Barrington (Rhode Island)

Barrington is a scenic and waterfront town in Bristol County, Rhode Island that features a variety of different activities. Entering Barrington, from either the north (Seekonk, MA) or from the east (Warren, RI), you will run across or next to the Barrington River. During the summer season, many people enjoy their days waterskiing, fishing, and or sailing on the river. The town's residents can also enjoy all of these watersports at Barrington Beach.
Although not very well known for its large waves or surfing, Barrington Beach is a small, quiet bay that only costs $15 for a summer pass. If you're looking to spend a day playing basketball, then head over to Barrington Middle School located on Middle Highway. If basketball is not your thing, the town also features public tennis courts located at Barrington High School on Lincoln Avenue. Both courts are open with lights every night until 10PM. Another one of the town's many features is the Rhode Island Country Club. Every July PGA golfer Brad Faxon holds a charity golf event that attracts the likes of Arnold Palmer, Billy Andrade, and Sergio Garcia. It can be a great event to go and watch or even voulenteer at. Tickets cost around $30-100 for the three days. Barrington is also home to a bike path that runs 14.5 miles from Bristol all the way to Providence, which can be great if you are looking for a challenge or just taking it easy.

Barrington, RI was first established as its own town back in 1717 and is named after Barrington, Somerset where many of the original English settlers came from. Barrington is not a very large town as it spans only 15.4 square miles. However, of the 15.4 square miles, 8.4 of it is land and 7.0 of it is water. Barrington's population as of 2000 is 16,819 people, which makes for 1,998.1 people per square mile. Much of Barrington's history comes from the brick industry and small businesses, which helps it maintain it's friendly and comfortable atmosphere.
Barrington's crime rate is only .01% and it's property crime rate is 1.35%. In fact, Barrington was ranked 6th best place to live in America according to a 2005 CNN Money article. This article ranked the top 100 cities and towns based on median income, fastest job growth, safety, and least polluted.
Barrington is on Narragansett Bay, directly between Providence and Newport, allowing it easy access to both the city and the beaches. Due to its close proximity, quiet reputation, and excellent public school system, Barrington is considered an excellent place to raise a family. Many residents enjoy the numerous job opportunites in nearby Providence and Boston. It is praised as being a beautiful place to live, characterized by green grass and trees and punctuated with its beaches and rivers. Due to its coastal New England climate, Barrington experiences all four seasons, with a long summer, blooming spring, scenic autumn, and snowy winter. In the summer, it offers quick getaways to the beaches in Newport, the Cape, and the Islands, and in the winter, ski trips to New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont are just a few hours north. Barrington offers the best parts of New England living, while offering a quiet haven with easy access to the nearby action.
"Bordered on three sides by water, this small town on Narragansett Bay retains the leisurely feel of its days as an early 20th-century summer resort. Shops are clustered along County Road, the main street that runs through Barrington, but the commercial hub is small."

Barrington is easily navigated either by car or by public transportation. The RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) has eight stops within the town. Barrington is also home to a bike path that runs through some of its more scenic locations such as Brickyard Pond, the YMCA softball field, and through the center of town. This makes it easy to get around Barrington either by bike, walking, running, or driving. Travel by boat along the Barrington River by way of the Yacht Club. Barrington's waterside location also makes the town easily accessible to Narragansett Bay boaters looking to dock up and grab a bite to eat.
Barrington has a few main roads, from which most of the town can be accessed. County Road (Rt 114) leads through Barrington center, and turns into the Wampanoag Trail if traveling north, leading to Providence, and leads into Warren and Bristol if traveling south. Immediately after crossing the border from Warren, Sowams and New Meadow roads are the two main roads which offer access to the northeast neighborhoods of the town, between Hundred Acre Cove and the Warren River. Continuing straight towards the center offers access to Rumstick Road, which provides a route to the southern neighborhoods, Barrington Beach, and Rhode Island Country Club. After passing through the center, Lincoln Avenue features Barrington High School, and access to the western neighborhoods by way of Middle Highway or Washington Road. No point in town is far from a main road which offers quick access to Rt 114.

• Barrington Civic Center Historic District

  address: 283 County Rd
  Built in 1887 by Stone, Carpenter and Wilson, architects of Providence. It was recently renovated in 2009 due to the deterioration of the outside stonework. The old style of this building offers a medieval feel through its unique masonry, towers and gables.

• Barrington Town Beach

  address: Bay Road
  Four acres of beachfront overlooking Narragansett Bay. Lifeguards on duty from June to September. The cost of a resident parking sticker is $15 for the season (June–August). Unfortunately this beautiful spot cannot be enjoyed all throughout the year: due to high levels of bacteria, the beach is often closed since it is not safe for swimming.

• Haines Memorial Park

  address: Narragansett Avenue
  Include 75 acres of athletic fields, picnic sites, dog park, boat dock and launching ramp. The park can get crowded especially on weekends where it is the location of many recreational sporting events. A great place to spend a weekend morning with the family.

