North Kingstown

North Kingstown is in Washington County, Rhode Island in the United States of America. It has of coastline on Narragansett Bay and covers almost. As of 2019, the population was approximately 26,000. The town is 60 miles south of Boston, Massachusetts, 20 miles south of Providence, Rhode Island, and 12 miles northwest of Newport, Rhode Island. The 143rd Wing of the RI Air National Guard is based at the Quonset airport.

North Kingstown encompasses the villages of Allenton, Hamilton, Davisville, Quidnessett, Lafayette, Slocum, Belleville and Saunderstown.

While Wickford, a quaint touristic village renowned for its history and its festivals, is part of North Kingstown, it is covered in its own separate article.

Understand
The history of the town dates back to 1637, when theologian Roger Williams established a trading post between two major Native American thoroughfares. In 1674, “Kings Towne” was founded by the colonial government and included several present-day towns. Kings Towne was the center of the King Philip's War fought from 1675 to 1676. At the start of the 18th century, settlement increased so quickly that in 1722 the colonial government divided Kings Towne into North and South, with North Kingstown being the area of earliest settlement. The seaport and colonial fishing village of Wickford was also established in the early 18th century.

The town's population grew during the Second World War, when Quonset Naval Base was in full operation. During this time, Quonset consisted largely of airplane hangars, barracks and other functional buildings. After the base ceased to be full-functioning, many of these buildings were converted to house businesses and factories. The business park has become more developed and has brought industry to North Kingstown from all over the world. Through use of its port, Quonset receives automobiles from around the world, including Germany and Japan. The Quonset Gateway project has promoted the growth of the area by providing space for local retailers and high-tech industrial and commercial businesses. To accommodate for these businesses and to improve the area, many of the World War II era-buildings have been destroyed or are being deconstructed. However, adventurous visitors can still see some of the World War II-era buildings by driving or biking around the area. Several Quonset Huts (named for the Native-American structure design they were inspired by) can be found near Alan's Harbor.

Get in

 * Car, from the highway, you can get to North Kingstown from Route 4 South, exits 5A and 5B, and Route 4 North, exit 5. There are 2 "Park & Rides", one off of Ten Rod Rd. and the other off of Frenchtown Rd.
 * Quonset State Airport, +1 401-294-4504, in North Kingstown.
 * Kingston Station- Serving Amtrak trains and is right near the University of Rhode Island, about 20 to 30 minutes away. +1-800-872-7245.
 * R.I.P.T.A. Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority, +1-800-221-3797
 * T.F. Green Airport, +1 401-294-4504, is a hub for major carriers. In Warwick, approximately 30 minutes from North Kingstown.
 * Boat: it is possible to access Wickford by boat, as it is in Narragasett Bay.

See
There is much history in North Kingstown, let alone all of Rhode Island. From colonial battles, and early-American life to Quonset Point's modern military use and the wildlife refuge found here, there is much to see and do in North Kingstown.

Do
As is everywhere else in New England what there is to do in North Kingstown varies by the season, but you will always find something.

Buy
If you just need to buy something simple, like a forgotten toiletry item or a bag of chips, there are a couple “big” stores in North Kingstown, outside of Wickford, that will help to fulfill your basic needs.



Eat
North Kingstown isn't a foodie haven, but you will be able to find something to satisfy your hunger.

Sleep
Not many chain hotels are to be found in North Kingstown.



Go next
Given the uniquely small size of Rhode Island, any in-state destination is always just a short drive away (usually an hour or less). As such, almost any Rhode Islander will lament over a drive greater than 15 minutes or so. Also keep in mind that, if asking for directions on your way out, Rhode Islanders have a nasty habit of imparting directions based on landmarks that used to be there but no longer are. In Massachusetts:
 * Providence – the closest major city and the metropolitan core of the state (to the north; about a 40-minute drive).
 * Narragansett – home to some of the most visited beaches in the state (to the south; about a 20 minute drive).
 * Jamestown – a popular destination for the seafaring-type due to its large sailing community (to the southeast, over the Jamestown Bridge; about a 20-minute drive).
 * Newport – a beautiful seaside town famed for its mansions and festivals (to the southeast, over both the Jamestown and Newport Bridge; about a 25-minute drive).
 * Block Island – a very popular summer and weekend destination, Block Island offers top-notch beaches and plenty of tourist-friendly activities and facilities (to the far south, via ferry at the ocean coast; about 30 minutes driving, plus ferry ride).
 * Martha's Vineyard
 * Nantucket
 * Cape Cod
 * Boston