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Summer Time!

We’ve assembled a guide to all that awaits, inside and (mostly) out, at the beach and in town, and whether your wallet’s feeling thin or thick. The sun is shining. The living is easy. Go have fun.

Photography by Chris Vaccaro

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Drop $20

See and Be Scene

Introducing five restaurant patios that justly command loyal local crowds. All you’ll need to have fun are sunglasses, good company and a twenty dollar bill.

South County
The Bon Vue Inn 
1230 Ocean Rd., Narragansett, 789-0696
The Bon Vue Inn has a view of the Narragansett shore and Point Judith Lighthouse that is top notch, as are the martinis and the ocean breeze. From your perch under an umbrella on the deck, keep your eyes peeled for surfers in the lineup.

East Bay
Thames Waterside Bar & Grill
251 Thames St., Bristol, 253-4523
Ease yourself into an Adirondack on the patio  for a view of Bristol Harbor. The ceiling fans  outside are a genius idea for steamy days. Watch meandering boats while enjoying the live music wafting from inside on
a weekend night.

West Bay
Top of the Bay
898 Oakland Beach Ave., Warwick, 921-3663
Top of the Bay is an unpretentious spot for everyone from thirty-somethings to spry grandparents. High-top chairs offer a wide, clear look at Narragansett Bay. All appetizers are less than $10 and two-piece bands play on Fridays and Saturdays.

Blackstone Valley
Water’s Edge
743 Putnam Pike, Greenville, 349-4707
On the waterfront tiki deck at Water’s Edge you can enjoy the placidity of Waterman Lake and snag most appetizers for less than $8, while beers ring in at no more than $4 or less. Acoustic bands for mellow listening perform on Fridays and Saturdays.

Newport County
Atlantic Beach Club
55 Purgatory Rd., Middletown, 847-2750
Enjoy a panoramic view of the surf and sand from Easton’s Beach. With a massive tent and bars outside, this is the spot for large crowds and mingling. And it earns extra points for the beach volleyball court and live tunes all weekends.
 

 Float Your Boat

Kayaks are by far the easiest, most accessible way to get on the water. These three beginner-friendly rentals all offer a little something extra for the fee.

If you like the beach…

Rent from Narrow River Kayaks. Paddle down the river to where it empties into the ocean (but don’t venture into the sea unless experienced) and haul out on the sandy shore. Across the spit is Narragansett Beach surf, but the crowds and parking fees are miles to the south. If you call ahead, owner Jason Considine will help you time the outgoing tide to the beach and catch a lift from the incoming tide on the way back. He also rents special fishing kayaks that have a place to keep your rods and tackle. The nearby Narrow River Cafe will even pack you a picnic. Rates start at two hours, $28 for single kayaks and $45 for tandems.
Middlebridge Rd., Narragansett, 789-0334, narrowriverkayaks.com.

If you like clamshacks and music…

Lazily explore the Green Hill and Ninigret salt ponds, where wading birds outnumber powerboats, from The Kayak Centre. Finish up your day with some deep-fried seafood at the neighboring clam shack. On weekends when Ninigret Park is hosting music festivals, you can paddle on over and soak up the sounds—just like those yachts that anchor offshore at Fort Adams during Newport’s festivals, but with way less stress on your bank account. The Centre also offers a wide range of tours and classes, and if you get hooked, you can buy a used or new kayak of your own at their store in Wickford. Two-hour rentals are $25 single, $45 double.
Charlestown Beach Rd., Charles-town, 364-8000, kayakcentre.com.

If you (and your kids) like nature…

Corrie Heinz, a native Block Islander and naturalist, greets paddlers as young as six at Pond and Beyond, which stocks kid-size kayaks. “They just love it, they learn so fast and then they just rock it,” says Heinz. Explore the peaceful inner ponds, or venture onto the Great Salt Pond itself to hit the clam flats, local shellfishing license in hand, for some barefoot clamming. While you’re there, tie up at the dock at The Oar and chow down on a lobster roll before paddling back. Heinz offers guided tours that highlight the local ecology, including sunset and full moon outings, and special rates for groups and kids. Rentals are $30 for about two hours.
Ocean Ave., Block Island, 466-5105, blockisland.com/kayakbi.