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South County is, broadly speaking, the coastal region in Rhode Island, centered around the mostly seasonal vacation communities.

[edit] Cities and towns

• North Kingstown, including the villages of Saunderstown and Wickford.
• South Kingstown, including the villages of Kingston, West Kingston, Matunuck, Peacedale and Wakefield.
• Exeter
• Narragansett
• Westerly, including the village of Bradford.
• Charlestown
• Hopkinton, including the villages of Ashaway and Hope Valley.
• Richmond, including the village of Wyoming.
• Block Island (New Shoreham)

[edit] Other destinations

• Port of Galilee

[edit] Understand

[edit] Talk

Rhode Island accents in South County usually aren't as strong as they are further north.

[edit] Get in

Rhode Island has three AMTRAK [1] train stations - South Kingstown (close to the beaches of Narragansett and Charlestown), Providence (in downtown Providence), and Westerly (close to the RI/CT border).

By car the South County area is traversed by Interstate 95.

[edit] Get around

• Routes 1 & 1A are the primary means of travel north/south through south county, with Rte 1A being the scenic route along the local beaches and so is extremely busy during the summer season. [2]
• Rte 138 is the dominant east/west route and travels through South Kingstown and by the University of Rhode Island.

• South County is served by RIPTA Bus, (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority), Phone: +1 401-781-9400, [3]. M-F 6:30AM-9PM, Sa - 8:00AM-6:30PM, Su 11AM-6:30PM. A single ride on RIPTA costs $1.50.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Beaches

• South County's main attraction during the warmer months is its many miles of coastline, which includes a number of beautiful public beaches. Daily passes are available for residents, non-residents and seniors, and range from $3 to $14. Season passes range from $15 to $60. The beaches are free (but unguarded) before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.

• Larger beaches such as Narragansett Town Beach (Narragansett), Misquamicut State Beach (Westerly) and Scarborough State Beach (Narragansett) can attract very large crowds, especially on weekends or holidays, and for good reason. However, there are also many smaller, more secluded beaches that may be significantly less crowded, such as East Matunuck State Beach (South Kingstown), Watch Hill Beach (Westerly) and Napatree Point (Westerly - no charge to enter).

[edit] Foliage

• South County enjoys a brief, late period of gorgeous fall colors. The main roads throughout the region, such as Rt. 1, Rt. 138, Rt. 2 and Ministerial Road (Rt. 110) make for enjoyable drives during the autumn season.

[edit] Points of Interest

Sights to see throughout the year include:

• Narragansett Towers, Narragansett.

• Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett. The picturesque Point Judith lighthouse marks the west side of the entrance to Narragansett Bay.

• Wilcox Park, Westerly. A beautiful Victorian-era walking park.

• Arcadia Wildlife Management Park, Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter. Over 13,800 acres of fishing and hiking for family.

[edit] Itineraries

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Shopping

For the shopping enthusiast, South County provides a multitude of options. Although you won't find many chain stores or stripmalls, quaint antique stores, boutiques, used book stores and souvenir shops are quite common. Wickford, Wakefield, and Westerly all have historic downtowns that contain many interesting shops. Farm stands are also easily found throughout South County, especially along Rt. 138 and Rt. 2.

[edit] Museums

• South County Museum in Narragansett, devoted to the history and culture of southern Rhode Island.

[edit] Art Galleries

• Fine Arts Center Galleries at URI, Upper College Road, Kingston. Tu-F Noon-4PM, and weekends 1PM-4PM. The University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center boasts three fully staffed galleries, including one devoted specifically to photography. The galleries exhibit contemporary artists from across the nation and around the globe year-round. Free. Unfortunately, URI is closing the galleries due to budget cuts.
• Hera Gallery, 327 Main Street, Wakefield, Phone: +1 401-789-1488, [4]. W-F 1PM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. The Hera Gallery is a non-profit artists co-op open year round (except January). Free.
• South County Art Association's Helme House Gallery, South Kingstown.

[edit] Live Theater

• Granite Theatre, Westerly.
• URI Theatre, South Kingstown.

[edit] Cinema

• Entertainment Cinemas South County Commons, South Kingstown. South County's only multiplex-style cinema.
• The Revival House in Westerly shows both current and classic films and serves food, beer and wine. Unfortunately, the Revival House closed in the summer of 2007.

[edit] URI

The University of Rhode Island is a great way to spend an afternoon. The campus itself offers beautiful architecture in a country setting. Buildings like Davis Hall, Woodward Hall or East Hall offer a look into the past with its historic architecture while Kirk Hall and Swan Hall offer a more modern style of architecture. If it is a particularly nice day, the quad is a great place to spend time outside relaxing. The Fine Arts Center offers both art displays and school run concerts and performances. If lunch is approaching, food can be bought at either the Emporium or the Rams Den.

[edit] The Ryan Center and Boss Arena

• The Ryan Center, One Lincoln Almond Plaza, +1 401-788-3200, Fax: 401-788-3210, Email: info@theryancenter.com. Home to all of the main events such as basket ball games, boat shows and concerts. The schedule for events is available here. Along with the Ryan Center there is the Boss Ice Arena.
• The Boss Arena, Lincoln Almond Plaza, +1 401-874-5480. Offers ice-skating to the public at designated times found here.

[edit] Recreational Activities:

• Swimming (beaches listed above)

• Canoeing (401) 789-4422

• Kayaking : Kayak Centre of Wakefield contact: (401)295-4400, Kayak Today (www.kayaktodayri.com) - River trips in Southern RI.

• Fishing for more local information contact: (401)783-7766

• Boating to reach Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association call: (401)737-5812

• Camping for more information call: (401)277-2601

• Nature Trails Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary of Charlestown contact information : (401)949-5454

[edit] General Information

General Information:

• Contact South Country Tourism Counsel at: (401) 789-4422

• Rhode Island Tourism Division at : (800)556-2484

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Spain Restaurant- 1144 Ocean Road, Narragansett., 1-401-783-9770. Spain serves many different dishes that will want you coming back for more. Including: Seafood, chicken dishes, steaks, and loads of pasta. Prices range from $15-$40. Closed on Mondays

• Coast Guard House- 40 Ocean Road, Narragansett., 1-401-789-0700. Right on the water, the Coast Guard House provides a wonderful view of the shoreline, while serving many different style dishes to appease the most picky of eaters. Dishes include, steaks, sandwiches, seafood, and much more. Prices range from $15-$40

• Charlie O's- 2 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett., 1-401-782-2002. Charlie O's caters to everyone. It is a great place to bring the family or go on a first date. The menu is very diverse, and easy on the wallet. Prices range from $10-$25. Here you can find a menu with seafood, grilled items, chicken or pasta; whatever your heart desires.

• Casey's Grill and Bar- 191 Old Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield., 1-401-789-9714. Prices range from $7-$20. With a great environment, Casey's caters to all size parties. They serve sandwiches, steaks, chicken, seafood, pasta, and even some Mexican dishes. Menu items served until 12am!!

• Shogun Steak and Seafood Hose- 59 So. County Commons Plaza, Wakefield., 1-401-284-1311. The name says it all, seafood (including sushi) and steak is what you get here. With a friendly environment, and a life chef who performs, you cannot go wrong here. Prices range from $10-$40.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Get out