No shortage of things to do at Pawtuxet Cove

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Want a change of scene without going too far? Head your boat for a ride up to Pawtuxet Cove. Located on the boundary of Warwick and Cranston, this historic area has a lot to offer. Established in 1638, the little village hosted some of our most prominent colonists well before the Revolutionary War. Roger Williams bought a large tract of land here as did Samuel Gorton.

In the 1700’s it boasted several mills and was a well-known port because of its protected waters. Ships from the West Indies made it a regular stop. Its oldest home, the Still house, was built in 1720, and the 1798 Rhodes house is on Post Road near the historic cemetery. It was here in Pawtuxet in 1772 that one of our first acts towards freedom took place with the burning of

the Gaspee, re-enacted each June with the burning of a mini ship, parade, encampment etc. Now the village is becoming famous for its excellent restaurants. You can sample food from Italy at Basta, the American bistro at Revolution, dine at the Irish pub O’Rourke’s, or try the Asian food at The Red House and Rim Nahm.

These are only a few. You can grab a pizza at Fellini’s and have dessert at Dear Hearts Ice Cream. The shops have imaginative names such as The Wax Queen, The Veiled Crow and Twice Told Tales. If you need any electrical work done, Pawtuxet Marine Electronics is right on the water on the opposite

side. Pawtuxet Cove is north of Conimicut Light. Follow the channel markers.

If you prefer, you can call Pettis Boat Yard at 467-8982 to arrange dockage if you plan to stay. There is a City of Warwick municipal dock at the Aspray Boat House where you can dock for 30 minutes to load or unload passengers.

Do consult the chart and watch your depths. The channel is 6 feet deep and about 80 feet wide. The picturesque waterfront has swans, ducks, and other waterfowl, but remember, it is illegal to feed them. Just to the north, in Stillhouse Cove, is Rhode Island Yacht Club. You can call them at 941-0220 if you want a transient mooring. The Yacht Club has a restaurant, lounge and pump out facilities, and is also near Pawtuxet Village. North of that you can find Edgewood Yacht Club, rebuilding after the January 2011 fire that destroyed the clubhouse. Their new building is slated to open at the start of the boating season in 2017 and will be shared with the Brown University Sailing Team. Now, however, they may have some transient moorings available and there are grills on land and a dockside bar. They are located across from the scenic Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, worthy of some photos as you cruise by. Purchased by Exxon-Mobil in 1980, the lighthouse was donated to the Friends of Pomham Rocks in 2010. Try a little cruise close to home once in a while and see some places you may have missed.

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