'''Charlestown''' is a seacoast town in South County, Rhode Island.
Get in
By Plane
'''TF Green International Airport'''[http://www.pvdairport.com/] located in Warwick (Rhode Island). About half an hour from Charlestown. Parking for TF Green starts at $11.
By Car
'''From I-95 N''' take exit 92 for Route 2 towards Route 49 / North Stonington. Merge onto CT-78 East. Take a left at Route 1 and follow into Charlestown.
'''From I-95 S''' take Exit 9 (on the left) in Rhode Island onto Route 4. Follow Route 4 into Route 1, and follow for about 17 miles.
Get around
Many attractions in Charlestown are spread out, so travel by car is usually the best option. If you are renting a house in one of the many beach suburbs, then beach access is almost always easier by foot. Bicycle travel is also the method of transport favored by many locals, and offers a great experience to view the flora and fauna. There are no real means of obtaining (renting, buying, etc) a bicycle in town, so it is recommended that any visitors bring their own for the best method of transport to a beach.
See
Beaches
Charlestown_fs real main attraction are its beaches, which have all varying levels of surf, but are all amazingly beautiful and are almost certainly some of Rhode Island_fs best beaches. For some more information there is the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce page on Beaches[http://www.charlestownrichamber.com/visitors.html].
East Beach / Ninigret State Beach . ast Beach Road. 12 per car, $14 on weekends / holidays. A 3 mile barrier beach that buffers the Atlantic and Ninigret Pond. Includes parking facilities as well as some camping areas for those with RV_fs capable of driving in the dunes. Ninigret Pond, on the inland side, is well known for its excellent windsurfing qualities in addition to being a great _gnon-surf_h alternative to the beach for kids.
Charlestown State Breachway. oute 1A. 1 401 364-1208. Opened in 1958, it buffers the Atlanitc and the other half of Ninigret Pond. A Smaller beach that is across the breachway from East Beach. _gThe Breachway_h also has facilities for limited camping, and is one of Charlestown_fs well-known areas for saltwater fishing.
Blue Shutters Public Beach. ast Beach Road. nd of East Beach Road, just before Ninigret State Beach. A small public beach, Blue Shutters features moderate surf. Immediately behind the beach is the Blue Shutters concession stand which includes showering and bathroom facilities. Reduced admission price for seniors.
Quonochontaug Beach. ighland Road. A private beach which restricts access to those owning or renting a house in the vicinity of East Beach Rd. Of note is the small locals_f secret that after about 5 PM, the parking guard goes off duty, and access is allowed for the public. If you are within biking or walking distance you can get in at any time, as passes are only required for cars.
Do
Big Apple Circus. ff Route 1 (in Ninigret Park). 1 401 360-0890 (community box office). harlestown Chamber of Commerce page for Big Apple Circus[http://www.charlestownrichamber.com/bigapplecircus.html]. A great attraction for kids and families, the circus is a Charlestown classic, and truly gives that _ggoing to the circus_h feel. Typically held in early July for about a week.
Charlestown Seafood Festival. ff Route 1 (in Ninigret Park). 1 401 364-4031. ttp://www.charlestownrichamber.com/seafoodfestival.html. ugust 7th 12PM-10PM, 8th 11AM-10PM, August 9th 11AM-8PM. 7 for adults, kids 12 and under free. Renowned local seafood event that features all things seafood related. There is also music, rides, displayed crafts, and many other continuous amusement events. This event also features camping for a flat $75 dollars for 3 days. If you enjoy seafood, johnny cakes, crafts, or even just a good time with good food at all, this is a must-see event.
Ocean State Reggae Festival. ff Route 1 (in Ninigret Park). 1 860 536-9832. ttp://www.oceanstatereggae.com/. A terrific event for any fan of reggae or just a good time. Normally held July 19th and 20th, the festival features a number of great bands, good vibes, food, and all kinds of entertainment. As well as music, there are a number of craft vendors selling all manner of wares, both reggae related and not.
Buy
Bait and Tackle
'''Breachway Bait and Tackle''', 166 Charlestown Beach Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-6407. Sells fishing bait, propane, and canoes/kayaks (which it also rents). A good destination for tourists venturing out onto the ponds or ocean.
'''Quonny Bait and Tackle''', 523B Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 315-2330. Tue.-Thurs. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Mon. 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Open only during the summer. A small shop that specializes in building, repairing, and selling fishing rods; also has live and frozen bait and other fishing supplies. No rentals but may be looking into bringing in kayaks.
'''Sam Wyatt_fs Olde Country Store''', 4202 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 213-6883. Stored inside of a 19th century schoolhouse, this store ranges from renting kayaks and canoes, selling fishing bait, fishing rod sales and repair, camping equipment, and beach gear. View their website at http://www.samwyatts.com/.
Groceries
'''Charlestown Mini Super''', 4071 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-6600. A small-town version of a grocery store. Doesn_ft stock as many items as bigger supermarkets, so you may need to leave town to get all of your groceries.
'''Peaches Fruit and Produce''', 47 Charlestown Beach Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-5949. Kind of like a farmer_fs market inside of someone_fs garage, this shop has fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, and cooled drinks. It_fs family owned, so it has a friendly atmosphere and is a great place to find freshly grown food.
Specialty Shops
'''Bella Diva Boutique''', 5221 Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 213-6280. A local beauty salon to fix your hair and nails after a weekend at the beach. Highly themed, you can find it by looking for the giant pink arrows in the driveway and the other pink memorabilia scattered around.
'''Charlestown Package Store''', 4625 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-6626. Specializes in many varieties of wine, beer, and mixings for assorted drinks at moderate prices. It_fs the only liquor store in Charlestown. Wine tastings are held every Friday night.
'''Country Corner Yarns''', 5000 South County Trail, Phone: ''+1'' 401 213-6686. A small, cozy building filled with walls of yarn of all different styles and colors. Sit in the armchairs to get a better look at the knitting books and needles after you pick out a skein.
'''Freewheeler''', 14 Charlestown Beach Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-3851. A little tourist shop, it carries items like t-shirts, beachwear, toys, and other beach specialty items. An ideal location to find souvenirs during the summer.
'''Ocean Health Mart Pharmacy''', 3986 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-0900. A good place to stop at to get medical supplies in case of sunburn or other beach emergencies. Another shop with a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
'''Perfect 4 You Consignments'''. A one-room thrift shop off of the South County Trail. Specializes in used clothing, shoes, handbags, and other home decorations. It_fs surrounded by a chiropractic, animal hospital, and dentist, in case something goes wrong when you_fre picking out clothes.
'''Ramblin_f Rose Antiques''', 5310 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 322-1111. A small shop bursting with lost treasures and unique finds. Well-known by many other antiques dealers in the area. Closed in the winter.
'''Simple Pleasures''', 5000 South County Trail, Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-9852. Another series of shops built in converted barns, this shop has a rustic feel with upscale charm. Make sure you explore the pond and garden features outside after you shop for home decorations inside.
The Fantastic Umbrella Factory. 820 Old Post Rd. 1 401 364-6616. A great little local spot that features a number of small shops in converted barns all centered on a wonderful garden. The shops feature a variety of local wares including toys to crafts. There are also a number of domesticated animals on the grounds that can be fed with feed purchased from one of the stores. This is a terrific little local spot, not very well known, but a fabulous and interesting piece of the local culture.
Eat
There is an admittedly limited selection for food within Charlestown due to its size, but there is a wide selection along Route 1 in either direction: Narragansett or Westerly.
Pizza
'''Charlestown Famous Pizza''', 3986 Old Post Road, Phone:''+1''401 364-0020. A definite hangout for local residents, they have some of the best pizza around. A worthwhile stop to quench any hunger pains.
'''Famous Pizza''', Phone: ''+1''401-364-0020.
