The Best Small Town In Rhode Island For A 3-Day Weekend
Narragansett, located in southern Rhode Island, is known for its pristine beaches, Victorian-era architecture lining the streets, and some of the freshest seafood on the East Coast. Regardless of what the agenda of your vacation is, you are bound to find something that appeals to you in Narragansett. Narragansett has luxury hotels, a plethora of shops, galleries, and restaurants, historical landmarks dotted around town, and stunning natural scenery, which New England is known for. This is the best small town in Rhode Island to spend a 3-day weekend.
Accommodation
The Atlantic House Hotel is one of the earliest hotels in Narragansett, built in the winter of 1866-1867, and has since undergone renovations that have incorporated modern amenities. Some things have remained unchanged, though, and that is sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with in-room climate control, microwaves, refrigerators, hair dryers, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, and cable televisions. Other hotel amenities include a continental breakfast, a communal deck with an ocean view, and a recently remodeled lobby.
The Break Hotel is a 16-bedroom boutique hotel, decorated to embody Narragansett's retro-chic surf vibe. Although each room is uniquely decorated and has its own character, they all capture the same beach house feeling and feature an in-room fireplace, a 65-inch smart television, and heated bathroom floors. Guests of this hotel can exclusively use the outdoor heated saltwater pool and outdoor sauna. Other on-site facilities include a restaurant and bar, a micro spa, and a fitness room.
Downtown Narragansett
The Coast Guard House Restaurant is recognized as a prestigious restaurant at both the state and national levels. The restaurant was founded in the 1940s and underwent renovations to make it what it is today. Its acclaim comes from locally harvested seafood on the menu, and unparalleled views of Narragansett Bay that diners admire. They regularly host events and unique dining experiences, such as candlelight nights on the second Tuesday of every month.
SunStruck Gift Boutique sells locally made items inspired by New England, including jewelry, personalized gifts, home décor, accessories, stationery, games, and more. They regularly rotate their in-store stock, so many items have limited availability, making for a unique souvenir to bring home at the end of your weekend away.
Galleria Dolce is an authentic Italian coffee shop and art gallery blended into one. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or simply coffee and a pastry, then browse a selection of works by local artists on display and available for purchase.
Historic Casino
Since their construction between 1883 and 1886, The Towers very quickly became the focal point for social activity in Narragansett. The Towers are the last remnant of the Narragansett Pier Casino, which at the time ranked among the most prestigious resorts in the United States. The Casino offered activities such as boating, billiards, bowling, cards, shooting, tennis, and other sports; and on-site facilities included restaurants, retail stores, a theater, a bandstand, and a ballroom.
The Towers operate today as a public venue that hosts an array of live performances, from dance to theatre, and is available to rent for private functions. The Towers are easily accessible via ground, rail, and air transportation. A bus stop is located two blocks away, a train station is eight miles northwest, and an international airport is 25 miles north. While there is no designated parking lot, free public parking is available on Ocean Road, where The Towers are located, as well as on other adjacent streets.
Natural New England Scenery
Narragansett Town Beach is renowned for some of the cleanest and most accessible beach conditions for residents and visitors alike. The beach comprises 19 acres, has a sandy beach front, a surfing area, restrooms, and food. The beach is easily accessible from the center of town and offers ample parking. From Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, the beach is open daily, charging $12 admission per person. Outside of these dates, the beach is accessible for free; however, there are no lifeguards on duty, and therefore, swimming is at your own risk.
The John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge sprawls 550 acres on the Narrow River, providing ample habitat for the most significant American black duck population in Rhode Island. One of the best ways to experience the refuge is by kayak or canoe. There is a launch area at Sprague Bridge, which is accessible to the public daily between sunrise and sunset. Outside of these access points for watercraft, there are no developed visitor-use areas on the refuge.
A 3-day weekend in Narragansett can mean many things, whatever the agenda of your short break is. Whether you want to enjoy the modern comforts of a luxury hotel, wander through the downtown area and visit all the unique shops, galleries, and places to eat, soak up local history, or get out and explore the outdoors, Narragansett has something for everyone. This is the best small town in Rhode Island for a 3-day weekend.
