Warwick (Rhode Island)

Warwick is a city in Rhode Island just south of Providence. It is the second largest city in the state, with 83,000 people (2010). Warwick is home to Rhode Island's main airport, T.F. Green Airport, which serves the Providence and Boston areas. It was founded in 1642 by Samuel Gorton, and played an important role in the Revolutionary War. It is popular among tourists for its colonial history and its location near beaches and saltwater bays.

Understand
Warwick was founded in 1642 by Samuel Gorton and is known as the second largest city in the state of Rhode Island. This city is known for its location near the salt-water beaches and the abundance of colonial history it has to offer. Most of Warwick lives in houses, apartments, or condominiums that have the luxury of having an ocean view since most of the city is surrounded by Narragansett Bay. With Warwick being the home of the state’s largest commuter airport, T.F. Green, it is an easy place to fly in and out of.

By car
Interstate 95 passes through Warwick. Interstate 295 also passes through Warwick, with exits at for getting to the malls and other popular centers. Or if you're looking for a more scenic view of the area, US Routes 1 and 2 follow the length of the coast just off the highways in communities just like Warwick. Routes 113 and 117 also pass through Warwick and are fairly heavily-traveled. Route 2 passes through Warwick and is known for its extensive shopping.

By train
Through the Warwick Intermodal Facility, the commuter rail service at T.F. Green Airport has access to the MBTA, which provides a one-stop ride to downtown Providence and Boston via the Providence/Stoughton Line.

Get around

 * RIPTA (The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority), . Services across all of Rhode Island. The Main RIPTA bus station is at Kennedy Plaza in Providence. The bus travels through Warwick and the rest of Rhode Island.  Bus stops are placed accordingly throughout the city.
 * Rent a car:
 * Budget Rental Cars, 2000 Post Road #27
 * Enterprise, 1101 Post Road
 * Priceline, 1074 Post Road
 * Dollar Rent A Car, 700 Jefferson Boulevard
 * National Car Rental, 2053 Post Road
 * Taxi cab:
 * Apponaug Cab Inc.,
 * Airport Taxi,
 * Bay Taxi,
 * Best Taxi,
 * Dave’s Taxi,
 * Friendly Cab,
 * A-1 Local Cab Company,

See
Warwick is a very seasonal location, considering a good portion of its outdoor locations appear along the Narragansett Bay. For this reason, finding things to do can sometimes be difficult, particularly during the winter. Still Warwick is one of the state’s biggest cities and there is plenty to discover - from galleries, to villages to colonial monuments, Warwick provides a myriad of exciting places. There are many historical landmarks within Warwick because of its colonial history.

Museums and galleries
The museums and galleries of Warwick provide a balanced presentation of modern and historical subject matter.



Villages
There are many interesting colonial villages located throughout the city of Warwick.


 * Apponaug Village Located off Route 1. Apponaug Village is a historic center settled in 1696. It was the center of trade and politics after the Revolutionary War, and was an important shipping port to Rhode Island.  Today it is commonly referred to Warwick’s downtown area.  Included in the village are Warwick City Hall, multiple churches, and the Warwick museum.
 * Conimicut Village West Shore Road. Conimicut Village’s history can be traced back to the founding of Warwick in1643. It was once a fishing village, but today features Conimicut Point Park and Conimicut lighthouse. While the lighthouse is not open to the public, it is still in use and is a historical structure. Conimincut Point Park is open to the public and is a great place to visit or take a drive through on a nice summer day.
 * Pawtuxet Village Located off Broad Street. Pawtuxet Village is the oldest village in New England, and one of the first constructed in Warwick. It is where rabble-rousers once burned the British ship, The Gaspee, at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. It was also one of the stops on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves before and during the Civil War. Walking tours of the village are available to the public. The village is also home to many small shops and restaurants. Many people visit this village during the summer when they are able to take in all that the village has to offer.

Landmarks

 * John Waterman Arnold House, 25 Roger William Circle, . W 9AM-9PM. Home of the Warwick Historical Society, the 1786 John Waterman Arnold house is a classic clapboard structure. With many features of late 1700s architecture including a beehive oven. The house is open to the public. It is used as an educational tool for Rhode Islanders.
 * Warwick Neck Lighthouse. Built in 1827, the Warwick Neck Lighthouse is last the traditional lighthouse built in Rhode Island. The lighthouse is located along the Narragansett Bay. Though not open to the public, the lighthouse is still in use today and is an impressive sight to see.
 * Passeonkquiss Coveland, off of General Hawkins St. on Narragansett Parkway. Offers an open area usually for fishing and boat launching into the Bay. Marine life and vegetation along with geese and ducks can be observed here as well.
 * Posneganset Pond, off of Warwick Ave. A large pond open for fishing or swimming. It is a great place to go when the weather is nice. Be careful during the winter as this pond freezes over and can be considered dangerous.
 * Pawtuxet Cove, off of Narragansett Parkway. Located adjacent to Pawtuxet Village. A hot spot for fishing and boat launching, as well as some occasional Cove is about a mile northward of Gaspee Point through a channel.
 * Rocky Point Amusement Park Located in the heart of Warwick Neck, this amusement park was opened in 1847 by Captain William Winslow. It quickly became a hot attraction for people all around the state. The park was in its prime in the mid-1900s with such rides as a Log Flume, "Free Fall", and a loop roller-coaster named "Corkscrew". However, in the 1990s, due to some poor business decisions, the company went bankrupt. There are no longer rides or cotton candy stands; it's now a mile-long asphalt walk-through of a piece of Rhode Island history that overlooks Narragansett Bay. Much of the park is fenced off from the public.
 * Passeonkquiss Coveland, off of General Hawkins St. on Narragansett Parkway. Offers an open area usually for fishing and boat launching into the Bay. Marine life and vegetation along with geese and ducks can be observed here as well.
 * Posneganset Pond, off of Warwick Ave. A large pond open for fishing or swimming. It is a great place to go when the weather is nice. Be careful during the winter as this pond freezes over and can be considered dangerous.
 * Pawtuxet Cove, off of Narragansett Parkway. Located adjacent to Pawtuxet Village. A hot spot for fishing and boat launching, as well as some occasional Cove is about a mile northward of Gaspee Point through a channel.
 * Rocky Point Amusement Park Located in the heart of Warwick Neck, this amusement park was opened in 1847 by Captain William Winslow. It quickly became a hot attraction for people all around the state. The park was in its prime in the mid-1900s with such rides as a Log Flume, "Free Fall", and a loop roller-coaster named "Corkscrew". However, in the 1990s, due to some poor business decisions, the company went bankrupt. There are no longer rides or cotton candy stands; it's now a mile-long asphalt walk-through of a piece of Rhode Island history that overlooks Narragansett Bay. Much of the park is fenced off from the public.
 * Pawtuxet Cove, off of Narragansett Parkway. Located adjacent to Pawtuxet Village. A hot spot for fishing and boat launching, as well as some occasional Cove is about a mile northward of Gaspee Point through a channel.
 * Rocky Point Amusement Park Located in the heart of Warwick Neck, this amusement park was opened in 1847 by Captain William Winslow. It quickly became a hot attraction for people all around the state. The park was in its prime in the mid-1900s with such rides as a Log Flume, "Free Fall", and a loop roller-coaster named "Corkscrew". However, in the 1990s, due to some poor business decisions, the company went bankrupt. There are no longer rides or cotton candy stands; it's now a mile-long asphalt walk-through of a piece of Rhode Island history that overlooks Narragansett Bay. Much of the park is fenced off from the public.

Do
Warwick provides fun activities for residents and visitors to participate in throughout the year. There are many events and places to be noted.



Events and places

 * Gaspee Days Festival The Gaspee Days Festival is held over Memorial Day weekend. It celebrates the history of Warwick’s colonial villages and features an arts and crafts fair, costume contests, a golf scramble, fireworks, and a reenactment of the burning of The Gaspee. There is also an essay contest, proclamation ceremony, colonial encampment, road race, parade and raffle.
 * Summer Concert Series, x6504. The summer concert series features a variety of artists. The events are held at various parks in Warwick on Wednesday nights from Mid-June to Mid-August.
 * Warwick Heritage Trail The Warwick Heritage Trail provides numerous routes for sightseers to follow throughout the state. The trail runs from upper Narragansett Bay to the western hills of Rhode Island, and includes numerous historical sites along the way.
 * Conimicuit Beach, Off of West Shore Rd., Conimicuit Beach offers a relaxing view and small park. In the summer a lemonade truck is a constant sight, and so are families flying kites, children in the playground and couples watching the sunset from one of the many benches overlooking the ocean.
 * Oakland Beach This location offers a sea wall and extensive free beach access. There are festivals and carnivals that take place throughout the summer and visitors can take part in casual and fine dining right on the boardwalk. The park is great for children to play on. Surrounding the beach there are many restaurants so you won't go hungry. A baseball field and Basketball Court is on the way out of the beach.
 * Warwick Cove, Wharf Road. Boating is one of the most popular activities in the summer in Warwick, since the city is set along 39 miles of coast. In Warwick Cove, sailors can pilot their own crafts, rent one, or take instructions. Fishing for marine and freshwater fish is also very popular here.
 * Buckeye Brook Marsh and Pine Tree Preserve, Draper Avenue. The Buckeye Brook empties freshwater into the southwestern end of Mill Cove, creating a large salt marsh. The brook houses herring, mute swans and herons. The pine tree preserve borders the salt march.
 * Warwick City Park/Buttonwoods Beach, Asylum Rd., x6404. The 126-acre beaches of Buttonwoods once hosted parties in the 1800s that popularized New England clambakes. Today the park features bike paths, nature trails, open fields, and sandy beaches. In addition, there is a dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs.
 * Winslow Fields in between West Shore Rd. and Main Ave. Winslow Fields are a popular location for mainly a Girl's Softball League, but also sports a soccer field across the street. The baseball area has more than 5 fields, all with dugouts and the standard baseball diamond. When league games aren't in session, the fields are open for public use but strictly prohibit any sort of animal to accompany you. In the center of all the fields is a snack stand that only runs during league games, but when it is open it is a quick, delicious substitute for the fast food joints in the area. Along with fully functional restrooms there is also a playground area for younger children of the area. These fields are a big part of a lot of local residents lives, but with the airport attempting to expand, it could be in danger. T.F. Green Airport has an expansion plan and one of the runways is next to the fields. The airport has already bought out many houses surrounding the field and demolished them so one can only wonder when they will strip the community of this wonderful outlet for our youth.
 * Warwick City Park/Buttonwoods Beach, Asylum Rd., x6404. The 126-acre beaches of Buttonwoods once hosted parties in the 1800s that popularized New England clambakes. Today the park features bike paths, nature trails, open fields, and sandy beaches. In addition, there is a dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs.
 * Winslow Fields in between West Shore Rd. and Main Ave. Winslow Fields are a popular location for mainly a Girl's Softball League, but also sports a soccer field across the street. The baseball area has more than 5 fields, all with dugouts and the standard baseball diamond. When league games aren't in session, the fields are open for public use but strictly prohibit any sort of animal to accompany you. In the center of all the fields is a snack stand that only runs during league games, but when it is open it is a quick, delicious substitute for the fast food joints in the area. Along with fully functional restrooms there is also a playground area for younger children of the area. These fields are a big part of a lot of local residents lives, but with the airport attempting to expand, it could be in danger. T.F. Green Airport has an expansion plan and one of the runways is next to the fields. The airport has already bought out many houses surrounding the field and demolished them so one can only wonder when they will strip the community of this wonderful outlet for our youth.
 * Winslow Fields in between West Shore Rd. and Main Ave. Winslow Fields are a popular location for mainly a Girl's Softball League, but also sports a soccer field across the street. The baseball area has more than 5 fields, all with dugouts and the standard baseball diamond. When league games aren't in session, the fields are open for public use but strictly prohibit any sort of animal to accompany you. In the center of all the fields is a snack stand that only runs during league games, but when it is open it is a quick, delicious substitute for the fast food joints in the area. Along with fully functional restrooms there is also a playground area for younger children of the area. These fields are a big part of a lot of local residents lives, but with the airport attempting to expand, it could be in danger. T.F. Green Airport has an expansion plan and one of the runways is next to the fields. The airport has already bought out many houses surrounding the field and demolished them so one can only wonder when they will strip the community of this wonderful outlet for our youth.
 * Winslow Fields in between West Shore Rd. and Main Ave. Winslow Fields are a popular location for mainly a Girl's Softball League, but also sports a soccer field across the street. The baseball area has more than 5 fields, all with dugouts and the standard baseball diamond. When league games aren't in session, the fields are open for public use but strictly prohibit any sort of animal to accompany you. In the center of all the fields is a snack stand that only runs during league games, but when it is open it is a quick, delicious substitute for the fast food joints in the area. Along with fully functional restrooms there is also a playground area for younger children of the area. These fields are a big part of a lot of local residents lives, but with the airport attempting to expand, it could be in danger. T.F. Green Airport has an expansion plan and one of the runways is next to the fields. The airport has already bought out many houses surrounding the field and demolished them so one can only wonder when they will strip the community of this wonderful outlet for our youth.

Buy
Warwick has gone from being a small suburb of Providence to becoming a busy city in itself. Many major retail chains have moved into locations in Warwick as it is in the center of the state, but more accessible than Providence.

Bald Hill Rd, RI Rt. 2, has become a retail hotspot. The Warwick stretch of Rt. 2, is littered with chain restaurants and retail stores. Along the stretch are Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Barnes and Noble, Target, and more. They are part of number of large outdoor shopping centers, within a few miles of one another. All are located a short drive from the Warwick Mall, but traffic is often heavy.



Eat
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and the beauty of it all is they never really get expensive.

Budget
Budget is usually a quick stop, something you're craving but don’t want to spend a lot of money. Prices range from $2-8.


 * Dear Hearts Ice Cream, Open seasonally (usually beginning in late April) with three locations around Warwick (Pawtuxet Village, Norwood, and Wildes Corner) serving delicious and reasonably priced soft serve, cones, and cups of ice cream in additional to milkshakes. A wide variety of flavors to appeal to all.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.
 * Nick and Joan's Place, Warwick Ave., For over 25 years Nick and Joan's place has functioned as Warwick's hole in the wall diner. Offering wieners, sandwiches, breakfast fare, and a hot cup of coffee this family-run establishment is a budget friendly place to relax for breakfast or lunch.

Mid-range
Mid-Range consists of mostly the chain restaurants or restaurants very similar to chains. These are places you want to sit and eat as a family or just take your significant other to but are still a pretty quick fix. Prices range from $7-16.


 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.
 * Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401 821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere.  Great ribs and steaks. A great place to go with the family during the week or on the weekend.  This restaurant is also a great place to watch sporting events, but get there early because it gets packed for games.

Splurge
Splurge consists of a few popular Warwick restaurants that are not outrageously priced. You can only get these in Warwick! They are still a nice place for a family to go and have a good time. They are very popular and great for special occasions such as birthday celebrations or anniversaries. Prices range from $10-23.



Drink
Rhode Island has a large and diverse number of bars many of which are located in Warwick. From family bars and grills to taverns to watch your favorite Sunday football games, With the variety of bars you're sure to find one that suits your style. Whether you want a fuzzy navel or Budweiser you can find it all in Warwick.



Stay safe
Warwick was once listed as the 19th safest city in the country. Warwick is still a very safe community and little violence or crime is committed. Feeling safe in this city is something that you don’t have to worry about.

Go next
If you're looking for additional activities just outside of Warwick some additional places of interest include AMF Lanes (1450 Elmwood Ave, Cranston) and Roger Williams Park (also accessible from Elmwood Ave.) The Providence Place Mall is 20 minutes away and is a great destination for shopping as the mall is larger than the one in Warwick.

Adjacent Providence or nearby Newport make good next destinations.