It will be my first time to the state and my party is interested in biking, hiking and beaches. Is there much to see or do here, or do we need to go into other parts of RI for the main attractions?

Hi Nancy,
Jamestown is a great location for a summer vacation. The island lies just off the coast of RI connected by bridges on one side to Newport and on the other side to North Kingstown. The beach at Mackerel Cove is small and not too sandy but generally also doesn't get too crowded. Depending on how sober you are, you might find the water a tad nippy in mid June. However, this has been a warm spring and it may not be too bad. There are numerous small coves and rocky areas at Fort Wetherill and around the island if you wish for a more secluded spot. If you want big sandy beaches, you can go over to Newport to First or Second beach( about a 20-30 minute drive). Biking should be good as the island is fairly flat.I can't really think of any designated hiking areas - but you could find those easily in nearby Middletown and parts of South County. There is excellent striper, fluke, tautog and blue fishing in all of the rocky areas around the island. Jamestown is fairly quiet and a nice break compared to the hustle and bustle of nearby Newport. Hope this helps....

Emily, you wre so helpful to Nancy, may I jump in. I am going to Jamestown in January - I am looking at a one week rental at a place that is described as sitting on the banks of Jamestown and overlooking Newport. The downstairs restaurant is noted as winning the best brunch award, please tell me you know this Condo and if am I on to something good. This is a one week respite for my husband and I - our goals are to do some writing, a little touring and we hope to get a day in Boston as well as a day on Block Island.

TTT for BEN

Hi Trish,

You're talking of the Bay Voyage Inn. This is a rambling old property that used to sit idle every winter. It now has a great restaurant with terrific Sunday Brunch. It does sit right across the street from the small beach at the old ferry landing in Jamestown.
Jamestown is pretty dead in the winter - if that's what you want, then you've found it. I have never stayed here since I live in the area, but I have had a couple of good meals in the restaurant.
If I was a writer ( I wish I could write!), and if I wanted this area in January) I would sign myself up for one of the little cottages at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport - now that's a view!

Trish- here's an idea of what kind of view the Bay Voyage has: go to www.livewave.tv and select the Narragansett Bay camera. Get cam control and spin the cam to the Rose Island Lighthouse. As you look past (over the top of) Rose Island, the next island is Conanicut (Jamestown) and the area of the shore you are looking at is the approx. location of the Bay Voyage. Now pan the camera around and you'll have a good idea of the scenery- the huge Newport Bridge, Rose Island Lighthouse, Fort Adams, The House on the Rocks, The city of Newport itself, etc. The only thing you'll miss out on in January is the myriads of sailboats and other craft that you would see in season.

Thanks Nancy for letting me jump in, and to Emily and Larry! I am going to check out Castle Hill, I did not know about their cottages! I'm on route now to that livewave TV - thanks Larry.
Either of you familar with the NewPort Folk Festival. I heard the line up today - do you think it's impossible to find a place the first weekend in August?

Hey Emily, Thanks so much for your reply to my Jamestown RI questions. Sorry it took so long for me to say thanks. I'm so spuratic(?) with this stuff.

Sorry Emily, I'm also new at this, can you tell? (I posted your name as the E-mail address).

Thank all of you for your responses!!