Jamestown (Rhode Island)

Despite its tiny size - nine miles long and one mile wide - the island is packed with sights to see and things to do. Jamestown’s main commercial area is Narragansett Avenue, where there is an array of restaurants and shops. An attraction in Jamestown is that there are no chain restaurants or stores. There is only one gas station. Jamestown prides itself on its locally owned businesses.

The island town also has an interesting historical background. In the early 1300s Native American's made their home on Conanicut Island and were the lone settlers until the 1600s. English settlers began arrived after making arrangements with the Narragansett tribe to use the land for grazing their sheep. In 1775 during the Revolutionary War, the British Navy arrived in Newport and shortly after invaded Jamestown. They attacked Fort Getty and Fort Wetherill. The island's history as a strategic defense point is still visible in the remains of these fortifications and others dating from the 18th to the 20th century.

Jamestown is 20 minutes from Kingston train station and 25 minutes from T.F. Greene airport.

A car is recommended because public transportation is extremely limited once you arrive on the island. However, much of the shopping and dining is located in a small radius close to hotels, so it is possible to take taxis from the business area out to the recreational spots.

• Jamestown and Newport Ferry, Ferry Wharf, Phone: +1 401 423-9900 The 45-passenger Jamestown-Newport Ferry is a great way to visit Newport without the usual parking problems. It's also an inexpensive way to spend the day exploring the bay with an all-day ticket. You can get on and off in Jamestown Village, Rose Island Lighthouse, historic Fort Adams, the Museum of Yachting, Bowen's Wharf, and Goat Island. It's rarely crowded and there's a bar on board. Check the website for seasonal schedules and ticket prices.
• Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has buses that travel around the state. Bus fare is $1.75, $.85 for seniors with identification, and free for children under five. It also costs $.50 to switch bus lines.

The island is rich in open space and a tour around its rural roads reveals farms, salt marshes, and stunning water views. Jamestown is full of hidden treasures such as small beaches and winding trails. Beavertail Lighthouse juts dramatically into Rhode Island Sound from a rocky southern tip of the island.

Jamestown is home to three marinas and many residents and visitors are sailors. Narragansett Bay is ideal for sailing, fishing, and kayaking. The village center is Narragansett Ave. which runs from east to west with a marina at each end and is lined with restaurants and stores.

When you're not at the beach or on the water enjoying the ocean views, this small island town offers museums, art shows, concerts and sporting events.

The island is only 9 miles long by 1 mile wide and the parks, swimming and recreation are located at the tips of the island a bit away from the shopping and dining.

