A friendly boater heading to shore from their mooriing.

Despite its well-protected harbor and prime location at the crossroads of the north-south cruising routes, Padanaram has remained largely underappreciated by cruising boaters. However, that is rapidly changing, partly because this oddly named little village—part of the town of South Dartmouth—on the western shore of Buzzards Bay is undergoing something of a renaissance.

After years of domination by real estate offices and shuttered storefronts, the village has recently seen the opening of two new restaurants, a sandwich shop and several boutique stores. A new market and ATM now provide amenities for cruisers that have long been missing. The town has also opened a welcome center for visiting boaters, complete with showers, short-term tie-up for day visitors.

Originally known as “Ponogansett,” the village was founded when William Bradford and 33 other members of the Plymouth Colony purchased land along the Apponagansett River from the Wampanoags in 1652. After the first settlement was destroyed in 1675 during King Philips War, Padanaram recovered to become a shipbuilding center then prospered as a minor whaling port through the mid-1800s. In response to trade embargoes imposed during the War of 1812, the village also developed a large salt works at Ricketsons Point.

Its current name is thought to have originated with Laban Thatcher, who moved there from Harwich, Massachusetts, around 1805 and founded a successful shipyard on the Apponagansett. According to the Proceedings of the Fall Meeting of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society in 1903, “The first mention of Padanaram occurred in a deed given by [Thatcher] in 1828, and it is supposed that the circumstances of his life corresponding with the Bible story of Laban who lived in Padanaram prompted him to give the place that name.”

For those with a keel, the approach to the harbor, particularly from the east, appears more challenging than it is. There are plenty of rocks and ledges, to be sure, but all are well marked. Follow the channel markers, pay attention to your chart and you should be fine.

Boaters must negotiate the swing bridge to access the Apponagansett River.

The harbor itself is protected by a stone breakwater, and is home to several marine facilities. Chief among them is South Wharf Yacht Yard & Marina, which offers transient slips and moorings for boats up to 100 feet and 12 feet of depth. The full-service yard also offers repair, service, haul-out, showers, laundry, bike and kayak rentals, plus an onsite restaurant (the Sail Loft).

Speaking of the bridge, it opens on the half-hour from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., May through October, and every hour from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bridge openings can also be requested by hailing the bridge tender on VHF 13 or calling (508) 910-7107. The bridge has a vertical clearance of eight feet MHW when closed, so smaller boats may be able to sneak through at high tide.

Moorings are also available through the venerable Davis & Tripp boatyard, Concordia, and the New Bedford Yacht Club, which offers use of its facilities, including launch service, showers, and clubhouse. The club’s fuel dock is the only place to get gas and diesel inside the harbor, and also sells water and ice.

On the north side of the drawbridge, trailer-boaters will find a newly refurbished, two-lane launch ramp at Apponagansett Park, which also has a playground and a beach. The park hosts concerts on Wednesday nights throughout the summer and is home to the family-favorite Gulf Hill Dairy Ice Cream Bucket, where you can grab a lobster roll, burger, and, of course, all kinds of frozen treats. Across the street from the park, trails lead through the coastal woodlands and salt marsh of the Knowles Reserve—a terrific spot for a stroll and nature-watching.

Paddlers will find that the Apponagansett River is a wonderful place to explore in a kayak, canoe, paddleboard. Just west of Apponagansett Park, a lovely tidal creek meanders through scenic salt marsh containing osprey, heron, egret, and other birds. And a quarter-mile due north of the drawbridge, Little Island (locally known as “Monkey Island”) is ideal for a picnic or swim. In summer, the water is delightfully warm.

Beautiful reflection are cast on calm water by the Dartmouth Fire/Rescue vessel.

While Padanaram may not offer the type of dining options you’ll find in major cruising destinations like Newport or Camden, you won’t go hungry. Options include the aforementioned Sail Loft at South Wharf Marina, Little Moss, and the Black Bass Grille. In addition, there’s local favorite Dockside Ice Cream, where you can order hot dogs, burgers, fries, frappes and the like. If you’re looking to restock the galley, the Farm & Coast Market offers a wide selection of local foods and wine, along with premade sandwiches, breakfast items, bakery goods, coffee, and much more.

In term of shops, the village has several worth checking out. Flora, Folia, and several other businesses carry unique clothing, household items and gifts. The Norton Gallery highlights high-end paintings by local artists, while the Karyne & Company Day Spa and Salt Spa offer massage therapy, body treatments, and nail and skin care.

In the market for a new catboat? Aficionados of these classic workhorse sailboats may want to drop by Marshall Marine, just north of the drawbridge. Owner Geoff Marshall continues his family’s tradition of building fiberglass versions of these classic New England shoal-draft craft, and offers several different models for sale, from the 15-foot Sandpiper to the Marshall 22.

If you happen visit at the end of July, catch the Padanaram summer festival, featuring live music, vendor booths, and sidewalk sales. And sailboat-racing aficionados won’t want to miss the 45th edition of the Buzzards Bay Regatta, which will be hosted by the New Bedford Yacht Club this August.

While those of us who live here would rather keep it a secret, Padanaram offers too much not to let cruisers now about this destination, which rivals the Vineyard or Nantucket for charm, but without the crowds—at least so far.