Burrillville
Burrillville is a small town in the northwest corner of Rhode Island. A predominantly rural area, Burrillville is host to numerous nature attractions, as well as many historic mills. It is a secluded escape for those seeking a quiet atmosphere and natural scenery.
Understand
Burrillville is part of Providence County. The town was settled in the 1600s and recognized as its own town in the 1800s. It was named after senator James Burrill, Jr. Today, Burrillville is home to just under 16,000 residents. The town is divided into seven smaller villages: Pascoag, Harrisville, Mapleville, Nasonville, Mohegan, Oakland and Glendale. Each village has its own history; the villages were founded around their respective mill complexes. Residents often identify themselves according to which village they live in. For example, most residents will say they live in Harrisville, rather than Burrillville.
Get in
The easiest way to get into Burrillville is by car. There are many scenic back roads that can be enjoyed along the way. From the north, use Route 146; from the south use Route 195 and Route 7; from the west, use Route 44.
See
- π Tri-State Marker, β +1 401-789-3094. If you're looking for a challenging hike, consider the trail that leads to the historic tri-state marker. Start at the π Buck Hill Management Area in Burrillville and make your way to the point where Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts all meet. Then brag to your friends you've mastered being in two places at once and moved onto three!
- π Assembly Theatre, 22 East Avenue, Harrisville, β +1 401-568-4300 x139. This historic theatre was built in 1933 and has served as a community center ever since. Throughout the year, it hosts a number of plays, musicals, and other various shows. It is also located next door to the beautiful Harrisville waterfall.
Do
- π Spring Lake Beach and Arcade, 50 Old Hillside Drive, Glendale, β +1 401-568-9474. Spring Lake is a fun family summer destination in Burrillville. Daily admission is only $3 for adults. You can rent canoes or paddleboats or play on the slides and docks. Spring Lake is also home to a penny arcade, which claims to have some of the oldest arcade games in the country.
Buy
- RE:discover, 180 Tinkham Lane, Harrisville, β +1 401-568-4689. RE:discover is a eclectic gift shop that sells a wide variety of products made by local artists. There is always new, unique merchandise. RE:discover is a good place to stop if you're looking for a wedding gift or birthday present. They also offer a number of art classes on the weekends.
- π Village Barn Country Store, 953 Victory Highway, Mapleville, β +1 401-568-4542. The Village Barn is an antique store filled with furniture, collectibles and trinkets. It seems a little sketchy from the outside, but it is a friendly family-run establishment.
- Burrillville Farmers' Market, 75 Tinkham Lane, Harrisville. May through October, Saturdays 9AM-12:30PM. The Burrillville Farmers' Market has a variety of fresh produce every week: fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, baked goods, plants and flowers. There is often live music and kids' activities.
Eat
There are few chain restaurants in Burrillville. Instead, there are many family-owned diners, as well as numerous bars and pizza houses.
- Wright's Farm Restaurant, 84 Inman Road, Harrisville, β +1 401-769-2856. Th F 4PMβ9PM, Sa noonβ9PM, Su noonβ8PM. This well-known restaurant serves family-style chicken dinner. These dinners include whole chickens, dinner rolls, salad with Italian dressing, shell macaroni with Italian sauce and Wright's famous French fries. The restaurant is a popular destination for large events. It also hosts a gift shop, where guests can purchase the pasta sauce, salad dressing and homemade fudge served in the restaurant, along with a variety of other gifts.
- π Bella Restaurant, 1992 Victory Highway, Glendale, β +1 401-568-6996. Bella's is an upscale Italian restaurant and banquet hall. It is a popular wedding venue. If you're looking for a fancier, romantic Italian dinner, Bella's has the ambience for you.
- π George's Pizza and Pub, 60 Pascoag Main Street, Pascoag, β +1 401-568-8877. Located in the heart of downtown Pascoag, George's is a local joint with good pizza and an interesting crowd of locals.
Sleep
- Grace Note Farm, 969 Jackson Schoolhouse Road, Pascoag, β +1 401-567-0354. Grace Note Farm is a quaint bed and breakfast that provides a true country experience. The rooms are rustic and furnished with antiques. The farm is home to many animals: horses, chickens, ducks, bunnies. There are cooking classes, hiking, and horseback riding offered at Grace Note Farm. It is a nice place to relax and enjoy nature, but if you like 5-star hotels, this B&B isn't the place for you.
- Buck Hill Family Campground, 464 Wakefield Road, Pascoag, β +1 401-568-0456. This family-friendly campground has sites for both RVs and tents. It is located near Wakefield pond; guests are allowed to go fishing, swimming, whitewater βpaddlingβ, and kayaking.