Charlestown, Rhode Island may be a small coastal town in Rhode Island, but as "the best-kept secret" in the state there is no shortage of things to do.
"With miles of pristine, secluded beaches, several parks and campgrounds, a wildlife preserve, and even its own sky observatory, Charlestown is a nature lover's dream come true," said Kazantzis Real Estate Owner and Agent Andrea Kazantzis. "It's less than an hour from Providence and New London, making it a great place for someone who wants to live in a small town but who needs to commute."
The Beaches
"Charlestown's southern border faces Block Island Sound and has the finest sand dune beaches," said Christopher DiPaola, owner of WBLQ, WSUB, and WWRI.
Two state beaches are located in Charlestown, as well as four local beaches, including:
- East Beach/Ninigret State Beach
- Charlestown Breachway State Beach
- Charlestown Town Beach
- Blue Shutters Beach
- Quonochontaug Beach
- Little Nini Pond
"Charlestown is a slice of peaceful paradise in Rhode Island offering some of the states most pristine, most beautiful and quietest beaches for relaxing and enjoying," said Kimberly J. Poland, founder and president of Poland Media Group. "The salt ponds and oceanfront locations in Charlestown are some of the most fabulous locations in the state. One special spot in Charlestown is the Quonochontaug section but truly all of Charlestown seems special."
Be One With Nature
In addition to the beach, nature lovers will find amazing wildlife refuges, parks, and ponds in Charlestown where you can enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, exploring, and bird watching.
"As the owner of local Southern RI radio stations, I can easily say that in my Rhode Island travels, Charlestown is the 'crown jewel' of nature and scenic views for the entire state," said DiPaola, who is also a Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Board Member.
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge consists of 858 acres of upland and wetland habitats including grasslands, shrublands, wooded swamps, and freshwater ponds. While there, you can stop by the Kettle Pond Visitors Center.
"Charlestown is home to awesome camping options. It is a boaters paradise as well as a treat for the outdoor enthusiast and fisherman. There are plenty of parks, beaches, public boat launches, and places to camp," Poland said."
One of those places is Burlingame State Park and Campground, which is 3,100 acres of rocky woodland surrounding Watchaug Pond. When visiting you can wander through the 29-acre Kimball Wildlife Refuge, which is located on the south shore of the pond.
DiPaola suggests enjoying the fresh outdoors in picturesque Ninigret Park, with miles of walking paths and two big dog parks for furry friends large and small.
Every Friday night, weather permitting, stargazers flock to the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center at the Park, where they can use center's giant telescopes to look into the heavens. It's also open during meteor showers, eclipses, and other celestial events throughout the year.
Family Fun
Ninigret Park is home to two of Rhode Island's biggest festivals.
The Charlestown Seafood Festival is a 3-day event featuring seafood and other food with live bands daily, a carnival with rides and games, local crafters, fireworks on Saturday night, and a classic car show on Sunday.
"This gastronomic extravaganza is a top 100 event in the US and one of the top three in the state," said Poland, whose Poland Media Group has been working with Charlestown Chamber of Commerce for years spearheading the advertising and marketing efforts for the annual event.
The 2020 festival was canceled due to COVID-19, but the Charlestown Seafood Festival will be back in 2021 and is scheduled for August 6, 7 & 8th.
Ninigret Park also hosts the Rhythm & Roots Festival, New England's premier festival of roots music and dance including cajun, zydeco, Creole, blues, and soul to name a few. The event was also canceled this year due to the pandemic and is due to return Labor Day weekend in 2021.
Shopping & Restaurants
Charlestown is home to quaint restaurants and shops, perhaps most notably the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, which is a series of five individual stores, plant nursery, henna artist, beautiful flower gardens, bamboo forest, and animals.
"Inland, Charlestown has a superb rural village featuring a local mom and pop supermarket with a butcher on-premises, outstanding restaurants, and more," DiPaola said.
A popular place to grab a meal is The Breachway Grill - known for the freshest seafood, tasty burgers, and New York-style pizza.
Craig Marr, who owns the Breachway Grill and is President of the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce said, "Charlestown is a bucolic setting with beautiful beaches, an abundance of open land with parks and trails. A small, friendly community where neighbors watch out for neighbors. Quiet. Peaceful and safe. A wonderful place to raise a family or retire and enjoy the serenity."
When asked why someone would want to live in Charlestown or choose to have a second home here, Executive Director of the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Heather Paliotta said, "The taxes. The beaches. The peacefulness. It is so rural. The natural beauty is unmatched."
"If you're looking to escape cities and heavily populated towns with the best of what nature has to offer, there is no better place than Charlestown," DiPaola said.
"If you are interested in living in Charlestown, or perhaps buying a vacation home here, Kazantzis Real Estate can help. Take a look at some of our listings »
Photo Credits:
- Drone Photos Provided by Michael Alex Hughes/Veterans Aerial Media »
- Charlestown Seafood Festival Photos Provided by Poland Media Group »
- Frosty Drew Photo Provided by The Town of Charlestown »