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Welcome to South County, Rhode Island
Experience a breath-taking view of South County through our online Photo Tour. Beach going, fishing, recreational boating, and golfing are all found along the many miles of South County's pristine coastline. We invite you to feel our relaxing sand and gentle surf, experience the natural and agricultural treasures, be inspired by our innovative arts community, museums and wildlife refuges, and bask in the warmth of the hospitality. We hope you will slow down, take a breath, and feel the pride we all share in South County's exquisite charm and picturesque beauty. **Reproduction of all of the photography contained within the South County Tourism Council website is prohibited**
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Westerly
Westerly, so named for its position at the south-western tip of the state, includes Watch Hill and Misquamicut, two highly popular summer resort communities that fringe the Atlantic Ocean. Charming downtown Westerly, with its wonderful Victorian architecture and beautifully landscaped Wilcox Park, helped to earn the designation "one of the twelve most distinctive destinations in the country." Tranquil Watch Hill boasts lovely beaches and a waterfront village, making it a perfect stop for oudoor dining, leisurely walks and antiquing. Napatree Point in Watch Hill is the essence of a tiny, hidden gem of a beach. Being a protected bird sanctuary, it has great appeal to families with small children. Unpretentious Misquamicut and its popular state beach offers a wide array of attractions, exciting nightlife and summer-long events. A vacation in Westerly is a truly memorable experience that the whole family will enjoy. Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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West Greenwich
Headquarters of international corporations and URI's Whispering Pines Conference Center are at home in this sportsman's paradise with 80% of the area comprised of woodlands. Stepping Stone Ranch is a haven for families in love with horseback riding, hayrides, camping or hiking. Rock climbing is a challenge in the Wickaboxet Area's Rattlesnake Ledge, and Big River spawns big fish waiting to be caught. Native American Pow Wow celebrations, dance festivals and storytelling sessions are sell out events held during the summer season. The University of RI's W. Alton Jones Campus offers ecological education experiences through nature displays, camping expeditions and retreats for children and adults. Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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South Kingstown
South Kingstown is home to a multitude of scenic beaches, tranquil farmlands, and historic landmarks. Downtown Wakefield is situated on the revitalized Saugatucket River, an architectural sight to behold. Unique shops and gourmet restaurants line Main St. featuring exquisite antiques, garden supplies, apparel, gifts, crafts, and more! Visitors enjoy the new riverfront walkway as well as The William C. O'Neill Bike Path, which links with the Saugatucket River Walkway and crosses the historic downtown village. Kingston, another of South Kingstown's fourteen villages,is home of the University of Rhode Island. The spectacular 7,700 seat Thomas M. Ryan Center hosts events from basketball and the circus to classical music performances and fine music. There is always something to do in South Kingstown, with events of all types to excite people of all ages! Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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Richmond
The open, green spaces in Richmond are ideal for great golf and attracting visitors all year round. Golfers can take advantage of the warm spring and fall days to tee off at one of Richmond's many courses. Fair-goers enjoy the picturesque surroundings of a beautiful countryside in any season, but especially at the height of growing season. The annual Washington County Fair allows visitors to experience the agricultural splendor of the South County area, as well as exciting rides, great food, crafts and performances by popular Country artists. With 2,375 acres of unspoiled forest, swamp and wetland, the Carolina Wildlife Management Area guarantees miles of trails for adventurous exploring. The winding Wood River is one of the last great, untouched rivers in Rhode Island, offering kayaking adventures. Come and experience a scenic, outdoor experience in Richmond. Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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North Kingstown
Because of its location, natural harbor, and great shopping, North Kingstown is notably one of the most popular places to visit in South County. The historic village of Wickford, one of the "10 Best Main Streets in the U.S.A," is lined with shops offering unique merchandise and waterfront dining. The town prides itself on its luminous Festival of Lights celebration in December and many exciting harbor tours throughout the year. Museums and historic sites are tucked all around North Kingstown including Casey Farm, one of the oldest working farms in America; Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, once the home of George Washington's foremost portraitist; Smith's Castle, which preserves over 300 years of history as one of America's oldest plantation houses and the Quonset Air Museum. With neighborly warmth and hospitality all year long, it's no wonder so many flock to this great spot! Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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Narragansett
