Narragansett, R.I., once a stop for well-heeled travelers on their way to Newport, now attracts vacationers on its own merits. The picturesque town that sits on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is a great place to surf, swim and golf. But you can also blow off steam at some of Narragansett's numerous seafood restaurants and lively bars and taverns.
Go to the Beach
Pack up the boogie board and head to Scarborough Beach, a 42-acre state-owned beach with miles of clean, white sand and moderate to heavy surf. Scarborough has lots of amenities, including a boardwalk, two large new pavilions and shaded areas where you can get a break from the sun. The large bathhouse has coin-operated hot showers, cold showers, changing rooms and a concession stand.
Go Surfing
Grab your surfboard and head over to Narragansett Town Beach, smaller than Scarborough but known for prime surfing conditions. You'll be joining surfers who visit Narragansett from all over the Northeastern United States in search of the perfect wave. Facilities at the beach include two pavilions, cabanas and showers. If you want surfing lessons, Warm Winds Surf Shop will provide them here for a fee. You can also rent surfboards from Warm Winds before you head out to the beach. If you're not a surfer, you can watch the action from the beach itself or from the nearby promenade, a walkway that gives you a great view of the action.
Try the Seafood
The seafood in Narragansett is some of the freshest you'll ever have, and you can have your pick of restaurants located all along the Atlantic here. Among the oldest is Aunt Carrie's, located in Point Judith, which has been around for 85 years. This low-key joint includes an indoor dining room and outdoor picnic tables for anyone heading in from the beach. Aunt Carrie's extensive menu includes healthy entrees like the lobster dinner, steamed clams and all manner of fresh fish. But you can also splurge on the New England clam chowder and some of the famous clamcakes.
Enjoy the Views--and the Drinks
Visit the Coast Guard House, located adjacent to the historic Narragansett Towers on Ocean Road, and you can stand outside on the deck, listen to the waves just beneath your feet, and enjoy cocktails with names like the Narragansett, the Beachcomer and the Whitecap. The deck at the Coast Guard House is one of the most scenic spots in town, as well as the most popular. You can also have dinner downstairs in the popular restaurant.
Bless the Fleet and Go for a Run
One of Narragansett's most popular events is the Blessing of the Fleet weekend, which takes place in late July every summer. This multi-faceted event includes a 10-mile road race with more than 3,000 runners, a seafood festival usually attended by some 30,000 visitors, and the Blessing of the Fleet, a colorful parade of large and small boats that come to be blessed by a bishop and a group of clergymen. Participating boats are also judged by state and local officials, and win prizes. You can register for the road race with the Narragansett Lions Club.
Member Comments