Jamestown

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Welcome to Jamestown

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

Conanicut Marine stands ready to accommodate transients.

PERHAPS THE COOLEST THING ABOUT JAMESTOWN IS THAT IT’S AN ISLAND. OR THREE. SETTLED IN THE LATE 1600S AND NAMED FOR ENGLAND’S PRINCE JAMES, THE TOWN COMPRISES THE 9-BY-1-MILE CONANICUT ISLAND AND THE MUCH SMALLER DUTCH AND GOULD ISLANDS, THE LAST HAVING SERVED AS A MILITARY FORT AND A TORPEDO STATION DURING BOTH WORLD WARS. TODAY, JAMESTOWN IS A GREAT PLACE TO WATCH THE SEASONAL PARADE OF BOATS HEADING TO AND FROM NEWPORT, AS WELL AS THE NUMEROUS LOCAL REGATTAS—ALL WHILE AVOIDING THE GENERAL HUBBUB OF THAT BUSY HARBOR TO THE EAST.

“And [Jamestown’s] definitely a great spot for daytime boating activities,” he adds. “Come here on a hot day, drop the hook, swim around or kayak alongside the rocks.”“If you’re passing through on a boat, Jamestown is a little easier to deal with than Newport,” agrees resident writer and longtime boater Will Tuthill. “It’s less frenetic, yet you can still get to Newport quite easily. The other nice thing is that whether you choose to keep your boat at Conanicut Marina on the east side or Dutch Harbor on the west side, you can basically walk to the grocery store.” Tuthill highly recommends the island’s farm-stand produce and fresh fish in summer, and gives a shout out to Jamestown Mercantile for locally grown and locally sourced, organic prepared foods.

DOCKAGE DECISIONS


Often overshadowed by its more celebrated neighbor across the way, Jamestown
provides a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of Rhode Island’s busier ports.

The majority of boating amenities are found on the island’s east side. Conanicut Marine Services is Jamestown’s largest full-service marina, and is steps away from most of the shops and restaurants. Moorings and slips are available on a seasonal or transient basis, and the marina maintains a complete on-site repair facility.It’s all located next to the ferry dock and the Town Pier, which offers dinghy tie-up and touch-and-go dockage. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at the nearby East Ferry Deli or a homemade ice cream at Spinnakers, or head into the village center for more dining options.

Another transient-friendly marina is Clark Boat Yard, a bit farther south near Fort Wetherill. This intimate, family-owned and -operated yard offers moorings with launch service, showers, WiFi, repair, service, a launch ramp and more. Also nearby is the Jamestown Boat Yard, which has transient moorings and dockage, launch service, a private beach, repairs, hauling and dinghy storage. Both yards are within reasonable biking distance of the town center, and a short jaunt to Newport Harbor.

DUTCH TREAT

If you truly want to get away from the Newport scene, look to Conanicut’s western shore, home of Dutch Harbor Boat Yard, a tranquil facility with moorings, launch service and a great view of scenic Dutch Island Light and the West Passage. It seems a long way from everywhere, but a mile-long walk or bike ride down Narragansett Avenue brings you to the local shops and restaurants.

“Dutch Harbor is such a quick ride to open water,” points out Joe McGrady, owner of Dutch Harbor Boat Yard.

“Boaters here can easily cruise to Block Island, Cape Cod or the Vineyard. It’s a fantastic spot from which to reach a lot of places, plus it’s secluded and quiet.

At night, you aren’t bothered by the bright lights or busyness of Newport. People really enjoy that they can get a good night’s sleep here. It’s just a great place.”

PARKS APLENTY

Beavertail Lighthouse, at the southern tip of Conanicut Island, houses a museum and an aquarium.

As for Jamestown’s shore-based attractions and diversions, there are many, starting with the aforementionedFort Wetherill State Park. The park has a small marina and small-boat and kayak launch area, or you can rent a Jet Ski or paddleboard from Adventure Watersportsand see Jamestown from a whole different perspective. The park also offers biking and hiking trails, as well as amazing views of Fort Adams and the West Passage.

At the southernmost tip of Jamestown isBeavertail State Park, home to Beavertail Light, one of Jamestown’s five lighthouses and open to the public. The property features a small museum and an aquarium that showcases local sea life. Meanwhile, Beavertail Point affords awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic that draw photographers and artists alike. It’s also a popular spot to dive, fish and scout for tide-pool critters.

On the island’s western shore is Fort Getty Park, which features a launch ramp suitable for larger boats and plenty of trailer parking. The park is also a campground with seasonal RV sites, tent sites, restrooms, charcoal pits and more. A farmers market on Mondays sells locally grown products through August.

SIGHTSEEING SOJOURN

You can find most anything at Grapes and Gourmet.

After a day of exploring the island’s various parks, head back to the village for a little refreshment and entertainment. A summer concert series in Memorial Square provides the soundtrack to accompany lovely views of the Newport Pell Bridge and the East Passage. Or enjoy a cold one at theNarragansett Café, known for its variety of blues and jazz bands. For more local flavor, stop by Jamestown Designs, which carries a variety of items produced by area artists and craftspeople.

The Jamestown Fire Department Museum, also downtown, maintains a collection of antique fire-fighting equipment, both horse-drawn and motor-powered, including 1845 and 1857 pumper trucks. Afterward, stroll down the street and pick up some coffee and a sweet treat at Slice of Heaven Bakery.

Farms & Ferries

There are more interesting things to see in the northern part of the island. A short drive or bike ride from the village center up North Road leads to Jamestown’s 200-year-old windmill, open for visits on weekends in summer. Nearby is Watson Farm, a quintessential New England farm that began in the late 1700s and continued through five generations. The property remains a working proposition, raising Heritage Red Devon cattle and sheep and providing local beef to area restaurants. The business is now run by tenant farmers Don and Heather Minto, and you can visit the grounds seasonally to enjoy magnificent views of Dutch Island Harbor.

