Cynthia - Click to enlarge Edition #65, 15 November 2010

Hello, my name is Cynthia, a mermaid from the cool waters of New England. Thank you for visiting my collection of articles on New England travel. Please support this site by telling family and friends.

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North Kingstown, Rhode Island

North Kingstown is located in Washington County along the western shore of Narragansett Bay. The town was formed in 1722 when Kings Towne was split into two parts. Twenty years later, the town of Exeter was formed from the western part of North Kingstown. Here is a map of North Kingstown.

The 2010 Wickford Village Festival of Lights will be held December 2nd-5th. The celebration beings at 6pm on the 2nd with the town tree lighting and visit from Santa at Updike Park. The North Kingstown Community Chorus and The Lafayette Band will be performing.

Winter will be here before you know it. The Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Sports Park, located in nearby Exeter, caters to both beginner and expert skiers. Enjoy 12 maintained ski trails, snow boarding, and snow tubing. During the summer, Yawgoo features a waterslide and pool as well as as a pitch and putt facility. North Kingstown

The portrait of George Washington that appears on the US dollar bill was painted by Gilbert Stuart, who was born in North Kingstown in 1755. His birthplace is now the site of a museum which features works from throughout his career. Visit the museum at 815 Gilbert Stuart Rd in the village of Saunderstown.

Learn more about the history of North Kingstown with a visit to Smith's Castle, located at 55 Richard Smith Drive. Here you will find one of America's oldest plantation houses. Be sure to take the educational tour during your visit.

The Quonset Air Museum is located at 488 Eccleston Avenue at the former Quonset Point Naval Air Station in North Kingstown. Exhibits include a variety of vintage and classic aircraft, civilian airplanes, and military aircraft. Admission is free, and the museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

When visiting during the summer months, enjoy the Town Beach Complex or one of the four beaches at Quonset Point. Golf lovers will want to pay a visit to the 18-hole North Kingstown Municipal Golf Course. Water sports include boating and kayaking.

Another popular summer destination is Casey Farm, located in Saunderstown at 2325 Boston Neck Road. This circa 1750 homestead was part of a plantation that produced food for both local and foreign consumption. Today, the farm produces organically grown vegetables, herbs, and flowers. A guided tour is available of this historic landmark which includes the farmyard and cemetery. Casey Farm is open on Saturdays from June 1st to October 15th. Adult admission is $4.

Overlooking Wickford Harbor, Tavern By The Sea is a great place to relax and enjoy seafood, steaks, salads, chicken, pasta, and more. Start your meal with a cup or bowl of clam chowder, and enjoy the view of the harbor as your meal is perpared.

If you love Mexican food and are having trouble finding good Mexican food in New England, make your way to El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant at 8220 Post Road. Be sure to bring a big appetite, as the portions are huge. Note that El Tapatio does not accept reservations, and they do get busy.

Folks are raving about Boston Neck Pizza at 1814 Boston Neck Road. Their calzones are quite popular, and their pizza gets high marks as well. Local delivery is available.

Learn more about North Kingstown at www.northkingstown.org and www.northkingstown.com. If you see me in the water, be sure to wave!

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Photo Credits:
Cynthia at Sunrise: DSI Photo
North Kingstown: Webshots/CyndysPage

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