Summer gets most of the attention when it comes to vacationing in South County, but springtime is also a wonderful time of year in the area.
You’ll also come across many different events when visiting South County in the spring that are sure to take your vacation to the next level.
Here’s a look at some of the best-known attractions taking place in South County during spring 2022.
Flavors of April at Ocean House
For an experience that will become the highlight of your vacation, book a reservation at Ocean House’s Center for Wine & Culinary Arts in Westerly on April 8, 15, 22, or 29 for their Flavors of April dinners.
These events are more than a meal, as you’ll have the opportunity to prepare a roasted rack of lamb, pommes Anna, and a spring salad under the guidance of a professional chef. You’ll then eat the meal you’ve prepared while retaining the knowledge for your next family gathering.
Returning home with the ability to make an impressive meal like this is reason enough to give this event a try.
Tickets are $100 each, and you’ll have to purchase them in advance.
The 22nd Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race
Can you envision 20,000 rubber ducks being dumped into the Pawcatuck River?
That’s precisely what happens every year during the Pawcatuck River Duck Race, which is entering its 22nd year in 2022.
This year’s race is on April 30, with the event starting at 11:30 AM and the main race taking place at 1:30 PM.
You can purchase a duck sponsorship in advance for $5 if you wish to participate in the race, and there are prizes available if you win. You can also just watch the race and join in the festivities, including children’s games, food booths, rides, and other family-friendly activities in downtown Westerly.
Food Trucks by the Sea
Theatre By The Sea is one of South County’s most famous performing arts venues, as it hosts world-class productions throughout the summer in an intimate and historic facility near the ocean. The theatre is hosting another event this spring, as well, called Food Trucks By The Sea.
As you might expect, Food Trucks By the Sea is a food truck festival. It’s free to attend, although you’ll have to pay for your food and drinks, and will draw about a dozen food trucks from around the state. Beer and wine will be available through Trinity Brewhouse, and you can experience live music performances throughout the evening.
Food Trucks By The Sea starts at 5:00 PM on May 5, 2022, and will last well into the evening, giving you more than enough time to try a couple of different mobile restaurants.
Opening Day at Smith’s Castle
Smith’s Castle is a museum in North Kingstown set in a house built in 1678. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Rhode Island and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1993.
Every year, the museum hosts a special celebration as it opens for the season, and 2022 won’t be any different. If you’re visiting South County on May 7, head to this venue between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM for a full day of actors in period attire, making you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the days of the Smith family, who originally inhabited the structure.
There will also be a trading post where you can purchase souvenirs, a General Court of the Tryalls, which will hear complaints throughout the day, a drill display by the Kingston Reds, and a swashbuckling demonstration by the Rhode Island Pirate Players.
Opening Day at Smith’s Castle is entirely free, although donations are appreciated, and it is an educational way to spend a spring day in South County.
Misquamicut Spring Fest Weekend
Perhaps the largest spring event in South County is Misquamicut Spring Fest Weekend. This event brings a world-class carnival to the breathtaking shores of Misquamicut State Beach and runs from May 13-15 in 2022.
Admission to the event is $10, and parking is free. Once you enter, you’ll see dozens of food vendors, a car show, magic shows, concerts, a beer and wine tent, and more than 40 vendors selling arts, crafts, and other items.
Of course, the main reason to attend Misquamicut Spring Fest is the carnival, as there are various rides for the kids that will be running all weekend long.
You’ll need tickets to access these rides, and bulk discounts are available.
Overall, you can’t beat the excitement and festive atmosphere at Misquamicut Spring Fest, so don’t miss it if you’re vacationing in South County this May.
Booking a Spring Vacation Rental
Spring often creates a buzz in South County as summer is approaching, and many locations that make this a special place are opening for the season.
Booking a South County vacation rental in April or May makes it easy to explore these renowned attractions and participate in springtime events that locals and visitors look forward to every year.