Offers residents ample outdoor space and access to trails and parks as well as unique pieces of New England History.
A serene coastal gem in the Narragansett Bay
Jamestown, Rhode Island, is a peaceful city of just over 5,500 that sits within the Narragansett Bay. The second-largest island in the bay, Jamestown offers residents ample outdoor space and access to trails and parks as well as unique pieces of New England History. Locals love the historic farms, quaint Cape Cod-style cottages, and tight-knit community in this charming coastal town.
Jamestown has a cozy, rural feel and is primarily residential. Most residents love being minutes from the coast no matter what part of town they’re in. Jamestown has been called the top place in Rhode Island to retire and provides locals with a gentler pace of life. Its small size means it’s easier to get to know your neighbors, and Jamestown offers a variety of community events and programs to draw its residents together.
If you’re looking for the best place to go for breakfast or lunch in Jamestown, visit Slice of Heaven, a spot that’s earned top reviews for its cakes and pastries (all made in-house). Or, visit Bay Voyage, a beautiful Victorian Inn and eatery right by the water. Try the hummus appetizer, a plate of sushi rolls, or a steak with all the trimmings. Voted the best restaurant in Jamestown eight years in a row by Newport Life, Simpatico has an eclectic menu of bites ranging from Brazilian spring rolls to lobster mac & cheese.
For live performances, locals attend the Jamestown Summer Concert Series with live performances every Sunday at the East Ferry Memorial Square. Or they can take in shows like Into the Woods or Peter Pan at the Jamestown Community Theatre.
Narragansett Avenue is a great place to find boutique shops in Jamestown. The Secret Garden is a great option for flowers, located on Southwest Ave and offering arrangements for every occasion. Curiosity & Co is a unique, independent bookstore in Jamestown that regularly hosts community events from movie screenings to book signings to mixers and more.
From annual festivals to hiking paths and art classes, there’s plenty to do to keep busy in Jamestown. The Jamestown Art Center, on Valley Street, strives to inspire the Jamestown community with art and education. Classes for children and teens include pottery, kite-making, and a mix of summer camp programs. Adults can take part in art and meditation workshops, printmaking classes, floral workshops, and more. Past exhibitions at the art center have displayed works by artists from the local elementary school, solo artists like Seamus O. Hames, as well as seasonally-themed holiday shows. Overall, the Jamestown Art Center is the perfect place for those who love to engage with the arts.
Anyone wanting to enjoy the great outdoors will love Jamestown’s Fort Getty Park & Campground, a 41-acre facility equipped with camping areas, trails, a beach, and beautiful views of the Jamestown Bridge. Beavertail State Park is another option allowing residents to take in the natural beauty of the New England coast. Walking trails lead to four different overlooks, and the park sits beside the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum providing an in-depth look at the history of the area.
Jamestown also hosts a yearly Holiday Stroll where locals can shop on Narragansett Ave before Santa arrives in town by ferry. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the early afternoon before watching the town tree lighting ceremony in the evening.
Jamestown is served by the Jamestown School Department.
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