Recognized as the home of some of the finest beaches in the Northeast, Narragansett provides the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful or fun-filled vacation. While traveling on scenic Ocean Rd, you will get a glimpse of a spectacular architectural structure, the Towers of Narragansett. This well-known landmark evokes scenes from Narragansett's Victorian past. The bustling Port of Galilee, the second largest commercial fishing port in New England, guarantees the freshest fish on the East Coast. Galilee is also the main port for the Block Island ferries and Rhode Island's only whale watching excursion onboard the Gaill Frances. Narragansett is home to some of the finest restaurants in South County. Come and experience the fresh seafood at the Coast Guard House, or a delectable meal prepared at Spain Restaurant. Pristine beaches, numerous attractions, and picturesque lodging make Narragansett a place that the whole family will enjoy! Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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Hopkinton
Hopkinton is a quaint, historic town where golfers from near and far can flock to beautiful, green golf courses including Fenner Hill, Lindhbrook and Wood River Golf Club. For outdoor enthusiasts interested in boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, Hopkinton provides the perfect place along the unspoiled banks of the Wood-Pawcatuck River. It is surely the outdoor place-to-be! Long and Ell Ponds are the only designated National Natural Landmarks in Rhode Island. For antiques, outdoor apparel, jewlery and collectible shopping visit Rockville Mill, located in the Old Mill Building. Come and experience the natural wonder that Hopkinton has to offer. Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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Exeter
Exeter is classified as one of the few remaining rural communities in Rhode Island. Outdoor adventure abounds in the natural beauty of the Arcadia Management Area, a state-owned 14,000 acre park. Thirty miles of hiking and walking trails, campsites, freshwater beaches and ponds for fishing, boating and kayaking, guarantee an invigorating experience, especially during Fall, when the beautiful, New England foliage emerges. Visit Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge if you are looking for a peaceful retreat from everyday life, or the Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum, Rhode Island's only Native-run museum. Yawgoo Valley Ski Area offers outdoor activities all year round from skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing to miniature golf and waterslides! In Exeter, the outdoor possibilities are endless and the memories will last forever! Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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East Greenwich
East Greenwich is known as Rhode Island's dining destination due to its wide variety of outstanding restaurants ranging from waterfront dining to eclectic Main Street establishments. Main Street is also home to the Varnum Memorial Armory, where you will find uniforms and armaments from the Revolution through the Vietnam area. Main Street is renowned as Rhode Island's bridal capital, lined with exquisite shops featuring elegant apparel and gifts from precious antiques to stunning wedding gowns. Visit the Odeum Theatre, Varnum House Museum and the New England Wireless and Steam Museum for a taste of the area's history. Come and enjoy the delicacy of East Greenwich that will keep you coming back for more! Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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Coventry
Rhode Island's largest town, an area of 65 square miles, was purchased from the Narragansett Indian Tribe. Steeped in history, Coventry's most famous citizen, General Nathanael Greene, at the age of 33 served as the youngest second-in-command to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Tour his homestead that was restored and refurbished in the period style. Walk, bike or roller blade on the 1.7 mile paved path along the Coventry Greenway or the 10-Mile Trestle Trail from Coventry to Connecticut. Take a fresh water dip in Briar Point on Tiogue Lake or visit Summit Village, a picturesque setting of colonial homes, village churches, stone walls, gardens and the Summit General Store. There is so much to do, so bring the family and enjoy the adventure of Coventry! Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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Charlestown
First inhabited by Native Americans, the Narragansett Indian Tribe, Charlestown residents and vistors now call this coastal community "the best kept secret in Rhode Island." Miles of secluded, unspoiled, sandy beaches offer visitors a chance to enjoy many outdoor activities or just some relaxation under the sun. Ninigret Park is home to many popular, annual events including the Charlestown Seafood Festival, Rhythm & Roots Music Festival and the Big Apple Circus. While you're in the area, don't forget to visit the new U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service headquarters, Kettle Pond Visitor Center, for hands on exploration and fun wildlife observation for the whole family. Come and experience the true essence of this South County gem! Click the photo on the left for more photos!
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