Barrington (Rhode Island)

Barrington is a scenic town in Bristol County, Rhode Island with many great waterfront properties and activities. Entering from either side of Barrington, either from Seekonk, MA or from Warren, RI, you will run across or next to the Barrington River. In the summer, many people enjoy days of waterskiing, fishing, and sailing on the river. Another main attraction during the summer is the Barrington Beach.

Although not very well known for its large waves or surfing, Barrington Beach is a small, quiet beach that only costs $15 for a summer pass. If you're looking to spend a day playing basketball or tennis, then head over to the Barrington High School to use their public tennis courts and basketball courts (open until 10PM every night with lights). Barrington is also home to the well-recognized Rhode Island Country Club. Every July PGA golfer Brad Faxon holds a charity golf event that attracts the likes of Arnold Palmer, Billy Andrade, and Sergio Garcia. It's a great event to go and watch. Tickets cost around $30-100 for the three days. Barrington also has a bike path that runs 14.5 miles from Bristol all the way to Providence, which is great if you are looking for a challenge or just taking it easy.

Get in

Barrington is a scenic and waterfront town in Bristol County, Rhode Island that features a variety of different activities. Entering Barrington, from either the north (Seekonk, MA) or from the east (Warren, RI), you will run across or next to the Barrington River. During the summer season, many people enjoy their days waterskiing, fishing, and or sailing on the river. The town's residents can also enjoy all of these watersports at Barrington Beach. Although not very well known for its large waves or surfing, Barrington Beach is a small, quiet bay that only costs $15 for a summer pass. If you're looking to spend a day playing basketball, then head over to Barrington Middle School located on Middle Highway. If basketball is not your thing, the town also features public tennis courts located at Barrington High School on Lincoln Avenue. Both courts are open with lights every night until 10PM. Another one of the town's many features is the Rhode Island Country Club. Every July PGA golfer Brad Faxon holds a charity golf event that attracts the likes of Arnold Palmer, Billy Andrade, and Sergio Garcia. It can be a great event to go and watch or even voulenteer at. Tickets cost around $30-100 for the three days. Barrington is also home to a bike path that runs 14.5 miles from Bristol all the way to Providence, which can be great if you are looking for a challenge or just taking it easy.

Understand

Barrington, RI was first established as its own town back in 1717 and is named after Barrington, Somerset where many of the original English settlers came from. Barrington is not a very large town as it spans only 15.4 square miles. However, of the 15.4 square miles, 8.4 of it is land and 7.0 of it is water. Barrington's population as of 2000 is 16,819 people, which makes for 1,998.1 people per square mile. Much of Barrington's history comes from the brick industry and small businesses, which helps it maintain it's friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

Barrington's crime rate is only .01% and it's property crime rate is 1.35%. In fact, Barrington was ranked 6th best place to live in America according to a 2005 CNN Money article. This article ranked the top 100 cities and towns based on median income, fastest job growth, safety, and least polluted.

Barrington is located on Narragansett Bay, directly between Providence and Newport, allowing it easy access to both the city and the beaches. Due to its close proximity, quiet reputation, and excellent public school system, Barrington is considered an excellent place to raise a family. Many residents enjoy the numerous job opportunites in nearby Providence and Boston. It is praised as being a beautiful place to live, characterized by green grass and trees and punctuated with its beaches and rivers. Due to its coastal New England climate, Barrington experiences all four seasons, with a long summer, blooming spring, scenic autumn, and snowy winter. In the summer, it offers quick getaways to the beaches in Newport, the Cape, and the Islands, and in the winter, ski trips to New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont are just a few hours north. Barrington offers the best parts of New England living, while offering a quiet haven with easy access to the nearby action.

"Bordered on three sides by water, this small town on Narragansett Bay retains the leisurely feel of its days as an early 20th-century summer resort. Shops are clustered along County Road, the main street that runs through Barrington, but the commercial hub is small."

