| Article Index |
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| Destination Jamestown |
| A Pair of Day Trips from Jamestown |
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Jamestown is a jewel, however, not much changed since the time of the Narragansetts, and most residents (the town’s year round population is about 6,000) will tell you that they like it that way. Some call her Newport’s quiet sister and in many ways that’s an apt description, but the old girl has her own unique style and anyone who has visited invariably agrees she can stand on her own!
Jamestown is a quiet but also friendly, historic, rustic and elegant island. She boasts two revolutionary war forts (Fort Wetherill and Fort Getty) that were used for defense against the British, as well as several other points of interest, hotels, B&Bs, marinas, boatyards, bars and restaurants (see p.16). The town is abuzz with fun activities almost every weekend during the summer (see p.17). Winters are wet, gray and windy with the small year-round population going really quiet. The boatyards are busy; the bars not so much.
The approach to Jamestown is simple enough. Upon passing the correct side of Brenton Reef, you will see Beavertail Light on the southern tip of Conanicut. Keeping Beavertail to port, pass between it and the light at Castle Hill on the Newport side. Proceed up the channel, pass the house on the rocks make a left and you’re there. Jamestown Boat Yard is just beyond the lighted Green #11. Just north of Jamestown Boatyard you’ll find Clark Boatyard & Marine Works. Proceed another one-half mile north and you’ll pick up the entrance to Conanicut Marina. You can reach the Jamestown Harbormaster at 401-423-7249.
The center of town is Narragansett Avenue, which splits the island in half. At the western shore is Dutch Harbor Marina, and on the eastern shore is Conanicut Marina, which has 100 slips and 162 moorings. Contact them on VHF channel 71 or call May at 401- 423-7157. Conanicut Marina has numerous facilities, including showers, heads, marine store and immediate access to Jamestown’s many restaurants, sandwich shops and bars. The launch runs until 2200hrs if you prefer a mooring. Summer nights are usually calm, as the prevailing wind is out of the south-southwest and the harbor provides good shelter.
Dutch Harbor and Jamestown Boat Yard also have moorings and launch service. Both yards are a short walk from town, which is good for the legs as well as sobriety! The walk will introduce you to Jamestown’s eclectic neighborhoods. Mansions and shacks share the same block, making for some interesting conversation as to what people were thinking back in the day. Dutch Harbor, on the west side of the island, is the place you want to be if the weatherman calls for anything out of the east. They have ice, showers, and free pumpout service. They monitor VHF channel 69, or you can call 401-423-0630 and speak to Allison, who is more than helpful.
Jamestown Boat Yard (JBY) is the first mooring field on the eastern shore which you’ll see as you enter Narragansett Bay’s East Passage just opposite Fort Adams in Newport (on your right as you come up the channel). Jamestown Boat Yard’s mooring field is tucked behind the unique house on the rocks named “Clingstone.” This structure, which is more than 100 years old, is named after the peach…not because it is clinging to the rocks.
Don’t let the outcropping of rocks (locals call them “dumplings”) scare you - there is enough water surrounding them that your bow will hit before your keel. You can call Adeline on VHF channel 72 or (401) 423-0600 for a mooring reservation, which is highly recommended. The launch runs till 1900hrs Monday through Thursday and 2100hrs Friday through Sunday. They have nice outdoor showers and a great beach. Clark Boatyard & Marine Works, owned and operated by the Clark family since 1934, is nestled behind the historic Round House and adjacent to the racquet Road Wildlife Refuge. They have transient moorings for boats up to 60 feet. Call 401-423- DOCK (3625) for reservations. The sunrise on the east side of Jamestown is pretty spectacular, and this is especially true from JBY. The evening is equally impressive when the lights of the Newport Bridge and the city comes into view, announcing the start of their storied night life.
Now that we have gotten you moored, what are we going to do? There are a least three places to enjoy a cup of coffee and some pastry: East Ferry Deli, just across from Conanicut Marina, Slice of Heaven, located halfway up Narragansett Avenue across from the gas station, and the Village Hearth (out of town to the blinker, right one block). The latter has fresh bread daily, but get there before 11 or it’s all gone. Each provides their own environment and all are great! While there, search out a copy of the Jamestown Press and find out what’s going on. Notable events include the fireworks on or around the Fourth of July, and if you stay on the east side you can double dip on Newport’s fireworks, which are generally on a different night. If you visit later in the summer, the Fool’s Rules Regatta in the middle of August is a must! There is a bike race and a foot race at this time of year, so check the Press schedule for what you may want to do.
