North Kingstown, RI Road Trips

The history of the town dates back to 1637, when theologian Roger Williams 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. The town's population grew during the Second World War, when Quonset Naval Base was in full operation. During this time, Quonset consisted largely of airplane hangars, barracks and other functional buildings. After the base ceased to be full-functioning, many of these buildings were converted to house businesses and factories. The business park has become more developed and has brought industry to North Kingstown from all over the world. Through use of its port, Quonset receives automobiles from around the world, including Germany and Japan. The Quonset Gateway project has promoted the growth of the area by providing space for local retailers and high-tech industrial and commercial businesses. To accommodate for these businesses and to improve the area, many of the World War II era-buildings have been destroyed or are being deconstructed.

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. 1 Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 295-1030. 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 now 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. 2 Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge, ☏ +1 401 949-5454. Davisville Rd. The 96 acres of woods and wetlands maintained by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island on the Hunt River with access for canoeing, hiking opportunities, and wonderful scenery. See website for seasonal hours of operation and upcoming activities. Lafayette Fish Hatchery, 424 Hatchery Rd, ☏ +1 401 294-4662.

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, 6640 Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 295-4690. Daily noon-5PM. 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. $12. Rhode Island Bay Cruises, 1347 Roger Williams Way, ☏ +1 401 295-4040. 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. The Kayak Center of Rhode Island, 70 Brown St, ☏ +1 401 295-4400, toll-free: +1-800-SEA-KAYAK (732-52925).

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, ☏ +1 401 295-8036. Allie’s Donuts has been a Rhode Island landmark since opening in 1968. Aside from fresh donuts, Allie’s also sells muffins, cupcakes, fruit squares, novelty squares, and turnovers. The company is especially known for its specialty pastry orders. Allie’s Donuts continues to succeed despite the competition of other leading coffee/donut shops. Gardner's Wharf Seafood, 170 Main St, ☏ +1 401 295-4600. Sitting at the mouth of Wickford Cove, amongst the fishing boats and trawlers, Gardener’s Wharf Seafood is not a restaurant but a simple vendor of locally caught ocean dwellers. Providing all the New England staples such as lobster, crab, clams, squid, and fish (as well as specialty seasonings and sauces), Gardener’s Wharf offers some of the freshest raw seafood in the area, literally coming right off the boat in some cases. Seven Moons, ☏ +1 401 885-8383. M-Th 11:30AM to 9:30PM; F Sa 11:30AM to 10:30PM; Su 4-9:30PM. Regarded as one of Rhode Island’s best Asian restaurants. Offers casual lunches and classy dinner entrées. Aside from the restaurant, also has two bar rooms. In addition to food, well-known by residents because of its unique interior décor and design. Customers have the opportunity to sample the cuisines of seven different Asian cultures: Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Entrees $5-20, Appetizers $1.50-13.95. Snoopy's Diner, 4015 Quaker Ln, ☏ +1 401 295-1533.

Del's Lemonade, 6525 Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 885-2225. Seasonal. A traditional Rhode Island favorite, Del's serves frozen lemonade in watermelon, cherry, blueberry, light lemon, and original lemon flavors, available in sizes from mini to extra large. If you want something to go with your lemonade, they also sell hotdogs, pretzels, nachos, and assorted candy. Del's in North Kingstown is open seasonally, from around March to September. $1-10. KB Pub, 6125 Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 884-4450, [email protected]. KB Pub is a full service bar inside of Kingstown Bowl. It has billiards, DJs and bands, a 10’ HD TV, free wireless internet, and sports and movie nights. Jitters Café, 530 Tower Hill (on the side of Post Road), ☏ +1 401 295-9155. M-Sa 6AM-8AM, Su 6AM-6PM.. Jitters Café is considered a cozy Rhode Island favorite shop. Famous for its unique blend of coffee, Jitters has also become famous in town for its bagels, muffins, and pastries. Lunch is also served throughout the day, in form of deli-made style sandwiches, hot soups, or fresh salads. About a mile from North Kingstown High School and Wickford Middle School, Jitters is the place where most students, teachers, and faculty start their day every morning. Apparel and mugs available. Reasonable prices. $1-6.

Not many chain hotels are to be found in North Kingstown. 1 Hamilton Village Inn, 642 Boston Neck Rd, ☏ +1 401 295-0700. Guest rooms and suites are available and include cable television, wi-fi, telephones, and private bathrooms. Close to the Wickford area. TownePlace Suites, 55 Gate Rd (Take RI-4 to RI-403; exit at Gate Rd), toll-free: +1-888-725-2549. In Quonset, this Marriot-owned hotel offers visitors to North Kingstown the opportunity to be close to any destination in Rhode Island. Situated right off of RI-403, visitors can jump on US-95 and head north or US-1 and travel south and arrive at their destination in less than an hour. Less than 100 ft from RIPTA service (Route 14). Offering all of the latest amenities including flatscreen televisions and HD programming, TownePlace Suites can also accommodate long-term guests; in addition to studio rooms, 2-bedroom suites provide guests with full-sized kitchens and bathrooms. Rates vary according to room size and time of year. Free breakfast and internet included. $99-199/night. 2 Wickford Motor Inn, 7650 Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 294-4852. A clean quiet hotel that seems stuck in the 1970s. Amenities included are a fitness center, in room air-conditioning, cable television, and microwaves. $45 a night.

Car, from the highway, you can get to North Kingstown from Route 4 South, exits 5A and 5B, and Route 4 North, exit 5. There are 2 "Park & Rides", one off of Ten Rod Rd. and the other off of Frenchtown Rd. Quonset State Airport, +1 401 294-4504, in North Kingstown. Kingston Station- Serving Amtrak trains and is right near the University of Rhode Island, about 20 to 30 minutes away. +1-800-872-7245. R.I.P.T.A. Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority, +1-800-221-3797 T.F. Green Airport, +1 401 294-4504, is a hub for major carriers. In Warwick, approximately 30 minutes from North Kingstown. Boat: it is possible to access Wickford by boat, as it is in Narragasett Bay.

R.I.P.T.A., toll-free: +1-800-221-3797. Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority Vineyard Fast Ferry, ☏ +1 401 295-4040, [email protected]. Quonset Point. 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. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 6980 Post Rd, ☏ +1 401 885-7558. Hours and prices may vary. Must be 25 years or older to rent a vehicle.