bikes you can rent at the park with the bike share app.

While on the pier, you may see the Fast Ferry returning from Martha's Vineyard, or one of the commercial fishing vessel's headed out to sea for many days of very difficult and challenging work.

At the risk of sounding corny, I have to say an early evening at the park is like a mini-vacation. If you have a seat on one of the benches facing the water, the sun is still warm but the sea breeze is refreshing. After a few minutes, you may even begin to taste the salt that's in the air--but sea salt is said to be healthy. The ocean can be very soothing. A great way to unwind after a hard day's work.

So, next time you are looking for a way to relax, or take a long walk or bike ride in the evening, think about New Bedford's beautiful Fort Taber. A lot of planning and expense went into making it a place we can all enjoy, no matter where you live.