There’s a good chance you’ll hit many of the top tourist spots while vacationing in South County because they’re probably the primary reason for your visit. However, there’s something to be said for visiting some unique, or even weird, locations found in this historic region.
You can’t go far in coastal Rhode Island without passing a monument or location with a significant amount of history. That’s because this area was inhabited by European settlers during the Colonial Period and played a pivotal role in the American Revolution because of its coastal position.
Checking out a few historic or odd attractions during your time here could be just what you need to add a bit of culture to your vacation. Here’s a look at five unique spots to seek out on your next trip to South County.
1) Great Swamp Fight Monument
When European settlers first arrived in present-day Rhode Island, the transition was anything but peaceful. By the winter of 1675, King Philip’s War, a battle between Native American and Colonial forces, was ongoing throughout New England, including locations in Rhode Island.
On December 19, 1675, the Great Swamp Fight commenced in a field in what is now South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The battle remains one of the deadliest per capita in American history, and there’s a monument you can visit in the Great Swamp Management Area if you want to learn more. It’s strange to come across a large monument in a secluded forest, but it’s worth checking out if you’re interested in the area’s history.
2) Narragansett Rune Stone
Another strange monument in South County is the Narragansett Rune Stone. This stone is a little easier to get to because it sits in Wickford Village, directly behind the old library.
As the story goes, the Narragansett Rune Stone is a 2.5-ton slab of rock with some strange symbols carved into it. Some believe these symbols are proof the Vikings visited the region in the 14th or 15th century and made a claim on the land.
No matter the stone’s origin, it’s an extraordinary historical artifact to check out during your time in Rhode Island.
3) Point Judith Lighthouse
The waters off the coast of Point Judith have always been dangerous because of the shoals, rocks, and fog that are frequently present. Point Judith was also the location of the final wartime act of World War II when, on May 4, 1945, just after a ceasefire ended the war, a German U-boat sank a coal transporter ship and was sunk itself later the same day.
However, what makes the Point Judith Lighthouse a weird place to visit is the presence of balancing rocks that appear along the shore. No one knows how these rock formations started or why they keep appearing, but if you visit the area, you’ll likely come across a few of them.
4) The Towers of Narragansett
In the late 1800s, the Narragansett Pier Casino was the place to be in South County. It was one of the country’s most prestigious resorts, and the nation’s rich and famous would flock there for their vacations year after year.
Unfortunately, the casino burned down in 1900, leaving two stone towers behind. Rather than tearing these towers down, though, they were left in place, where they remain to this day.
You can drive under the Towers of Narragansett on Ocean Road, which passes right through them just south of Narragansett Town Beach. You can also attend events inside the buildings if you’re lucky enough to be in the area when something is going on.
The fact that the towers are still there is definitely a bit weird, but it is worth visiting because it gives the rare opportunity to step inside what was once perhaps the country’s most desirable destination.
5) The Fantastic Umbrella Factory
There are quite a few strange places in South County, Rhode Island, but The Fantastic Umbrella Factory might be the weirdest of them all. In short, this multi-building bazaar is on the site of a 19th-century farm. It has goods from all over the world, in addition to locally-grown organic produce, and also features a petting zoo and plant nursery.
As you wander the property, you’ll find all kinds of weird decorations, some of which are downright creepy. You’ll also notice that every little shop is inside an old barn, adding to its unique charm.
It’s hard to describe what’s going on at The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, so the best way to understand is to visit their Charlestown location and have a look for yourself.
Book Your Vacation Today
From the historic to the strange, South County, Rhode Island, has all kinds of attractions you won’t want to miss on your vacation. Book your vacation rental early to ensure you find a spot in the ideal location close to all the places you want to check out.