There are plenty of extraordinary things to do and places to go in Jamestown, not the least of which is Fort Wetherill. Built as the Dumpling Rock Battery in 1776 to protect the island from the British, it has undergone numerous renovations and name changes over the years, taking its current name in 1900. Located on the southeast side of the island, it’s a good venue for picnics and sunbathing. The rocks can get really hot and the spray coming off the waves in the afternoon after the southerly wind develops provides some natural air conditioning. The island’s other fort, located on the west side just south of Dutch Harbor, is Fort Getty. If you continue your walk down to the southern tip of the island, you’ll arrive at the Beavertail Lighthouse and Museum, You should time it so that you catch the sunset from the park - it’s the best on the island. The museum is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm from June 15 through September 7; visit beavertaillight.org for more information.
Jamestown’s nightlife is as diverse as it is tasty. Restaurant menus run from the simple cheeseburgers and fish & chips at the Gansett to the upscale Northern Italian at Trattoria Simpatico. Chopmist Charlie’s has fresh fish everyday and a low-key environment with great service. Other good stops are Trish’s Tropi-Grille and the Oyster Bar. The Bay Voyage Hotel has the best martini on the island and has been voted the “Best Sunday Brunch” by Rhode Island Magazine on more than one occasion! The younger set (under 75) will love the live music at the Gansett on Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re single, ask Lynn, Denise or Delores to introduce you around… you’ll find a dance partner before the beer goggles take effect. They also have a jazz band on Sundays with their brunch, which has become very popular of late.
Day trips from Jamestown include a visit to Newport either by dinghy or on the local ferry out of Conanicut Marina. There are also multiple coves around the island where you can drop a hook and enjoy a nice lunch. The most popular would be to go south back down the main channel and follow the channel markers into Mackerel Cove. The holding is good and the swell isn’t bad as long as the wind is more west than south. Potter Cove, which is just north of the Newport Bridge, is another good spot to explore. The depth comes up fast here, so pick your spots carefully. Potter Cove is a favored place for the local yacht clubs to hold their junior sailing races, so you may find yourself sharing the water with some really talented eight- and nine-year-olds.
Racing around Jamestown doesn’t end with Optis. Being across from Newport, visitors get to view a variety of sailboat races during the season. From cruisers to America’s Cup yachts, racers dot the bay with their full sails and colorful spinnakers. This summer, the historic J Boats Shamrock, Endeavor and Ranger will return to Newport and grace the bay with their elegant presence. One can sit on a mooring on the east side of the island and be close enough to judge who is fouling whom as they approach a turning mark. Tuesday nights are especially exciting as the Jamestown Yacht Club holds its weekly beer can race. The prevailing wind usually has the windward mark just outside the Jamestown Boat Yard mooring field, and the finish is always at the town dock.
The best thing about Jamestown is that you can stay as long as you want without being hassled. There will be no throwing your lines off the dock or mooring if you decide to stay a bit longer than originally planned. There’s always room someplace for you to stay and the yards work with each other to do the best they can to accommodate your plans. With four boat yards on island, you can also have any repairs or service done during your visit. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it as much as the Native Americans did. ✦
Jamestown Summer Events
June
Ali Dunn Packer Memorial Road Race, 6 & 7
Central Baptist Church June Festival, 24
Island Treasure Garden Tour, 27
Quonset Point Air Show, 27 & 28
July
Fireworks at Mackerel Cove (check Jamestown Press for date)
Fourth of July Parade, 4
Summer Concert Series (Sundays from 7/5 to 8/16)
Jamestown Philomenian Library Book Sale, 9 - 24
August
Save the Bay Swim, 15
Fool’s Rules Regatta, 22
Conanicut Island Art Association Annual Art Exhibit, 20 – 24
A Pair of Day Trips from Jamestown
Several harbors on scenic Narragansett Bay are an easy daysail from Jamestown. Among them are the village of Wickford, located a few miles north of Jamestown on the west side of the bay, and Bristol, situated on the eastern shore of the bay northeast of Jamestown.