'''Kingston Pizza''', 4159 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1''401 364-7300. A pizza chain found all around Rhode Island, you can eat in or order out their relatively cheap items. Besides pizza, they have a wide selection of appetizers, calzones, and salads. A favorite on nearby college campuses.
'''Town Pizza''', Phone: ''+1''401-364-9530.
Restaurants
'''Hitching Post Restaurant and Seafood''', 5402 Post Rd., (on Route 1 in Charlestown between Ninigret Park and Burlingame Campground), Phone: ''+1''401-364-7495. Hitching Post Restaurant is a family oriented and family run restaurant located in the prime beach area of Rhode Island. Enjoy grilled favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and steak sandwiches, and seafood classics including clamcakes and delicious clear "Rhode Island" clam chowder. Beautiful picnic area outside and cozy dining area inside with air conditioning. Take-out is available. Open seasonally from the first weekend in May through Labor Day.
'''Starboard Galley Restaurant''', 1 Charlestown Beach Road, Phone: ''+1''401 364-7100. Eat in or eat out, this restaurant has plenty of picnic tables to fit the whole family. The menu is cheap and the food is good old-fashioned American cuisine.
'''The Cove''', 3963 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1''401 364-9222. A classy seafood restaurant, it has been a favorite of visitors for years because of the great food and drinks. You may run into trouble with the owner, however, who can be rude and distances customers with her comments.
'''The Hungry Haven''', 5000 South County Trail, Phone: ''+1''401 364-3609. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and for dinner on Fridays, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. A budget-friendly choice for breakfast or lunch, it_fs a crowded local favorite.
The Nordic Lodge. 78 East Pasquiset Trail" phone: ''+1''401 783-4515 url="http://www.nordiclodge.com/. hursdays and Fridays 5-9PM, Saturdays 4-9PM, and Sundays 2-7PM. dults $75, Children 2-5 $15, Children 6-9 $30, Children 10-12 $45. A well known _gall-you-can-eat_h buffet, The Nordic Lodge features some of the best buffet dining in all of New England. With food for all types of eaters, the Lodge truly impresses with the lobster included in the buffet and its massive selection.
Dessert
'''Sweenor_fs Chocolates''', 5000 South County Trail, Phone: ''+1''401 364-3339, http://www.sweenorschocolates.com/?StaticCtrlID=8. A Rhode Island native, this sweet store began in Cranston 50 years ago. This location sells the handmade treats next to the Hungry Haven, making it a great place to visit for dessert. Walk around the pond as you enjoy your delicacy. Visit their site for more ideas.
The Chocolate Diva's. 115 Old Post Road" phone: ''+1''401-213-5530 url=". 1-6 Th-Sun. aries. Offers many sweet treats covered in chocolate. They also sell gift baskets of all shapes and sizes. Can ship the goods to you.
'''Village Baker''', 4 Charlestown Beach Road, Phone:''+1''401 364-0070. A quaint shop that serves a wide array of delectable treats and other traditional coffeehouse fare. Another option for the caffeine-deprived?they also serve coffee and other drinks.
Drink
'''Dave_fs Coffee''', 5193 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 322-0006. A local coffee and specialty drink shop, they are active with benefit events and bring a cozy charm to the street. Use one of their computers or bring your own while you enjoy the state_fs best cappuccinos and baked goods. View their blogs at http://www.thedavescoffeeblog.blogspot.com/ or http://www.davescoffee.com/blog/.
'''The Nightwatch Tavern''', 4115 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-0777. The town_fs nightclub, this is a popular place to eat, drink, and dance. You_fll find lots of people from Charlestown in their t-shirts and ripped-off jeans here watching the bands play.
'''The Wilcox Tavern''', 5153 Old Post Road, Phone: ''+1'' 401 322-1829. A restaurant and lounge, they specialize in red and white wines. Plenty of parking for crowded nights. View their site at http://www.wilcoxtavern.com/.