• Beavertail State Park, ☏ +1 401 423-3270. Beavertail Rd. New England's oldest lighthouse serves as both an active beacon and as a museum. The light also has an indoor, free to the public aquarium that showcases a wide variety of marine life commonly found in Narragansett Bay. The light offers a spectacular 180 degree look over Narragansett Bay including views of Newport, Bonnet Shores, and Point Judith. Jagged cliffs and coves provide excellent fishing and sheltered swimming areas. Paved paths provide beautiful walks and bike rides. Picnicking, kite flying, and hiking. 
• 🌍 Fort Getty Recreational Area, ☏ +1 401 423-7264. West of Mackerel Cove Beach off or Beavertail Rd. Originally used as and observational look out and protection of Narragansett Bay during World Wars I and II, Fort Getty is now a park that offers a fishing area, boat ramp, hiking trails and is an overnight camp ground. 
• 🌍 Fort Wetherill State Park, 3 Fort Wetherill Rd, ☏ +1 401 423-1771. Situated on 100-foot-high granite cliffs, this former coastal defense battery and training camp is known for its spectacular view of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. Family and group picnicking, boating, fishing, and hiking. It is 1.5 miles south of the downtown, so you can easily walk, bike or drive. 
• Jamestown Country Club, 245 Conanicus Road, ☏ +1 401 423-9930. 9 holes, par 72, 6096 yards, rating 69.7, slope 110. The course is one mile away from downtown. This is a 9-hole golf course with a very reasonable price tag. Make sure you call ahead and see how busy it is. It can get packed which makes for some extremely slow golf. 
• Jamestown Fitness, 36 Southwest Avenue, ☏ +1 401-560-0030. M-Th 5:30-AM8PM, F 5:30AM-7PM, Sa Su 7AM-3PM. Small gym in the heart of Jamestown offering workout equipment, classes, and a staff which includes four personal trainers. They offer a variety of long- and short-term membership options and even a daily rate is available. 
• Jamestown Skate Park, McElroy Park. One of the best skateparks in RI, this is a concrete flow park. Not open during school hours.
• Mackerel Cove Beach Beavertail Rd. A majority that Jamestown has to offer is the simplicity in life; many find strolling along to beach to be incredibly relaxing. Thus, Mackerel Cove is a vacation hot spot in Jamestown. It is of course busier during the hot summer days when beach goers enjoy boogey boarding and swimming, but is also incredibly popular for intimate nighttime strolls. Lifeguards are on duty from 10am to 5pm, and after those hours, surfing and dog walking is permitted on the beach. Located on a narrow neck of land, Mackerel Cove is a public town beach perfect for swimming and relaxing in the sun. Across the road from Sheffield Cove, and near the Fox Hill nature area, Mackerel Cove is where many residents and visitors spend the afternoon during the summer. Parking is $15 per day.
• Conanicut Battery National Historical Park, Battery Lane on Prospect Hill south of Fort Getty on Beavertail Rd. Visitors are welcome to walk through trails that include remains of earthen forts built d in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. These forts were originally built by Rhode Island Colonists, but rebuilt and maintained British until 1779.
• Spearfishing, Beavertail State Park.. Using snorkel, spearfish one of Beavertail's countless coves. Nutrient-rich waters are home to Tautog, Striped Bass, and Summer Flounder. Coves provide shelter from currents and waves for easy navigation underwater. 
• Hiking, Beavertail State Park.. Beavertail State Park is laced with numerous hiking trails that parallel the coastline. The dirt and rock trails meander down and around the cliffs to provide water access. Remains of anti-ship/submarine turret still stands facing Newport. 
• Birdwatching, Beavertail State Park. Bird enthusiasts are privileged with numerous bird species. Including seabirds such as Piping Plovers, terns, and gulls. Birds of prey such as Ospreys have been known to snatch fish right from the water. Cormorants can be seen sunning on the rocks, flying, or chasing bait fish under the waves. 
• Sea Kayak, Beavertail State Park. Sandy coves allow easy entry into Narragansett Bay. Short paddle to Bonnet Shores, Fort Wetherill State Park, and Fort Getty. Views of rocky coastline, aging gun-emplacements, and Jamestown or Newport Bridges. Low boat traffic along the coast. 
• Painting, Beavertail State Park. Experts and beginners alike flock to paint the Beavertail Light once warmer weather permits. The iconic image is popular throughout New England. Experienced painters gather at the Southwestern field adjacent to the parking lot to achieve a view of the lighthouse with the bay as the backdrop. 

Jamestowners are not anxious to spoil the small town ambiance with big box stores and chain restaurants and most businesses are owned or run by locals. Except for gas stations, Jamestown does not host a single "chain" or non-local business. Don't expect to find a Wal-mart; every restaurant and property on the island is, if not owned directly by a local, probably run by one. Some things require a trip off island but there are many large chain stores within a short drive.