• Nayatt Point LighthouseBuilt in 1828. The rationale behind building this lighthouse was to mark the narrow channel between Nayatt Point and the reef off Conimicut Point. As a result of poor a poor design, the lighthouse deteriorated rapidly and was not tall enough. With only a height of 25 feet, the Nayatt Point Lighthouse was permanently deactivated in 1868.

• Osamequin Nature Trail

  address: Hundred Acre Cove
  A conservation area maintained by the town consisting of 38 acres of nature trails and a bird sanctuary.

• Veterans Memorial Park

  address: West Street
  A 245 acre town park bordering historic Brickyard Pond. Facilities include a baseball field and picnic areas.

• Walker FarmA town park that offers thirty acres of open land including boating and fishing accesses. Permit Required.

• Barrington Preservation Society Museum

  phone: +1 401 246-0999
  address: Rte. 114
  This museum contains a fine collection of artifacts and memorabilia from Barrington's rural past and industrial background. Exhibits change frequently.

• Barrington Yacht Club

  phone: +1 401 245-1181
  address: 25 Baton Ave
  The Barrington Yacht Club offers the finest yachting facilities on Narragansett Bay. It consists of two marinas, a fuel dock, a clubhouse (including a full bar), a sailboat jungle gym, a pool, and a snack bar. Membership is very affordable and members enjoy a full range of services including a yacht racing program, social activities, club cruises, and sail training program. Slips and moorings are available to non-members for a fee, on a space available basis. The fuel dock is also open to non-members as well as members. A longtime employer of Barrington's youth, the staff is both professional and personable. The Barrington Yacht Club is a great place for kids to spend their summer! Members Only.

• Body Natural Fitness Center

  phone: +1 401 245-0022
  address: 306 County Rd
  A gym and smoothie bar is open for one day use and its new age equipment makes for a great time.

• East Bay Bike PathA bike trail running from the town of East Providence to Bristol using what used to be an old railroad bed. It is open to bicycles and foot traffic and has some entertaining sights.

• Bayside Family YMCA

  phone: +1 401 245-2444
  address: 70 West St
  Since 1963 the Bayside Family YMCA has been offering various health programs and activities to enjoy as a family or as an individual. Bayside Family YMCA offers programs in aquatics, health and wellness, sports, teens, active older adults, family, and arts and humanities. Members Only.

• Kids Cove

  address: 283 County Rd
  A brand new playground that can add hours of fun for kids of all ages.

• Latham Park

  address: Bay Spring
  Both a public boat launch and kids playground. Offers the possibility of fun and breathtaking views of the Bay.

• Murder on Us

  phone: +1 401 245-5850
  address: 1 Sullivan Terrace
  Rhode Island's premiere murder mystery theater, is a great place to enjoy dinner and a good laugh. The company performs at one of Rhode Island's finest restaurants, The Barnsider.

• Striper Marina

  phone: +1 401 245-6121
  address: 24 Tyler Point Rd
  A fishing marina, offers boat ramp and fuel if you have a boat, or catch a fishing charter if you don't!

• Brickyard PondBrickyard Pond gets its name from the clay deposits in the pond that were used by Nayatt Brick Company starting in the mid-1800s. While the clay is no longer harvested, the pond is home to large and small mouth bass and numerous sunfish, making it a great place for a novice fisherman to relax and cast a line on a summer day.

• Brewers Cove Haven Marina

  phone: +1 401 246-1600
  address: 101 Narragansett Ave
  A great place to keep your boat if you're looking for to get away from the hectic boating scene on the Bay. They offer summer slips as well as winter storage.
• Boating/Sailing Lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.

Golf

• Rhode Island Country Club

  phone: +1 401 245-7370
  address: 150 Nayatt Rd
  (Tee times: +1 401 245-2470). An 18-hole private course with challenging holes for golfers at any skill level. With many hazards and trees throughout the course, there are many places to get into danger. The last four holes border Narragansett Bay, so the end of the round is spent looking at breathtaking views of the bay. The site of four USGA championships, as well as CVS Charity Classic every year. Members Only.

• Barrington Books

  phone: +1 401 245-7925
  address: 180 County Rd
  A local book store that houses both best sellers and books of local authors.

• Barrington Hardware

  phone: +1 401 246-0550
  address: 65 Bay Spring Ave
  A local hardware store that offers name brand and top quality products, but has the feel of a small town store.

• Teapots and Tassels

  phone: +1 401 247-0980
  address: 71 Maple Ave
  Offers a variety of home decorations, gifts, designer brands. A classic store in Barrington.

• Feminine Fancies

  phone: +1 401 247-1087
  address: 290 County Rd
  Features designer women's clothing and undergarments. Suitable and tasteful for younger women and older women.

• Hollies

  phone: +1 401 245-0090
  address: 60 Maple Ave
  New age gift shop with delectable products.