Get around

Barrington is easily navigated either by car or by public transportation. The RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) has eight stops within the town. Barrington is also home to a bike path that runs through some of its more scenic locations such as Brickyard Pond, the YMCA softball field, and through the center of town. This makes it easy to get around Barrington either by bike, walking, running, or driving. Travel by boat along the Barrington River by way of the Yacht Club. Barrington's waterside location also makes the town easily accessible to Narragansett Bay boaters looking to dock up and grab a bite to eat.

Barrington has a few main roads, from which most of the town can be accessed. County Road (Rt 114) leads through Barrington center, and turns into the Wampanoag Trail if traveling north, leading to Providence, and leads into Warren and Bristol if traveling south. Immediately after crossing the border from Warren, Sowams and New Meadow roads are the two main roads which offer access to the northeast neighborhoods of the town, located between Hundred Acre Cove and the Warren River. Continuing straight towards the center offers access to Rumstick Road, which provides a route to the southern neighborhoods, Barrington Beach, and Rhode Island Country Club. After passing through the center, Lincoln Avenue features Barrington High School, and access to the western neighborhoods by way of Middle Highway or Washington Road. No point in town is far from a main road which offers quick access to Rt 114.

See

• 🌍 Barrington Civic Center Historic District, 283 County Rd. Also known as the Barrington Town Hall, it was built in 1887 by Stone, Carpenter and Wilson, architects of Providence. It was recently renovated in 2009 due to the deterioration of the outside stonework. The old style of this building offers a medieval feel through its unique masonry, towers and gables.  
• 🌍 Barrington Town Beach, Bay Road. Four acres of beachfront overlooking Narragansett Bay. Lifeguards on duty from June to September. The cost of a resident parking sticker is $15 for the season (June–August). Unfortunately this beautiful spot cannot be enjoyed all throughout the year, due to high levels of bacteria the beach is often closed since it is not safe for swimming.  
• Haines Memorial Park, Narragansett Avenue. Include 75 acres of athletic fields, picnic sites, dog park, boat dock and launching ramp. The park can get crowded especially on weekends where it is the location of many recreational sporting events. A great place to spend a weekend morning with the family. 
• 🌍 Nayatt Point Lighthouse. Located off Nayatt road along the water, the lighthouse was built in 1828. The rationale behind building this lighthouse was to mark the narrow channel between Nayatt Point and the reef off Conimicut Point. As a result of poor a poor design, the lighthouse deteriorated rapidly and was not tall enough. With only a height of 25 feet, the Nayatt Point Lighthouse was permanently deactivated in 1868.  
• Osamequin Nature Trail, Hundred Acre Cove (near country road). A conservation area maintained by the town consisting of 38 acres of nature trails and a bird sanctuary. 
• Veterans Memorial Park, West Street. A 245 acre town park bordering historic Brickyard Pond. Facilities include a baseball field and picnic areas. 
• Walker Farm (Located off County Road). A town park that offers thirty acres of open land including boating and fishing accesses. Permit Required. 

