Ned’s Point Light. Wikipedia photo by Balon Greyjoy.

Mattapoisett is a pretty salty place—nautically speaking. Indeed, it seems as if every other person in town is either a lifelong boater or has ties to the marine industry in some way. Sometimes it’s a bit of both.

The town’s nautical roots run deep, having served as a major shipbuilding center in the 1800s. The last whaling bark to sail out of New Bedford, the Wanderer, was built in Mattapoisett by Holmes Shipyard in 1878 before she wrecked off Cuttyhunk Island in 1924.

In more recent times, Mattapoisett served as home to Brownell Boatworks, Dexter Boats, and Edey & Duff. These builders are gone, but other homegrown marine businesses continue to thrive, including Triad Boatworks, Mattapoisett Boatyard, Peinert Boatworks, and Brownell Systems.

This little town on the western shore of Buzzards Bay boasts a wide, deep natural harbor that’s well protected from winds out of the southwest, west, and north (easterly winds are another matter). The harbor also features a series of grand stone wharves dating back to the 1800s, with pump-out, short-term tie-up, and a dinghy dock, as well as a double-wide launch ramp that offers all-tide access for large boats.

A good anchorage can be found in Molly’s Cove, in the shelter of Mattapoisett Neck, but boaters who want a mooring can contact Triad Boatworks or the Mattapoisett Boatyard. The latter has a fuel dock and offers haul-out and service. The yard’s launch can give you a ride to the town wharf, but it’s a short and pleasant walk into town from the marina’s location on Ned’s Point.

The town launch ramp can accommodate any size vessel. Photo/Tom Richardson.

Ashore, you’ll find a classic New England “village” peppered with historic ship captains’ homes; a well-groomed waterfront park where concerts, dances, and other events are held during summer; an ice-cream/snack stand (the Seaport Slip) and the tidy, well-staffed harbormaster’s office.

Across the street is the Inn at Shipyard Park—the oldest seaside tavern still operating in its original structure and a lively spot for a meal or drinks. The Inn also features live music throughout the year, and offers guest rooms.

A short walk will bring you to the commercial center of town on County Road/Rte. 6, home to the Walrus & Captain bistro and a gift shop at the Rope Walk Plaza, across from the fire station and post office. Next door is the large and ornate Ying Dynasty restaurant, which specializes in Chinese-American cuisine, and the local pizza and sub fave, Nick’s.

Not to be missed is the multi-use Mattapoisett Rail Trail featuring a wide, elevated boardwalk that winds along the shore, offering splendid views of Eel Pond, the harbor, and the Mattapoisett River and surrounding marshes. You can pick up the trail on Depot Street on the edge of the Village center. The trail links to the Phoenix Rail Trail that continues through Fairhaven.

Paddlers will also find plenty to love about Mattapoisett, and there are several spots along the town’s shoreline where you can launch a kayak or paddleboard. The Mattapoisett River, which flows into the harbor just west of the town wharves, winds through salt marsh and hosts a variety of fish and bird species. You can explore the freshwater portion of the river by launching at the park above the dam on County Road. Other peaceful paddling venues can be found along Pine Island/Strawberry Point, accessible from Ned’s Point Light park, and Aucoot Cove, the latter on the Marion/Mattapoisett border.