From Wikitravel

North Kingstown is located in Washington County, Rhode Island in the United States of America. It has 30 miles of coastline on Narragansett Bay and covers almost 58 square miles. As of the census of 2000, the population was approximately 26,320. The town is 60 miles south of Boston, Massachusetts, 20 miles south of Providence, Rhode Island, and 12 miles southwest of Newport, Rhode Island. The 143rd Wing of the RI Air National Guard is based at the Quonset airport. Wickford Village annually hosts the nationally renowned Wickford Art Festival in the summer and the Festival of Lights in early December. North Kingstown also encompasses the villages of Allenton, Hamilton, Davisville, Quidnessett, Lafayette, Slocum, Belleville and Saunderstown. While there isn't much in the way of dining or accommodations in North Kingstown, there is a wider selection in the whole South County area.

[edit] Understand

The history of the town dates back to 1637, when Roger Williams (theologian) established a trading post between two major Native American thoroughfares. In 1674, “Kings Towne” was founded by the colonial government and included several present-day towns. Kings Towne was the center of the King Philip’s War fought from 1675 to 1676. At the start of the 18th century, settlement increased so quickly that in 1722 the colonial government divided Kings Towne into North and South, with North Kingstown being the area of earliest settlement. The seaport and colonial fishing village of Wickford was also established in the early 18th century.

[edit] Get in

• Car, there are 2 "Park & Rides" in North Kingstown.
• Quonset State Airport, +1 401-294-4504, located in North Kingstown.
• North Kingstown Train station- Serving Amtrak trains and is right near the University of Rhode Island +1 800-872-7245.
• R.I.P.T.A.Rhode Island Transportation Authority, +1 800-221-3797
• T.F. Green Airport, +1 401-294-4504, is a hub for major carriers. Located in Warwick, approximately 30 minutes from North Kingstown.

[edit] Get around

• R.I.P.T.A., +1 800-221-3797.
• Vineyard Fast Ferry, Quonset Point, Phone: +1 401-295-4040, info@vineyardfastferry.com, [1]. Between North Kingstown (Quonset Point), and Oak Bluffs. Good connecting transportation at both ends. North Kingstown has shuttles to/from Amtrak and T.F. Green airport in Warwick.

[edit][add listing] See

There is much history in North Kingstown, let alone all of Rhode Island. From colonial battles, and early-American life to Quonset Point's modern military use and the wildlife refuge found here, there is much to see and do in North Kingstown.

• Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Rd., +1 401-295-1030, [2]. Saturdays from June 1 to October 15 from 11AM-5PM. Dating back to 1750, the 300-acre working farm overlooks Narragansett Bay and operates today as one of the oldest working farms in New England. It is one of the original plantation farms of the Colonial era and was a site of Revolutionary activity. The surrounding fields, barns, high stone walls, family cemetery, and beautiful view of the bay and Conanicut Island make for a pristine photo opportunity. The farm has been in cultivation since the time of the Narragansett Indians, and is presently a community-supported farm. Organic seedlings and produce are available for purchase, and children and adults alike will enjoy the farm animals and hiking trails. The farmhouse is a museum containing artifacts and historic information about the area and the Casey family. Admission is $4, Historic New England/SPNEA members and Saunderstown residents – free.
• Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge, Davisville Rd., +1 401-949-5454, [3]. The 96-acres of woods and wetlands maintained by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Located on the Hunt River with access for canoeing, hiking opportunities, and wonderful scenery. See website for seasonal hours of operation and upcoming activities.
• Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, 815 Gilbert Stuart Rd., +1 401-294-3001, [4]. May to October, Th–M, 11AM–4PM with tours given on the hour. Gilbert Stuart, born here in 1755, was one of America’s foremost Colonial portrait artists, and is best known for his portrait of President George Washington, which has been on the U.S. dollar bill for over a century. It is the site of an operating 18th century snuff mill, the first in America, powered by a waterwheel. The homestead also features a partially restored grist mill built in 1662. Tours are available of Stuart’s 1751 home, which houses Colonial furniture, tools, and reproductions of Stewart’s portraits. The fish ladder is packed with migrating herring in the spring, and there are rowboats available for rent to paddle up Narrow River. The property is also home to a wildlife refuge with over 90 species of birds, an authentic 18th century garden, and nature trails. Adults - $6; 6-12 - $3, members – free.

