Seekonk, MA Road Trips

Seekonk traces its name to a Wampanoag (Native American) word for Canada geese ("Seaconcke"), which can frequently be seen migrating over Seekonk or living, for a time, in the Seekonk Reservoir (the original pond/lake was another possible meaning for the word Seekonk) or other locations. Indeed, many species of migratory birds can be seen in an area which has preserved many wetlands and natural resources while also developing a sprawl of suburban infrastructure, best epitomized in the endless stores of Route 6. In early winter, large mobs of birds have been known to inhabit the power lines on Route 6 as well as they prepare for the long journey south. More about the area-at-large's birding can be found from Mass Audubon. It borders East Providence and Pawtucket, Rhode Island to the west, Attleboro to the north, Rehoboth to the east, and Swansea (Massachusetts) and Barrington (Rhode Island) to the south.

1 Seekonk Speedway, 1710 Fall River Avenue, ☏ +1 508 336-9959. Apr-Sep: F Sa nights. The Speedway, family owned and operated since 1946 (the oldest of its kind in the USA), is perhaps the town's most widely-known destination. Advertised as "The Action Track of the East" and "Southern New England's premier NASCAR track", the crowds can get large and rowdy for big races (not to mention for the July 4th fireworks!) 2 Showcase Cinemas Seekonk Route 6, 100 Commerce Way, toll-free: +1 800-315-4000. (updated Jul 2023) Somehow, some way, Seekonk manages to support three similar, mini golf-anchored family fun venues. 3 Seekonk Grand Prix, 1098 Fall River Ave, ☏ +1 508 336-8307. Go karts, an arcade, mini golf, and bumper boats provide fun for kids of all ages. (updated Jan 2021) 4 Monster Mini Golf, 140 Taunton Ave, ☏ +1 508 336-8004. Blacklight-lit indoor venue featuring giant animatronic monsters decorated with neon UV paint. Golf and arcade machines. Geared toward adolescents. $9-$10 per person. (updated Jan 2021) 5 Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, ☏ +1 401 245 7500 ext 3201. 7AM-5PM. Somewhat off the beaten path, this 200-acre Audubon Society reserve offers 3.5 mi (5.6 km) of hiking trails, opportunities for seeing birds and other wildlife, and camp sessions for kids. 6 James V. Turner Reservoir (Seekonk Reservoir), Route 152 (Unimproved fishing access site on Newman Ave, on the Seekonk side of the reservoir.). Great spot for largemouth bass fishing. The bulk of the reservoir is part of the Rumford neighborhood of East Providence.

1 Country Kitchen, 469 Taunton Avenue, ☏ +1 508 336-9807. To get a taste of old Seekonk, have breakfast at this humble red house across from the Y on Route 44. Filled with sports memorabilia and old-school kitsch, this family-run joint serves basic, filling diner fare with a lot of heart (and coffee milk!). Locally famous for their sky-high Thanksgiving pies. (updated Jan 2021) 2 Eats, 1395 Fall River Avenue, ☏ +1 508 336-4384. Another old school diner open for breakfast and lunch. It's all decent, but the N.Y. System hot dogs are a highlight for many. 3 Micheletti's, 1053 Newman Avenue, ☏ +1 508 761-6370. One more worthwhile diner, this time in North Seekonk. Known for their homemade ice cream. 4 Chardonnay's, 393 Taunton Avenue, ☏ +1 508 336-0967. Fresh and flavorful seafood paired with inventive cocktails make this restaurant the star of Seekonk's dining options. Lighter fare is available, including grilled pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. 5 The Old Grist Mill Tavern, 390 Fall River Avenue, ☏ +1 508 336-8460. Su-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Emphasis on steaks, seafood, and salad bar in a reconstruction of an old, picturesque mill. (updated Jun 2019)

1 Ramada by Wyndham Seekonk, 213 Taunton Ave, ☏ +1 508 336-8700. 2 Motel 6 Providence - Seekonk, 821 Fall River Ave, ☏ +1 508 336-7800, fax: +1 508 336-0977. 3 Shangri-La Motel, 1495 Fall River Ave, ☏ +1 508 336-8540.

Seekonk is most easily accessed by car. Interstate 195 runs east-west from Providence to Cape Cod. Exit 1. US Route 6, a 3000-mi connection from Cape Cod to California, is the town's main thoroughfare (here, named Fall River Ave). US Route 44 from Plymouth and Taunton via Rehoboth connects to East Providence and then Providence. Known here as Taunton Ave. MA Route 152 connects to Attleboro, Plainville, and East Providence. Route 114A runs from East Providence in the south to... East Providence again in the north, vertically slicing Seekonk in half along the way. The adventurous Providence biker can cross a bridge and journey through East Providence, which has notorious potholes in places but generally good sidewalks. Many cyclists can be seen in Seekonk on fair weather days. From Boston: take the Providence Commuter Rail to Providence or Attleboro (not South Attleboro), then follow bus instructions below. Assuming the schedules line up, Attleboro would be the easiest connection, since the bus and train go to the same transportation center. From Providence: Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) Routes 32 and 34 connect Providence's Kennedy Plaza with Seekonk. From Attleboro: GATRA Bus Route 19 connects Attleboro Transit Center to Seekonk. Logan International Airport (BOS IATA) in Boston is the primary international airport serving the area. T.F. Green Airport (PVD IATA) in Warwick (Rhode Island) is the town's nearest major domestic airport.

Seekonk is most easily traveled by car. Most businesses and attractions are on one of the town's main highways, which are not very friendly to pedestrians and cyclists.