From National Apple Month and National Cookie Month to Vegetarian Month and Children's Magazine Month, October honors and celebrates many occasions. Thirty, to be exact. Our favorite of them all? National Go on a Field Trip Month. We have a feeling this was contrived for children, but as we like to consider ourselves kids at heart, we're taking full advantage and bringing you one brand new field trip idea each week throughout October. This week, we're heading over the Newport Bridge to quaint Jamestown for food, scenic sites and bit a history.
SEE
Beavertail State Park
Whether you prefer to remain in your car, explore on foot or take advantage of four charming overlooks, Beavertail State Park is the perfect place to admire beautiful vistas along Rhode Island's coastline. While you're there, take some time to explore Beavertail Lighthouse, located on the southernmost tip of Jamestown, the 64 foot lighthouse was built in 1856, making it the third oldest lighthouse in North America today.
Pro Tip: Beavertail provides some of the best saltwater fishing in the area.
Jamestown Windmill
Built in 1787 and in operation until 1896, the old Jamestown windmill stands high on Windmill Hill in the center of the island. It is a three-story octagonal structure with a domed cap (also known as a bonnet). For 109 years, until 1896, the mill ground coarse cracked corn to feed animals and finer corn meal for people to eat, after which the windmill was neglected for eight years. in 1904, a group of Jamestowners interested in saving the mill formed the Jamestown Windmill Association. Today, the windmill is open from mid-June to mid-October on weekends from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Visitors can climb to the bonnet to see the gears that translate the force of the wind to the power to turn the mill stones.
INDULGE
Spinnaker's Cafe
Indulge your sweet tooth at Spinnaker's Cafe. The waterfront cafe located in the heart of Jamestown opened their doors with a simple menu offering just ice cream. While their offerings have expanded, they still provide sweet treats to indulge your cravings. With 32 flavors, the only thing you won't like is choosing which one.
Preppy Big BBQ
Savor ribs, brisket, smoked chicken wings and more, plus sides with a twist including mac and cheese, corn bread, pickled vegetables and coleslaw.
EXPLORE
Watson Farm
This 265-acre property has been in the Watson Family since 1789 when Job Watson purchased the first piece of farmland. Today, the farm managers continue the tradition of pastoral husbandry, grazing Heritage Red Devon cattle and sheep on the scenic seaside pastures. Take a self-guided walking tour to explore the farm fields, grazing livestock, and view seasonal farm activities.
Sydney L. Wright Museum
The Sydney L. Wright Museum is home for archeological discoveries from the soil of Conanicut Island. See the prehistoric pot, used here on Conanicut Island 3,400 years ago or learn about the inhabitants of the West Ferry Site, the Narragansett Indian Burial Ground. The museum is located in the Jamestown Philomenian Library.
