A Hidden Gem of Rhode Island
In South County, you feel like you are on vacation
even if you only have a few hours to spare.
By CARYN B. DAVIS
Charlestown is a beautiful, seaside community that offers more than its seven miles of beaches.
A best kept secret in Rhode Island is the three-mile-long East Beach, located near Charlestown’s Ninigret Conservation Area. This remote, unspoiled barrier beach has sugar-white sand, gentle surf and clear, turquoise waters.
Windsurfers flock to Ningret Pond , a saltwater pond renowned as one of New England’s best wind surfing areas. Enjoy fishing, clamming and boating. The pond also supports a great variety of wildlife, as does the over 4000 acres of wildlife sanctuaries (for bird watchers or hikers).
Attractions:
Ninget Park 1.5 miles away is situated on 172 acres and features picnic grounds, ball fields, a 10-speed bike course and tennis and basketball courts. The park also includes a three-acre, spring-fed swimming pond and the Frosty Drew Memorial Nature Center with walking trails on the park grounds. Enjoy the playground, fishing, nature trails, swimming, tennis, bike path, soccer fields, Frisbee golf, and more.
Kimball Wildlife Refuge Located on Sanctuary Road, 401-874-6664, Nestled on the southern shore of Watchaug Pond and adjacent to the Burlingame State Park, this wildlife refuge is home to many endangered animals and features acres of trails and views of both the water and water fowl
Narragansett Indian Longhouse P.O. Box 268, Charlestown, RI 02813, Located on US Route 2, 401-364-1100, Built in the early 1940s to provide a convenient meeting place for Narragansett tribal members, this house became the center of tribal activities; the three acres of land on which this property is located is the only original parcel of tribal land that has never been out of the possession of the Narragansett Tribe.
Royal Indian Burial Grounds Located on Narrow Lane, Off of US Route 1, 401-364-3878, At this ancient burial ground one may visit the graves and monuments of the chiefs of the Narragansett Indian tribe.
Burlingame State Park
2,100-acre facility by Watchaug Pond, off Route 1. Includes boating, swimming, and 755 campsites. (401)322-7994
Cross’ Mills Public Library
Route 1A. Library features a one-room schoolhouse restored and authentically furnished. Special summer activities. (401)364-6211
Frosty Drew Observatory
Located in Ninigret Park, Route 1. A unique facility for providing hands-on experience in observational astronomy. (401)364-9508
Frosty Drew Nature Center
Ninigret Park, Off Route 1. Environmental exploration in a seaside setting for ages 6 to 10. (401)364-9508
Casinos and Shows
Mohegan Sun 40-minute drive
Foxwoods 30-minute drive