There’s frothy fun and more off Route 44.
Looking for a new-to-you destination that doesn’t require a full tank of gas? Head to Smithfield, Rhode Island for some good old fashioned fun. Just fifteen minutes from Providence, Smithfield offers a pleasing blend of outdoor activities in an atmosphere that mixes scenic with suburban.
A&W
The last A&W restaurant with drive-up service (think: Happy Days) in Rhode Island is located in the Greenville section of town. Turn your car headlights on for window service and munch on burgers, fried clams, onion rings soft-serve ice cream and much more. Delicious draft root beer made daily.
Visit A&W Smithfield on August 8, 2011 for a full schedule of carnival-themed events including a Red Sox tickets raffle sponsored by The Old County Road Playground Project. A&W Smithfield will donate 10 percent of each food and drink order during business hours that day to help raise money to build a new playground for Old County Road School in Smithfield. Customers must present a fundraising coupon, available at the The Old County Road Playground Project’s website 100weekstoplay.org.
Go fish
The landscape of Smithfield is dotted with freshwater ponds for swimming, boating and fishing. Along Farnum Pike, north of the junction with Route 116, you will find a parking lot for Stump Pond, formally known as the Woonasquatucket Reservoir or Stillwater Reservoir. Stump Pond is a fetching place to explore or fish whether by hand-carried boat or foot.
Apple Valley
In the late 1800’s Smithfield became known for its apple economy which lead to the moniker Apple Valley. Today, there are still orchards to visit that feature seasonal produce including pick-your-own. My family’s go-to farmstand is Jaswell’s Farm for their fresh variety of fruits and vegetables along with signature baked goods (pies!) and apple cider available in their bakery.
Powder Mill Ledges
This Audubon location on Sanderson Road not only houses the Society’s Rhode Island’s headquarters, it offers a 120-acre refuge with nature trails, a pond and a brook. In addition, the ASRI headquarters has a library, gift shop, teacher’s resource center and bird feeding station. Be warned, you may crave egg rolls or fried rice after a walk on the nature trails which happen to be behind a Chinese restaurant.
Location: 12 Sanderson Road (Route 5), Smithfield
Toy Store
Sparks Toys is a family owned, family-oriented toy store featuring quality toys and scheduled activities. The store is located in The Crossing at Smithfield shopping plaza.
More Things to Do
- Special Events at the Gazebo: Weather-permitting on Friday, August 19 at sundown Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be shown outdoors at the gazebo in the center of The Crossing at Smithfield shopping plaza.
- Seven Scenic Walks in Smithfield
- Colonial Tours at Smith-Appleby House
- Skate at the Ice Rink
- Explore a Craft Store: Wood Items and More in Greenville, RI. Read more on Kidoinfo.
photo credit: jeff major
