1. You’ll Fall For Fall River
Ever seen a waterfall in the middle of a city center? Welcome to Fall River, where the water falls mainly on the plain (also known as downtown) and flows to the edge of town less than a half mile away into the harbor.
2. You Can Stay with Lizzie’s Ghost
Yup. Famed murderess Lizzie Borden lived in Fall River, and the house where she took the axe and gave the whacks is a hotspot for tours and lodging. With an eerie ambience and fully-restored rooms, The Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum is “where everyone is treated like family.” Watch for ghosts, though.
3. But Don’t Get Scared Off
If ghost stories creep you out, don’t fret—the history of Fall River is much more than Lizzie Borden. You’ll find an interesting (and much more pleasant) survey of Fall River’s early days at The Fall River Historical Society museum with 19th century clothing and images from the beginning of photography.
4. Amazing Portuguese Everywhere You Look
Fall River is home to the highest population of Portuguese people in the country (over 40%), which means the culture has more than seeped into the local food scene. The local favorite for date night? Caldeiras— a full wine list, atmosphere, and all the most exquisite flavors of the culture.
5. Seriously, It Even Has Its Own Party
If you haven’t gotten your fill of Portuguese from the slew of restaurant options by mid-August, The Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England (yep, it’s a mouthful) is a must. A Fall River favorite and nicknamed the “the biggest Azorean feast in the world”, The Great Feast brings in thousands of Portuguese chefs and eaters from all over the country.
6. Fall River Really Likes Halloween
Everyone likes Halloween, but maybe it’s something about being home to one of the nation’s famed murder mysteries that makes Fall River get a little obsessive. The city offers scream-until-you-puke events at year-round horror houses, like the Factory of Terror and Asylum of Horror. And the trick-or-treating is one of the best in the state. One house in town gets 2,000 visitors every year!
7. Next Stop, Awesome Trains
You don’t have to be a train fanatic to enjoy a visit to the Old Colony and Fall River Railroad Museum. The museum celebrates the heyday of Fall River’s railroad days with captivating original train displays and photos, and you can even walk through some old rail cars.
8. Pick Up The Best Loaves Around
I know, I already mentioned there’s some seriously great Portuguese food here, but I have to call out Tony’s Bakery. Fresh and often piping hot, the amazing sweet bread, loaves, muffins and more will keep you in Fall River for life.
9. Spend A Day Or Two At Heritage State Park
Fall River is right on the shore of the Taunton River, and the 14-acre waterfront Heritage State Park is the best spot in the city for concerts, events and recreation. You’ll also find some cool historic monuments, the Marine Museum and the famed Battleship Cove. Speaking of which...
10. The World’s Largest Naval Exhibit
The enormous Battleship Cove is home to some truly staggering WWII naval vessels and a maritime museum honoring the well-traveled USS Massachusetts. It’s also a great spot in the summer months for water sports—just to keep in the naval spirit.
11. It’s Got An International Reputation (For Food)
If all that Portuguese food has got you inspired to get into the kitchen yourself, Fall River has you covered with the International Culinary Institute. The program offers an accredited degree in culinary arts and three in-house, award-winning restaurants.
12. And A Foodie Rockstar
Looks like you won’t be the first to be inspired to cook in Fall River. Emeril Lagasse was born and raised right here, and made his first edible masterpieces at the Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School.
13. Fall River Is Always Trying
“We’ll Try” has been Fall River’s motto since its rehabilitation era after the Great Fire of 1843. Since the depression caused by the fire, the city rebuilt and rode out some tough economic times. And they’re still going strong with plans to transform their downtown area into a great American Downtown district.
14. Fall River Knows You Hate Commuting
Along with a bus line that runs throughout the city and the south coast of Massachusetts, Fall River is also working on adding two commuter rail service lines to the MBTA train service running to and from Boston. So you won’t have to struggle to eat those Portuguese muffins for breakfast while driving.
15. Can You Say Quequechan?
Betcha can’t pronounce it correctly on the first go, but to sound like a local, say “quick-a-shan.” The Quequechan River (which translates to “falling river,” unsurprisingly) gave the city its name and the free water show downtown.
16. Explore The Best Of Northeastern Nature
Copicut Woods is Fall River’s entrance into the 13,600 acre Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve and offers endless winding trails to explore, impressive rock formations and bridges for Kodak moments, and even some old homesteads for the history geeks.
17. It’s Where Everybody Really Knows Your Name
Think “Cheers,” only family-owned, and you’ve got Scottie’s Pub. Karaoke, pool, darts, live bands, dancing, frosty pints and awesome pub food. No wonder it lives up to its claim as the place “where friends are made.”
18. Find The Pie Of Your Dreams
Just over the Rhode Island state border in Lincoln awaits the best authentic English pork pie you will ever eat. From chicken pot pie to salmon pie and pork pie, there is something for every carnivore at Hartley’s Original pork pies. Homemade, savory, unforgettable.
19. See Big Artists In A Cozy Venue
It’s impossible to see a show at The Narrows Center for the Arts and not fall in love. The Narrows is set in one of Fall River’s old mill buildings and is a local secret, so you’re welcome. Candlelit, intimate and BYOB, the venue showcases big names about twice a month.
20. Move Over, Dunks
Dunkin Donuts, that is. Yup, you’ll want to trade up from your usual Dunk’s latte and donut holes for Fall River’s Dunk and Munch. Sumptuous breakfast and lunch fare paired alongside service with a neighborhood smile. You must not leave without trying the homefries and chorizo.
21. People In Fall River Like To Watch
No, not like that! Fall River is home to not only the ever-popular Narrows, but also the Spindle City Ballet, the Little Theatre of Fall River, Fall River Symphony Orchestra, The Greater Fall River Arts Association, and plenty of art galleries scattered around town. You’ll never run out of options for taking in a show.
22. Just “Beach” It
When the New England weather actually turns bearable, all the River Falls locals head to nearby Horseneck Beach at the end of Buzzard’s Bay in Westport. 600 acres of sand with salt marshes and dunes to explore, and even a campground if you just can’t bear to leave.
23. Fall River: Eat Fresh!
In Fall River food is no joke, and the people know awesome food starts with quality, fresh produce and farm products. In Fall River alone you’ll find three ongoing farmers markets offering the best of the best. 
