Stay-Cations

The town of Jamestown is located on Conanicut Island. The island is nine miles long by one mile wide. Its highest elevation is 135 feet.

There is a quiet rural character to much of the island. Even Jamestown's commercial center has the feel of a traditional village. A few farms remain, older neighborhoods are intact and historic properties, including lighthouses, windmills and the remains of old military fortifications, offer connection to the past. With its abundance of open space, lightly traveled roadways and pleasant views, the island is an excellent locale for walking and riding bicycles.

Beavertail State Park, situated at the southern end of Conanicut Island, contains an historic lighthouse, a lighthouse museum and a small aquarium (housed in the former fog horn building) that offers close inspection of the kinds of creatures living around the rocks and tidal pools not very far away. Kids love it. The animals are periodically returned to the natural environment and new specimens are gathered to maintain the display.

Fort Wetherill State Park, is open daily for hiking, fishing and picnicing. The strategic location and topography of the site were recognized early. Its military history goes back to the Revolutionary War. This more than 60 acre park offers panoramic views of the Bay and Newport, fifty-foot-high granite outcroppings, bluffs, coves, extensive grassy areas, picnic tables and several parking areas.

Fort Getty Recreational Area is located just west of Mackerel Cove Beach, off of Beavertail Road. Overlooking West Passage, it offers 25 tentsites and 100 trailer sites for use by campers.

Mackerel Cove Beach has long attracted residents and vistors for swimming, sunning and pure relaxation. Situated on a narrow neck of land joining the southern end of Southwest Avenue and the northern end of Beavertail Road, the sandy beach is a great place to spend the afternoon!

For more information about Jamestown, visit www.jamestown-ri.info/