Destination: Wickford Village

Destination: Wickford Village

Wickford is nearly cursed by its loveliness. By this I mean that I have this historic waterfront village filed in my brain under "Must Take Out-of-Towners To See." And for such good reason: in a small state brimming with towns of beauty and character (not to mention shopping and food), Wickford is one of our finest.

I've shown it off, like it's mine somehow, to visitors for decades. Which is why I often forget I can just jump in my car and go, without passengers, and remind myself how much I love it. And summer, with the harbor bustling with kayaks, the streets lively with visitors, the shops full of interesting buys, and the New England shore life in full swing, may be its finest season.

Buy

Shopping downtown Wickford has always been as much about the streetscapes, flower boxes, and Main Street vistas, as about the purchases themselves.  But make no mistake: there is great shopping here.  Denimistas will love Gossip, a small, bright boutique with one of the best assortment of jeans around, including Free People, Citizens of Humanity, Hudson, Red Engine and Sucre Soir.  16 Main St, 294-7333, www.shopgossip.com. Inside tip: if you have a fashion emergency, they will open up special for you.  For home wares that match the beautiful New England accents of the village's historic district, don't miss The Wickford Collection at 30 West Main Street, where an entire historic cottage can spring to life, from kitchen table sets to decorative pottery. 295-7222, www.thewickfordcollection.com

Craft

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Knitters should head straight to The Mermaid's Purl, which doesn't just offer classes three nights a week, and a regular Wednesday night knit-in, but pops up really creative offerings.  Example: a Knitting Cruise on Sunday, June 27th, from 9am-noon, on the Sea Princess.  Bring your favorite project, and for $50 you'll cruise, chat, munch, and knit. Inside tip: Check out the 1824 cotton yarn show on June 14th. For schedule of these and more stitchery, go here.

Paddle

The joy of a harbor is that there is a whole different shoreline to explore... from the water.  This may be why the Kayak Centre of Rhode Island makes its home in Wickford.  Reserve a spot on their Friday evening sunset

paddle, or book a Saturday morning tour of Wickford Harbor.  You can also rent your own kayak and paddle and explore (rentals available weekends 'til mid-June, then daily for the summer).  For prices, go here. 9 Phillips St, 295-4400 or toll free 1-888-SEA-KAYAK, www.kayakcentre.com

Eat

It's not a trip to Wickford if there isn't some kind of homage to the Wickford Diner, an iconic location on Brown Street, center of town gossip and people watching.   Come for the grilled Portuguese muffin first thing before setting off, or take a break from your midday strolling for a Quahog stuffie, a bowl of Quahog chowder, or a lobster salad sandwich.  64 Brown St, 295-5477.

Meander and Linger Late

Wickford has more beguiling lanes and alleyways than most villages, and aimless strolling will reveal private gardens, intimate lanes, and gorgeous blossoms this time of

year.  Don't miss the walk to the dock and watch the lobstermen bring their pots to shore.  Afterward, make your way to the Beach Rose Cafe at 85 Brown St, a local daytime hangout that recently added a dinner menu.  Watch the sun go down, get a refill on the fair-trade organic coffee, and watch the summer light go low on the harbor. 

Wickford Village Association manages a very helpful Web site for more information, as well as a downloadable village map.  http://www.wickfordvillage.org

Photos Stephanie Ewens