Sandwiches to cocktails: New Bedford Eats digs into dining in the SouthCoast.

From Destination Soup's mouth-watering Chicken Cordon Bleu Grilled Cheese to the re-opening of Acushnet Creamery and their irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, explore the unique food scene in New Bedford and discover some delicious and unique specials offered by local restaurants.

There's something for every taste bud, and with the exciting events like Family Fest at McCoy Rec Center and open studio tours at Hatch Street Studios happening this weekend, there's no shortage of things to do.

Get ready to indulge in some amazing flavors and take in all that New Bedford has to offer this weekend.

Destination Soup's unique Sandwich of the Week

The Sandwich of the Week at Destination Soup is the Chicken Cordon Bleu Grilled Cheese on Sourdough. Sink your teeth into layers of melted Swiss and cheddar cheese, slices of ham and grilled chicken and tangy honey mustard. Other specials include the Chicken Caesar Wrap or freshly made soups and salads. With a variety of options, including vegetarian choices, Destination Soup, located at 149 Union St., is the perfect spot for a quick, delicious and casual meal. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., don't miss out on the featured soups of the week, such as Cream of Mushroom with Herbs, Curry Lentil Vegetable and Gazpacho.

Acushnet Creamery at Pier 3 is open

Now open for the 2024 season, Acushnet Creamery is serving up ice cream next to The Black Whale with several flavors to choose from including five delectable flavors featuring Oreos mixed in. There's something for every ice cream lover! From the popular Purple Cow, a black raspberry ice cream with Oreos, to the decadent Cookie Monster with chocolate ice cream, cookie dough bites, and Oreo pieces, the flavors are endless. Don't miss out on their Peanut Butter Oreo with homemade waffle cones or their limited edition flavor, Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream with graham cracker crumbs and cheesecake bites. Plus, satisfy your hunger with their hot dog combo that includes two hot dogs, chips and a soda. Come visit daily from 12pm to 9pm and indulge in these delicious treats.

Support artists at the open street studio tour at Hatch Street

This weekend, May 18th to May 19th, head down to the heart of New Bedford for the Hatch Street Studios spring open studio experience. Immerse yourself in a lively community of artists, artisans, and designers who come together under one roof for a whirlwind of creativity and innovation. Nestled in a bustling hub, Hatch Street Studios offers a haven for those with a passion for artistic expression and craftsmanship. Take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate and experiment in a space where creativity knows no limits. Explore the three floors of the building and discover a variety of artists showcasing their work, enjoy live music, art demonstrations and workshops. With over 65 visual and performing artists, this is an event you won't want to miss!

Family Fest on Saturday

Get ready for an exciting and free family event at the McCoy Rec Center, located at 181 Hillman Street in New Bedford, Mass. This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the family festival will feature over 30 organizations offering a variety of diverse programs to connect with the community. From interactive activities such as Big Ryan's Tall Tales, Yoga Es Vida, and Zoo2You, to a multilingual Erik Carle Storywalk, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and be entertained.

More: Need a little cuteness break? This New Bedford zoo might have the answer.

Cultivator Shoals extends its 'last call' to 1 a.m.

Indulge in Cultivator Shoal's featured drink of the week, the Crime of Passion. This unique cocktail combines tequila, mezcal, lime, passion fruit, and honey for a tantalizing taste experience. And with the restaurant's extended closing time of 1 a.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays, there's plenty of opportunities to enjoy it. But the drinks aren't the only draw at Cultivator Shoal—their lively atmosphere is always buzzing with live music. And while you're there, don't miss out on their delicious small plates, such as guac and chips, deviled eggs, cheesesteak egg rolls, buffalo chicken dip and lobster rangoon.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports . Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Sandwiches to cocktails: New Bedford Eats digs into dining in the SouthCoast.