Rhode Island with Two Kids & a Wheelchair

Okay, I admit it. Growing up in Connecticut I was a bit of a beach snob. Even though it was right next door, tiny Rhode Island was mostly overlooked. I think maybe because even in the 1970s you had to pay to get on to most Rhode Island beaches. On the weekends we went to the Connecticut shore. We went to Cape Cod for vacation. It wasn't until I was a teen that I realized Rhode Island had nice beaches. And then, it was only Misquamicut, for some unknown reason.

The Girls Hanging out at Naragansett Beach

As an adult I am in love with Rhode Island. The beaches are lovely - flat with very few rocks. The soft, fine sand sticks to everything. Our favorite beach is the Naragansett Town Beach. It is beautiful - but it isn't free. In addition to a daily parking fee there is also a $6 per person beach access fee. A day at the beach can add up quickly! 

If you are staying for more than a week, nonresidents can buy a seasonal beach access pass for $20-50 per person, depending on your age. Residents can purchase a seasonal parking pass, but visitors have to pay the daily parking rate. However, with ample handicap parking, two pavilions, a snack bar, showers and bathrooms - as well as the piece de resistance in our minds - a ramp right out on to the beach - the price is fair. After struggling with Cape Cod beaches for a week it was such a relief to have easy access to a beach that we could all enjoy as a family. I probably would have paid twice as much and still been happy.

We wheeled Amanda up the ramp to the pavilion, then down directly on to the beach. There were surf chairs available for free and the staff kindly offered us one every time we showed up. Instead, we bought Amanda a low beach chair and let her hang out on the sand. She only had to walk about 10 feet across the sand to get to a prime spot. While the area closest to the water was crowded we had lots of space to ourselves toward the back of the beach.

Most people have heard about Newport, but the rest of the state is a well-kept secret. Newport is lovely with its shops, mansions and yachts. The Newport Cliffwalk is a lovely path past glorious old mansions along the water. Only the north end of is accessible by wheelchair, unfortunately. Providence is a growing city with a wonderful spectacular, WaterFire, during select summer nights and the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

This time the closest we came to Newport was the Narragansett Cafe in Jamestown to see my brother-in-law Bill's band, Brass Attack. The band was awesome; the place was... interesting. I think we found the favorite haunt of Rhode Island's over-forty divorced population. However, it is places like The Naragansett Cafe that make me love Rhode Island so much. While there are McDonald's and Walmarts just like everywhere else, there are also small fairs and festivals, hole in the wall diners, little nightclubs and Mom and Pop ice cream places.

We were lucky enough to be in Naragansett for the annual Blessing of the Fleet sponsored by the Lions Club. In addition to a beautiful parade of decorated boats there is a road race and a seafood festival. The girls loved the seafood festival. Amanda hung out in the tent, listening to a live band while Danielle explored all of the carnival rides.

Two of my favorite places are in Wakefield: Phil's Restaurant and Brickley's Ice Cream. Phil's is small and dark with red vinyl booths - some with duct tape patching tears. The breakfast foods are delicious and the portions are big, for very modest prices. My mother-in-law is addicted to their fluffy, sweet pancakes. I like the home fries. Despite the complete lack of ambiance on a weekend there is typically a line outside the door. The breakfast is that good. We rarely miss an opportunity to eat at Phil's when we're in Rhode Island.

Across the street from Phil's is Brickley's Ice Cream.  When you walk in the door the scent of warm, fresh made waffle cones washes over you. We just sat and watched a girl make waffle cones for five minutes. It was fun to see her pour the batter on the waffle iron, press down then pick it up and quickly twist the soft hot waffle around a metal cone form. I love the ginger ice cream. Danielle votes for the strawberry. Brickley's in Wakefield only has four tiny tables and eight chairs. It's not an "eat in" sort of place, although there are also picnic tables outside. It's also not accessible, having stairs to the front door. No matter! We got ours to go -with 38 flavors of ice cream and another dozen or so frozen yogurts and sherbets all made on site - you've got to take some extra home any way!

And I can't forget the sweetest spot in Wakefield - Sweenor's Chocolates.  My in-laws always ship us a big box of their truffles for Christmas. It's one of our first stops when we visit them. This time around we bought a box of dark chocolates for my father, a pound of fudge, gummy worms. lobster shaped barley lollipops and several shaped chocolate lollipops. They make their own chocolates and truffles and each is more delicious than the last. If you can't make it to Wakefield to try some, you can also order them online.

And, of course there is always the wonderful Del's frozen lemonade to try... I think I could just eat my way across Rhode Island.  So, next time you're in New England, give tiny Rhode Island a try. Explore the small towns and beaches - you'll be pleasantly surprised.