Do

• 🌍 Barrington Preservation Society Museum, Rte. 114 (on the lower floor of Barrington Public Library), ☎ [phone]. Tu and Sa, 10AM-2PM, and by appointment. This museum contains a fine collection of artifacts and memorabilia from Barrington's rural past and industrial background. Exhibits change frequently. Free.  
• Barrington Yacht Club, 25 Baton Ave, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. (contact: ). Every day, 8AM-8:30PM. Located along the picturesque Barrington River, the Barrington Yacht Club offers the finest yachting facilities on Narragansett Bay. The Barrington Yacht Club consists of two marinas, a fuel dock, a clubhouse (including a full bar), a sailboat jungle gym, a pool, and a snack bar. Membership is very affordable and members enjoy a full range of services including a yacht racing program, social activities, club cruises, and sail training program. Slips and moorings are available to non-members for a fee, on a space available basis. The fuel dock is also open to non-members as well as members. A longtime employer of Barrington's youth, the staff is both professional and personable. The Barrington Yacht Club is a great place for kids to spend their summer! Members Only. 
• Body Natural Fitness Center, 306 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. A gym and smoothie bar is open for one day use and its new age equipment makes for a great time. 
• East Bay Bike Path. A bike trail running from the town of East Providence to Bristol using what used to be an old railroad bed. It is open to Bicycles and foot traffic and has some entertaining sights. 
• Bayside Family YMCA, 70 West St, ☎ [phone]. M-F, 5:15AM-10PM and Sa –Su 6AM-6PM. Since 1963 the Bayside Family YMCA has been offering various health programs and activities to enjoy as a family or as an individual. Bayside Family YMCA offers programs in aquatics, health and wellness, sports, teens, active older adults, family, and arts and humanities. Members Only. 
• Kids Cove, 283 County Rd (Located behind the Town Hall and next to the Barrington Pubulic Library). A brand new playground that can add hours of fun for kids of all ages. 
• Latham Park, Bay Spring. Both a public boat launch and kids playground. Offers the possibility of fun and breathtaking views of the Bay. 
• Murder on Us, 1 Sullivan Terrace, ☎ [phone]. F-S 8PM. Rhode Island's premiere murder mystery theater, is a great place to enjoy dinner and a good laugh. The company performs at one of Rhode Island's finest restaurants, The Barnsider. 
• Striper Marina, 24 Tyler Point Rd, ☎ [phone]. A fishing marina, offers boat ramp and fuel if you have a boat, or catch a fishing charter if you don't! 
• Brickyard Pond. A small pond located behind of the YMCA off of the Bike Path. Brickyard Pond gets its name from the clay deposits in the pond that were used by Nayatt Brick Company starting in the mid-1800s. While the clay is no longer harvested, the pond is home to large and small mouth bass and numerous sunfish, making it a great place for a novice fisherman to relax and cast a line on a summer day. 
• Brewers Cove Haven Marina, 101 Narragansett Ave, ☎ [phone]. Located on Bullocks Cove at the head of the Narragansett Bay, Cove Haven Marina is a great place to keep your boat if you're looking for to get away from the hectic boating scene on the Bay. They offer summer slips as well as winter storage. 

Golf

• Rhode Island Country Club, 150 Nayatt Rd, ☎ [phone]. (Tee times: [phone]). An 18-hole private course with challenging holes for golfers at any skill level. With many hazards and trees throughout the course, there are many places to get into danger. The last four holes border Narragansett Bay, so the end of the round is spent looking at breathtaking views of the bay. The site of four USGA championships, as well as CVS Charity Classic every year. Members Only. 

Buy

• Barrington Books, 180 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. A local book store that houses both best sellers and books of local authors. 
• Barrington Hardware, 65 Bay Spring Ave, ☎ [phone]. A local hardware store that offers name brand and top quality products, but has the feel of a small town store. 
• Teapots and Tassels, 71 Maple Ave, ☎ [phone]. Offers a variety of home decorations, gifts, designer brands. A classic store in Barrington. 
• Feminine Fancies, 290 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Features designer women's clothing and undergarments. Suitable and tasteful for younger women and older women. 
• Hollies, 60 Maple Ave, ☎ [phone]. New age gift shop with delectable products. 
• Taglia, 259 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Upscale and fashionable women's clothing, shoes, bags, dresses, jewelry, etc. 
• Teddy Bearskins of Barrington, 290 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Unique children's clothing, accessories, and gifts. 
• Toys Ahoy, 1 Waseca Ave, ☎ [phone]. Assortment of childrens toys, crafts, and games, specializing in educational products. 
• Madre Bella, 1 Waseca Ave, ☎ [phone]. Fashionable maternity clothing, accessories and baby clothing. 
• The Stock Exchange, 51 Maple Ave, ☎ [phone]. Upscale consignment store with a variety of antiques and quality consignments. 
• Wierdgirl Creations, 33 Kent St, ☎ [phone]. Decorate your own pottery or buy from the wide assortment of creations. 
• Talbots, 180 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. The women's chain clothing store, carries classic clothing. 
• Ann Taylor Loft, 180 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Fashionable women's clothing chain store. 
• Hidden Gardens, 212 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Located on the main road, it is a secluded place to buy trees, plants, and flowers. Also a store that offers various gifts and decorations. Especially popular during the holiday season. 