The Mintos come by their profession honestly. Farming dominated Conanicut Island in the 1600s and 1700s. As more colonists arrived from England, ferry service to Newport was established in 1675. For more than 200 years the ferry served as an important part of the local economy and culture, bringing freight, passengers—and changes—to Jamestown. An exhibit of ferry memorabilia can be found at the Jamestown Historical Society, including handwritten meeting minutes from the late 1800s and old photographs. While the completion of the Newport-Pell Bridge in 1969 effectively ended the heyday of the Jamestown ferry, it continues to shuttle passengers on lighthouse tours and trips to and from Newport. It’s much better than driving over the bridge, but boaters already know that!

GETTING THERE:

Chart: NOAA 13221

To reach Jamestown Harbor from Rhode island Sound, enter the East Passage of Narragansett Bay and follow the channel north to the G “11” Bell off The Dumplings. From here, head northwest to pick up the private buoys leading to the Jamestown East Ferry dock and Conanicut Marine.

From points north, follow the main channel through the East Passage and under the Newport Bridge. At R “12 Fl Red Bell, head due west to pick up the private aids leading to the ferry dock.

Dockage, Moorings & Service

    • Conanicut Marine (401) 423-1556Dockage
      Full-service marina with more than 200 seasonal and transient moorings, repair and storage. Stocks mechanical parts and outdoor gear, plus marine accessories and gifts. Also operates the Jamestown Ferry.

    • Dutch Harbor Boat Yard (401) 423-0630
      Full-service yard offering slips, launch service, showers, WiFi, laundry and on-site taco stand on west side of Conanicut Island. Transient moorings available; reservations recommended.
    • Jamestown Boat Yard (401) 423-0600
      Transient moorings, launch service and a private beach. Reservations recommended for moorings, required for dockage. Also provides repairs and upgrades, hauling and dinghy storage.
    • Clark Boat Yard & Marine Works (401) 423-3625
      Full-service boat yard with seasonal and transient moorings for boats up to 65′. Offers launch service, pump-out, showers, WiFi, parking, picnic area, storage, repair and maintenance. Specializes in wooden boat repair and maintenance.
    • Conanicut Yacht Club (401) 423-1424
      Allows use of guest moorings and facilities to members of reciprocal clubs.

Harbormaster
(401) 423-7249 

Anchorages

  • An especially idyllic anchorage is Mackerel Cove, which boast a wonderful beach and good protection except in a south or southeast wind. Other good spots to drop the hook include Potter Cove and Dutch Harbor.

Launch Ramps

  • Fort Getty Recreational Area (401) 423-7211
    Off Beavertail Road, west of Mackerel Cove Beach. Offers access to Dutch Harbor and the West Passage. Daily $20 park entrance fee required.
  • Fort Wetherill State Park & Marina (401) 423-1771
    At the southeast end of Ocean Street, off Walcott Avenue (Rte. 138), with parking available. Reservations accepted at the park’s 42-slip marina for small boats. Ramp is best suited for skiffs and kayaks.
  • East Ferry Dock
    Limited trailer parking. Best for small boats and kayaks.

Bike & Kayak Rental

  • Jamestown Outdoors (401) 924-2885
    Rentals of bikes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Company will deliver to anywhere on Conanicut Island. Paddleboard lessons and tours also offered.
  • Adventure Watersports (401) 849-4820
    Small-boat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and Jet Ski rentals. Also offers fishing and yacht charters.

Where to Eat

  • Plantation at the Bay (401) 560-0060
    Elegant dinners and Sunday brunch, with seafood, vegetarian and beef dishes, desserts and a top-shelf bar in a historic mid-1800s inn with water views.
  • Simpatico (401) 423-2000        Great indoor/outdoor dining in the village. Creative, delicious fare and inventive cocktails. NEBO approved!
  • Jamestown FISH (401) 423-3474
    European-inspired cuisine featuring locally harvested seafood and an extensive wine list, with seating on the patio, in the dining room or in the Bridge Bar.
  • Narragansett Café (401) 423-2150
    Popular village spot for a cold brew, pub grub and live music.
  • East Ferry Deli (401) 423-1592
    Sandwiches, salads, bakery items, soups and coffee with a view of the Newport Bridge and East Passage harbor.
  • Slice of Heaven Bakery (401) 423-9866
    Baked goods, gourmet sandwiches, espresso drinks and smoothies served indoors or outdoors
  • Spinnakers Café (401) 423-307                                          Casual waterfront restaurant serving seafood, burgers, sandwiches and homemade ice cream.


Things to See & Do

  • Watson Farm (401) 423-0005
    Historic, 265-acre farm established in 1796, with heritage breed farm animals. Visitors are welcome on the property for nature walks and views of Dutch Harbor.
  • Jamestown Fire Department Memorial Museum (401) 423-0062
    Antique firefighting equipment, with both horse-drawn and motorized fire engines.
  • Jamestown Golf (401) 423-9930;
    Public play is welcome at this nine-hole course just minutes from the downtown area and Conanicut and Dutch Harbor marinas.
  • Beavertail Lighthouse Museum (401) 423-3270
    Lighthouse museum displays, with the tower open for climbing once a month, May through October.
  • Sydney L. Wright Museum  (401) 423-7280                        Native American artifacts found in Jamestown in the 1960s, some dating back 3,000 years.
  • Jamestown Historical Society (401) 423-0784
    Summer exhibits on the history of Jamestown, plus temporary exhibits at the library and a local school. JHS also maintains the Jamestown Windmill and the Quaker Meeting House, as well as a collection of ferry memorabilia.

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978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

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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