Ashaway Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Ashaway, Rhode Island with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring must-visit places, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and travel logistics.


Introduction to Ashaway

Ashaway is a beautiful village located in South County, Rhode Island, in the United States of America. It is known for its serene natural beauty, with lush green forests, scenic routes, and rippling streams. The village also boasts of a rich cultural heritage, with several museums, historical landmarks, and artisanal shops that offer a glimpse into its past.

List of Places to Visit in Ashaway

If you are planning to visit Ashaway, here is a list of some must-visit places that you should not miss.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bradford Village Historic District - This historic district features several well-preserved colonial buildings that date back to the 18th century, along with quaint shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
  • Westerly Armory - This historic armory was built in 1901 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It now serves as a museum that showcases the history of the Rhode Island National Guard.
  • Babcock-Smith House - This house, built-in 1734, is a fine example of colonial architecture and has been preserved with period furnishings.

Natural Attractions of Ashaway: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ashaway Wildlife Management Area - This area covers over 3,000 acres and boasts of hiking trails, fishing spots, and several species of birds and wildlife.
  • Clark Falls and Shannock Falls - These picturesque falls are located near the Carolina Management Area and offer breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Watch Hill Lighthouse - This iconic lighthouse, located on the southwest corner of the village, is a great spot for taking in stunning sunsets and ocean views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ashaway

Ashaway offers several hiking and biking trails that take you through scenic routes and wildlife management areas. Some popular routes are:

  • Pawcatuck River Trail - This trail runs alongside the scenic Pawcatuck River and takes you through the heart of the village.
  • Carolina Management Area Trails - This area offers over 5000 acres of wildlife management area and features several hiking and mountain biking trails.

Best Things to Do in Ashaway: Activities and Tours

  • Camping - Ashaway offers several campsites and cabins for visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
  • Kayaking - Visitors can rent kayaks and paddle along the Pawcatuck River and its tributaries.
  • Fishing - Ashaway offers excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ashaway

Here is a week-long itinerary for visitors to Ashaway:

Day Activity
Day 1 Hike the Pawcatuck River Trail and visit Bradford Village Historic District
Day 2 Explore the Babcock-Smith House and visit Watch Hill Lighthouse
Day 3 Kayak in the Pawcatuck River and enjoy picnicking at the Shannock Falls
Day 4 Explore Westerly Armory Museum and visit the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Day 5 Go Camping in Carolina Management Area and explore the Clark Falls
Day 6 Visit the Ashaway Wildlife Management Area and go for some fishing
Day 7 Go for a biking tour of Ashaway on the Carolina Management Area Trails

Food and Drink Scene of Ashaway

Ashaway offers a vibrant food and drink scene with several restaurants, cafes, and breweries that serve delicious local cuisine and drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll - Rhode Island is famous for its seafood, and the Lobster Roll is one of the top dishes to try while in Ashaway.
  • Stuffies - The stuffies are a classic Rhode Island appetizer made with quahog clams, bread stuffing, and spices.
  • Chowder - Rhode Island Clam Chowder is a creamy soup made with chopped clams, potatoes, and onions.

Local Beverages

  • Narragansett Beer - Narragansett Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in Rhode Island and offers a range of traditional and seasonal beers.
  • Yacht Club Soda - Yacht Club Soda is a local soda company that has been operating since 1915 and offers classic flavors like cream soda and birch beer.

Where to Stay in Ashaway: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ashaway offers several accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some popular options are:

  • Winnapaug Inn - This charming inn, located near the Misquamicut Beach, offers comfortable rooms and is close to several attractions.
  • Pine Lodge Bed and Breakfast - Pine Lodge is a historic bed and breakfast that offers cozy rooms and a traditional Rhode Island breakfast.
  • Misquamicut Beach Front Inn - This beachfront hotel offers stunning ocean views, a private beach, and several amenities.

What to Buy in Ashaway: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pottery - Artisanal pottery made by local artists is a popular souvenir item in Ashaway.
  • Sea Salt - Rhode Island is known for its salt-making, and artisanal sea salt is a great item to bring back home.
  • Baskets and Woven Products - Native American Wampanoags from the area specialize in making beautiful baskets and woven products.

Local Culture and Customs of Ashaway

The local culture of Ashaway is deeply rooted in the region’s history and natural beauty. The area has a rich Native American heritage, and visitors can learn about it through the several cultural centers in the region.

Best Time to Visit Ashaway

The best time to visit Ashaway is during the summer months, from June to August when the weather is mild, and the days are long. Fall months are also a great time to visit, with mild temperatures and the beauty of foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ashaway

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs of the area
  • Take care of the environment while enjoying outdoor activities
  • Try local cuisine and drinks

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Disturb wildlife
  • Ignore safety guidelines while engaging in outdoor activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Ashaway

Ashaway is a safe place for visitors, but it is always good to exercise caution while traveling. Visitors are advised to be careful while hiking and camping, as well as around waterways.

Health in Ashaway

There are no major health risks in Ashaway, and visitors can take normal precautions. It is recommended that visitors carry adequate medical insurance.

Getting to Ashaway: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ashaway is easily accessible by road, air, and train.

Airports Near Ashaway

  • T.F. Green Airport - Located in Warwick, RI, T.F. Green is the closest airport to Ashaway, located about 34 miles away.
  • Logan International Airport - Located in Boston, MA, Logan is also easily accessible from Ashaway.

Bus Stations Near Ashaway

  • Peter Pan Bus Lines - Peter Pan Bus Lines has a stop in Westerly, RI, which is about 6 miles from Ashaway.

Other Options

  • Train - Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service stops at nearby stations like Westerly and Mystic.
  • Car Rental - Car rentals are available at all major airports and Amtrak stations

How to Get Around in Ashaway

Visitors can get around Ashaway through car rentals, taxis, or public transportation, although renting a car is the most convenient way to travel and explore the area.

Where to Go Next from Ashaway: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Misquamicut Beach - Located just a few miles away from Ashaway, Misquamicut Beach offers Golden Sand beaches, boardwalks, and watersports.
  • Block Island - This secluded island is located off the coast of Rhode Island and boasts of stunning beaches, lighthouses, and hiking trails.
  • Watch Hill - This nearby village is located on a peninsula and offers sweeping views of the ocean and several attractions.

Conclusion

Ashaway is a quaint and beautiful village that offers a glimpse of Rhode Island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From scenic routes to museums and outdoor activities, Ashaway has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in New England.