Sleep
Camping
Burlingame State Park. actuary Road. 1 401 322-3083. ttp://rhodeislandstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/Burlingame_State_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=RI&parkId=252711. 20 a night. Burlingame is a great place to stay if your looking for a great camping experience. On a 2,100 acre plot of land, the site features 755 camping sites of ranging accomidations, as well as an excellent camping store and even an arcade. Burlingame is situated on Watchaug pond, and also has many swimming and boating facilities, with lifeguards on duty from 9 AM to 5 PM in season.
Ninigret State Beach. ast Beach Road. 1 401 322-0450. ttp://rhodeislandstateparks.reserveamerica.com/East_Beach/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=RI&parkId=252761. 20 a night. A truly wonderful place to pitch camp, Ninigret offers a limited number of campgrounds in the dunes behind the beach. Note that you have to have an RV capable of four wheel drive to actually get out to the camping areas. Non-resident fee is $20 a night.
Charlestown State Breachway. oute 1A. 1 401 322-1208. ttp://rhodeislandstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/Charlestown_Breachway/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=RI&parkId=252741. 20 a night. A kind of _gcounterpart_h to Ninigret_fs camping areas, the Breachway offers some excellent saltwater fishing. It is required to have an RV to camp. The Breachway also offers a boat launch, and some of the best bird watching in the area. Non-resident fee is $20 a night.
Inns & Motels
The General Stanton Inn. 115 Old Post Road. 1 401 364-8888. nfo@generalstantoninn.com. ttp://www.generalstantoninn.com. PM. PM. The General Stanton Inn has a great history, and is a terrific place to stay if you_fre looking for a quaint experience. Late check-in available upon request, and accommodations are very flexible. The Inn also earned some fame recently after being featured on _gGhost Hunters_h, where reported haunting in the nearby cemetery and the inn both were investigated.
'''The Place Called Hathaway's''', 4470 Old Post Rd., Phone: ''+1'' 401-364-6665
'''Ocean Aire Motel''', Phone: ''+1'' 401-364-6235
'''Phil & Ann's Sunset Motel''', Phone: ''+1'' 401-364-3321
'''Surf Side Motor Inn''', 334 Narrow Ln., Phone: ''+1'' 401-364-6726
'''Willows''', Phone: ''+1'' 401-364-7727.
Bed & Breakfast
'''One Willow By-The-Sea''', 1 Willow Rd., Phone: ''+1'' 401-364-0802
Stay Safe
Emergency Contact Numbers
'''Emergency Operations Center''' Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-1212
'''Fire''' Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-7711
'''Police''' Phone: ''+1'' 401 364-1214
If you are not sure of these numbers, calling 911 will always work in this town and in its surrounding neighborhoods.
Safety Tips
'''Pack water'''?there are plenty of shops in town, but if you_fre going to be vacationing on the beach or in the parks for a day or two, you need to make sure you don_ft get dehydrated.
'''Follow the buddy system'''?as a tourist beach community, you should be pretty safe walking around by yourself at night, but it_fs best to keep a phone with you and go with friends just in case.
Get out
Day Trips
'''Block Island''' is a small island about a dozen miles off the mainland. Take a ferry there for the day to see the National Wildlife Refuge, take a tour, swim in the ocean, or just wander through the shops. To get more information, visit http://www.blockisland.com/.
'''The University of Rhode Island''' is only twenty minutes away (follow Route 1 east then connect to 108 north). Sporting events, home shows, and concerts occur often at the Ryan Center and elsewhere on campus, so be sure to check out the school_fs website to find out how to get tickets. http://www.uri.edu/.
Onward
'''Newport''' is a famous city on another island nearby. To get there, you_fll need to follow Route 138 over the bridge; there is a toll both ways, so bring some change. The main road is tourist-centered, so find a place to park and just walk your way up the strip. There are plenty of budget-friendly motels around, but also some hotels and timeshares; get a room and wake up next to the beach.
'''Providence''', the state capital, is a fun place to visit for shopping and entertainment. You can drive or take the RIPTA bus.