North Smithfield

North Smithfield is a large town in Providence County, Rhode Island. It has an abundance of historic houses, sites, landmarks and mills enriched with history to visit.

Understand
It was settled as a farming community in the 17th century by British colonists it started out predominately as a farming community. Located along the Blackstone River, mills were later built along the river. These mills are still standing, some of them are open to public tours and others have been turned into luxury living communities or offices.

North Smithfield includes the historic villages of Forestdale, Primrose, Waterford, Branch Village, Union Village, Park Square, and Slatersville. Its population was 12,000 in 2015.

North Smithfield is in a New England upland region. The Branch and Blackstone Rivers provided much of the power for the early mills in the town.

Get in
You can fly into T.F. Green airport and taking either a taxi or rental car from the airport.

If you are relatively close to North Smithfield, driving would be your best bet. Because Rhode Island is so small, everything is within short driving distance.

There is also a train station in downtown Providence.

See

 * The historic Slatersville Public Library was built in the 1800s on the Blackstone River. Behind the library lies an old bridge as well as remnants of old mill engineering devices.
 * The Forestdale Red School House is a one-room school house. It is no longer used for educational purposes, and is open to tours.
 * The Indian Burial Grounds - On the corner of Black Plain & Greenville Rd, deep in the woods. There is a trail that has been made by passers-by, and is generally maintained, but it is not guaranteed. Throughout the trail you will be able to see what looks to be piles of rock (where Native American bodies lie) as well as caves and tunnels. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot an arrowhead or two!
 * The historic Slatersville Congregational Church was built in the early 1800s. This historic white colonial church features an old piano, organ and the original pews and balcony. The church is open for viewing Monday - Friday from 9AM - noon, and worship is open to all on Sundays from 10-11AM with a coffee hour following the service. The service is open to all religions and all people.
 * The historic Slatersville Congregational Church was built in the early 1800s. This historic white colonial church features an old piano, organ and the original pews and balcony. The church is open for viewing Monday - Friday from 9AM - noon, and worship is open to all on Sundays from 10-11AM with a coffee hour following the service. The service is open to all religions and all people.

Do

 * Rustic Tri-View Drive-In - Route 146, +1 401-769-7601. Apr-Sep. Seasonal outdoor movies just like the good old days! The Rustic Drive-In is a great alternative to the usual movie theater; one of the last surviving drive-in theatres in the United States, it still brings in quite the crowd every summer. Cost is by carload and each screen shows 2 movies each night with a brief intermission.
 * Slatersville Reservoir - It is in Slatersville (North Smithfield), off of Providence Pike. On this body of water people are allowed to fish, and boat (electric boats). However, make sure you have a fishing and boating license if you plan on doing either.

Buy

 * Goodwin Brother's Farm Stand - Greenville Rd. This farm stand has been a part of North Smithfield tradition and history for decades and has attracted people from all over the state. This farm stand has been built with a beautiful timber frame. There is a wide variety of fruits and vegetables available for purchase. All fruit and vegetable are organic and fresh.

Eat

 * Parente's Restaurant 1114 Douglas Pike. Though Parente's is in Smithfield, it is on the North Smithfield line. The prices are reasonable and fair, their food is served in very good portions, and the service is always friendly. It's one of those little mom-and-pop places that is worth trying at least once, and they've got what is probably the best Greek pizza in the whole state; try it for yourself.
 * Gator's Pub Corner of Main St and Victory Highway. This restaurant is also a bar and features an outdoor, sand volleyball court. The food ranges from pizza to sandwiches, steaks to fish. There is a wide range of beer on tap at the sports bar. This restaurant has a tendency to be very crowded on Fridays, yet the service is also very quick and the food is moderately priced. The majority of its clientele are elderly, but that should be no hindrance to an enjoyable dining experience.
 * Parente's Restaurant 1114 Douglas Pike. Though Parente's is in Smithfield, it is on the North Smithfield line. The prices are reasonable and fair, their food is served in very good portions, and the service is always friendly. It's one of those little mom-and-pop places that is worth trying at least once, and they've got what is probably the best Greek pizza in the whole state; try it for yourself.
 * Gator's Pub Corner of Main St and Victory Highway. This restaurant is also a bar and features an outdoor, sand volleyball court. The food ranges from pizza to sandwiches, steaks to fish. There is a wide range of beer on tap at the sports bar. This restaurant has a tendency to be very crowded on Fridays, yet the service is also very quick and the food is moderately priced. The majority of its clientele are elderly, but that should be no hindrance to an enjoyable dining experience.