Safe/Sea Cruising Guide: Wickford

History

Wickford is a small village in the township of North Kingstown, Rhode Island named after Wickford in Essex, England. It was colonized in the early 1700’s and its historic homes, churches, gardens and picturesque harbor offer us a glimpse of our nation's early history. In addition to being the home base of Safe/Sea, Wickford offers plenty of other novelties. For starters, Wickford was previous home to painter Gilbert Stuart in 1755, and now houses the Gilbert Stuart Museum.

Wickford has also been home to Paule Stetson Loring, the artist for Yachting Magazine and other publications such as the Providence Journal.  The town, largely reminiscent of the small communities on Cape Cod, is a beautiful example of a slower, prettier, and more quaint time. Today the majority of the village's historic homes and buildings (mostly privately owned) remain largely intact and upon their original foundations. Outside of the fine homes, Wickford presents its guests with adorable hidden shops boiling over with interesting gifts, books, and jewelry for those who peruse its streets.

Things To Do

Despite the relatively small size of the town of Wickford, it doesn’t lack in activities and entertainment. It also offers weary cruisers enjoyable meals, any time of the day.

Food

The Place:  Quite possibly the most for your dollar in downtown Wickford.  The Place consistently serves up hot, filling, and delicous food at extremely reasonable prices.  Call 401-294-0800

Beach Rose Café: If you’re stopping in for breakfast or lunch and a nice cup of coffee or a bottle of wine wets your tastes; this Café will do the job.  Call 401-295-2800

Tavern By the Sea: For International Cuisine that’s slightly more filling and expensive than a sandwich or a cup of coffee, this Tavern offers exceptional entrées and a beautiful view. Call 401-294-5771

Harborside Grill: If you’re an early traveler, The Harborside is open 6am to 3pm for breakfast and lunch, right as you enter Wickford. Call 401-295-0444.

Wickford Diner: One of the original fast food destinations, diners are alive and well here in Southern New England and the Wickford Diner is no exception.  Like other restaurants in Rhode Island, its usually the ones you have to look for that really stand out.

Entertainment/Shopping

Whether you’re into the beachier side of things or want to dive straight into maritime life, checking out stores such as Mystic Scrimshanders or Nautical Impressions will get you there. Outside of these more sea-fairing stores, consider checking out the rest of the town.

Blue Hydrangea: Opened recently in 2005 by a Wickford local, Blue Hydrangea offers classy gifts, natural stationary, and whimsical jewelry.

The Grateful Heart: A beautiful cozy bookstore set in the walls of a 17th Century house provides you with a great place to browse or a comfortable and homey way to spend an afternoon reading anything from Philosophy to Cooking.

Canvasworks: A store brimming with Life Is Good paraphernalia, stationary, home furnishings, sturdy (and cute) canvas bags, and much much more!

Different Drummer: Best known for its pottery and glassware, Different Drummer is an eclectic collection of precious and unique goodies.

Note: Looking for more fast-paced entertainment? The City of Providence is not far.

Seasonal Festivals and Fairs

RI Air National Guard Air Show:  Late June

Wickford Art Festival:  Mid July

Wickford Harbor Festival:  Late September

Spirits of Wickford:  Late October

Annual Festival Of Lights:  End Nov.- Early Dec.

Accommodations

Classic Accomodations and Inns

Crosswinds: Beautifully decorated with an array of eclectic artifacts and classic antiques, this 1850 style farmhouse is a delightful place to stay. Call 401-339-7813

Haddie Pierce House: A classic maritime house, complete with widow’s walk, waiting for you to come enjoy its classic beauty and prime location. Call 401-294-7674.

Wickford Junction Inn: Situated in a park-like setting right at the gateway of historic Wickford, the Junction Inn is a beautifully restored 1880’s Victorian. Call 401-295-4434.

Modern Accomodations & Hotels

Hamilton Village Inn: (Just across the street from Safe/Sea's new Emergency Response Center) Enjoy modern, immaculate, economical accommodations on a scenic road. We are located just minutes from beaches, harbors, villages, the University of Rhode Island, and Newport.

Hampton Inn South Kingstown: Our hotel in South Kingstown is conveniently located in the Village at South County Commons - a unique mixed-use development in a quaint New England Village setting. From the Hampton Inn South Kingstown - Newport Area, you can take a short walk to grab dinner or watch a new release at the eight-screen movie theater.

Holiday Inn South Kingstown: Beaches, downtown Newport, The Ryan Center, many restaurants, shops, the Block Island Ferry, great fishing, kayaking and bicycling trails are all within minutes of this hotel.

Travel:

Eagle Taxi:  401-783-2970
Wakefield Cab Company:  401-783-0007
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 401-885-7558

Dockage/Mooring

Brewer Wickford Cove Marina
Docks & Moorings Available
401- 884-7014
VHF 9
$2.50/ft dockage rate
Gas & Diesel
Electricity/Pumpout/Water
Full Service Facility

Mill Creek Marine
Service
401-294-3700
Electricity/Pumpout/Water
Full Service Facility

Pleasant Street Wharf
Docks & Moorings Available
401-294-2791
$1.50/ft. dockage rate
Gas & Diesel
Full Service Facility

Wickford Shipyard
Docks & Moorings available
401-294-3361
$1.50/ft. dockage rate
Gas & Diesel
Electricity/Water

Wickford Marina
Docks available
401-294-8160
VHF 10
$2.60/ft. dockage rate
Electricity