• Smith’s Castle, 55 Richard Smith Dr., +1 401-294-3521, [5]. Located 1 mile north of Wickford, Smith’s Castle is a beautifully preserved saltbox plantation house on the shore of Narragansett Bay. It was the site of trading centers established by Roger Williams and trader Richard Smith in 1638. It was also the center of 17th century land disputes. It was destroyed in the King Philip’s War and then rebuilt in 1678. The grounds have one of the first military burial grounds in the country, where over 40 colonists remain in a marked mass grave as a result of the Great Swamp battle of 1675. Tours of the house are given 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM - Th-Su in June, July, and August; F-Su in May, September, and October. Mid-December through mid-April the Castle is closed. For tours, Adults $5; (6-12 - $1. No fee to visit the gardens or grounds.)
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Old Narragansett Church, 55 Main St., +1 401-294-4357, [6]. Built in 1701, it is one of four original Colonial parishes in the state, and the building is one of the oldest Episcopal Churches in America. Features the Queen Anne communion silver, box pews, wine glass pulpit and slave gallery. Also houses the oldest church organ (1680) in North America. Gilbert Stewart, famous Colonial portraitist, was baptized here. Open Sundays to the public for religious services.
• The Quonset Air Museum, 488 Ecclecston Ave., +1 401-294-9540, [7]. Located in an original Naval Air Station Quonset Point hangar built in 1945, the museum focuses on military aviation history. Both indoors and outdoors, the museum has a large collection of aircraft, aircraft parts, and other historical memorabilia, as well as a novelty gift shop. The hours are dependent on the season. Adults $7; (6-12 $3, military - free, AAA members - $1 off with card).
• Wickford Village, Route 1A, [8]. This historic seaside fishing village and Colonial seaport was established in 1641. Among the attractions are scenic water views, 17th and 18th century homes and buildings, as well as fine shops and restaurants.

[edit][add listing] Do

As is everywhere else in New England what there is to do in North Kingstown varies by the season, but you will always find something.

• Biomes Marine Biology Center, 221 Shady Lea Rd., +1 401-295-4690, [9]. Open to the public Wednesdays from 3:30PM–5:30PM. From June 25 - August 31, 2007, open weekdays from Noon-4PM. A privately owned education center specializing in hands-on marine biology programs with knowledgeable staff on hand for schools and families. Activities include shark petting, tide pool tanks, reptile demonstrations, and touching live sea creatures. A great place for families, scouts, school groups, day care centers, and birthday parties. The Biomes Traveling Coastline Exhibit is an interactive presentation featuring live marine animals from Rhode Island's coastline. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more people, and can be scheduled for any day of the week. Ages 3 & up - $5 per person.
• Rhode Island Bay Cruises, 1347 Roger Williams Way, +1 401-295-4040, [10]. Reservations are required. June through August – M-Th departing at 2PM September and October – daily at 1PM. A 90-minute narrated cruise of scenic Narragansett Bay aboard the “Millennium”, a high-speed catamaran. The tour includes 9 lighthouses, 10 islands, the Jamestown & Newport Bridges, Castle Hill, Hammersmith Farm, Ocean Cliff Mansion, “House on the Rock”, Fort Adams, the Naval Warfare College and the Aircraft Carriers “USS Saratoga” & “USS Forrestal”. $25 per person.
• Rhode Island National Guard Air Show, Quonset Air National Guard Base, +1 401-275-4110, [11]. The show consists of both military and civilian demonstrations throughout the weekend. Approximately 100,000 people attend the show annually every June. The proceeds from parking go towards raising money for the Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI and many other local charities such as DARE. Visit the numerous local vendors, meet local celebrities, and hear the roaring excitement of the planes overhead. In 2007, June 23–24, special demonstration June 22 over Narragansett Town Beach. Gates open at 9AM. Admission is free, $10 for parking donation.
• The Kayak Center of Rhode Island, 9 Phillips St., +1 800-SEA-KAYAK, [12]. Offers daily kayak rentals and a large selection of kayaks, canoes, and accessories that are available to “test paddle” before you buy. Knowledgeable staff offers instructions/lessons as well as guided trips and tours. Open year round. Check website for seasonal hours.
• Tower Hill Equestrian Center, 2415 Tower Hill Rd., +1 401-294-8190. Horse drawn carriage rides, trail rides, pony parties, petting zoo, summer camp, and an indoor and outdoor arena.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Wickford Village. The village was established in 1663. It was originally an island, but is now part of the mainland and has been for some time. One of the most famous villagers is the author John Updike, a descendent of one of Wickford’s founding fathers. His novel, The Witches of Eastwick, is rumored to have been set in Wickford Village, although the screen adaptation was not filmed there. Nowadays, it's a quaint little area by the water that is filled with various shops. From antique stores and a bead shop to clothing stores and several places to eat, it can make for an interesting afternoon out. In December, a contest is held in the village, where the public votes on which of the shop's windows are best decorated for the holidays.