Eat

• Bagels etc.,, 259 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Open Daily 7AM-7PM. 'The Bagel Shop', as the locals call it, offers a great variety of fresh bagels and unique cream cheese flavors, plus great coffee. 
• Bruegger's Bagel Bakery, 1 Waseca Ave, ☎ [phone]. Brueggers offers a variety of fresh bagels, prepared sandwiches and hot soups. 
• Newport Creamery, 188 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Amazing ice cream and sundaes. 
• Vienna Bakery, 110 Maple Ave, ☎ [phone]. Open Tu-Sat 7:30AM-7PM Sun 7:30AM-6PM. Great selection of authentic Italian baked products. Items baked daily include breads, rolls, pastries, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, Italian specialties, cheesecakes, tarts, calzones, éclairs, cannolis and specialty cakes. Great aroma in the store! 
• Daily Scoop, 230 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Great ice cream. Try the key lime pie and the Chocolate Fudge Brownie. 
• Kozy Kitchen, 312 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Comfort food at its best. 
• Golden Bowl, 226 County Rd, ☎ [phone]. Mediocre Chinese food and great service. 
• Taste Of Curiosity Cafe, 33 b Kent St, ☎ [phone]. Said by some to be the best cup of coffee in town. Danishes made fresh daily on site. 
• Barrington House of Pizza, 59 Maple Ave, ☎ [phone]. Barrington House of Pizza is one of the few restaurants in town that offer delivery service. They have a diverse menu. 
• Vienna Bakery, 110 Maple Ave, ☎ [phone]. Great baked products. Spinach pies and sugar cookies are local favorites. 
• Wallis Seafood, 130 Maple Ave, ☎ [phone]. Best seafood in town. Lobsters are delicious. 
• Casual Catering and Deli, 230 Waseca Ave, ☎ [phone]. Great for catering or to stop in for a sandwich. Excellent Italian grinders. 
• Billy's, 286 Maple Ave, ☎ [phone]. Upscale dining features sophisticated decor and well-reviewed menu featuring Italian food and seafood. One of the few spots in town with a full bar. 
• Miz Fibz Deli, 33 Kent St, ☎ [phone]. T-TH 8AM-6PM, F 8AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-2PM. Great home cooked meals at great price. Comfortable environment with very hospitable staff. Try a Ralph Burger. Catering available. 

Drink

There are three restaurants in town which feature a full bar, Tyler Point Grille, Chiazza Tratorria, and Billy's. The Democratic Club, Rhode Island Country Club, and Yacht Club also feature bars, but all three only serve members. Liquor can be bought locally at Grapes and Grains in the Center Marketplace just off of county road. Liquor stores are also available a short drive over the border to East Providence, Seekonk, or Warren.

Sleep

There are no hotels located in Barrington, the closest one is approximately 15 minutes away in Seekonk, MA.

• Ramada Inn, 940 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA, ☎ [phone]. 
• Comfort Inn, 41 Highland Avenue, Seekonk, MA, ☎ [phone]. 

Go next

While there is very little to do in Barrington concerning nightlife, the surrounding towns offer numerous options. Upscale dining can be found on Federal Hill in Providence, or on America's Cup Ave in Newport. Providence, Newport, and Bristol all feature a vibrant nightlife with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs, thirty minutes or less from town.

Routes through Barrington

Providence via ← East Providence ←

N  S

→ Warren → Newport