• Conanicut Marine, 20 Narragansett Avenue, ☏ +1 401 423-7158. Ships store and chandlery offers sportswear, local interest gifts and marine books. Also a full line of nautical goods including boats, motors, engine parts, marine accessories, electronics and hardware. 
• Cumberland Farms, 41 North Rd. This is the most affordable gas station in Jamestown, features a soda machine, coffee, sandwiches, and other convenience needs. 
• Grapes and Gourmet, 9 Ferry Wharf. A store with a full service deli and food shop, along with selling wine and liquor.
• Island Animal, 35 Narragansett Ave, ☏ +1 401-560-0616. Tu - F 10AM-5:30PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-3PM. A store for all kinds of pets and their owners featuring animal toys, training aids, apparel, cat and dog food and treats. 
• Jamestown Hardware, 5 Narragansett Ave, ☏ +1 401 423-2722. M-F 8AM-6PM, Su 9AM-1PM. A family-owned hardware store that stocks an amazing variety of household and hardware necessities. If they don't have what you need, they will order for you. If you don't need anything, it's worth a visit to see what hardware stores used to be. 
• Jamestown Liquors, 30 Southwest Ave, ☏ +1 401 423-0100. Besides carrying a variety of wine and spritis, Jamestown gifts, souvenirs, specialty foods and t-shirts are sold. 
• McQuades Market, 6 Clarke Street. The only full line supermarket and video rental store. 
• Purple Door, 47 Conanicus Ave, ☏ +1 401 423-1231. A store specialization in bead making and offers classes for jewelry making. Also sells antiques and gifts. 
• St. Matthew's Thrift Shop, 87 Narragansett Avenue, ☏ +1 401-423-1762. Tu Sa 9:30-11:30AM. Second hand store featuring clothing and footwear for the whole family as well as books, CDs, jewelry, housewares, furniture and other home furnishings, toys and games. 
• Secret Garden, 12 Southwest Ave. Indoor and outdoor plants, floral arrangements, gifts and accessories. 
• Windmist Farm, 71 Weeden Lane, ☏ +1 401-423-9767. F 3-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. A family-owned farm that produces pastured pork, lamb, goat and beef as well as eggs. Flowers, cider and turkey are also seasonally available. 
• Zeek's Creek, 194 North Main Rd, ☏ +1 401 423-1170. Local source for very fresh seafood as well as fishing supplies and equipment. Open seasonally. 

Jamestown offers a great variety of restaurants so whether you are in the mood to splurge or just grab a bite to eat, you will be satisfied. Keep in mind, you will not find a Burger King or Chilis on the island. Note that even the most up-scale restaurants accept casual clothing.

• The Narragansett Cafe, ☏ +1 401 423-2150. Aka "the Narry" or "the Gansett", 25 Narragansett Ave Great bar with live music every weekend. The weekend crowd is a mix of locals of all ages; visitors, sailors and motorcycle clubs. Good basic bar food: burgers, chili, sandwiches. Very casual. Never a cover charge. 

You will not find any chain hotels, or large resorts in Jamestown. Instead, the lodging locations are mostly comprised of cozy bed and breakfasts, and small condos. In the summer the hotels and inns tend to reach full capacity rather quickly, so don’t show up on the island intending to score an empty room without a reservation.

• Bay Voyage, 150 Conanicus Avenue, ☏ +1 401 423-2100. A historical hotel with modern accommodations, and Victorian charm, complete with an award winning dining room. A more romantic choice for those looking for a getaway with a loved one. 
• East Bay B&B, 14 Union Street, ☏ +1 401 423-0330. A beautiful Victorian with four guest rooms, which features homemade breakfast. It's in walking distance from novelty shops and restaurants on the island, and steps away from the ferry to Newport County. 
• Newport Overlook, 150 Bay View Dr, ☏ +1 401 423-1886. A time share condominium property, a more expensive choice for visitors to the island. 
• Fort Getty Campground, Fort Getty (opposite Mackerel Cove town beach), +1 401 423-7211. The campsites overlook the water in all directions. The park has a boat ramp, swimming beach, great fishing and picnic spots. RVer reserve early for the summer so plan ahead.

Newport makes a great day trip a ten minute drive across the bridge or by ferry in season. Providence is a 40 minute drive and offers a great cosmopolitan contrast.

North Kingstown is right across the Jamestown bridge, about 10-15 minutes away, offers historic landmarks such as Smith's Castle and the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace.