East Greenwich

HomeEast Greenwich

Welcome to East Greenwich

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

View of the East Greenwich waterfront and Greenwich Cove from Goddard State Park.
Photo by Dave Dauer

EAST GREENWICH (INCORPORATED IN 1677) IS THE 8TH OLDEST TOWN IN RHODE ISLAND AND BOASTS A RICH MARITIME HISTORY (THE TOWN’S COAT OF ARMS BEARS AN HOURGLASS, FOR THE OBSERVATORY AT GREENWICH, ENGLAND, AND TWO SHIPS ANCHORS). IT’S A LITTLE KNOWN FACT THAT THE U.S. NAVY WAS ESTABLISHED IN EAST GREENWICH. IN JUNE 1775, THE RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSED A RESOLUTION THAT CREATED THE FIRST FORMAL, GOVERNMENTALLY AUTHORIZED NAVY IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. A NUMBER OF OTHER TOWNS ALSO CLAIM TO BE THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE AMERICAN NAVY, BUT NONE ARE AS EARLY, AND NONE INVOLVE SPECIFIC GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZATION.


East Greenwich Historic District, Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

The well-protected harbor once received trade ships from around the world and provided safe haven to local fishermen. In the 1800s, industry flourished with the manufacture of textiles and shipbuilding.

Shellfishing was also a big industry here, and once earned East Greenwich the nickname “Scallop Town.” Today, the local shellfishermen primarily harvest quahogs, and the town supports a fleet of small, independent clammers, many based on Greenwich Cove and nearby Apponaug Cove.

The public launch ramp at the head of Greenwich Cove.

In terms of recreational boating, protected Greenwich Bay offers some great places to drop anchor and relax.

One such spot is Goddard State Park, where you’ll find good holding ground. Once secured, you can take a dinghy or kayak to the beach and access the park’s hiking trails, nature center, restrooms and golf course. Access can also be gained via the park’s small launch area on Greenwich Cove.

Paddleboarders on Greenwich Cove.

Paddlers and small-boaters will find numerous places to launch and explore the quiet backwaters of Greenwich Bay, including Apponaug Cove, Potowomut Cove, Greenwich Cove, Buttonwood Cove and Warwick Cove. There’s good fishing here too, especially in the late spring and fall. Indeed, fall can be a wonderful time to visit this area, as the weather is often ideal and there is less boating traffic. A town launch ramp near the head of Greenwich Cove affords good access to trailerboaters and a decent amount of parking.

A colorful cocktail at BLU on the water.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo

East Greenwich and neighboring Warwick are home to several marinas, most offering transient slips. A short walk from the waterfront will bring you to the downtown area, where you’ll find lots of restaurants, interesting shops and places to reprovision. More restaurants are available right on the water, including several places to dock and dine.

It should also be noted that East Greenwich is very close (10-minute cab ride) to TF Green Airport in Warwick, which makes it easy to pick up and drop off guests from out of town.

GETTING THERE:

East Greenwich Chart

Charts: NOAA 13221

 

East Greenwich is located on the western shore of Narragansett Bay, just southwest of Warwick, with which it shares Greenwich Bay, and roughly 10 nautical miles north of Wickford. Boaters approaching from the east, south or west should enter Narragansett Bay via the West Passage, passing west of Beavertail Point on Conanicut Island (Jamestown) and east of Boston Neck. Head north past Fox Island to port, and then steer slightly north of west for approximately 2 nautical miles past the entrance to Wickford Harbor, which is marked by red gong “2”. The entrance to Greenwich Bay is about 7 nautical miles north of Wickford, and is marked by the Fl G “1”. Keep the buoy to port when entering the bay, and follow the channel markers to enter Warwick Cove (roughly due north), Apponaug Cove (to the west) or Greenwich Cove (to the southwest). From the north, access the area by passing between Warwick Point and Prudence Island. Turn at buoy “1” to enter Greenwich Bay. When entering Greenwich Cove, be sure to stay within the channel and be careful of the shoal that extends south of Chepiwanoxet Point, just west of R “7”.

Dockage, Moorings & Service

  • Contact the East Greenwich harbormaster by phone or VHF to find out if moorings are available in Greenwich Cove. There is a public landing with four feet MLW and a launch ramp located near the southern end of Greenwich Cove, on Crompton Rd., south of the marinas and next to the sewage-treatment plant. From here it’s a short walk into town. Tie-up is officially one hour, but if you call the harbormaster he may grant you a longer stay.

  • Norton’s Shipyard & Marina (401-884-8828; VHF 9): Full-service marina offering transient slips and moorings. Facilities include showers, haulout, free WiFi, boat and engine repairs, pump-out and a marine store. Close to downtown.
  • East Greenwich Yacht Club (401-884-7700, VHF 9): Offers a public gas dock (open 8:00 a.m. to sunset), as well as moorings and slips for visitors from reciprocating clubs.
  • Safe Harbor Greenwich Bay Marina (401-884-1810, VHF 9): Large full-service marina offering transient slips, gas, ice, picnic area, laundry, free WiFi, provisions, showers and restrooms, haulout, onsite restaurant, swimming pool.
  • Greenwich Cove Marina (401-885-6611)
  • Milt’s Marina (401-885-3700): Offers transient slips.
  • East Greenwich Marina (401-885-2911): Offers transient slips.
  • Apponaug Harbor Marina (401-739-5005): Located in Warwick, on Apponaug Cove. Offers transient slips and moorings, gas, ice and bait.
  • Ponaug Marina (401-884-1976): Located in Warwick on Apponaug Cove. Offers a gas dock, onsite bait & tackle shop (Ray’s), launch ramp and parking.
  • New England Yacht Rigging (401-884-1112): Full-service rigging shop on Greenwich Cove.

Anchorages

  • Most of  the bay’s deep-water spots are filled with moorings, but shallow-draft vessels may be able to find protected spots deep inside Greenwich Cove or off Goddard Neck.

Harbormaster

  • (401-230-2245)

Launch Ramps

  • Crompton Road Ramp: Near the head of Greenwich Cove, next to the sewage-treatment plant. Free concrete-slab ramp with parking and a floating courtesy dock. Wheelchair accessible. One-hour tie-up for unattended vessels. Toilet.
  • Goddard Memorial State Park: Small, free ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes and skiffs.
  • There’s another small, free ramp for launching kayaks, canoes and small skiffs on Apponaug Cove off Post Road, just before the railroad bridge.
  • Kayaks and canoes can be launched at Arnolds Neck Waterfront Park, also on Apponaug Cove.
  • Ponaug Marina offers a good deep-water ramp on Apponaug Cove, but charges a fee for launch and parking.

Boat & Kayak Rental

Where to Eat

  • Finn’s Harborside (401-884-6363): Dock & dine overlooking Greenwich Cove.
  • BLU on the Water: fresh, local seafood delivered daily, as well as a variety of delicious non-seafood options, including both vegan and gluten-friendly dishes. Live music seven days a week. Glass fire pits, tornado torches, fresh ingredients, and a lengthy cocktail list make for an intimate setting overlooking scenic Greenwich Bay. Full raw bar, complementary valet and transient dockage.
  • Jigger’s Diner (401-884-5388)
  • Masthead Grill & Creamery (401-884-1424): Ice cream and fried fare on Post Road.
  • Chelo’s Waterfront Bar & Grille (401-884-3000): Large, popular eatery located at Safe Harbor Greenwich Bay Marina.

Things to See & Do

  • Old Kent County Courthouse, 125 Main Street: This building, which now hosts the town offices, was where Rhode Islanders signed their version of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Greenwich Odeum (401-885-9119): Performing arts center on Main Street
  • Goddard Memorial State Park: Offers miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic facilities, a gold course, restrooms, a small launch ramp and beach.

National Historic Places in East Greenwich:

  • Armory of Kentish Guard: The Kentish Guard Armory on Peirce St. was built in 1843 with the sum of $1,000 donated by the General Assembly to the Kentish Guards. The Greek Revival style of the armory is considered by architectural historians to be of outstanding architectural value and of great historic value at the national level. The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971. The armory is unique since it is believed to be the only armory of its kind built during this period just prior to the Mexican War. Little has been done to change it over the years. The gallery of pictures in the armory are especially interesting. Former members of the Guard are featured. The original charter hangs on the wall as a lasting reminder and a memorial to those men who organized the Kentish Guards in 1774.
  • Richard Briggs Farm: Briggs Farm is located on South Road in the very Southern part of East Greenwich, abutting its border with North Kingstown. The 72-acre property contains buildings, structures, and landscape elements ranging in date from the early 18th to mid 20th century. They include a farmhouse and bank farm (both ca. 1735-1755 with later additions and alterations), and outbuilding (probably an icehouse built ca. 1860), dry-laid stone walls (18th and 19th centuries), the Briggs family burying ground (dating to ca. 1715), and at least 2 wells of unknown age.
  • Massie Wireless Station: The Massie Wireless Station was built in Point Judith, Rhode Island, in 1907 and is the oldest surviving working wireless station in the world. It is now part of the New England Wireless and Steam Museum. The Massie Wireless Station provided communications to steamboats that traveled between New York City and New England cities. In 1983 the wireless station was moved to the New England Wireless and Steam Museum at 1300 Frenchtown Road in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, to avoid demolition.
  • Clement Weaver-Daniel Howland House: A historic stone-ender timber frame house built in 1679. Located at 125 Howland Road, it is the oldest documented dwelling house in Kent County, and the second oldest home in Rhode Island.

General Information

Photo Gallery

Photo of Longfellow’s Windmill cottage in East Greenwich. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

A town launch ramp and landing are located near the southern end of Greenwich Cove. Photo Tom Richardson

Young sailors haul their Optis from a ramp at the East Bay Yacht Club. Photo Tom Richardson

The Clement Weaver House is one of many historic sites in East Greenwich. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Brewer Greenwich Bay Marina bustles during the annual Take a Kid Fishing Day, held by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association. Photo by Tom Richardson

Watch

Lorem Vimeo

Ipsum Youtube

Lorem Vimeo

Lorem Vimeo

Ipsum Youtube

Lorem Vimeo

BEWITCHED BY SALEM

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

READ MORE

Listen

At a Glance

Launch Ramps
Where to Stay
Rentals
Harbor Master and Harbor Info
Getting There
Things to Do

Current Events

WEATHER
TIDES
NEWS
EVENTS

Explore

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests