Warwick (Rhode Island)

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Warwick[1] is a city in Rhode Island just south of Providence. It is the second largest city in the state, with 85,808 people. 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.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

• T.F. Green Airport (IATA: PVD) (ICAO: KPVD), Exit 13 off Interstate 95, Phone: +1 401-737-4000, ext 283, [2].

[edit] By car

Interstate 95 passes through Warwick. Interstate 295 also passes through Warwick, with exits at convenient locations for getting to the malls and other popular centers.

[edit] By train

With the construction of the Warwick Intermodal Facility, T.F. Green Airport passengers will have access to the MBTA[3], which will provide a one stop ride to downtown Providence and Boston. The intermodal facility is scheduled for completion in 2009.

[edit] Get around

• R.I.P.T.A. (The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority), Phone: +1 401-781-9400, [4]. Services across all of Rhode Island.

[edit] See

There are many attractions throughout Warwick that are a treat to see. From galleries, to villages to colonial monuments, Warwick provides a myriad of exciting places.

[edit] Museums and Galleries

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

• Complements Art Gallery, 50 Lambert Lind Highway, +1 401-739-9300. [5]. Complements Art Gallery is one of the largest art galleries in New England. The gallery features artists from all over the world in all mediums and styles, from old world traditional to contemporary. It which also offers professional art consultation and framing services, and will present the art in your home.

• Historical Warwick Museum of Art, 3259 Post Road, +1 401-737-0010,[6]. Tu-Sa 12PM-4PM. Free. As Warwick's largest non-profit arts organization and the area's cultural center since 1976, the Warwick Museum of Art provides a performance and exhibition space for the most talented artists, writers and performers in Rhode Island and is host of a wide array of cultural and artistic activities including comedy, theater, music, poetry and literature as well as monthly visual arts exhibitions. The Warwick Museum of Art was named both "Most Underappreciated Museum in Rhode Island" and "Best Place to Hear a Reading" by the 2004 Providence Phoenix Reader's Poll and is the home of Unexpected Company, "Best Comedy Troupe in Rhode Island" according to Rhode Island Monthly Magazine.

[edit] 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.

• Pawtuxet Village Located off Broad Street.[7] 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.

[edit] Landmarks

• Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, +1 401-739-5440, [8]. The library has special sections for teens and children. Provides free internet access and holds programs featuring musicians, artists, and story tellers. Also offers free museum passes to many attractions around Rhode Island.

• Aldrich Mansion, 836 Warwick Neck Avenue, +1 401-739-6850. [9]. The Aldrich mansion was originally built in 1896 for Senator Nelson W. Aldrich. It spreads over 75 acres and overlooks Narragansett Bay. The French chateau has 70 rooms and features a long marble staircase, antique furniture, elaborate paintings and wood carvings. It includes a Carriage House, Caretaker’s Cottage and Boathouse.

• Warwick City Hall, 3275 Post Road, +1 401-738-2000. The City Hall building was built in the late 19th century and features a six-story clock tower which can be seen from miles away. Tours of the building are available.

• John Waterman Arnold House, 25 Roger William Circle, +1 401-467-7647. 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.

• Warwick City Park, Long Street. Located in the Buttonwood district, Warwick City Park has over 120 acres of natural trails, bike paths and beaches. It also has basketball and tennis courts. The boardwalk extends the length of the beach along Brush Neck Cove, and is ideal for those that are handicapped, on bikes or with strollers. Parking is available and there is an entrance fee is the summer.

• Warwick Neck Lighthouse.

Built in 1827, the Warwick Neck Lighthouse is last the traditional lighthouse built in Rhode Island. Though not open to the public, the lighthouse is still in use today and is an impressive sight to see.

[edit] Do

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

[edit] Events

• 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.

• Kayak Regatta The kayak regatta is held in Pawtuxet usually in Mid-June at the Aspray Boat House. It is meant to commemorate the colonial longboats rowing down the river to attack The Gaspee. Prizes are awarded in many categories.

• Summer Concert Series 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.

• Annual Indoor Powwow The Warwick Annual Indoor Powwow showcases traditional costumes, dances and foods of the native people who first populated the region.

• 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.

• 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 both 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.

• Buttonwoods Beach, Asylum Rd. The 126-acre beaches of Buttonwoods once hosted parties in the 1800s that popularized New England clambakes. Today it features bike paths, nature trails, open fields and sandy beach.

• Goddard Memorial State Park Beach, 1095 Ives Road, +1 401-884-2010. [10]. In addition to sun bathing, the Goddard Memorial State Park beach also features swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and other water sports. The golf course features a nine-hole course which is open to the public. The park also provides hiking trails, an equestrian show area, bird watching activities and a performing arts center.

• Mickey Stevens Sports Complex, 975 Sandy Lane, +1 738-2000-0173. The Mickey Stevens Sports Complex features two bocce courts, two basketball courts, six tennis courts, a baseball field, an indoor pool, and a jogging track. Two indoor ice rinks for year-round skating.

[edit] 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, Modell’s, 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 and Rhode Island Mall, but traffic is often heavy.

• Rhode Island Mall, Rt 113 and Rt 2, Phone: +1 401-270-1017. Much smaller than the Warwick Mall, the Rhode Island Mall houses 18 stores, including a Wal-Mart and Kohls, neither of which have entrances to the main part of the mall.

• Warwick Mall, 400 Bald Hill Rd. Phone: +1 401-739-7500. The Warwick Mall, anchored by Old Navy and JC Penny, offers a selection of stores in athletic apparel, beauty, footwear, jewelry, and fashions. The mall is a quicker, less busy alternative to Providence Place, in Providence.

[edit] Eat

One of the best things about Warwick Rhode Island is that it is inviting to all friends and families. Warwick Rhode Island is a great place to come and never have to worry about eating. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and the beauty of it all is they never really get expensive. To ease the pain in choosing between all the restaurants Warwick has to offer they are split into three categories. Budget, Mid-Range, and Splurge. The word splurge usually scares people and they think that place must cost a lot of money, but that’s the beauty of Warwick! It's just more expensive than the other reasonable priced places but is still reasonably priced. Welcome! Warick hopes everyone enjoys their stay while in town!

[edit] 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.

• Harry's NY System Restaurant, 2168 Elmwood Ave., +1 401-785-9907. Great place to come for weiners (hotdogs).

• Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House, 889 Oakland Beach Ave., +1 401-783-5608. Best doughboys, chowder and clam cakes around.

• Lakis Pizza Parlor, 3003 W Shore Rd., +1 401-737-1080.

• Newport Creamery Restaurant, 2680 W Shore Rd., +1 401-732-6569. Decent food, great for ice cream.

• Newport Creamery Restaurant, 1256 Warwick Ave., +1 401-463-8317.

• Papa John's Pizza, 2523 Warwick Ave., +1 401-732-7077.

• Picassos Pizza, 2323 Warwick Ave., +1 401-739-5030. Nice place to hang out. Good food. Pool tables and fun for sporting events.

[edit] 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.

• Chelos Waterfront Bar & Grill, 1 Masthead Dr., +1 401-884-3000. Great food and nice location overlooking the water.

• Cherrystones, 898 Oakland Beach Av., +1 401-732-2532. Great location overlooking the bay. Optional outside dining.

• Chuck E Cheese's, 650 Bald Hill Rd., +1 401-823-1203. Great for families with young kids. Keep your children busy playing with all the great things, while you enjoy a pizza or a burger.

• Cornerstone Pub, 255 Lambert Lind Hwy., +1 401-732-4750. Good food, usual hangout for "Baby boomers".

• Dave's Bar & Grill, 2339 Pst Rd., +1 401-739-7444. Great place! Awesome for sporting events. Great sports bar atmosphere.

• Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant, 3301 Post Rd. +1 401-738-6162. Great food and reasonably priced. Nice atmosphere.

• Greenwood Inn Inc, 1350 Jefferson Blvd., +1 401-738-3334. Similar to chain restaurants, good food, usually a quite place.

• Gregg's Restaurant, 1359 Post Rd., +1 401-467-0122, [11]. Amazing cakes made from scratch, great family dining. One of the most popular places in Warwick. Great for kids and adults.

• Legal Sea Foods, 2099 Post Rd., +1 401-732-3663, [12]. Local Boston chain.

• Rigatoni's Family Restaurant, 1229 Warwick Ave., +1 401-463-5580.

• Smokey Bones, 31-B Universal Blvd., +1 401-821-2789. Nice southern restaurant atmosphere. Great ribs and steaks.

• Uncle Tony's Pizza & Pasta, 1800 Post Rd. #27, +1 401-738-1322. Good Italian restaurant.

[edit] 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.

• Crow's Nest Restaurant, 288 Arnolds Neck Dr., +1 401-732-6575, [13]. The servers are fantastic, friendly and knowledgeable. The view is beautiful, and you get a lot of food for your money. One of the best places to do lunch. Go early and you won't have to wait.

• Govenor Francis Inn, 1251 Warwick Ave., +1 401-463-8227. Serves guests an Italian cuisine especially known for seafood. Casual dress ware.

• Twin Oaks Restaurant, 100 Sabra Street, +1 401-781-9693. REAL Italian Food - but get there early or you will wait, even on weekdays. It's been awarded the Best of Cheap Eats and Best of Family-friendly Dining awards. Features outdoor dining and a romantic atmosphere. This place features private rooms and brunch. A great place for groups.

[edit] 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.

• All Stars Bar & Grill, 605 Airport Rd, "+1" 401-384-6002.

• Bottom Line Bar & Grill,415 Palmer Ave, "+1" 401-737-9834.

• Cornerstone Pub, 255 Lambert Lind Hwy., "+1" 401-732-4750.

• Dave's Bar & Grill, 2339 Post Rd, "+1" 401-739-7444. A lot of TV's. Great place to watch a game on Sundays.

• Eddies, 529 Warwick Av., 401-941-9423. The best dive bar in RI. Bonnie, the proprietor, will serve up cheap drafts and the best Flaming Dr. Pepper's around while drinking with the local crowd (a strange mix on any night).

• Gravs Pub, 10 Brookside Ave., "+1" 401-821-2130. Great bar with a big dance floor and disco lights.

• Groucho's, 859 Oakland Beach Ave., "+1" 401-739-7856. Nightclub/lounge, near beach with waterviews and ample parking.

• Hal Mac's Bar, 41 Roseland Ave, "+1" 401-739-1446.

• Harp & Shamrock Lounge, 557 Warwick Ave, "+1" 401-467-8998.

• Hops Restaurant-Bar-Brewery, 444 Quaker Ln, "+1" 401-826-4600, Fax: "+1" 401-826-4600.

• Hour Bar,1193 Main St # B, "+1" 401-826-5200.

• Old Boulvard Cafe, 1288 Greenwich Ave, "+1" 401-738-5433.

• On the Roch's, 1595 Centerville Rd, "+1" 401-821-3262, Fax: "+1" 401-821-3262.

• O'Rourkes Bar & Grill, 23 Peck Ln, "+1" 401-228-7444.

• Pop's Place & His Son's Pub, 115 Cowesett Ave., "+1" 401-828-4350.

• Prata Bar & Grill, 1599 Post Rd, "+1" 401-384-6969.

• Sean & Bud Inc, 415 Palmer Ave, "+1" 401-732-6084.

• Tavern 12, 2299 Post Rd, "+1" 401-490-2340.

• Track 84, 84 Kilvert St, "+1" 401-739-8484.

• Village Corner Tavern, 941 W Shore Rd, "+1" 401-739-9785.

• Whalen Cafe, 2647 W Shore Rd, "+1" 401-737-9646.

[edit] Sleep

• Courtyard Providence Warwick, 55 Jefferson Park Road, +1 401 467-6900, Fax: +1 401 467-2666, [14]. $140.
• Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 Greenwich Ave., +1 401 732-6000, [15]. $140.
• Fairfield Inn Providence Warwick, 36 Jefferson Boulevard, +1 401 941-6600, Toll-free: +1 800 228-2800, Fax: +1 401 785-1260, [16]. $140.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 901 Jefferson Boulevard, +1 401 736-5000, [17]. $120.
• Motel 6 Providence - Warwick, 20 Jefferson Boulevard, +1 401 467-9800, Fax: +1 401 467-6780, [18]. $80-$92.
• Residence Inn Providence Warwick, 500 Kilvert Street, +1 401 737-7100, Fax: +1 401 739-2909, [19].
• Hampton Inn & Suites, 2100 Post Road, Phone: +1 401-739-8888. $130.
• Homestead Studio Suites, 268 Metro Center Blvd., Phone: +1 401-732-6667. $95.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton, 33 International Way, Phone: +1 401-738-0008. $150 & $170.
• Radisson Airport Hotel Providence, 2081 Post Rd., Phone: +1 401-739-3000.
• Sheraton Providence Airport Hotel, 1850 Post Rd., Phone: +1 401-738-4000. $160.

[edit] Get out

Adjacent Providence or nearby Newport make good next destinations.

Wikipedia:Warwick,_Rhode_Island