• Taglia

  phone: +1 401 247-9099
  address: 259 County Rd
  Upscale and fashionable women's clothing, shoes, bags, dresses, jewelry, etc.

• Teddy Bearskins of Barrington

  phone: +1 401 245-8703
  address: 290 County Rd
  Unique children's clothing, accessories, and gifts.

• Toys Ahoy

  phone: +1 401 247-0415
  address: 1 Waseca Ave
  Assortment of childrens toys, crafts, and games, specializing in educational products.

• Madre Bella

  phone: +1 401 247-0122
  address: 1 Waseca Ave
  Fashionable maternity clothing, accessories and baby clothing.

• The Stock Exchange

  phone: +1 401 247-5400
  address: 51 Maple Ave
  Upscale consignment store with a variety of antiques and quality consignments.

• Wierdgirl Creations

  phone: +1 401 247-1397
  address: 33 Kent St
  Decorate your own pottery or buy from the wide assortment of creations.

• Talbots

  phone: +1 401 247-4511
  address: 180 County Rd
  The women's chain clothing store, carries classic clothing.

• Ann Taylor Loft

  phone: +1 401 245-0358
  address: 180 County Rd
  Fashionable women's clothing chain store.

• Hidden Gardens

  phone: +1 401 247-9233
  address: 212 County Rd
  Located on the main road, it is a secluded place to buy trees, plants, and flowers. Also a store that offers various gifts and decorations. Especially popular during the holiday season.

• Bagels etc.,

  phone: +1 401 247-1213
  address: 259 County Rd
  'The Bagel Shop', as the locals call it, offers a great variety of fresh bagels and unique cream cheese flavors, plus great coffee.

• Bruegger's Bagel Bakery

  phone: +1 401 245-1012
  address: 1 Waseca Ave
  Brueggers offers a variety of fresh bagels, prepared sandwiches and hot soups.

• Newport Creamery

  phone: +1 401 245-2212
  address: 188 County Rd
  Amazing ice cream and sundaes.

• Vienna Bakery

  phone: +1 401 245-2357
  address: 110 Maple Ave
  Open Tu-Sat 7:30AM-7PM Sun 7:30AM-6PM. Great selection of authentic Italian baked products. Items baked daily include breads, rolls, pastries, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, Italian specialties, cheesecakes, tarts, calzones, éclairs, cannolis and specialty cakes. Great aroma in the store!

• Daily Scoop

  phone: +1 401 245-0100
  address: 230 County Rd
  Great ice cream. Try the key lime pie and the Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

• Kozy Kitchen

  phone: +1 401 245-1616
  address: 312 County Rd
  Comfort food at its best.

• Golden Bowl

  phone: +1 401 247-1800
  address: 226 County Rd
  Mediocre Chinese food and great service.

• Taste Of Curiosity Cafe

  phone: +1 401 245-4042
  address: 33 b Kent St
  Said by some to be the best cup of coffee in town. Danishes made fresh daily on site.

• Barrington House of Pizza

  phone: +1 401 247-1122
  address: 59 Maple Ave
  Barrington House of Pizza is one of the few restaurants in town that offer delivery service. They have a diverse menu.

• Vienna Bakery

  phone: +1 401 245-2357
  address: 110 Maple Ave
  Great baked products. Spinach pies and sugar cookies are local favorites.

• Wallis Seafood

  phone: +1 401 245-6666
  address: 130 Maple Ave
  Best seafood in town. Lobsters are delicious.

• Casual Catering and Deli

  phone: +1 401 247-1660
  address: 230 Waseca Ave
  Great for catering or to stop in for a sandwich. Excellent Italian grinders.

• Billy's

  phone: +1 401 289-2888
  address: 286 Maple Ave
  Upscale dining features sophisticated decor and well-reviewed menu featuring Italian food and seafood. One of the few spots in town with a full bar.

• Miz Fibz Deli

  phone: +1 401 246-3315
  address: 33 Kent St
  Great home cooked meals at great price. Comfortable environment with very hospitable staff. Try a Ralph Burger. Catering available.

There are three restaurants in town which feature a full bar, Tyler Point Grille, Chiazza Tratorria, and Billy's. The Democratic Club, Rhode Island Country Club, and Yacht Club also feature bars, but all three only serve members. Liquor can be bought locally at Grapes and Grains in the Center Marketplace just off of county road. Liquor stores are also available a short drive over the border to East Providence, Seekonk, or Warren.

There are no hotels located in Barrington, the closest one is approximately 15 minutes away in Seekonk, MA.

• Ramada Inn

  phone: +1 508 336-7300
  address: 940 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA

• Comfort Inn

  phone: +1 508 336-7900
  address: 41 Highland Avenue, Seekonk, MA

While there is very little to do in Barrington concerning nightlife, the surrounding towns offer numerous options. Upscale dining can be found on Federal Hill in Providence, or on America's Cup Ave in Newport. Providence, Newport, and Bristol all feature a vibrant nightlife with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs, thirty minutes or less from town.