Wickford
Established in 1709, Wickford is a quintessential fishing village with waterfront streets lined with unique shops, art galleries, cafés and restaurants nestled amongst beautifully maintained churches, colonial homes and gardens. Known as “the Venice of New England,” picturesque Wickford boasts more houses on the National Historic Register than any town in the country.
From the south, enter the West Passage east of Fl G 4s GONG “3” at Whale Rock. As you approach Wickford, stay at least 500 yards off Dutch Island, pass under the Jamestown Bridge and head due north, staying east of Fox Island, where you’ll see GONG R “2” marking the entrance to Wickford Harbor. There’s a nice town dock at the head of Wickford Cove, and you can tie your boat there for two hours free of charge while you explore the town. The town maintains several moorings, which are available on a first come, first-served basis. Contact Wickford’s Harbormaster on VHF channel 65 or at 401-294-3316 x 255 for availability and guidance through the harbor, which is shallow in places.
Overnight dockage and moorings are available at Brewer Wickford Cove Marina (401-884-7014), a full service marina with gasoline, diesel, pumpout station and a ship’s store. They monitor VHF channel 9. Johnson’s Boat Yard (401-294-3700) is a full service yard with transient dock space. Pleasant Street Wharf (401-294-2791) has dockage, moorings, gas and diesel.Wickford Shipyard (401-294-3361) has dockage moorings, and gas and diesel. Transient dock space is available at Wickford Marina (401-294-8160). They monitor VHF channel 10. Wickford Yacht Club (401-294-9010) has five guest moorings available on a first come-first-served basis. The club monitors VHF channel 9.
Stop into the Beach Rose Café (401-295-2800) at 85 Brown Street for breakfast or lunch, and enjoy chowder or clam cakes on their waterfront deck. The Harborside Grill (401-295-0444), at 46 Tamarack Circle, is open from 6am to 3pm for breakfast and lunch. Bagelz (401) 294-6366), at 21 West Main Street, serves breakfast and lunch with a large selection of bagels, fresh sandwiches, coffee and more. The Place (401-294-0800), at 95 Brown Street, serves up hot and filling fare at reasonable prices. Tavern by the Sea (401-294-5771), at 16 West Main Street, serves lunch and dinner from burgers and grilled pizza to international cuisine, and their deck offers a great view of the harbor.
Wickford has several oneof- a-kind shops. Mystic Scrimshanders (401-294-2262) at 14 Main Street, where you’ll find scrimshaw, Nantucket baskets, marine art, bird carvings, sailor’s Valentines, amber jewelry and more. The Hour Glass (401-295-8724), at 15 West Main Street, has an amazing selection of clocks, compasses, weather instruments…and hourglasses. Nautical Impressions (401-295-5303), at 16 West Main Street, has Rhode Island souvenirs, ship models and gifts for sailors and landlubbers alike. Blue Hydrangea (401-295- 2583) at 2 Main Street has gifts, home décor items, natural stationary and whimsical jewelry. Canvasworks (401-295-8080), at 10 Main Street, sells the latest Life Is Good clothing, stationery, home furnishings, sturdy and stylish canvas bags and more. Different Drummer (401-294-4867) at 7 West Main Street, has an unusual collection of pottery, glassware and unique jewelry. The Grateful Heart (401-294-3891), located in a house built in 1728 at 17 West Main Street, sells books on such subjects as meditation, Eastern philosophy and alternative healing, as well as jewelry, crystals, candles and incense. They can even take a Polaroid photo of you and your aura!
Be sure stop into Marine Consignment of Wickford (401- 295-9709), located at 7725 Post Road. Sam and Kathy Angelini maintain a huge inventory of outboard engines, parts for all kinds of powerplants, winches and deck hardware, rigging, pumps, electronics and one-of-a-kind vintage items. With new stuff arriving every day, Marine Consignment is an amazing place to browse and they just might have that “no longer available” part you need to salvage your vacation. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Among Wickford’s special events are the Strawberry Festival (June 20), the 47th Annual Wickford Art Festival (July 11 & 12) and the Wickford Harbour Festival (September 20 & 21).
