Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

elleng

(136,080 posts)
Sat Aug 10, 2019, 10:39 AM Aug 2019

A Hidden Gem of Rhode Island

'In South County, you feel like you are on vacation
even if you only have a few hours to spare.

The next time you’re sitting in holiday traffic, slowly inching toward the Hamptons, Cape Cod or another congested beach hot spot, consider the virtues of South County, R.I. This gem of the Ocean State, with 100 miles of coastline, is 2.5 hours from Manhattan, 1.5 hours from Boston and requires no planes or ferries. Between the coastal communities of Watch Hill and Charlestown lies 14 public beaches.

I’ve been a day tripper here most of my adult life. I come for the clean, clear water, the soft sand and to play in the waves. These are less crowded and underdeveloped beaches, ones that families have returned to for generations. In the towns, instead of busy thoroughfares, tree-lined streets meander through quiet neighborhoods leading to the shore. Chain stores and name-brand eateries are a bit harder to find, but fresh seafood, caught by local fishermen, is in abundance, as are pristine nature preserves for biking, hiking and bird watching, and salt ponds for recreational shell fishing.

People are friendly and relaxed, and it’s contagious. You feel like you are on vacation even if you only have a few hours to spare.'

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/05/travel/south-county-rhode-island-beaches.html

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

elleng

(136,080 posts)
4. Sure won't go THERE,
Sat Aug 10, 2019, 12:03 PM
Aug 2019

but thinking of visiting Rhode Island mid-September; haven't been FOREVER, and then very briefly, drove thru Newport on the way elsewhere, I think.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
6. Thought she sold it? At least that's what we were told last summer. Nevertheless..did you
Wed Oct 30, 2019, 08:11 PM
Oct 2019

Like it. I do. Love the shops too.

empedocles

(15,751 posts)
7. Swift was said to actually be there, based on the increase in guards around.
Wed Oct 30, 2019, 08:53 PM
Oct 2019

3 year old granddaughter loved the Carousel.

[Actual old fashioned horns played tunes. The hobby horses were hung by chains, that swerved out, especially at the higher than might be expected speeds].

We were impressed by the sheer number of very expensive 'cottages'. A result, I guess, of the proximity to NYC metro wealth, gold coasts, and Boston monies.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
8. Yes...always been where the wealthy summered. The
Wed Oct 30, 2019, 09:28 PM
Oct 2019

Rest if us piled in the car for day trips to beach . There are really some beautiful beach towns all up and down. Old quintessential New England. What hurts the most are the high property taxes and insurance.

empedocles

(15,751 posts)
10. The 'seawall', you may have noticed, is a very formidable pile of huge, jagged rocks
Thu Oct 31, 2019, 10:51 AM
Oct 2019

that loom 10' high and wide, and go a good 40 yards into the sea. Strong kayakers could get through the surf, and get around.

Some rocks.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Travel»A Hidden Gem of Rhode Isl...