Fall River

Understand

History Fall River's name comes from Quequechan (locally, QUICK-uh-shan), a Wampanoag word meaning "Falling Water". At one time, the Quequechan River meandered through the city, connecting South Watuppa Pond to the Taunton River via eight small waterfalls. Today, most of the river is routed underground, covered by I-195. A lone aboveground waterfall remains; it's manmade and hidden in the Metacomet Mills complex, near where Anawan St. intersects Davol St.

The Spindle City

Fall River was the USA's largest cotton textile manufacturer in the late 1800s, earning its enduring nickname of "Spindle City". While this industry has largely disappeared, the granite mill buildings it left behind define the appearance of the city's South End. The aristocratic owners of these mill complexes lived in the Victorian mansions lining the streets of The Highlands, a neighborhood of the suburban North End. Among the mills that have not burned down or been demolished, many now house restaurants and retailers. Yet, the city's textile heritage lives on through more than just its structures. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Fall River's Merrow Manufacturing Company was the largest producer of USA-sourced PPE, including face masks.

The Fall River Line

Along the Taunton River, the city's western border, lies The Waterfront. In the 19th century, this was the port for The Fall River Line, a steamboat-rail connection from New York City to Boston. Travel on the line's ornate "floating palaces" was the most luxurious way to get between these Northeastern hubs- just ask any of the six U.S. presidents, including FDR, who took the journey. The steamboats are gone today, but massive warships, including the USS Massachusetts ("Big Mamie"), have taken their place at Battleship Cove Museum. In the 2010s, significant investment revitalized the Waterfront, with new restaurants, breweries, and a boardwalk. In the 2020s, the anticipated completion of the South Coast Rail will once again make

Getting there

By plane Logan International Airport (BOS IATA) in Boston is the primary international airport serving the area. T.F. Green Airport (PVD IATA) in Warwick (Rhode Island) is the city's nearest major domestic airport. New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB IATA) offers flights from Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Taunton Municipal Airport (FAA: TAN) in East Taunton is a small regional airport.

By car Most visitors arrive by car, due to Fall River's relative lack of intercity public transportation.

Major state and interstate highways Interstate 195 runs east-west between Providence and Cape Cod. Primary route from Providence and Cape Cod. Exits: 11, 12, 13, 14A, 14B. MA Route 24 runs south-north from Newport to Randolph. Primary route from points north, notably Boston (via Interstate 93), and from Southern Rhode Island. Exits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B. U.S. Route 6 runs east-west through Fall River, from Provincetown in Cape Cod toward Providence, ultimately running another 3,000 mi (4,800 km) to California.

Other numbered highways MA Route 79 begins in Fall River and terminates in Middleborough to the north. Connects I-195 to Route 24. MA/RI Route 81 begins in Little Compton to the south and terminates in Fall River. MA/RI Route 138 from Newport to Milton enters Fall River from Tiverton, crosses the river via Routes 79/6 into Somerset, and runs north toward Taunton. MA/RI Route 177 passes through Fall River for a whopping 200 feet to connect Tiverton with Westport.

By bus The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) offers daily buses from nearby Swansea, Dartmouth, and New Bedford to Fall River. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers daily buses from Providence and Newport to Fall River. Peter Pan Bus Lines offers bus routes from Boston and Newport. These are expensive coach buses (over $20 one-way). Due to COVID-19, bus service is extremely infrequent on these lines as of Dec 2020.

By train Fall River Depot, 825 Davol St. (u

Getting around

By car Car access is recommended for travel in Fall River. Parking is free and plentiful throughout most of the city. Downtown, particularly in the areas immediately surrounding Government Center, metered parking may be required.

Car rental options Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 775 Pleasant St, ☏ +1 508 677-9000. (updated Jan 2021) Hertz, 1672 Pleasant St, ☏ +1 508 235-0472. (updated Jan 2021)

By bus The Southeastern Regional Transportation Authority (SRTA) offers 14 bus routes within the city. All routes start at the Louis D. Pettine Transportation Center (118 4th St). Visiting from Boston? Your MBTA CharlieCard works on the bus! Otherwise, you can buy tickets at the bus terminal, or pay in cash (not credit card) onboard. Fares: $1.50 per trip ($1.40 with CharlieCard). $0.75 Reduced Fare ($0.70 with CharlieCard). Children under 6 free.

By taxi Uber operates in Fall River. Other rideshare services (including Lyft) do not as of Jan 2021. Traditional taxi services exist, including Town Taxi and Yellow Cab of Fall River. However, their online presence is limited, and as of Jan 2021 it is unclear how regularly they are operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By foot Fall River is a city built on hills, with some streets exceeding a 20% elevation grade. As a result, getting around solely by foot can be a challenge. Walking within neighborhoods is generally doable, but crossing from one to another can be problematic.

By bicycle Bicycles in Fall River are typically used for recreation, not transportation. Traffic bike lanes do exist, but are sparse and rarely used. Due to COVID-19 and lack of demand, there are no bike rentals in Fall River or bordering towns as of Jan 2021. The nearest option is Bristol Bikes, 13 mi (21 km) west in Bristol (Rhode Island). If you rode into town, BikeWorks in nearby Swansea is the closest shop offering bicycle service and repair.

See

Museums

1 Battleship Cove, 5 Water St, ☏ +1 508 678-1100. museum closes at 4:30PM. Battleship Cove lays claim to the largest collection of preserved U.S. Navy ships in the world, from World War II to the present, which are open as historic monuments. The most famous of these boats is the USS Massachusetts ("Big Mamie"), which is said to have fired the first and last shells of WWII. Other ships include the Destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., Submarine USS Lionfish, and PT Boats 617 and 796. Visitors are welcome to board the vessels and tour their outside areas and interiors. Visitors can arrange to spend a night aboard the ships for additional charge. Ticket includes two days of access, and admission to the nearby Maritime Museum. $15-25, children under 3 free. (updated Dec 2020) 2 Children's Museum of Greater Fall River, 441 N Main St, ☏ +1 508 672-0033. This small interactive museum offers children a number of exhibits to explore. Exhibits include the Lego Room and the World of Water, and there are various events that change on a regular basis. Admission $8, children under 12 mo