Bristol
With a boatbuilding heritage dating back to the early 17th Century and the oldest Independence Day parade in the United States, Bristol is a great destination for yachting enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
From the south, the approach to Bristol’s wide harbor is easy. Follow the buoys on the East Passage and enter the channel on the west side of Hog Island, staying midchannel between N “2” SW Pt. Hog Island and RG Bell at Poppasquash Point and thence to a point between Castle Rocks to starboard and green can C “3” Usher Rocks to port. To approach the Herreshoff Marine Museum, keep RG nun at the Middle Ground to starboard then head easterly. To approach Bristol Yacht Club and Bristol Marine, head northerly along the western shore and you’ll find the well-marked fairway through the mooring field. There’s an anchorage located south of mooring field, near the old stone armory building on the east side of the harbor. You can go ashore and tie your dinghy (free of charge) at the docks at either Independence Park or Rockwell Park. Contact the Bristol Harbormaster with any questions at 401-253-1700.
Overnight moorings with reciprocal privileges for yacht club members are available for $40 at Bristol Yacht Club, located on the harbor’s west side. You’re encouraged to reserve a mooring, and the best way to do so is to email Chief Steward Chris Healey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also leave a message at 401- 253-2922. Bristol YC monitors VHF channel 68.
Bristol Marine (401-253-2200), north of the yacht club, has transient slips and moorings, and is a full-service boatyard offering mechanical, electrical, fiberglass and canvas repairs. They monitor VHF channel 69. Both have launch service.
Bristol has a wide range of dining options for hungry sailors, and those listed here are within two blocks of the harbor. Quito’s (401-253-4500), at 411 Thames Street, is a quintessential clam shack serving great clam cakes, fried clams and chowder. Their outdoor patios overlook the harbor, and they serve homemade root beer. Redlefsen’s Rotisserie & Grill (401-254-1188), at 444 Thames Street, features eclectic global cuisine with an emphasis on German and Alsatian-inspired specialties and fresh fish.
Located in a historic stone warehouse on the waterfront at 259 Thames Street, the DeWolf Tavern (401-254-2005) serves seafood, steaks and homemade pasta, with many dishes charcoal roasted in a traditional tandoor oven. Topside Lounge & Restaurant (401-253-1566), at 805 Hope Street, serves seafood and “pocket friendly” pub fare, and they have live bands on Saturday nights. Persimmon (401-254-7474), an intimate bistro at 31 State Street, serves fine American cuisine. Bristol’s oldest waterfront restaurant, the Lobster Pot (401-253-9100), at 119 Hope Street, serves a variety of fresh local seafood. Le Central (401-396- 9965), at 483 Hope Street, has an extensive menu featuring French cuisine. For breakfast, try Bristol Bagel Works (401-254- 1390) at 420 Hope Street or Sip N Dip (401-253-7970) at 775 Hope Street.
Named a “Distinctive Destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum (401-253-2707), located at 101 Ferry Road, is one of New England’s finest garden estates. To see what’s in bloom, visit blithewold.org. If you need to stretch your legs, you can walk or bike along the scenic East Bay Bike Path, an automobile- free trail that follows the shore 14 miles north to East Providence. At Colt State Park, located on Hope Street, you’ll find picnic groves, four miles of bike trails, and the beautiful Chapel-By-The Sea. First held in 1785, Bristol’s Fourth of July Celebration is the oldest continuous celebration of its kind in America. For a list of this year’s events, visit july4thbristolri.com. For shopping, head for Thames Street Landing (401-253-2016) at 259 Thames Street, where you’ll find a variety of shops and eateries.
A visit to Bristol is simply incomplete without a stop at the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame. Located on the harbor at One Burnside Street, the museum is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm until October 31 (closed July 4). The museum has transient moorings – call them on VHF channel 68 to reserve one. The museum’s Hall of Boats has more than 60 Herreshoff designs from dinghies to 12 Metres. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $2 for students with ID and free for children under 12. For more information, call 401-253-5000 or visit herreshoff.org. ✦
