Pawtuxet Village RI: A Best Kept New England Travel Secret
Pawtuxet Village Cove, Pawtuxet Village, R.I.
by Eric Hurwitz. Article updated on 11/25/16
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When thinking of Warwick and Cranston, R.I., T.F. Green
Airport, highways, city streets with traffic congestion, strip malls
and other busy city and suburban elements come to mind.
Driving Route 1 to Route 1A North from Route 37 in Warwick,
however, brings about a mind-boggling change of pace. All of a sudden,
commercial and industrial businesses vanish, trees start to the
saturate a more narrow road, and the homes transform from modest to
stunningly historic. An idyllic, lush green park by a body of water
confirms that something magical is about to happen.
That magic is expressed in Pawtuxet Village, one of the true best kept
New England travel secrets. Passing Pawtuxet Park in Warwick and over a
vehicle and pedestrian bridge into Cranston conjures up images of a
similar, familiar scene with Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Pawtuxet
Village isn't nearly as famous and "high profile" as those two Maine
vacation towns, and that actually works to an advantage to travelers
wanting a quieter alternative.
New England definitely arrives in its full glory in Pawtuxet Village
with its scenic harbor -- where the Pawtuxet River flows into the Providence River and Narragansett Bay -- and quaint
downtown district with shops (jewelry, art, yoga, etc.), cafes,
restaurants and other specialty shops. Although not nearly as developed
as Kennebunkport or some of the more popular Cape Cod towns like
Hyannis and Falmouth, Pawtuxet Village offers enough options to keep
people of all ages interested. The waterfront scenery is worth the
visit alone and the historic feel is significant -- no surpirse, as
this is one of the oldest American settlements dating back to 1638. It
is also one of the few villages in the United States that spans two
communities: Warwick and Cranston.
For starters, Pawtuxet Village is a wonderful walking town, and that's
important -- not only for its impressive coastal scenery, but because
this charming community has become something of a food destination. You
just might need to take that extended walk to neutralize the appetizing
calories. It's astonishing how many different cuisines are offered within just a few blocks.
Basta (2195 Broad St.) serves wonderful homemade Italian food and O'Rourke's Bar and Grill (23 Peck Lane) outstanding pub fare. Rim Nahm (2212 Broad St.) features delicious Thai food. Beans and Buns Bakery and Cafe (2166 Broad St.) specializes in breakfast sandwiches and bowls, toasts (like avocado), baked goods, sandwiches, soups, salads and locally-roasted coffees. Crepe Corner (2170 Broad St.) features. well, you guessed it, homemade crepes, as well as breakfast (including waffles) and vegan items. Revolution (2190 Broad St.) comes across as a neighborhood-type "hometown" restaurant with excellent comfort foods and drinks. Poco Loco Tacos (2005 Broad St.) is a cozy eatery and an outpost of a taco truck fleet that serves up casual Mexican bites (BYOB option here). Lucy Juicy (2180 Broad St.) offers fresh juices, smoothies and plant-based food items. Vatsana Thai & Sushi (2168 Broad St.) is a highly regarded restaurant featuring a nice variety of Asian cuisine. Fellini's Pizzeria (2190 Broad St.) serves some fabulous Italian-style pizza (try the pie with ricotta, bacon and scallions with a parmesan cheese sauce!) for take out or to dine in (they do have a bar, as well).
For the ice cream lover, Dear Hearts Family Ice Cream Shop (2218 Broad St.) satisfies with
Bliss Brothers ice cream. It's located right by the bridge -- separating Cranston and Warwick -- overlooking the water,.
While the food options abound in this small village within just a few
blocks, the real appetizer in Pawtuxet Village remains the feeling of
being in coastal New England. Start with Pawtuxet Park and Aspray Boat
House area on the Warwick side with its pretty white gazebo and
meandering paths leading to the Pawtuxet River.
Walk a few of the side streets to see some grand old homes and
beautiful harbor views. Stroll the bridge with its vibrantly colors
flower beds in the warmer weather, and commanding views of the river.
Breathe in the coastal air and also be aware that the common loud
noises that we hear in every day suburban and urban life have been
reduced to a minimum. Say "hello" back to the locals that say
"hi" to you first. Enjoy the Main Street USA look of Broad St. that
seems to have greatly dissipated in the United States the past 40 years
with the presence of big box stores. Broad St. is one of those streets
that could have cars filling up each space but upon walking onto the
sidewalk, everything is inexplicably quiet. Go figure, but the
peacefulness stands out, even when the village is busy.
Pawtuxet Village does lack in a few coastal vacation town staples:
there's no lodging and restaurants with upfront water views (O'Rourke's
dining patio is the closest you'll get, but not right on the water).
Somehow, though, the lack of lodging and waterfront restaurants do
little to impede the joy of visiting this charming New England
town. Perhaps the absence of pretension and vacation-town
self-consciousness -- and the abundance of scenic beauty and all those
places to eat -- outweighs the void of those few elements lacking.
Plus, there is that X factor of feeling right at ease and at home in
Pawtuxet River rather than a guest that pays a fortune to enjoy a
vacation in a town that markets itself heavily. Here in Pawtuxet
Village, you can just be yourself whether as just a standalone day
trip, or as part of a vacation that includes nearby Newport or
Providence.
Whatever route you choose for your travel, consider Pawtuxet Village a
hidden New England travel gem that takes you away from the fast-paced
world just down the road and into a charming village that ranks amongst
the most appealing in the six-state region.
For more information on Pawtuxet Village, log onto the Friends
of Pawtuxet Village >web sites.
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Eric
wrote these helpful, fun New England travel books just for you...
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