Beavertail Lighthouse
There is much to see and do in coastal Rhode Island before, during and after the 2022 Westcott Society Reunion (June 17-19). Here are seven side trips close to the Holiday Inn:
Narrow River Kayaks. Rent a kayak, or stand-up paddle board, and explore the Pettaquamscutt Estuary, saltmarshes and islands, or paddle the Narrows out to the tip of Narragansett Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
South County Beaches. Visit one of the many state and town beaches for your choice of heavy surf on the south-facing beaches or family friendly beaches in the Harbor of Refuge. Surf boards available from two shops in Narragansett.
Beavertail Lighthouse. The nation’s third oldest lighthouse stands at the southern tip of Conanicut Island (Jamestown) protecting ships as they enter Narragansett Bay. The Keeper’s House contains a delightful museum, Beavertail is great place to walk and picnic, and there just might be a Westcott connection or two.
Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum. You know Gilbert from his portrait of George Washington used on the dollar bill. Well, Stuart was born at a snuff mill at the head of Narrow River, where the water-powered mill stones still turn and where you can see originals by the colony’s most famous portrait artist.
Word War II Foundation Global Education Center and Museum on Main Street in Wakefield contains hundreds of artifacts from World War II; the museum is open from 10:00 to 2:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays and by appointment.
Trustom Pond Nature Walk. Start at the Kettle Pond Visitors Center operated by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Charlestown, climb the observation tower to take in the magnificent south coast and Block Island Sound, and then walk the trails at the USF&WS nature preserve at Trustom Pond.
South County Bike Path. Take a friendly and safe ride on the eight miles of the William C. O’Neill South County Bike Path from the Kingston Railroad Station and University of Rhode Island in the north to Narragansett to the south. Bike rentals are available at Stedman’s Bike in Wakefield and NBX Bikes in Narragansett.
Narrow River