• American Bay Outfitters, 83 Brown St., +1 401-294-0000, [13]. M-F 10AM-3PM; Sa Su 10AM-5PM. A one-stop shop for Wickford souvenirs (embroidered sweatshirts, T-shirts, and more); New England-inspired clothing; and sporting goods. Their online shop also offers a wide selection of merchandise.
• And the Beadz Go On..., 1 West Main St., +1 401-268-3899. M-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su noon-5:30PM. Yarns, buttons, and beads of every texture, size, shape, and color you could possibly imagine. Also carries knitting needles, knitting patterns and more.
• Askham & Telham, 12 Main St., +1 401-295-0891, [14]. M-Sa 10AM-6PM; Su noon-5PM. An antique shop.
• Beauty and The Bath, 11 West Main St. +1 401-294-3576, [15]. M-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su noon-5PM Has everything you need to pamper everyone in your family. They even hold glitzy birthday parties for girls!
• A Bit Of The West 83 Brown St. +1 401-294-1098. Daily 10AM-5PM. Store catering to mostly jewelry. All products are handcrafted and have a distinct Native American feel to them. Other items, such as dream-catchers and brightly colored figurines can also be found.
• Creatoyvity, 68 Brown St. +1 401-294-9011, [16]. M-Sa 10AM-5:30PM; Su noon-4. Children's toy shop with a wide variety of brightly colored toys. Carries products for infants and on.
• Different Drummer, 7 West Main St., +1 401-294-4867. A wide selection of unique, specially-made gifts.
• Elementz, 83 Brown St., +1 401-294-6429. M-Sa 11AM-5PM; Su 12-4. A small eclectic boutique selling an array of unique products for the body and home.
• Gold Lady Jewelers 1 Brown St., +1 401-294-4695, [17]. Tu-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM. Perfect for any jewelry needs. Carries watches, pearls, diamonds, gold, and platinum pieces.
• The Grateful Heart, 17 West Main St., +1 401-294-3981. Su M noon-5PM; Tu-F 10AM-5PM; Sa 10AM-6PM. Perfect for those with an interest in the ethereal or occult. Located at the farthest end of Wickford, the store is stocked with all sorts of gemstones and crystals, all with accompanying tags explaining their meanings. Nearly half of the shop acts as a bookstore. It is filled floor-to-ceiling with books with topics covering witchcraft, spirituality, astrology, Eastern philosophy, mythology, and more. Jewelry and gifts, including incense, dreamcatchers, and fountains, are also sold. “Aura photography” is offered year-round during normal business hours.
• Green Ink, 17 Brown St., +1 401-294-6266. M-F 10AM-6PM; Su noon-5PM. A women’s retail shop with eclectic clothing,jewelry and accessories.
• Green River Silver Co., 24 Brown St., +1 401-295-0086, [18]. M-Sa 10AM-6PM; Su noon-5PM. Lots of interesting and beautiful jewelry, specializing in silver.
• The Hour Glass, 15 West Main St., +1 401-295-8724 (toll free: 1-800-585-8724), Su-M 12-5; T-Sa 10-6. Sells a variety of timekeepers. Clocks are sold in modern and antique styles: cuckoo clocks, chiming grandfather clocks, tide clocks, compasses, mirrors, and more. Shoppers can also find both digital and analog weather stations; enamel fish ornaments; photo frames; sandtimers; and even books.
• J.W. Graham/Yes! Gallery, 26 Brown St., +1 401-295-0757. Interesting pieces for homes, as well as jewelry, etc.
