Bristol

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Welcome to Bristol

THINGS TO SEE
PLACES TO EAT
PLACES TO STAY
WHERE TO DOCK

Young sailors prepare for a sail aboard their classic 12 1/2 at the Herreshoff Marine Museum.
Photo Tom Richardson

FAMOUS AMONG YACHTSMEN AS THE “HOME OF HERRESHOFF,” BRISTOL IS OFTEN CONSIDERED THE YACHTIEST SPOT IN NARRAGANSETT BAY NORTH OF NEWPORT. HOWEVER, A CLOSER LOOK REVEALS A WELCOMING, PATRIOTIC TOWN WITH AN ECLECTIC CULTURAL MAKEUP AND MUCH TO OFFER BOATERS OF ALL MEANS AND TASTES. THE VILLAGE CENTER, ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE HARBOR, IS LACED BY NARROW, SHADY STREETS BOUNDED BY TIDY, FLAG-BEDECKED COLONIAL AND VICTORIAN HOMES, AND FEATURING A VARIETY OF GOOD RESTAURANTS, PUBS AND INTERESTING SHOPS.

If you plan on visiting Bristol by water, the town offers both hourly and overnight dockage in front of the public marina, adjacent to the ferry terminal, and also maintains several rental moorings in the harbor. Payment can be made through the harbormaster’s office, which shares space with the Bristol Maritime Center. The Center features showers, laundry, WiFi, and boater resources.

The Bristol Maritime Center occupied a former armory.

It’s also possible to anchor inside the harbor, if you can find room outside the fairways, but you’ll need to check with the harbormaster first. Note that the harbor is exposed to southerly winds, which can make for a rolly stay.

There is no launch service, but you can leave your dinghy or kayak at the dinghy dock just behind the red firehouse near the the town docks. There’s also a dinghy rack next to the launch ramp at Independence Park, at the end of Thames Street.

A local quahog fisherman displays his catch adjacent to one of the town dinghy docks.

From either place, a 5-minute walk puts you on Hope Street (Rte. 114) and the heart of Bristol, home of the oldest Fourth of July parade in America. (Note: Do not attempt to drive through or even close to Bristol during Independence Day weekend. You’re better off arriving by boat.) Boaters can also rent a mooring at Bristol Marine, on the west side of the harbor, which offers launch service to town.

 

 

Additionally, daytrippers can tie up for a maximum of 3 hours at the floats reserved for patrons of the shops and restaurants at Thames Street Landing, home to the Waterside Bar & Grill and the DeWolf Tavern, along with several shops and boutiques.

Public dockage is available near the Waterside Restaurant.

Bristol Harbor is bounded by Popasquash Neck on the west and Bristol Neck on the east, with Hog Island guarding its mouth. You can reach the harbor via the deep channels on either side of Hog Island, but beware the shoal water surrounding the island.

Upon entering the harbor, the Herreshoff Marine Museum and its pier will be visible to starboard, on the southern outskirts of the village. The museum offers transient dockage and moorings, and a short walk to town, but be sure to call ahead.

The Herreshoff Marine Museum maintains a dock for visiting boaters.

Just south of the museum is the Lobster Pot, a large restaurant with dockage for patrons. North of the Herreshoff Museum is the Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Station headquarters and docks, followed by the Bristol County Elks Club dock and the large, brick Robin Rug headquarters and retail store (Robin Rug makes braided rugs). After that is Firefighters Memorial Park and the town pier and marina, home of the Harbormaster’s office, the Prudence Island ferry and several commercial fishing and clamming vessels.

 

 

Adjacent to the town marina, at the end of State Street, is a single-lane launch ramp with parking adjacent, followed by the Thames Street Landing, home to several shops, 2 restaurants, a bike-rental shop and the Bristol Harbor Inn. As mentioned, Landing patrons can tie up for up to 3 hours here. After that is the sprawling Stone Harbour condo complex, which occupies several former mill buildings. A public boardwalk winds along the waterfront here and separates the private docks from the condos. Next to the condos is Quitos restaurant, a great place to grab a lobster roll, a bowl of chowder or a stuffed quahog.

Bristol’s streets are lined by interesting clothing and gift shops.

Lovely Independence Park, home to summer concerts, a boat launch and a dinghy rack, occupies the northeast end of waterfront. The double-wide ramp here is in good condition, but parking is limited, especially on weekends. The park also marks the southern end of the East Bay Bike Path, which runs all the way to East Providence, making Bristol a great spot for bike-minded boaters.

On the opposite (west) side of the harbor, along Popasquash Neck, are 2 noteworthy marine facilities: Bristol Harbor Marine and the Bristol Harbor Yacht Club. The former offers transient dockage, moorings, pump-out and repair, while the latter offers reciprocal privileges with other clubs.

Roses adorn a shingled outbuilding along one of Bristol’s side streets.

GETTING THERE:

Charts: NOAA 13221, 13224

 

The entrance to Bristol Harbor, marked by the 25-foot-tall flashing red tower on Castle Island (41°39.2´ N, 71°17.2´ W), is about 13 nautical miles north from Castle Hill Light at the mouth of Narragansett Bay’s East Passage. Boats approaching from outside Narragansett Bay can follow the well-marked ship channel toward Providence, with depths around 100′ to the south end of Prudence Island. As you enter Bristol Harbor, steer clear of the shoal water surrounding Hog Island. Birstol Harbor itself offers good depth throughout. There is a well-marked rock ledge off Independence Park to look out for.

Dockage, Moorings & Services

Note: There is no fuel is available in Bristol. Nearest fuel is in Warren (Striper Marina) and Barrington (Safe Harbor Cove Haven Marina on Bullocks Cove).

  • Bristol Marine

    (401-253-2200; VHF 69): On Popasquash Neck (west side of harbor), Bristol Marine offers transient moorings and slips, with launch service, ice, showers and bathrooms. Also offers electrical, mechanical, carpentry, canvas and fiberglass service, plus a 50-ton TravelLift. Pump out is available as well.

  • Bristol Yacht Club (401-253-2922; VHF 68): Offers reciprocal privileges with other clubs. Located adjacent to Bristol Marine on west side of harbor.
  • Bristol Town Marina (401-253-1700, VHF 16): Hourly and overnight moorings and dockage available next to the ferry terminal. The town also maintains a free pump-out boat. A dockside pump-out station is located at the Rockwell Pier, next to the ferry terminal.
  • Herreshoff Marine Museum (401-253-5000, VHF 68): Overnight dockage  and moorings are available at the museum, located within walking distance of town. Free short-term tie-up can be arranged for museum visitors; call ahead. No launch service. Reservations recommended.
  • Thames Street Landing: Short-term dockage available for free to Thames Street Landing patrons. Three-hour limit.

Anchorages

Bristol Harbor is open to the south, making it an uncomfortable anchorage in prevailing summer southwesterlies. Boaters can find some protection in the extreme northern end of the harbor (if you can find a space among the moorings), but it’s best to check with the harbormaster first. Dinghies and kayaks can be left at Independence Park beach or at the Town Marina dinghy dock.

Harbormaster

Launch Ramps

  • Independence Park at the end of Thames Street is a free ramp directly on the harbor. Parking is limited, especially on weekends. Trailer-boaters may be better off launching a bit farther north at Colt Sate Park.
  • Colt State Park at the top of Popasquash Neck, off Rte. 114, offers a free ramp with ample parking and quick access to the upper bay. However, the ramp is exposed to west and southwest winds, which can make launching and hauling difficult, especially on summer afternoons.
  • State Street ramp is a narrow town ramp used by Bristol residents and commercial fishermen. Limited parking in lot next to ramp, but sticker is required.
  • Bristol Narrows ramp off Route 136; provides direct access to Mt. Hope Bay.
  • Mount Hope Fishing Area, off Annawamscutt Drive, features a double concrete ramp with breakwater fronting Mt. Hope Bay. The ramp also features a dredged channel leading to deep water and two courtesy floats. It can accommodate most trailerable boats.

Where to Eat

Bristol boasts close to three dozen restaurants. Here are a few within easy walking distance of the harbor:

  • Thames Waterside Bar & Grill (401-253-4523): Dock & dine at Thames St. Landing.
  • DeWolf Tavern (401-254-2005): Dock & dine at Thames St. Landing.
  • The Lobster Pot (401-253-9100): Dock & dine just south of downtown, next to Herreshoff Museum wharf.
  • Quitos (401-253-4500): Fresh lobster and seafood on the harbor.

Where to Stay

Things to Do & See

  • Bristol 4th of July: The oldest Fourth of July Parade in America is Bristol’s Grand Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade, established in 1785. Be aware that the town and harbor can be very crowded during this weekend.
  • Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame (401-253-5000): A must-visit for sailboat lovers and historians. Both places offer movies, displays and historical information about one of the greatest boat designers of all time.
  • Blithewold Mansion & Arboretum (401-253-2707): Located just down the road (Rte. 114) from the Herreshoff Museum, Blithewold is home to historic mansions and gardens.
  • Audubon Society Environmental Education Center (401-245-7500): Located on a 28-acre wildlife refuge near the Bristol/Warren town line with wildlife exhibits, aquariums, tide-pool tank and walking trails through the marsh.
  • Coggeshall Farm Museum (401-253-9062): Off Popasquash Road, Coggeshall is a living, working 1790’s salt-marsh farm, with animals, gardens and a blacksmith shop.
  • Bristol Historical and Preservation Society Museum (401-253-7223): Located at 48 Court St., the BHPSM has books, memorabilia and artifacts relating to Bristol’s 300-year history.

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