• Midnight Sun, 85 Brown St., +1 401-295-1601. Daily 10AM-5PM. Offers an eclectic array of jewelry, clothing, and decorative items (candles, pillows, chimes, etc.) for the discerning buyer. Most items are handmade and hard to find elsewhere. The store has a distinct bohemian feel with an always-helpful staff.
• Nautical Impressions, 16 West Main St., +1 401-295-5303 (toll free: 1-800-323-0081). Here shoppers will find Rhode Island souvenir type items as well as nautical inspired products.
• Rite Aid, 59-63 Brown St., +1 401-294-3662. M-F 8AM-8PM; Sa 8AM-7PM; Su 8AM-6PM. Formally Earnshaws Drugs, Rite Aid is located right in the village center. Found here are lots of different odds and ends that your typical drug store carries, along with a pharmacy.
• Ryan’s Market, 70 Brown St., +1 401-294-3677. M-Sa 9:30AM-6PM; Su 9:30AM-2PM. The village market. Park in one of their designated parking spots, and your groceries can be carried out to your car for you! Please note, however, that as of April 2008 Ryan's is rumored to be closing for unspecified reasons. Such rumors have circulated before, so whether or not there is any truth to it remains to be seen. If it does close, business offices will likely take its place.
• Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique, 3 Main St., +1 401-667-7273, [19]. M-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su noon-4PM. (closed Tuesdays except in July, August, and December) From collars and leashes to specialty treats for your pooch, they have everything and anything that you may want to make you and your pet happy. The friendly staff will help you select matching accessories for both you and Fido.
• Teddy Bearskins, 17 Brown St., +1 401-295-0282, [20]. M-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su noon-5PM. A shop which mostly caters to children's clothing, but you can also find toys there as well. Clothing sizes range from newborns to pre-teens. Prices tend to be on the higher side, but can find some good deals when sales are occurring.
• Village Reflections, 5 West Main St., +1 401-295-7802. M-Sa 10AM-6PM; F 10AM-8PM; Su noon-6PM. Boasts a wide variety of clothing, primarily for women, in bright colors and whimsical prints. You will also find boldly-patterned accessories, including purses, wallets, and jewelry.
• Wickford Gourmet Foods, 21 West Main St., +1 401-295-8190 (toll free: 1-800-286-8190), [21]. M-Sa 7AM-6PM; Su 7AM-5PM. A wide variety of foods from fudge and cakes to a wide variety of meats and cheeses, as well as beautiful gourmet gift baskets. Their selection of various luncheon meals can be served to you while you wait upstairs and relax. Note: As of April 2008, Wickford Gourmet Foods is closed. It is unclear whether or not the business is temporarily out of business for renovations or closed permanently.
• Wickford Package Store, 89 Brown St., +1 401-294-4681. M-Sa 9AM-9PM; Su noon-6PM. Offers a nice selection and range of wines and liquors.
• Wilson's of Wickford, 35 Brown St., +1 800-371-9514, [22]. M-Th 9AM-6PM; F 9AM-8PM; Sa 9AM-6PM; An upscale casual retail shop for both men and women.
• The World Store, 16 West Main St., +1 401-295-0081 (toll free: 1-800-323-0081). Has many nature-related products such as bird feeders, toys, and even clothing. Their slogan is: "A Nature Store and a Whole Lot More."

[edit][add listing] Eat

North Kingstown isn't a foodie haven, but you will be able to find something to satisfy your hunger.

• Allie's Donuts, 3661 Quaker Ln. (Rt.2), +1 401-295-8036. Rated one of America's Top Ten Donut Shops by Epicurious, Allie's has been making donuts since 1968. Offers 3 dozen different types of donuts, sprinkles of every color imaginable, even a giant donut cake to share with family and friends.
• Gardner's Wharf Seafood, 170 Main St., +1 401-295-4600.
• Hoof-Fin-Feathers Carriage Inn, 1065 Tower Hill Rd., +1 401-884-6242, [23]. Th 4PM-9PM, F Sa 3PM-10PM, Su noon-7PM. A carriage house turned banquet hall/family restaurant. Serves a mix of cuisine styles.
• Oak Hill Tavern, 565 Tower Hill Rd., +1 401-294-3282 (email, fax, other contact if possible), [24]. Self-proclaimed "House of Barbecue", the menu includes burgers, steaks, ribs, and various seafood dishes. Should be called "Home of Good, Cheap Food". Appetizers $.10 each - $8.99, Entrees $1.99-15.99.
• Seven Moons, 6900 Post Rd., +1 401-885-8383. Customers have the opportunity to sample the cuisines of seven different Asian cultures: Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Open M-Th 11:30AM to 9:30PM; F,Sa 11:30AM to 10:30PM; Su 4-9:30PM. Entrees $5-$20, Appetizers $1.50-13.95.
• Snoopy's Diner, 4015 Quaker Ln., +1 401-295-1533. A classic American steel-clad diner featuring coffee milk, NY Style wieners, as well as your standard diner fare.
• Tavern by the Sea, 16 West Main St., +1 401-294-5771, [25]. Showcases a pristine waterfront view from both the open-air patio as well as indoors, complemented by inviting nautical decor. Its menu offers a host of classic American meals, including burger platters, club sandwiches, the obligatory fish and chips, and more. Beverages include fountain sodas and an impressive list of beer and wine. Lunch: daily 11-5; Dinner: Tu-Sat 5-11.
• The Beacon Diner, 2939 South County Trail, East Greenwich, 401-884-9807. The Beacon is not a classic manufactured diner, but it has a little lighthouse on its roof and baby jukes in the booths, so it's cool. It also has classic West Bay-style thick "johnny cakes." Slather 'em with butter and go to town!
• The Place, 95 Brown St., +1 401-294-0800. A tiny restaurant with a full-flavored menu. Pizzas and calzones are its trademark, along with an enticing selection of grinders and salads. Side items range from fries and onion rings to mozzarella sticks and garlic bread.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Gillian's Ale House, 7835 Post Rd. North, +1 401-667-0900. Gillian's Ale House, where the flavor of Ireland comes to South County. Gillian's boasts a casual, relaxed tavern setting with the largest penny bar in the state. Both traditional Irish and American cuisine is offered: burgers and mashed potatoes, shepard's pie, corned beef sandwiches and full dinners being the house specialties. $5-$10.
• Red Rock Cafe, 6105 Post Rd., +1 401-884-1800. Food, drinks, pool, darts, live entertainment and more.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Not many chain hotels are to be found in North Kingstown.

• Crosswinds Bed & Breakfast, 800 Boston Neck Rd., +1 401-294-3031, [26]. Crosswinds Bed and Breakfast is a lovely federally styled farmhouse built in 1850. This pastoral centerpiece is nestled off of Scenic 1A just south of Wickford Village. It is located nine miles from Newport and the University of Rhode Island.
• Haddie Pierce House, 146 Boston Neck Rd., +1 401-294-7674, [27]. The Haddie Pierce House is a beautiful restored Victorian home in the center of Wickford Village and is close to beaches. Bed and breakfast.
• Hamilton Village Inn, 642 Boston Neck Rd., +1 401-295-0700. All rooms include cable television, telephones with data ports and private bathrooms. Recently remodeled guest rooms and close to the Wickford area.
• Wickford Junction Inn, 1266 Old Baptist Rd., +1 401-295-2242, Email: wickfordjctinn@cox.net, [28]. An 1880's country Victorian with conservatory houses this charming bed & breakfast. 3 bedrooms, each with private bath, plus add on bedroom with 2 twin beds forms suite. Beautifully situated in a park-like setting gorgeously landscaped with water features like koi ponds, water falls and decorative water fountain. The inn is nestled on a hilly, wooded property at the gateway to historic Wickford Village, Rhode Island. Close to Providence, Newport and TF Green Airport. Bed and breakfast.
• Wickford Motor Inn, 7650 Post Rd., +1 401-294-4852. A clean quiet hotel that seems stuck in the 1970's. Amenities included are a fitness center, in room air-conditioning, cable television, and microwaves. $45 a night.

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